Jesus, Pioneer and Perfecter--Feb. 26, 2020

[From Feb. 14, 2018 archive]

Lord Jesus, you are the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

We look to you, exalt you, for you humbled yourself

to endure the cross, disregarding its shame.

You healed the brokenhearted and

bound up their wounds.

You hated evil, loved good,

and established justice in the gate.

Make us more like you--humble,

but seeking justice; hating evil

and loving good; healing,

binding up wounds.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 5; 147:1-11; 27; 51

Amos 5:6-15

Heb. 12:1-14

Luke 18:9-14

Selected Verses

Ps. 147:3

 He heals the brokenhearted,
          and binds up their wounds. 

Amos 5:15

Hate evil and love good,

         and establish justice in the gate…

Heb. 12:2

…looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Luke 18:14

“…I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”  [Jesus to some who were self-righteous and regarded others with contempt.]