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.

You Call Nebuchadrezzar--March 19, 2013


 I scheme to bring about what I am sure is right,
and then I learn you have another plan.

I think I know the very best person to serve you,
but you elect to send a Nebuchadrezzar.

I want to pick persons from the "right" category,
forgetting you don't see the distinction.

I am confident in the righteousness of my faith,
and you show me a beggar could teach me.

When will I learn, you lead the humble in what
is right, and teach the humble your way?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 34; 146; 25; 91
Jer. 25:8-17
Romans 10:1-13
John 9:18-41

Selected Verses

Ps. 25:9
He leads the humble in what is right,
          and teaches the humble his way.

Jer. 25:9
…I am going to send for all the tribes of the north, says the LORD, even for King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon, my servant… 

Romans 10:12
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.

John 9:34
The religious authorities answered [the blind beggar Jesus had healed], “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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