I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

Hard Questions to Ask Jesus--Sept. 25, 2019



Lord Jesus, how can we be perfect,
as our Heavenly Father is perfect?

When our enemies are under our power,
Jesus, is it God’s will to let them loose?

When we have been defrauded,
should we contest this in court?

If struck on one cheek,
shall we turn the other?

Is it in this world or the next
that our God will protect us?

I do not know the answers, Lord,
but I know we can trust in you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91
2 Kings 6:1-23
1 Cor. 5:9-6:11
Matt. 5:38-48

Selected Verses
Ps. 91:14-15
Those who love me, I will deliver;
          I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;
          I will be with them in trouble,
          I will rescue them and honor them.

2 Kings 6:21-22
When the king of Israel saw [the helpless Aramean soldiers] he said to Elisha, “Father, shall I kill them?  Shall I kill them?”  He answered, “No!  Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill?  Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master.” 

1 Cor. 6:7
In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you.  Why not rather be wronged?  Why not rather be defrauded? 

Matt. 5:39, 48
“…But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer.  But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also… Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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