We Know what We Want--Sept. 25, 2017

We come to you with firm expectations, Lord God.

We know what we want, and how we want it.

We want to hear what you say, if it is peace.

But if you ask us to work to be  reconciled

to a brother who has something against us,

or when reviled to bless, or when slandered

to speak kindly, or when persecuted to endure,

why should we then become angry or turn away?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47

2 Kings 5:1-19

1 Cor. 4:8-21

Matt. 5:21-26

Selected Verses

Ps. 85:8

Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,
          for he will speak peace to his people,
          to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. 

2 Kings 5:11

But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, "I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy!  …"

1 Cor. 4:12b-13a

When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we speak kindly. 

Matt. 5:23-24

"…So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.  …"  [Jesus to the crowds on the mountain]