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.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Reflection on readings for September 13

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.
(Psalm 57:5)

Isaiah 12:1-14:32
From Walter Breuggemann's commentary, Isaiah 1-39:  Chapter 12 is a doxology affirming hope that refuses to give in to the present debilitating circumstances. Chapter 13 and 14 recount the horrendous acts of the powerful nations and promises that the Lord will act.

2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Paul said, "Some of you think that the rest of you are not thinking and living and talking as Christians should. You think you get the message much better than the others do and you are pretty open about your disdain for them."

He could be talking to some of us.

Paul's instructions to the fractious Corinthians seem, to me, to be really hard to follow: "Agree with one another and live in peace."

Yet, how else can Christians be Christian?

Psalm 57:1-11
In a time of despair, the psalmist turns to God for refuge and rescue.

Proverbs 23:9-11
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
who will only despise the wisdom of your words.
Do not remove an ancient landmark
or encroach on the fields of orphans,
for their redeemer is strong;
he will plead their cause against you.

Prayer for Today: O Lord, sustain us in times of trouble or doubt. And restrain us in times of self-superiority. Amen.

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