We Need Only Stand in Awe--July 17, 2018

Our hope is in you, O God:

you execute justice for the oppressed;

you give food to the hungry;

you keep faith forever.

We are not like you.

We bargain over small details,

as we struggle to make sure that

no one takes unfair advantage.

To preserve our pride,

we make theological arguments

that will enhance our status,

or we make excuses to justify

our poor performance.

Teach us we have no need

to justify our existence;

we need only stand in awe,

through faith in your love,

as we find it in Jesus.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133

Josh. 2:15-24

Rom. 11:13-24

Matt. 25:14-30

Selected Verses

Ps. 146:5-7

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
          whose hope is in the LORD their God,
who made heaven and earth,
          the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever; 

          who executes justice for the oppressed;
          who gives food to the hungry.

Josh. 2:19

If any of you go out of the doors of your house into the street, they shall be responsible for their own death, and we shall be innocent; but if a hand is laid upon any who are with you in the house, we shall bear the responsibility for their death. 

Rom. 11:19-20

You will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in."  That is true.  They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand only through faith.  So do not become proud, but stand in awe. 

Matt. 25:24-25

"…Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.  Here you have what is yours.'  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]