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.

Worthy in God’s Eyes--Aug. 28, 2021

[From Aug. 29, 2009 archive; 

adapted from my Aug. 30, 2003 journal]

 

Like Solomon, we may take satisfaction in believing we

have done a great thing to honor you; but when we think

too highly of what we have done we are left naked.

 

It is enough to know that you have made us, and we

are yours—the sheep of your pasture, for whom you

will care. What more should we need to feel worthy?

 

Secure in that knowledge, make us ready to welcome

all, proclaim your kingdom, and teach about Jesus.

Boldly?  Yes, but with sensitivity and discernment.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

1 Kings 7:51-8:21

Acts 28:17-31

Mark 14:43-52

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 100:3

Know that the LORD is God.

          It is he that made us, and we are his;

          we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

 

1 Kings 8:13

“…I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”  [King Solomon, praying at the dedication of the temple.]

 

Acts 28:30-31

[Paul] lived [in Rome] two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him,  proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

 

Mark 14:51-52

A certain young man was following [Jesus], wearing nothing but a linen cloth.  They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.


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