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.

Sown among the Thorns--July 22, 2013


 David trusted you to defend him, O God.
We contradict those who trust in you,
for our trust is in idols--the cares

of the world, the lure of wealth,
the desires for other things--
that choke out your word.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 135; 145; 97; 112
1 Sam. 24:1-22
Acts 13:44-52
Mark 4:1-20

Selected Verses

Ps. 135:18
Those who make [idols]
          and all who trust them
          shall become like them.

1 Sam. 24:15
"…May the LORD therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you.  May he see to it, and plead my cause, and vindicate me against you.”  [David to King Saul]

Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul.

Mark 4:18-19
"…And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. …"  [Jesus to his disciples]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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