Discernment--Aug. 20, 2011

In humility King David poured out to you the water
his men had risked their lives to bring him.
David knew their bravery was more
important than his comfort.

In great pomp King Agrippa and his wife,
accompanied by military tribunes
and prominent men of the city,
entered the governor's hall.

In chains the Roman prisoner Paul was led
before Agrippa to be questioned.
Paul knew his refuge was in
you, not in any king.

Jesus was not impressed by the grandeur of
the temple nor by the size of its stones.
He knew your power to build up
but also to tear down.

Save us from worshiping pomp and grandeur
or companionship of prominent people;
help us discern what matters most
and where to place our trust.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 56; 149; 118; 111
2 Sam. 23:1-7; 13-17
Acts 25:13-27
Mark 13:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 118:9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
      than to put confidence in princes.

2 Sam. 23:15-16
David said longingly, "O that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!" Then the three warriors broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and brought it to David. But he would not drink of it; he poured it out to the LORD…

Acts 25:23
So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then Festus gave the order and Paul was brought in.

Mark 13:1-2
As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."