Monday, March 24 — Psalm 38:9-16, Exodus 29:1-30; Matthew 26:1-13
CLICK HERE FOR THE READINGS
S (SCRIPTURE): Psalm 38:12-15
Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me.
Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me.
All day long they plan their treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats.
I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.
I choose to hear nothing,
and I make no reply.
For I am waiting for you, O Lord.
You must answer for me, O Lord my God.
O (OBSERVATION): The psalmist directs all of their concerns and desires to the Lord.
A (APPLICATION): After being on the wrong side of someone breaking the 8th commandment (do not bear false witness), these words are comforting and encouraging. My first reaction is to lash out in anger and confront those who are speaking ill of me. That is the human response....and sinful one. But acting in the discipline of handing all these things over to the Lord, so that the Lord will speak is a much harder task. Dietrich Bonhoeffer offered the ministry of holding one's tongue as essential in living a life together as a community. This particular incident and people will not be the last time I experience this as a pastor or as a person in Christ. Knowing that the Lord will speak into the hearts and minds of this situation and all involved is an act of grace.
P (PRAYER): Lord, provide your grace for your people and speak words of truth and love.
CLICK HERE FOR THE READINGS
S (SCRIPTURE): Psalm 38:12-15
Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me.
Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me.
All day long they plan their treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats.
I am silent before them as one who cannot speak.
I choose to hear nothing,
and I make no reply.
For I am waiting for you, O Lord.
You must answer for me, O Lord my God.
O (OBSERVATION): The psalmist directs all of their concerns and desires to the Lord.
A (APPLICATION): After being on the wrong side of someone breaking the 8th commandment (do not bear false witness), these words are comforting and encouraging. My first reaction is to lash out in anger and confront those who are speaking ill of me. That is the human response....and sinful one. But acting in the discipline of handing all these things over to the Lord, so that the Lord will speak is a much harder task. Dietrich Bonhoeffer offered the ministry of holding one's tongue as essential in living a life together as a community. This particular incident and people will not be the last time I experience this as a pastor or as a person in Christ. Knowing that the Lord will speak into the hearts and minds of this situation and all involved is an act of grace.
P (PRAYER): Lord, provide your grace for your people and speak words of truth and love.
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