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.

Not in the Strength of a Horse--Aug. 21, 2013


 The strength of a horse
helped save Paul from attack,

the speed of the runner  
was significant to King David,

but more important to you
is our hope in your steadfast love.

No matter what Caesar demands,
may we always place our hope in you.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 15; 147:1-11; 48; 4
2 Sam. 18:19-33
Acts 23:23-35
Mark 12:13-27

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:10-11
[The LORD's] delight is not in the strength of the horse,
          nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
          in those who hope in his steadfast love.

2 Sam. 18:27
The sentinel said, "I think the running of the first one is like the running of Ahimaaz son of Zadok."  The king [David] said, "He is a good man, and comes with good tidings."

Acts 23:24
"…Also provide mounts for Paul to ride, and take him safely to Felix the governor."  [The tribune to two of his centurions]

Mark 12:17a
Jesus said to [those who tried to trap him], "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s."

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