Friday, January 28, 2011

Psalm 12, Zechariah 6.1-7.14, Romans 16.17-27 - Lectionary for 1/28/11

Today's readings are Psalm 12, Zechariah 6.1-7.14, and Romans 16.17-27.

It seems we are wired to rejoice in other people's downfall, to glory in their shame, and to revel in their defeat. I guess that's part of the sinful nature. We run afoul of God's grace and mercy by failing to have God's attitude when others are suffering or when others are receiving blessing.

In our readings today I'm struck by the sorrow over the sin of others. When people are suffering, when people are departing from the faith, when people bring shame upon the name of the Lord, we should mourn and weep over it.  The time will come when God will put all to right. In the meantime, let us be compassionate, having the same mind that our Lord had. And in all that, let us look, as Paul does in his doxology at the end of Romans, to God, the eternal Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is indeed able to strengthen us by his might.

--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com


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