[From June 16, 2010 archive;
adapted from my June 19, 2002 journal]
“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Like the disciples, we want to know who ranks highest.
The one of us who avoids the wicked, sinners, and scoffers?
The one who prophesies? Or the one who delights in your law?
Our answers might be correct, but to ask the question is wrong.
To ponder the question means we are not part of the answer.
Such judgments belong to you; they are not ours to consider.
Make us like Moses—never jealous of your spirit in others.
Lectionary Readings
Ps. 89:1-18; 147:1-11; 1; 33
Numb. 11:24-35
Rom. 1:28-2:11
Matt. 18:1-9
Selected Verses
Ps. 1:1-2
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
Numb. 11:29
But Moses said to [Joshua], “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them!”
Rom. 2:1
Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.
Matt. 18:1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
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