May 14, 2010

To Be Wise

I. Readings
Psalms 96, 148, 49, 138
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Ephesians 2:1-10
Matthew 7:22-27

II. Selections
Psalm 49:10
When we look at the wise, they die;
fool and dolt perish together
and leave their wealth to others.

1 Samuel 2:7
“…The LORD makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts. … ” [Hannah’s prayer]

Ephesians 2:10
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Matthew 7:24
“…Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. … ” [Jesus to the crowds on the mountain]

III. Meditation

Gracious God,
I want to be like the truly wise man
who built his house on rock.

Even the wise die, just as do fools.
Still, you are the own who makes fools wise and wisdom folly.
You bring low and you exalt; you make poor and make rich.

My only hope for wisdom is to be what you intend me to be,
ready to do the good works for which you created me
through Christ Jesus. Give me this wisdom.