A Walking Song for the Next Week

TRUST AND OBEY

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Refrain

But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Refrain

Words: John H. Sam mis, 1887.

Music: Daniel B. Towner

This Week's Meditation

Matthew 17:1-5

Six days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"



A few weeks ago, in Matthew 3:17, God spoke from the heavens at Jesus’ baptism saying the same thing, “This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” For this week’s meditation, you might try sitting quietly and hearing God saying this to you, “You are my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” How does your outlook change when you think, “I am God’s beloved, with whom He is well pleased.”

Psalm 119.1-3

Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek them with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his name.

Our meditation for the week is the Beatitudes, and this is another instance of this genre in the Bible. This is the longest Psalm and is a meditation on the Law of the God. Though we are not saved by the Law, but rather by Faith, our Faith generates the desire to do what God wants. Our Faith generated the walk to Jerusalem, but there would be worse things upon which to meditate on the way than God's Law, especially as summed by Christ.

Psalm 116:9

I walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

This seems a rather obvious statement, but isn't when taken in context. The Psalm is a thanksgiving for healing from serious illness, in which death was a very possible outcome. The Psalmist is giving public thanksgiving in the midst of a congregation. Even when most profoundly depressed, the Psalmist trusted in God.

Our walk to Jerusalem may not be so fraught, but we can have the confidence of the Psalmist God will hear our voice if we are in distress or anguish. God is gracious and righteous and deals with us bountifully. Our response is summed in the Psalm:

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord ... I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice ... Praise the Lord!

Psalm 115.7

[The idols of other nations] have hands but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throat.

This Psalm was most probably sung in a liturgy. It urges listeners, including us, to concentrate on a God who is loving and faithful, a help and shield, rather than a No-God, however glitzy and beautiful - a No-God made in our image [as opposed to realizing we are made in God's image].

As we walk to Jerusalem, we will encounter many No-Gods. Our task is in the last verse:

But we will bless the Lord from this time on and evermore. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 101:2b

... I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; ...

This Psalm may have been used for coronation ceremonies, and, in total, is a king pledging to rule justly.

It tells us, while walking to Jerusalem is a good thing, we can also walk with integrity in our own house [which, at the time, meant more than just the physical structure, but included family and all which the person influenced]. If we fixate on the walk to Jerusalem, it becomes an idol. The important things upon which to fixate are loyalty, justice, study, faithfulness, and combating evil.

... whoever walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me ...

Psalm 89:15

Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance; ...

This is another prayer for deliverance from enemies [specifically a battle defeat for King David], obviously a reoccurring theme.

This Psalm repeatedly makes use of the Hebrew term hesed, which can be translated many ways, but in the NRSB is rendered "steadfast love." God is seen as continually faithful. God's hesed is as firm as the heavens. God continually keeps covenant with God's people. The Beings which surround God in Heaven praise God's hesed. God's hesed is joined with righteousness and justice. Even when we transgress, God corrects us but maintains hesed. Even when we cannot see God in the world, hesed is there, and our prayer, as we march toward Jerusalem, is the same as King David's in the last verse:

... Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and Amen.

Psalm 86:11

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.

Once more, this Psalm is a prayer for deliverance from personal enemies. Many Psalms are in this category and tell us, as we walk to Jerusalem, it is OK to cry to God for help, and to admit we are, at times, poor and needy. The Psalmist is sure the present situation will not end in death, and we can have that same certainty.

There is an interesting aside: When the Psalms were written, the society was patriarchal. People were usually identified by whom their father is or was. In a sign of humility, the Psalmist asks God [v.16c]: ... save the child of your servant girl.

This Week's Meditation

Matthew 5:3-10

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


This week, you are invited to meditate on these Beatitudes…Attitudes of Being, and to consider the question:

What does it mean for me to be Christlike?

A Walking Song for the Next Week

Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John

Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John

John said the city was just foursquare
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
And he declared he'd meet me there
Walk in Jerusalem just like John

Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John

Oh John oh John oh didn't you say
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
You'd be there on that great day
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)

Some came crippled and some came lame
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Some came walking in Jesus' name
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)

Now brother, better mind how you step on the cross
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Your feet might slip and your soul get lost
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)

Psalm 84:11

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; He bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.

We are not the first to make this journey. This Psalm is a song praising Zion as the longed-for goal of the pilgrim. The singer envies sparrows and swallows which can build their nests in Zion. The pilgrimage is seen as a joy and not a duty.

This is not, however, idolatry; Zion is not worshipped in itself, but for what it represents:

... my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God ... Happy are those ... ever singing Your praise. Happy are those whose strength is in You ... O Lord of Hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in You.

I keep re-reading this week's scripture verse about "no divisions among (us)" and reflect on the fact that division is what some people thrive on. Sad, but true. Divisions cause weakness, cause us to question, and feed feelings of inadequacy and paranoia. Divisiveness tips the scale of "power" and keeps the masses unbalanced. Division feeds on fear.

The Mind of Christ is one of Compassion and Love. Not that gooshy, Victorian love-thing, but a serene caring that comes from understanding we're all connected.

This also has made me reconsider our use of the term "enemy". We even have a prayer in the BCP that is for "our enemies and those who wish us harm". I really think it's time we remove the term "enemy" from our language as well. Who is our enemy? Who is our brother? Aren't they really the same person with a difference of opinion?

We all come from the same God. We all belong to the same God -- the same Universe. We should remove the word enemy from our prayer language, and simply pray for our brothers and sisters who wish us harm. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are frightened, insecure, and who are seeking power over others. Pray for them to understand the truth.

