A Noisy Gong, a Clanging Cymbal--Oct. 9, 2021

[From Oct. 14, 2017 archive]

 

Lord Jesus, you saw the crowds—

they were harassed and helpless

like sheep without a shepherd— 

you had compassion for them.

 

When we see the crowds, 

harassed and helpless, 

we want to warn them 

to obey your words. 

 

But often our words

are like a noisy gong

or a clanging cymbal,

because we have not love. 

 

Your steadfast love endures

forever; fulfill your purpose for us; 

do not forsake the work of your hands.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98

Jer. 35:1-19

1 Cor. 12:27-13:3

Matt. 9:35-10:4

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 138:8

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; 
          your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. 
          Do not forsake the work of your hands.

 

Jer. 35:12-13

Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Can you not learn a lesson and obey my words? says the LORD. 

 

1 Cor. 12:31-13:1

But strive for the greater gifts.  And I will show you a still more excellent way.  If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

 

Matt. 9:36

When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.