August 24, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 46, 67, 93
Job 4:1-6, 12-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Mark 6:1-6a

II. Selections
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Job 4:17
" ...'Can mortals be righteous before God?
Can human beings be pure before their Maker? ... ' ..."
[ A voice that came to Eliphaz]

Revelation 4:11
"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created."
[ Song of the 24 elders before the throne of God]

Mark 6:2
On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! ... "

III. Meditation: Can mortals stand before you?

Our Lord and God,

You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power,
but can any mortal be righteous or pure before you?
Yet you created all things-by your will they existed
and were created-and we too are part of that creation.

As our Creator, you care for us-our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. And you gave us Jesus,
whose wisdom and deeds of power are still astounding.
It is through Jesus that we are able to stand before you.