June 23, 2010

Between the Living and the Dead

I. Readings
Psalms 15, 147:1-11, 48, 4
Numbers 16:36-50
Romans 4:13-25
Matthew 20:1-16

II. Selections
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
      for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

Numbers 16:48
[Aaron] stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stopped.

Romans 4:20-21
No distrust made [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Matthew 20:7
“…[The laborers] said to [the landowner], ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ … ” [From Jesus’ parable to his disciples]

III. Meditation

As Aaron stood bravely between living
and dead, and thereby stopped a plague;

as Abraham did not waver in his trust of
your promise, but grew strong in his faith;

grant us courage and faith to answer
your call, and to enter your vineyard;

and then—when our work is done—
to lie down and sleep in your peace.