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The intent of Pilgrim Processing is to provide commentary on the Daily Lectionary from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The format for the comment is Old Testament Lesson first, Gospel, and Epistle with a portion of one of the Psalms for the day as a prayer at the end.

Friday, December 30, 2011

30 December 2011



When we first met this woman, a widow in Zarephath in the time of the drought Elijah had foretold because of the wickedness of Jezebel and her weak husband Ahab, she was prepared to die and also was willing to risk what little she had in order to provide for this prophet.  The Lord had provided a continuous supply of flour, oil and water for her, her son and Elijah and surely they had marveled that the supply never ran out and surely they had offered thanks to Him.  Now, however, after some time, the boy she was prepared to see die in the beginning, does indeed die and she confronts Elijah that this is his fault.  Her complaint is that surely this is the true purpose of his visit to her, the boy’s death is judgment for some sin in her life.  That conclusion is incredibly natural to us isn’t it?  After the boy is brought back to life her response is that this has proven Elijah to be a man of God and his words are true.  Did the provision of God not serve as such a sign or did her faith grow in this sign?

The second sign Jesus did was also at Cana in Galilee.  This comes after the encounter with the Samaritan woman and a few days among the Samaritans who came to faith in Jesus, after He had gone to Jerusalem.  At Capernaum a royal official comes to ask Jesus to help his son.  Jesus’ response is that we aren’t to base our faith on signs and wonders but what has that to do with the man’s request to heal his son?  If he didn’t believe would he have asked Jesus to heal the boy?  Jesus’ response calls forth a statement of faith which is found in the belief that if Jesus doesn’t come the boy will die.  Finally, Jesus requires faith not in sight but simply in His Word and the man is able to believe that Jesus can heal without coming,  Extraordinary faith indeed!

John writes particularly to “the beloved Gaius.”  The subject is that this Gaius should support, in whatever tangible way he is able, these men who have come as strangers to Gaius and the others, but also as brothers in the Lord.  John’s expectation is that the community will support these missionaries in order to encourage them to continue their journey of faithful service, having gone out “for the sake of the name.”  John also makes a threat to expose Diotrephes who has set himself above all others, even, apparently, the apostles, and hinders others work.  We are indeed to welcome those who come to us in faith and with the Word and the Spirit, and we are to provide for them as we are able to encourage their faith. 

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;

Refrain

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