Trusting and Trustworthy--July 13, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 42, 146, 102, 133
Joshua 2:15-24
Romans 11:13-24
Matthew 25:14-30

II. Selections
Psalm 42:6b-c
My soul is cast down within me;
      therefore I remember you
from the land of Jordan and of Hermon,
      from Mount Mizar.

Josh. 2:21
[Rahab the prostitute] said, “According to your words, so be it.” She sent [the two spies] away and they departed. Then she tied the crimson cord in the window.

Rom. 11:18b
If you do boast, remember that it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you.

Matt. 25:22-23
“…And the [slave] with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ … ” [Jesus to his disciples, in the parable of the talents]

III. Meditation

Rahab the prostitute risked everything
as she put her trust in two strangers.
She believed they were sent by you,
and she followed their directions.

Is it so difficult for us to trust you
and to follow your word to us?
When we are cast down, help us
remember you—all you have done.

You support us, as a root supports
the branches. Support us as we take
the talents you have entrusted to our
care, and make us trustworthy with them.