The Use of Power--Sept. 25, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 122, 149, 100, 63
Esther 9:1-32
Acts 20:1-16
Luke 4:38-44

II. Selections
Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good;
      his steadfast love endures forever,
      and his faithfulness to all generations.

Esther 9:4
For Mordecai was powerful in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces as the man Mordecai grew more and more powerful.

Acts 20:10-11
But Paul went down, and bending over [the young man who had fallen three floors] took him in his arms, and said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” Then Paul went upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he continued to converse with them until dawn; then he left.

Luke 4:40
As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to [Jesus]; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them.

III. Meditation

Mordecai had power.
He used his power to save his people,
but also to punish and avenge.

Paul had a different kind of power,
and so did Jesus.
They did not punish or avenge.

Dear God, all real power derives from you.
You are good, and your steadfast love endures forever,
and your faithfulness to all generations.