What and Whom to Fear--Jan. 30, 2013

 Christ Jesus, come live in us,

and we'll live by faith in you,

in faith that you loved us

and gave yourself for us.

If you become our strength,

neither the terror of the night

nor the arrow that flies by day

shall overcome us with fear.

King Herod feared John

and wanted to protect him;

but Herod's greater fear

was loss of reputation.

Jesus, teach us how to live--

what and whom to protect,

and what and whom to fear,

 lest we succumb like Herod.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91

Isa. 49:1-12

Gal. 2:11-21

Mark 6:13-29

Selected Verses

Ps. 91:5

 You will not fear the terror of the night,
          or the arrow that flies by day…

Isa. 49:5c

…for I am honored in the sight of the LORD,
          and my God has become my strength …

Gal. 2:19b-20

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Mark 6:20a

…for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him.