Home for the Sparrow, Nest for the Swallow--July 13, 2018

The sparrow finds her home with you, God;

the swallow builds a nest there, too.

Great signs and omens may lead us astray;

by humble submission we find you--

or, better said--we permit you to find us.

You are always with us; you never

fail or forsake us, if humbly we open to you.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40

Deut. 31:7-13, 31:24-32:4

Rom. 10:1-13

Matt. 24:15-31

Selected Verses

Ps. 25:8-9

Good and upright is the LORD;
          therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 

He leads the humble in what is right,
          and teaches the humble his way. 

Ps. 84:3

Even the sparrow finds a home,
          and the swallow a nest for herself,
          where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
          my King and my God. 

Deut. 31:8

"…It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed."  [Moses to Joshua]

Rom. 10:3

For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, [the people of Israel] have not submitted to God's righteousness.

Matt. 24:23-24

Then if anyone says to you, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'There he is!' --do not believe it.  For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]