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.

Brought Low and Saved?--Oct. 3, 2013


 We are brought low in many ways.
Hezekiah had to bear taunting words
from a more powerful, dangerous king.

Paul had to point out that he was receiving
no compensation for his ministerial services.

Jesus warned that many who have done things
"in his name" will learn they are only evildoers.

To "eat humble pie" is never pleasant or easy,
but it may prove to be a path to salvation.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 116; 147:12-20; 26; 130
2 Kings 18:28-37
1 Cor. 9:1-15
Matt. 7:22-29

Selected Verses

Ps. 116:6
The LORD protects the simple;
          when I was brought low, he saved me.

2 Kings 18:37
Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.

1 Cor. 9:12
If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more?  Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.

Matt. 7:22-23
"…On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?'  Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.'  …"  [Jesus to the crowd on the mountain]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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