The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, May 26, 2020

The Daily Lectionary

TUESDAY, May 26, 2020

Psalm 99; Numbers 16:41-50; 1 Peter 4:7-11

(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Psalm 99

Priests and people praise God

1  The Lord reigns,
     let the nations tremble;
   he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
     let the earth shake.
2  Great is the Lord in Zion;
     he is exalted over all the nations.
3  Let them praise your great and awesome name—
     he is holy.

4  The King is mighty, he loves justice—
     you have established equity;
   in Jacob you have done
     what is just and right.
5  Exalt the Lord our God
     and worship at his footstool;
     he is holy.

6  Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
     Samuel was among those who called on his name;
   they called on the Lord
     and he answered them.
7  He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
     they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

8  Lord our God,
     you answered them;
   you were to Israel a forgiving God,
     though you punished their misdeeds.
9  Exalt the Lord our God
     and worship at his holy mountain,
     for the Lord our God is holy.

Numbers 16:41-50

The high priest Aaron makes atonement

16:41 The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the Lord’s people,” they said.

42 But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the tent of meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the Lord appeared. 43 Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of meeting, 44 and the Lord said to Moses, 45 “Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” And they fell facedown.

46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.” 47 So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. 48 He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped. 49 But 14,700 people died from the plague, in addition to those who had died because of Korah. 50 Then Aaron returned to Moses at the entrance to the tent of meeting, for the plague had stopped.

1 Peter 4:7-11

Be good stewards of grace

4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Daily Lectionary is a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2020, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2019 was Year C. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for TUESDAY, May 26, 2020
Psalm 99; Numbers 16:41-50; 1 Peter 4:7-11

The Daily Prayer for TUESDAY, May 26, 2020

The Daily Prayer

TUESDAY, May 26, 2020

Indian priest Anthony de Mello told this story:

“A rich industrialist from the North was horrified to find a Southern fisherman lying leisurely beside his boat. ‘Why aren’t you fishing?’ asked the industrialist.

“‘Because I have caught enough fish for the day,’ said the fisherman.

“‘Why don’t you catch some more?’

“‘What would I do with them?’

“‘You could earn more money,’ was the reply. ‘With that, you could fix a motor to your boat, go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make enough money to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats… maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me.’

“‘What would I do then?’

“‘Then you could really enjoy life.’

“‘What do you think I am doing right now?’ said the fisherman.”

Lord, may your Holy Spirit dwell within us and among us that we might remember to hope in your word, to heed your instruction, and to delight in your statutes. Grant us humility to obey everything you have commanded us. Amen.

Verse of the Day for TUESDAY, May 26, 2020

John 3:17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Read all of John 3

Listen to John 3

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Un dia a la Vez - Martes 26 de mayo de 2020

Semana de celebración: La protección

Bueno es el Señor; es refugio en el día de la angustia, y protector de los que en él confían.

— Nahúm 1:7 (NVI)

En el día de hoy, celebramos que Dios nos protege aun cuando dormimos. Celebramos con gratitud que nos protege a nosotros y a los nuestros de todo mal y peligro.

Celebramos que nos ha guardado en medio de un accidente, enfermedad, vicio o destrucción. Por eso, le damos gracias porque a pesar de que nuestros hijos están expuestos a las malas compañías y las malas influencias, Él los guarda y los mantienes en sus caminos.

Celebramos que Dios nos protegió en tiempos donde no buscamos su rostro, donde usamos su santo nombre en vano y olvidamos de dónde nos libró. Ahora vemos y reconocemos que Dios nos protegió y nos libró quizá de la muerte y nos sacó del hoyo más profundo en el que caímos.

Traigamos hoy como ejercicio los momentos donde vimos la intervención de Dios en diferentes ocasiones de la vida y démosle gracias.

Gracias, Señor, por tu protección.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
En el día de hoy, celebramos que Dios nos protege aun cuando dormimos.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - Tuesday, May 26, 2020

COURAGE FROM JESUS

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

— John 15:5 (NIV)

Yesterday we read the testimony of Kefa Sampangi in Uganda when he was threatened with death by Idi Amin’s goon squad. The story continues:

“Father in heaven,” I prayed, “you who have forgiven men in the past, forgive these men also. Do not let them perish in their sins but bring them into yourself.”

It was a simple prayer, prayed in deep fear. But God looked beyond my fears and when I lifted my head, the men standing in front of me were not the same men who had followed me into the vestry. Something had changed in their faces.

It was the tall one who spoke first. His voice was bold but there was no contempt in his words, “You have helped us,” he said, “and we will help you. We will speak to the rest of our company and they will leave you alone. Do not fear for your life. It is in our hands and you will be protected.”

I was too astonished to reply. The tall one only motioned for the others to leave. He himself stepped to the doorway and then he turned to speak one last time. “I saw widows and orphans in your congregation,” he said. “I saw them singing and giving praise. Why are they happy when death is so near?”

It was still difficult to speak but I answered him. “Because they are loved by God. He has given them life, and will give life to those they loved because they died in Him.”

