I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.


An Offering That Will Endure--Jan. 4, 2012



Joshua's memorial stones that marked
the crossing of the Jordan are long gone;

but Lord Jesus, you made a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God that will endure forever.

You taught us to work the works of God
while it is day, before the night comes.

You are King! Let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 20; 147:1-11; 93; 97
Josh. 3:14-4:7
Eph. 5:1-20
John 9:1-12, 35-38

Selected Verses
Ps. 97:1
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice;
      let the many coastlands be glad!

Josh. 4:7c
"… So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever." [Joshua to the twelve men, one from each tribe, who crossed the Jordan]

Eph. 5:2
…and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

John 9:4
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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