A Glimpse of Heavenly Things--July 10, 2017

Gracious and loving God,

you do not see as mortals see;

we look at outward appearance,

but you look at the heart, and you

take pleasure in those who hope

in your steadfast love.

God, fill us with such hope;

open our eyes, so we may have

a glimpse of heavenly things,

even if quickly they vanish

from our sight.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 96; 147:1-11; 132; 134

1 Sam. 16:1-13

Acts 10:1-16

Luke 24:13-35

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:11

…but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
          in those who hope in his steadfast love.

1 Sam. 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

Acts 10:11, 16

[Peter] saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners.  …This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.

Luke 24:31

Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized [the risen Jesus]; and he vanished from their sight.