Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 19: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 56 and 57; Evening, Psalms 64 and 65:
1st Kings 21:1to 16; 1 Corinthians 1:1 to 19; Matthew 4:1 to 11:
“It Is Written,” (Matthew 4:1 to 11)
While I must have read this Gospel text no less than a hundred times, I noticed something new this time. Jesus uses the term, “It is written,” as human actions three times. Now the devil in this writing tries to use Jesus’ anchor against him. But he uses it in a way that talks about what God will do, that is, to have angels save him. But Jesus uses the, “It is written” statement, written by humans, for humans, as a human response to show, we feed on the word of God; we are not to test God; and that we are to worship God, and God only.
These three statements of what is written is the anchor not only for our Lord Jesus, but for us also. The Word of God is food for our souls. The word of God sustains us, not only in this world, but for all eternity. In no way should we attempt to test God based on some twist of scripture; being mindful that some interpreters will try to lead us astray. When this misleading attempt occurs it is usually for some partisan, exclusive and/or divisive policy. Beware. And lastly, we must remember that God is love. We are to worship God and God only. We are brought into being through the love of God specifically to love each other and to give some love back to God in gratitude.
So here we go: feed on God’s words of love and inclusion; trust in God, don’t test God; and pray to, and worship God, both alone and when gathered. Let these written words be your anchor in life. It worked for our Lord Jesus.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 