More than Many Sparrows--Nov. 1, 2012

 

The hurricane has passed; we wonder, Lord Jesus--

can we really trust that we need not be afraid,

that all the hairs on our heads are counted,

that our value exceeds the sparrows'?

We want to believe that God is gracious

and righteous and merciful, all three;

indeed, we do believe it; but there

is still this matter of suffering.

Do we suffer because satan pursues us?

Or because we become arrogant in our power

and in our self-sufficiency, like the

king of beasts; and then we

must learn that there is

no King but you?

In any case,

suffering happens;

and all of us must suffer;

and when we do, you suffer, too.

Jesus, be present with us in our suffering;
and we will not be afraid.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 116; 147:12-20; 26; 130

Nahum 1:15-2:12

Rev. 12:7-17

Luke 11:53-12:12

 

Selected Verses

Ps. 116:5

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
          our God is merciful.

Nahum 2:11

What became of the lions’ den,
            the cave of the young lions,
where the lion goes,
            and the lion’s cubs, with no one to disturb them?

Rev. 12:13

So when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.

Luke 12:7

"…But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]