Scripture Hard to Accept--Nov. 20, 2013

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 To me some verses of scripture are hard to accept:

banishing the foreign wives does not seem

consistent with your compassion;

the vision of heavenly Jerusalem

is extravagant far beyond my imagination;

and paying a tax with a coin from a fish's mouth??

But God, what can be more difficult to accept than

this--when deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,

you forgive our transgressions!

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91

Ezra 10:1-17

Rev. 21:9-21

Matt. 17:22-27

Selected Verses

Ps. 65:3

When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
          you forgive our transgressions.

Ezra 10:11

"…Now make confession to the LORD the God of your ancestors, and do his will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives."  [Ezra to the assembled people of Judah and Benjamin]

Rev. 21:18

The wall is built of jasper, while the city [of the heavenly Jerusalem] is pure gold, clear as glass.

Matt. 17:27

"…However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me."  [Jesus to Peter]