It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Reflection on the readings for November 4

You are the Lord our God;
your judgments are in all the earth.
You are mindful of your covenant forever;
of the word that you have commanded,
for a thousand generations.
(adapted from Psalm 105:7-8)

Ezekiel 10:1-11:25
Judgment is coming, but so will restoration.

Hebrews 6:1-20
Difficult verses--consequences of not accepting God's gifts and using them appropriately. Positive verses--Our hope is a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul that will bring us into the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 105:16-36
The psalm begins with the reminder to praise the Lord, both by singing to the Lord and by telling others, continuing to ask the Lord for what we need and continuing to remember what the Lord has already done for us.

The verses for today's reading recount the story of Joseph and then Moses in Egypt. Although Joseph had come as a captive, he rose to the role of the king's helper. He was able to protect Egypt from famine. The brothers, because they were jealous, had wanted to get rid of him. He became a slave in a foreign country. Yet, God was able to use Joseph to help that country and, eventually, to help those same brothers that had tried to get rid of him.  When things went bad for the Israelites, God performed many signs and called Moses to explain them to the pharaoh.

Proverbs 27:1-2
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
Let another person praise you, and not your own mouth--
a stranger, and not your own lips.

Prayer for Today: O Lord, guide us into the proper use of the gifts that you have provided us. Wake us up in our times of forgetfulness. Keep us mindful that you are with us always. Amen.

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