Our Enemies--July 16, 2013

[From July 12, 2011 Archive]

Saul sought to pin David to the wall with a spear;

King Herod had James killed by the sword.

Few have external enemies like Saul or Herod;

but at times we all have internal enemies

to oppress us and make us walk about mournfully

and to raise sour, cynical questions in our hearts.

Lord Jesus, forgive our sins, and save us from our

enemies, that joyfully we may stand and walk.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133

1 Sam. 19:1-24

Acts 12:1-17

Mark 2:1-12

Selected Verses

Ps. 42:9

 I say to God, my rock,
          “Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I walk about mournfully
          because the enemy oppresses me?”

1 Sam. 19:10

Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear; but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall.  David fled and escaped that night.

Acts 12:1-2

About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church.  He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword.

Mark 2:8-9

At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that [the scribes] were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’?  …"