Dashed Expectations--July 2, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 88, 148, 6, 20
Numbers 24:1-13
Romans 8:12-17
Matthew 22:15-22

II. Selections
Psalm 20:4
May [the LORD] grant your heart’s desire
      and fulfill all your plans.

Numbers 24:10
Then Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them these three times. … ”

Romans 8:15-16
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God…

Matthew 22:15
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said.

III. Meditation

Poor Balak was king; no doubt he was
accustomed to having his requests obeyed;
but three times he asked you to curse Israel,
and three times you blessed it instead.

The Pharisees planned
to have their own way
with Jesus; but they
were disappointed, too.

If we pray that you will grant our
heart’s desire and fulfill all our plans,
we are likely to be as frustrated
as Balak and the Pharisees were.

So what can we expect from you—
is there nothing we can count on?
Are our expectations always
doomed to be dashed?

We can depend on this: your Spirit
will bear witness with our spirit
that you are Abba, our loving Father,
and that we are your children.