Proverbs 3:5-12 (NRSV)
God, the truth and life
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.
Honor the Lord with your substance
and with the first fruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves the one he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
Reflection
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.
Honor the Lord with your substance
and with the first fruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves the one he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
Reflection
We have seen in the readings these past few days multiple examples of the need to have trust and faith in God. The Israelites upon leaving Egypt needed trust and faith in God. Think of the faith Stephen had when being stoned as he was looking to Jesus and dying in that trust he had for God. Even back to Abraham looking at the stars at night and seeing all his descendants. Did he see Jesus? What a wonderful gift of trust and faith in God that would produce such a wonderful promise and covenant. All of these blessings that come along with what, to some may see as curses, are rich examples of trust and faith for those of us left to ponder the meaning of such faith.
So today as we stand on the side and witness this faith, this trust, this love, maybe, just maybe, as I heard in a sermon this past Sunday from Pastor Sara, we are the next in line to be used and called by God. Trust and faith build and grow and live within our souls, our minds and bodies, that we are the next to take such a bold stand. A bold stand to love Jesus through serving others. We love because he first loved us. And as we live in this trust and faith of what Jesus has done for us through his saving grace, we learn and love to love Jesus and serve those he chooses to give to us each day with delight. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, you have my heart and I acknowledge you as my Savior. As I walk out the door this day with you and your disciples into the kingdom, teach me service, teach me love, teach me compassion, teach me to love and serve others in love. I love you and am excited in joy to serve others in your name...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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