Certainly this Man Was Innocent--July 8, 2013

We are envious of the arrogant

and the prosperity of the wicked,

for we assume wealth is happiness.

We misjudge others, and even ourselves.

In his own eyes, King Saul was little,

but you saw him as king over Israel.

Centuries later, the other Saul had

become a faithful disciple; but the

disciples in Jerusalem feared him.

The centurion, however, rendered

accurate judgment: Certainly the

man Jesus was innocent, he said.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9

1 Sam. 15:1-3, 7-23

Acts 9:19b-31

Luke 23:44-56a

Selected Verses

Ps. 73:3

For I was envious of the arrogant;
          I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

1 Sam. 15:17

Samuel said [to Saul], “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel?  The LORD anointed you king over Israel.  …"

Acts 9:26

When [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.

Luke 23:47

When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man [Jesus] was innocent.”