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.

All Who Need Refuge--July 16, 2018


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Lord Jesus, you warn us to stay awake
and be prepared, lest we be barred
from your heavenly kingdom.

Yet elsewhere you make clear your
desire that we all be included.

Teach us gratitude for the refuge
that you have provided to us,
with generosity to others
who need protection.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 5; 145; 82; 29
Josh. 2:1-14
Rom. 11:1-12
Matt. 25:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
          let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
          so that those who love your name may exult in you. 

Josh. 2:14
The [two spies] said to [Rahab], "Our life for yours!  If you do not tell this business of ours, then we will deal kindly and faithfully with you when the LORD gives us the land."

Rom. 11:12
Now if [the stumbling of Israel] means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Matt. 25:11-13
"…Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.'  But [the bridegroom] replied, 'Truly I tell you, I do not know you.'  Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]



Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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