Even the Omer Is Gone--April 29, 2022

[From April 16, 2010 archive;

adapted from my journal of April 12, 2002]

 

What are we able to keep forever?

Even the omer of manna is long gone.

 

Our wealth will not persist,

nor will our earthly lives.

 

You have given us your word to keep us from stumbling,

but I am not able to follow it completely even one day,

let alone forever.  Over and over, I stumble.

 

Then what defense can I make, what accounting,

except of your mercy and forgiveness and grace?

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 96; 148; 49; 138

Exod. 16:23-36

1 Peter 3:13-4:6

John 16:1-15

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 49:10

When we look to the wise, they die;

            fool and dolt perish together 

            and leave their wealth to others.

 

Exod. 16:33

And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD, to be kept throughout your generations.”

 

1 Peter 3:15b

Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you…

 

John 16:1

“I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling.  …  ”  [Jesus, to the eleven disciples, after Judas had left to betray him]