O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
(Psalm 71:12)
Deuteronomy 13:1-14:23
13 Alternatives to God can be presented to us in appealing ways. Don't go astray. Stick to God. I'm doing all right with this then I get to the troubling part--religious intolerance. A possible interpretation for us is to ask ourselves: What god do we base our decisions on; e.g. does the need to build up our personal wealth override responsibilities to the needy? Does satisfying our own jobs and hobbies and family take up so much time that we aren't able to spend time in mission for non-family. That is, I am choosing to interpret this chapter metaphorically: the false prophets I am called to eliminate are my own desires to take care of myself and my people only and to ignore the needs of everyone else.
14 New look at what tithe meant: Spend the money for on food, strong drink, or whatever you desire. Keep reading, though. Every three years you're suppose to share it with priests, immigrants, orphans, and widows.
Luke 8:40-9:6
The woman had suffered for twelve years from a condition that would have rendered her barren. In the crowd, she reached out and touched the fringe of his garment and was healed. She immediately declared to the crowds what Jesus had done for her. In her commentary on Luke, Sharon Ringe points out that the word translated "declared" conveys the meaning of "proclaimed," that is, she has become a preacher, and is the person who for the first time in Luke's gospel, "makes the connection between Jesus' work as a healer and the larger project that defines his life and ministry (4:18-19). "
Psalm 71:1-24
The psalmist is asking the Lord for refuge, deliverance, rescue.
He is asking for help because he needs help and he can remember who has been his help in the past.
A modern discussion centers on why does God allow evil to exist. The question does not arise for this psalmist. Evil does exist, people can be unjust and cruel. And God is the one who can protect him from the wicked.
Proverbs 12:5-7
Prayer for Today: Choose a prayer from Joan Stott's website The Timeless Psalms.
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