Tempting Advice--September 8, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 89:1-18, 147:1-11, 1, 33
Job 29:1; 30:1-2, 16-31
Acts 14:19-28
John 11:1-16

II. Selections
Psalm 1:1-2
Happy are those
      who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
      or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
      and on his law they meditate day and night.

Job 30:31
“…My lyre is tuned to mourning,
      and my pipe to the voice of those who weep. … ”
[Job defends himself]

Acts 14:22
[In Antioch Paul and Barnabas] strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.”

John 11:8
The disciples said to [Jesus], “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?”

III. Meditation

How tempting the advice of the wicked—
to walk away from you, to put up our feet
and scoff at the piety of others—tempting,
yes, but not productive of true happiness.

Still it must be said, though we may find delight
in meditating on your way, the end result is not
always happiness, not as the world knows it.

Your way may lead to weeping and mourning,
to suffering, persecution, and death; we admit,
the advice of the wicked seems more attractive.
Strengthen our souls to continue in the faith.