Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 7: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 97, 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
1st Samuel 6:1to 16; Acts 5:27 to 42; Luke 21:37 to 22:13:
“So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” (Acts 5: 38 and 39)
A Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel gave the council two examples of how uprisings settled themselves when they are not from God. However, he asks them, and us, to be patient with this Jesus movement. He says if it is from human origin it will be made evident. But if it is from God, we have no choice but to obey. Smart words I think.
In all my undertakings I ask if it is of God, or, where do I see God in it? If I can’t see God in it anywhere, it is time to move on to something else. Also, I must remember that God is love. So, I must ask if there is love in the undertaking that I am pursuing. If no love, no God, then I go, no further. I have always said that I can’t see where God is at this present moment in my life, only where God has been in my life. What I am saying now is not counter to what I have always said.
While God is illusive, and can’t be seen, God’s presence as love is readily revealed if we look for it. And if there are conflicts between the call of God and what the unloving among us are saying, then we must remember what Peter and the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than any human authority:” (Acts 5:29). We can tell if God is in it, if love is in it.
God has no plan B for us. The seed of Jesus is growing more and more every day. In the end we will learn to truly love one another. In so doing, we will make heaven manifest right here on earth where God’s will, will be done.
Today we remember The Birth of john the Baptist of the New Testament and his information may be found at: Nativity of John the Baptist.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist June 24 (BCP p. 241)
Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 