When Heaven Opened for Peter--Nov. 13, 2015

Wickedness is torment--

who has never been wicked?

But when we trust in you, God,

you cause us to rejoice with great joy

and surround us with your steadfast love.

Peter experienced joy when heaven opened

for him, revealing the identity of One who is

Faithful and True.  Thank you for Peter's joy.

Thank you for that revelation.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139

Neh. 12:27-31a, 42b-47

Rev. 19:11-16

Matt. 16:13-20

Selected Verses

Ps. 32:10-11

Many are the torments of the wicked,
          but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,
          and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Neh. 12:43

[The people of Jerusalem] 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. 19:11

Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse!  Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Matt. 16:17

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.  …"