March 30, 2010

From Heaven or Earth?

I. Readings
Psalms 34, 146, 25, 91
Lamentations 1:17-22
2 Corinthians 1:8-22
Mark 11:27-33

II. Selections
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD rescues them from them all.

Lamentations 1:20a
See, O LORD, how distressed I am; my stomach churns, my heart is wrung within me, because I have been very rebellious.

2 Corinthians 1:20
For in [Jesus Christ] every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God.

Mark 11:29-30
Jesus said to [the chief priests, scribes, and elders], “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.”

III. Meditation

Dear God, sometimes we find it hard to decide
what is of human origin and what comes from you.

We rebel against you, and our stomach churns,
and we wonder whether the churning is from you.

We see that even the righteous suffer afflictions—
if they are from you, will you come to rescue?

You answer “yes,” for in Jesus Christ every one
of your promises is a “Yes.” Glory be to you!