Lest We Follow the Beast--Nov. 2, 2012

Lead us in what is right, teach us your way,

lest we follow the beast.

We are fascinated by evil, attracted by its power--

crack of whip, rumble of wheel;

but do not let us surrender in our struggle against it;

evil is not irresistible--you are.

Give us strength to wait for you, O God of our salvation,

for you demand our very lives.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40

Nahum 2:13-3:7

Rev. 13:1-10

Luke 12:13-31

 

Selected Verses

Ps. 25:9

He leads the humble in what is right,
          and teaches the humble his way.

Nahum 3:2

The crack of whip and rumble of wheel,
            galloping horse and bounding chariot!

Rev. 13:3b-4

In amazement the whole earth followed the beast.  They worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

Luke 12:20

"…But God said to [the rich man], 'You fool!  This very night your life is being demanded of you.  And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'  …"

[Jesus to the crowd]