Victories that Turn Into Mourning--Aug. 19, 2021

[From Aug. 18, 2005 archive]

 

We are familiar with victories that turn into mourning, 

and we know the accompanying bewilderment 

and grief, but we have a hope in you. 

 

When we bring our questions and doubts and fears 

before you, open our hearts that we may hear 

your answers.  Restore us, O God of hosts; 

let your face shine, that we may be saved.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27

2 Sam. 19:1-23

Acts 24:1-23

Mark 12:28-34

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 80:19

Restore us, O LORD God of hosts;

       let your face shine, that we may be saved. 

2 Sam. 19:2

So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the troops; for the troops heard that day, “The king is grieving for his son.”

Acts 24:15-16

“…I have a hope in God--a hope that they themselves also accept--that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.  Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people.  …”  [Paul, in his defense before the governor]

Mark 12:34

When Jesus saw that [the scribe] answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”  After that no one dared to ask him any question.