A Reason for Bitter Weeping--July 26, 2018

Lord Jesus, when we deny you

there is every reason for bitter weeping.

When the foot of my own arrogance treads

on me; when the hand of my own wickedness

drives me away from you, I should weep.

Murmurs against my leadership must

not cause me to break my vows.

O Jesus, you did not act to please yourself,

but put up with the failings of the weak

and bore the insults that fell on you.

Give me strength to do likewise.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27

Josh. 9:3-21

Rom. 15:1-13

Matt. 26:69-75

Selected Verses

Ps. 36:11

 Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me,
          or the hand of the wicked drive me away. 

Josh. 9:18

But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel.  Then all the congregation murmured against the leaders.

Rom. 15:1-3

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.  For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 

Matt. 26:75

Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."  And he went out and wept bitterly.