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.

The Joy of a Prisoner Set Free--Nov. 3, 2015

[From Nov. 5, 2013 archive]

When we rejoice, may it not be to gloat
over the misfortune of our enemies.
Rather may our celebration be
with great joy (a celebration
heard far away) over the
treasure that we find
in your kingdom.
May our joy be the joy
of a prisoner you have set free.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133
Neh. 12:27-31a, 42b-47
Rev. 11:1-19
Matt. 13:44-52

Selected Verses
Ps. 146:7c
The LORD sets the prisoners free…

Neh. 12:43
They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced.  The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Rev. 11:10
…and the inhabitants of the earth will gloat over [the prophets' dead bodies] and celebrate and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to the inhabitants of the earth.

Matt. 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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