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.

When Idols Are Threatened--April 9, 2021

 

Many people have persecuted worshipers of Jesus.

In fear that their idols were being threatened,

such persecution was offered as worship.

 

Creator God, you made the heavens; 

deliver your people from what we idolize:

wealth, privilege, power, glory, lust, and thrills.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 96; 148; 49; 138

Dan. 12:1-4, 13

Acts 4:1-12

John 16:1-15

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 96:5

 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
          but the LORD made the heavens.

 

Dan. 12:1b

“…But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.  …”

 

Acts 4:1-2

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. 

 

John 16:2

“…They will put you out of the synagogues.  Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God.  …”  [Jesus, to the eleven disciples]


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