Refugees--How Many Their Foes--Dec. 13, 2015

The refugees from Syria have lost

whatever fortunes they had stored up;

their cities are ruined and not habitable;

they made gardens but cannot eat the fruit,

planted vineyards but cannot drink the wine.

Consider how many are their foes, O God--

with what violent hatred they are hated.

Comfort their hearts, Lord, strengthen

them in every good work and word.

If in me I have your love, how

could I pray otherwise?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 24; 150; 25; 110

Amos 9:11-15

2 Thess. 2:1-3, 13-17

John 5:30-47

Selected Verses

Ps. 25:19

Consider how many are my foes,
          and with what violent hatred they hate me. 

Amos 9:14

I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,

            and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;

they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,

            and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

2 Thess. 2:16-17

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

John 5:42

"…But I know that you do not have the love of God in you.  …"  [Jesus to his persecutors in the Temple]