The Rush of Mighty Waters--Oct. 15, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 130, 148, 32, 139
Hosea 13:9-16
Acts 28:1-16
Luke 9:28-36

II. Selections
Psalm 32:6
Therefore let all who are faithful
      offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
      shall not reach them.

Hosea 13:10
Where now is your king, that he may save you?
      Where in all your cities are your rulers,
Of whom you said,
      “Give me a king and rulers”?

Acts 28:14b-15
And so we came to Rome. The believers from there, when they heard of us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

Luke 9:30-31
Suddenly [Peter, John, and James] saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to [Jesus]. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

III. Meditation

The psalmist promised the faithful that in a time of distress
you would answer prayer; the rush of mighty waters would
not reach them.

When the rush of mighty waters was approaching Jesus,
Moses and Elijah appeared in glory to speak with him;
but he was crucified.

When the mighty waters were about to engulf Paul, believers
came from Rome to greet him; Paul gave thanks, took courage;
but he was executed.

Hosea offered unfaithful Israel no comfort or hope—
not from the king, nor from other rulers, nor anyone;
and Israel was demolished.

Jesus was crucified, Paul was executed, Israel was destroyed;
but the story does not end there. Your steadfast love abides.