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 10, 2010


When Jesus Sat Beside the Sea

I. Readings
Psalms 97, 145, 124, 115
Leviticus 25:35-55
Colossians 1:9-14
Matthew 13:1-16

II. Selections
Psalm 145:5
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

Leviticus 25:55
For to me the people of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought out from the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Colossians 1:11-12a
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father…

Matthew 13:1-2
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.

III. Meditation

Jesus left the house and sat beside the sea.
Perhaps he was looking for relaxation and rest,
or for a chance to meditate on your wondrous works.

However, the crowds came pressing upon him.
He endured them with patience, for he was strong
with the strength that came from your glorious power.

We who are your servants brought out of Egypt,
pray for some portion of the strength Jesus showed.
Then even as we serve you, joyfully we will give thanks.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)