I am God's. I am Christ's sister. It's my responsibility to be Christ-like and promote reconciliation and truth.

If we really want Peace on Earth, we need to change our vocabulary and pray for our brothers and sisters who need Understanding and Love. Pray for our brothers and sisters who wish others harm. Let's the Mind of Christ be opened in all people on this tiny marble-earth, on which we live.

Psalm 82:4-5

[God is speaking]"... Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hands of the wicked." They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk around in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

This is a Psalm which makes use of an ancient conception that there are many Gods, in sort of a Divine Parliment. This Psalm tells us the need for justice and righteousness applies in "Heaven" as it does on Earth. "False Gods" are recognizable by their unrighteousness.

"Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one ..." As we walk to Jerusalem, we should keep in mind our God is a God of justice and equity. All the nations, ultimately, belong to the one God.

Heard around the Fellowship Hall

Just want to share some bits and pieces of conversations about "the Walk" so far:

"I'm aiming for one more mile this week than last."
"I feel like one more piece of my life is getting integrated with God."
"It's neat that we have friends outside the parish walking with us."
"My goal is to do a little bit more each week."
"I felt like skipping my exercise time today, but then I thought about 'Walking to Jerusalem' and I got up and went to the gym."
"I like the way the meditations give me something to focus on."

Psalm 56.12-13

My vows to you I must perform, O God; I will render thank offering to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life.

This Psalm is attributed to David, and it is thought he composed it when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Not suprising, as with Psalm 26 and others, it is another prayer for deliverance from personal enemies. It was sung to the tune "The Dove on Far-off Terebinths," and we have no idea what that tune sounded like.

This was written when he was in the midst of his struggles, not when they were over. Nevertheless, David has absolute trust in God. The last two verses above are not "bargaining with God" ["If you save me. I will do this or that!"], but David's response to the graciousness of God, even in the midst of trouble.

It would be nice, on our walk to Jerusalem, to pray for the assurance of David - even when trampled on, even when oppressed, even when others stir up strife, even when they hope to have our life, we put our trust in God. We remember God knows our tossing and tears, and God is for us. That's why we perform our vows and give thanks, in the light of life.

... what can flesh do to me? ... What can a mere mortal do to me? ...

Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity ... I walk in faithfulness to you ... and go around your altar ... I walk in my integrity ..."

This is a very exciting Psalm. The speaker has been falsely accused of something and is praying for deliverance from personal enemies. The Psalmist is asking for vindication against an unjust charge and loudly protests personal innocence. The speaker is so convinced this is so God is asked to test the Psalmist's heart and mind. The speaker is so sure of innocence some sort of liturgical ceremony is involved, and makes comparisons to those who have actually sinned. There is absolute assurance God can and will redeem the speaker.

We, as we walk, need not be quite as sure as is the Psalmist, but the Psalmist's conviction and integrity is not a bad goal for our journey.

Psalm 23.4

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me.

This is, in it's KJV translation, probably the most famous "walking verse" in the Bible. There will be dark valleys on our walk. God does not promise to keep us out of dark valleys or keep evil away from us. What God promises is even better - to be with us, to guide us, and to take care of us, as a shepherd cares for the flock.

1 Kings 8.35-36

When heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, and then they pray toward this place, confess your name, and turn from their sin, because you punish them, then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and grant rain on your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance.

Once more, this is from Solomon's prayer at the Dedication of the 1st Temple. The theology could be seen as a little primitive - when bad things happen, such as a draught, it is our fault for sinning.

On another level, there is more here.

There is a wonderful book of anthropology, published years and years ago, Magic, Science, and Religion, by Stanislaw Malinowski. A statement such as above is not science, as it involves a intervening force outside of the scientific process, God. It posits an open system, not the closed system required by science. However, it is not magic, as our efforts, such as walking to Jerusalem, do not manipulate God. It is not, "If we do X, then God will automatically have to do Y. God remains God. God is the actor, not the reactor.

Our actions toward God are of religion - prayer, belief in the Power of God, listening, and repentance, and we believe God will forgive and instruct, not because we have done this or that, but because God is God.

Meditation for the Week of January 20th

1 Cornithians 1: 10-14

Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, or ‘I belong to Apollos’, or ‘I belong to Cephas’, or ‘I belong to Christ.' Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Questions to consider as you walk or exercise:

Whose are you?
Who do you belong to?
How do you know?
What does that mean to you?

In Epiphany, in particular, we celebrate Christ being the light of the world and we are also charged with being the light of the world. How are you the light? How can you shine more brightly?

A Walking Song for the Next Week

We're Marching to Zion

Text: Isaac Watts; refrain by Robert Lowry
Music: Robert Lowry

Tune: MARCHING TO ZION, Meter: SM with Refrain

1. Come, we that love the Lord,
and let our joys be known;
join in a song with sweet accord,
join in a song with sweet accord
and thus surround the throne,
and thus surround the throne.
Refrain:
We're marching to Zion,
beautiful, beautiful Zion;
we're marching upward to Zion,
the beautiful city of God.

2. Let those refuse to sing
who never knew our God;
but children of the heavenly King,
but children of the heavenly King
may speak their joys abroad,
may speak their joys abroad.
(Refrain)

3. The hill of Zion yields
a thousand sacred sweets
before we reach the heavenly fields,
before we reach the heavenly fields,
or walk the golden streets,
or walk the golden streets.
(Refrain)

4. Then let our songs abound,
and every tear be dry;
we're marching through Emmanuel's ground,
we're marching through Emmanuel's ground,
to fairer worlds on high,
to fairer worlds on high.
(Refrain)