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 True Leaders on Earth--Nov. 1, 2017


You are great, O God, and abundant in power;
your understanding is beyond measure.
In spite of your power, you do not make us obey
by threatening our lives if we ignore you.
Not withstanding your wisdom and knowledge,
the guidance you offer is simple to follow;
but we must want obey you, see with our eyes,
listen to hear you, and stand on tiptoes.
Those who with diligence serve you and follow
your leading will be leaders on earth,
even though no one knows it is happening.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 96; 147:1-11; 132; 134
Ezra 6:1-22
Lam. 2:8-15
Rev. 5:1-10
Matt. 13:10-17

Selected Verses
Ps. 147:5
Great is the LORD, and abundant in power;
            his understanding is beyond measure.

Ezra 6:11-12b
Furthermore I decree that if anyone alters this edict, a beam shall be pulled out of the house of the perpetrator, who then shall be impaled on it.  The house shall be made a dunghill.  May the God who has established his name there overthrow any king or people that shall put forth a hand to alter this, or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem.  I, Darius, make a decree; let it be done with all diligence." [Darius to the governor and his associates]

Rev. 5:10
"…you have made [the saints] to be a kingdom and priests serving our God,
            and they will reign on earth." 
[The new song, sung to the Lamb by the four living creatures and the 24 elders]

Matt. 13:16
"…But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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