Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 14: Year 1
Morning, Psalms 97 and 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
2nd Samuel 14:1 to 20; Acts 21:1 to 14; Mark 10:1 to 16:
“Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’ Since he would not be persuaded, we remained silent except to say, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (Acts 21:13 and 14)
I don’t know if we can call Paul’s words here, acts of courage. For Paul has had visions and voices from our Lord Jesus and therefore had more than just belief. Paul had certain knowledge. Once we know, we can’t un-know. Once we know what our Lord Jesus is doing, it is no longer a matter of faith, belief or courage, it is a matter knowing and of obedience to the will of God.
We have pivotal names in the Bible that hinges our faith together. We have Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Ruth, David, Mary and Joseph and of course our Lord Jesus. Then we have Peter, James, John and Paul. All of these names represent turning points in our journey from faith to knowledge. But the most instrumental and important Name is the Name of our Lord Jesus.
The people of faith cry and try to persuade Paul, a person of certain knowledge, not to go to Jerusalem in order to save his earthly body. But Paul has seen the will of God. And nothing will stand in his way. It is like those who comforted him said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
I ponder about how my life would change if our Lord Jesus took me aside and was present with me as he was with Paul while he was on his way to Damascus; or as Jesus was with Peter, James and John on the mountain at the Transfiguration; or even as God was with Moses as bush, fire, and voice, – in a Trinitarian Presence wherein Moses no longer had to rely on faith or belief, for after the burning bush experience, he knew, and he knew God’s will, at least for himself.
Should we fear the Day of the Lord? It is a trick question. On the one hand, when God visits us all guess work and doubt is gone forever. On the other, what possible pain awaits us as it did for Paul and the apostles and even the predicament Moses found himself in with the king of Egypt?
The good news is that no matter the outcome, we will KNOW that we will arrive in glory! So, should we pray for God to make God’s self known to us? I’m afraid. How about you? Sometimes just believing is a safe way out. All we have to do is live, love and trust in God. Amen; Halleluiah.
Today our Church remembers Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Re-newer of Society, (August 12, 1910) and her information may be found at: Florence Nightingale.
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: BCP p. 100
Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 