Because the Needy Groan--Oct. 30, 2018

O Jesus, if only we could hear the heavenly voices

calling us to hear your words and to obey them.

The poor are despoiled, and the needy groan,

but our concerns are over other matters.

We must protect our own privileges,

ones for which we did not labor,

and which we do not deserve.

We ignore your call to care

for the poor and provide

the safety for which

they long.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 12; 146; 36; 7

Jonah 3:1-4:11

Rev. 11:14-19

Luke 11:27-36

Selected Verses

Ps. 12:5

 “Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan,
          I will now rise up,” says the LORD; 
          “I will place them in the safety for which they long.” 

Jonah 4:10

Then the LORD said [to Jonah], "You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labor and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night.  …"

Rev. 11:15

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever."

Luke 11:28

But [Jesus] said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!"