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.

To Yield the Control--Nov. 6, 2020

 

Our transgression is to want to rule,

to control our own lives and others.

 

You desire a people humble and lowly, 

gathered together under your wings.

 

But we are not willing.  

Christ have mercy. 

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 51; 148; 142; 65

Zeph. 3:8-13

Rev. 17:1-18

Luke 13:31-35

 

Selected Verses 

Psalm 51:3

For I know my transgressions,

            and my sin is ever before me.

 

Zephaniah 3:12a

For I will leave in the midst of you
     a people humble and lowly.

 

Revelation 17:18

“…The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”  [An angel to the narrator]

 

Luke 13:34

“…Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  …  ”  [Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem]


Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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