I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

May 01, 2010


On the Table Before Us

I. Readings
Psalms 92, 149, 23, 114
Exodus 40:18-38
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Matthew 5:38-48

II. Selections
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Exodus 40:33c-34
So Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

1 Thessalonians 4:2
For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Matthew 5:39-41
“…But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. … ” [Jesus to the crowds on the mountain]

III. Meditation

God, your glory fills more than the tabernacle;
it fills the whole creation. You have prepared a
table before us in the presence of our enemies;
you have given us work you expect us to finish.

May what we do in your name be filled with your
glory—and to your glory, not to ours. We know your
instructions, how we must deal with the enemies
in our presence. Give us grace to return good for evil.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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