July 16, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 1, 33, 89:1-18
Joshua 3:1-13
Romans 11:25-36
Matthew 25:31-46

II. Selections
Psalm 33:22
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

Joshua 3:1
Early in the morning Joshua rose and set out from Shittim with all the Israelites, and they came to the Jordan. They camped there before crossing over.

Romans 11:36
For from [ God] and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 25:37-39
" ...Then the righteous will answer [ the king], 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' ... "

III. Meditation: Reflections before crossing over

Before we cross our Jordan, it is good to pause and ponder-
to ponder your steadfast love and the hope we have in you.

If Paul is right when he says that all things are from you,
and through you, and to you, that must include your love.

Yes, first and foremost, your steadfast love. From you
and through you comes the power to care for the needy.

And the way we return our love to you, and give you glory,
is to love the hungry, thirsty, alien, naked, sick, imprisoned.

So let your steadfast love be upon us, even as we hope in you;
and from you and through you and to you be the glory forever.