Willing, Without Fear, to Serve--Dec. 1, 2017

[From Nov. 27, 2015 archive]

From all the earth we hear fearful news,

Jesus--word of terror and the pit and the snare.

But you assure us--we have no need to fear or to be

intimidated, for even the sparrow finds a home with God,

and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young.

Just as you came not to be served, but to serve,

may we sanctify our hearts in you as Lord,

willing, without fear, to serve you.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40

Isa. 24:14-23

1 Peter 3:13-4:6

Matt. 20:17-28

Selected Verses

Ps. 84:3a

Even the sparrow finds a home,
          and the swallow a nest for herself,
          where she may lay her young…

Isa. 24:17

Terror, and the pit, and the snare
          are upon you, O inhabitant of the earth! 

1 Peter 3:14-15a

But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. 

Matt. 20:28

"…just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  [Jesus to the twelve disciples]