May 29, 2010

Things That Make for Joy

I. Readings
Psalms 104, 149, 138, 98
Proverbs 8:22-36
3 John 1-15
Matthew 12:15-21

II. Selections
Psalm 149:2, 4
Let Israel be glad in its Maker;
      let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. …
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
      he adorns the humble with victory.

Proverbs 8:31
“…rejoicing in [the LORD’s] inhabited world
      and delighting in the human race. … ”
[Wisdom, standing at the crossroads, calling to the people]

3 John 3
I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. [The elder, writing to the beloved Gaius]

Matthew 12:17-18
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
      my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
      and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. … ”

III. Meditation

God, we are glad in you, our Maker; we rejoice in you, our King.
It is a comfort to know that you take pleasure in your people—
that you rejoice in the inhabited world, delight in the human race.

You were well pleased with Jesus, who is your beloved;
he had your Spirit and proclaimed justice to the Gentiles.
We take joy when a sister or brother walks in your truth.