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.

When We Are Tested--Nov. 14, 2013


 Jesus, Lamb of God, you were tested
as no one has ever been tested.

When we are tested
by those who would
intimidate us to do evil,
may our hearts take courage,

for you have invited us to attend
your marriage supper.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27
Neh. 6:1-19
Rev. 19:1-10
Matt. 16:1-12

Selected Verses

Ps. 27:14
Wait for the LORD;
          be strong, and let your heart take courage;
          wait for the LORD!

Neh. 6:19b
And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

Rev. 19:9a
And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

Matt. 16:1
The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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