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.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Reflection on the readings for October 17

On the holy mount stands the city.
Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.
(from Psalm 87:1,3)

Jeremiah 30:1-31:26
The Lord tells Jeremiah to give this message to the exiles, "I will send a rescuer. I have heard your pleas of help. I will turn your mourning to joy."

1 Timothy 2:1-15
Pray. Pray for everyone. Yes, everyone. Even political leaders.Yesterday in Jeremiah, we read "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (29:7).

Pray for everyone so that everyone will have a peaceful, dignified life.

Then the instructions modify this everyone concept. Women were supposed to dress and behave in worship the same way that the society of the time thought they were to dress and behave outside of worship. This wasn't and isn't the last time that societal norms are allowed to modify the demands of the  gospel.

Psalm 87:1-7

Proverbs 25:18-19
Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow
is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.

Prayer for Today: O God, we thank you for the many times that you have heard our prayers and rescued us from our difficulties. We pray now that our lives will be peaceful and that we will somehow learn to extend that peace to others. Help us to discern your will in all matters. Amen.

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