We Wear Ourselves Out--May 2, 2022

[From May 5, 2014 archive]

 

We do not worship graven images, 

nor do we boast in worthless idols; 

 

but, dear God, remind us how we bow 

down to our reputations and to what others 

think about us.  Surely we wear ourselves out—

the task of upholding our honor is too heavy for us. 

Sooner or later we collapse, and we are put to shame. 

 

You have prepared for us a different way, the way of  

straight paths.  Clothe us in humility, not a search 

for adulation; for you give grace to the humble. 

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 97; 145; 124; 115

Exod. 18:13-27

1 Peter 5:1-14

Matt. 1:1-17, 3:1-6

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 97:7 

All worshipers of images are put to shame, 
          those who make their boast in worthless idols; 
          all gods bow down before him. 

 

Exod. 18:18 

“…You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you.  For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.  …”  [Moses' father-in-law, to Moses] 

 

1 Peter 5:5b 

And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 

 

Matt. 3:3 

[John the Baptist] is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”