Psalm 91.1-6, 14-16, Job 12.1-6, 12-25, John 5.30-47 - Lectionary for 2/16/11 - Philipp Melanchthon, Confessor

Today is the birthday of Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560), author of the Augsburg Confession.

Today's readings are Psalm 91.1-16, 14-16, Job 12.1-6, 12-25, and John 5.30-47.

What confidence can we have in this life and in eternity? The Psalmist reflects on how near God is. He is there, watching over us, sheltering us, guarding us from all evil. There is no danger which can come against us with God overshadowing us.

I'm reminded when I read passages like this to pray for those who are enduring persecution for their faith. The twentieth century was the most deadly century in history to be a Christian. This century does not look better. Yet Christians have always confessed that, regardless of what people may do to our earthly lives, our treasure and hope is in eternity, which cannot be taken away from us by any executioner.

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