Reflection on readings for June 30

Let us praise the name of the Lord.
Your name alone is exalted;
your glory is above earth and heaven.
(adapted from Psalm 148:13)

2 Kings 17:1-18:12
The powerful Assyria invaded Israel, took King Ahaz captive, and carried away much of the population, replacing them with foreigners. The writer of 2 Kings ascribes this tragedy to the sins of the people of Israel. "The Lord told you what to do, but you wouldn't obey."

In contrast to almost all the kings of Israel and of Judah, Hezekiah in his rule of Judah held fast to the Lord, destroyed false idols, and obeyed the commandments of the Lord.

Acts 20:1-38

Psalm 148:1-14

Here'a an excerpt from the Benedicite Aotearoa  in the New Zealand Book of Prayer:

10 All prophets and priests, all cleaners and clerks,
professors, shop workers, typists and teachers,
job-seekers, invalids, ' drivers • and ' doctors:
give to our ' God your ' thanks and ' praise.
11 All sweepers and diplomats, writers and artists,
grocers, carpenters, students and stock-agents,
seafarers, farmers, ' bakers • and ' mystics:
give to our ' God your ' thanks and ' praise.
12 All children and infants, all ' people • who ' play:
give to our ' God your ' thanks and ' praise.

Proverbs 18:6-7
A fool's lips bring strife,
and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.
The mouths of fools are their ruin,
and their lips a snare to themselves.

Prayer for Today: As you read verses 10 through 12 in Psalm 148, substitute persons appropriate for your own life and locale.