Posts from November 2021 (Page 3)
Daily Devotions
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.” vs. 33 John 11:32-39 When Lazarus died, his sisters and friends did for him according to the customs of their people. They washed his body, wrapped it in cloth, and then put it in a tomb. And then their friends came by the house with hot dishes and hugs–and they cried a lot! Only a few of…
Daily Devotions
And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ …Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.’” vss. 5-6a Revelation 21:4-6a In the beginning was the Word–and in the end will be the Word. All that exists is bookended by the Mystery in whom all was created and in whom all will be brought to completion. In the meantime we…
Daily Devotions
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” vs. 2 Revelation 21:1-3 Apocalyptic writings emerge in times of fear and dread, those moments when nations are on the move and catastrophes loom. It should be no surprise then, that our age teems with apocalyptic thinking. A glance at the trailers of current movies shows a huge interest in science fiction (the new apocalyptic) and…
Daily Devotions
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.” vss. 3-4 Psalm 24 These verses are likely a fragment of a liturgy that was used at the door of the temple as Israelites came for worship. A priest would ask a question, “Who shall stand in the holy place?”…
Daily Devotions
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.” vs. 8 Isaiah 25:8-9 Sometimes when death comes to a loved one, particularly after a long and painful illness, we’re surprised to feel an almost guilty sense of relief that the struggle is over. A burden has been lifted. Only later do the tears come. At other times, when…
Daily Devotions
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.” vs. 6 Isaiah 25:6-7 For a long time, back in the days when pot-lucks were regularly held at churches, a familiar table prayer would be sung before the meal. “Be present at our table, Lord, be here and everywhere adored. These mercies bless, and grant that we,…