I. Readings
Psalms 40, 67, 122
Isaiah 10:5-19
2 Peter 2:17-22
Matthew 11:2-15
II. Selections
Psalm 122:7
" ...Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers."
Isaiah 10:14
" ...My hand has found, like a nest,
the wealth of the peoples;
and as one gathers eggs that have been forsaken,
so I have gathered all the earth;
and there was none that moved a wing,
or opened its mouth, or chirped." [ The boasting of Assyria]
2 Peter 2:19
[ The unrighteous ones] promise ...freedom [ to people who have just escaped from those who live in error], but they themselves are slaves of corruption; for people are slaves to whatever masters them.
Matthew 11:6
" ...And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." [ Jesus to disciples of John the Baptist]
III. Meditation: What causes us to take offense?
Peace and security are important,
but only if the price is not too high.
Assyria boasted that it had gathered
the wealth of the nations like eggs from
a nest; and none moved a wing, or opened
its mouth, or chirped. Bullies take advantage
when we prize peace and security above all else.
Freedom is important, but not all kinds of freedom.
The unrighteous, themselves slaves of corruption, call
others to join them, pretending licentiousness is freedom.
Why are we slow to take offense when we should be quick,
yet so prone to take offense at the things Jesus asks us to do?
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