Reflection on the readings for October 27

We worship at your holy mountain,
for you the Lord your God are holy.
(adapted from Psalm 99:9)

Jeremiah 51:1-53
The mighty will not stand forever.

Titus 2:1-15
A couple of years ago,  the Commercial Appeal published an article about what they said that some church people called C and E Christians, that is, people who come to church on Easter and for services relating to Christmas. I'm wondering what they would think about these readings from Titus. For that matter, I'm wondering what do people who come to church a time or two a month think.

For example, how do we react when we hear, "The grace of God brings salvation to all"? Just who would we in include in this "all"? Can we accept that "all" could mean "all"?

What do we think salvation is, anyway? According to this passage, salvation trains us to renounce impiety and worldly passions. Yes, that probably means New Year's Eve, too.

And what do we think about this assertion that the reason Christ saved us was that we would be redeemed for sin and thus become zealous for good deeds. Think about it, not only do good deeds but to do them zealously.

Psalm 99:1-9
This psalm begins by stating that the Lord is king. Now, as an American I have trouble thinking of king as a good word. But, I haven't been able to come up with a contemporary parallel that fits the essence of what the word king meant at the time the psalms were first sung.

That is although I am unwilling to accept the notion that any human is exalted over all people, I am ready to proclaim that, certainly, the Lord is.

The God we worship loves justice, has established equity and righteousness. A reminder that we should favor equity and righteousness ourselves.

The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron and Samuel from a pillar of cloud, and they did what the Lord wanted them to do.

And when they didn't, the Lord our God forgave them.

Proverbs 26:17
Like somebody who takes a passing dog by the ears
is one who meddles in the quarrels of another.

Prayer for today: O Lord our God, teach us to love justice, to establish equity and righteousness. Help us to forgive others that haven't learned to love justice or equity yet. Amen.