Friendship, Through Fear or Forgiveness?--Dec. 16, 2018

 [From Dec. 12, 2010 archive]

Today’s passages paint you as a God greatly to be feared,

a God of wrath whose friendship is reserved for those who fear you.

If we consider ourselves to be victims, oppressed in a world of sin,

then we might take comfort in your promise to punish our oppressors;

but if we are honest, we know that pride and arrogance

are not lacking in us.  We too are tainted by evil.

John observed that no one can receive anything unless

it comes from you.  Grant us, then, forgiveness

for our sin, that we may know your friendship.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 24, 150, 25, 110

Isa. 13:1-13

Heb. 12:18-29

John 3:22-30

Selected Verses

Psalms 25:14

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him,

            and he makes his covenant known to them.

Isa. 13:11

I will punish the world for its evil,

     and the wicked for their iniquity;

I will put an end to the pride of the arrogant,

     and lay low the insolence of tyrants.

Heb. 12:20-21

(For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.”  Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”)

John 3:27

John answered [his disciples], “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.  …  ”