His question seemed strange to me, but he did not stay to explain. He only shook his head in perplexity and walked out the door. I stared at the open door of the vestry for several moments and then sat down on a nearby straw mat chair. My knees were no longer strong and I could feel my whole body tremble. I could not think clearly. Less than ten minutes before, I had considered myself a dead man. Even though I was surrounded by 7,000 people there was no human being to whom I could appeal. I could not ask the elders to pray, I could not appeal to the mercy of the Nubian killers. My mouth had frozen and I had no clever words to speak. At that moment, with death so near, it was not my sermon that gave me courage, or an idea from Scripture. It was Jesus Christ, the living Lord.[1]

RESPONSE: Today I will walk in the power of the living Lord and not in my own strength or courage.

PRAYER: Lord, help me realize that You are my sufficiency. Without You, I can do nothing.

1. F. Kefa Sempangi, A Distant Grief, Glendale, CA: G/L Publications, 1979, pp.120-121.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

LHM Daily Devotions - May 26, 2020 - "Glory or Necessity?"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"Glory or Necessity?"

May 26, 2020

So Moses went out and told the people the words of the LORD. And he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tent. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it. Now two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, "My lord Moses, stop them." But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit on them!" And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

— Numbers 11:24-30 (ESV)

During the years of our mission service, it happened several times that a young man would come to my husband the pastor and say, "I'd like to be a pastor, too. Can I train with you?" My husband always replied, "Sure! Grab a toilet brush and we'll get started on the restrooms."

I'm afraid it shocked the young men. But my husband's point was crystal clear: public ministry isn't about glory and respect and having people greet you in the streets. It's messy, often uncomfortable—and absolutely necessary.

There are plenty of nights when we long for more people to serve God in our particular field—nights when we're in the hospital with someone dying, or dealing with a family exploding into crisis. There are days like that, too—days filled with paperwork and phone calls and the occasional trip down the sewer system (long story). There is always too much to be done—too many people to care for, too few hours in the day.

Moses was in this situation, too. And so God had mercy on him and put the Holy Spirit on seventy elders of Israel—seventy more people who could deal with problems and solve crises among the former slaves. And to make it clear who those people were, he gave them the temporary gift of prophecy.

But Joshua was unhappy. He was Moses' aide, and all he could see was that his beloved mentor was going to have to share his glorious work with all these extra people. "My lord Moses, stop them!" he said.

I think Moses must have laughed. "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit on them!"

Every pastor and leader I know prays the same prayer: "Please, God, raise up more people to do the work!" Jesus Himself said we should pray for this: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:37b-38). And as you pray, consider this: the Lord has put His Spirit on you, too, when you were baptized. You are not just the one praying, but God's answer to that prayer. Ask the Lord where and how He wants you to serve. It may be some way you never would have thought of—but it will be a joy.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, open my eyes and my heart to see how You want me to serve. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you serve the Lord right now?

2. What is the most glorious part of that service—at least in the eyes of others?

3. What is the most humbling, messy, or downright funny part of your work?

This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
How do you serve the Lord right now?

Devocional CPTLN del 26 de mayo de 2020 - ¿Gloria o necesidad?

ALIMENTO DIARIO

¿Gloria o necesidad?

26 de Mayo de 2020

Moisés salió de allí y repitió ante el pueblo las palabras del Señor; luego reunió a los setenta ancianos del pueblo, y los hizo esperar alrededor del tabernáculo. Entonces el Señor descendió en la nube, y habló con él. Tomó del espíritu que estaba en él, y lo puso en los setenta ancianos; y cuando el espíritu se posó en ellos, comenzaron a profetizar, y no dejaban de hacerlo. En el campamento se habían quedado Eldad y Medad, dos varones sobre los cuales también se posó el espíritu. Aunque estaban entre los escogidos, no se habían presentado en el tabernáculo; sin embargo, comenzaron a profetizar en el campamento. Entonces un joven fue corriendo a decirle a Moisés: «¡Eldad y Medad están profetizando en el campamento!» Josué hijo de Nun, que era ayudante cercano de Moisés, le dijo: «Moisés, mi señor, ¡no se lo permitas!» Pero Moisés le respondió: «¿Acaso tienes celos por mí? ¡Cómo quisiera yo que todo el pueblo del Señor fuera profeta! ¡Cómo quisiera yo que el Señor pusiera su espíritu sobre ellos!» Y enseguida Moisés volvió al campamento, en compañía de los ancianos de Israel.

— Números 11:24-30 (RVC)

Durante los años de servicio misional, sucedió varias veces que un joven se acercaba a mi esposo, el pastor, y le decía: "Me gustaría ser pastor. ¿Puedo entrenarme contigo?", a lo que mi esposo respondía: "¡Claro! Busca un cepillo y comencemos a limpiar los baños". De más está decir que eso los sorprendía. Pero el mensaje era claro: el ministerio público no se trata de gloria y respeto; al contrario, es desordenado y a menudo incómodo, pero absolutamente necesario.

Son muchas las noches en las que anhelamos que más personas sirvan a Dios en nuestro campo particular, noches en las que estamos en el hospital con alguien muriendo o lidiando con una familia que estalla en una crisis. También hay días llenos de papeleo y llamadas telefónicas. Siempre hay mucho por hacer: demasiadas personas para cuidar, muy pocas horas en el día.

Moisés se encontraba en una situación similar. Y Dios tuvo misericordia de él y puso el Espíritu Santo sobre setenta ancianos de Israel, setenta personas más que podían lidiar con problemas y resolver crisis entre los antiguos esclavos. Y para dejar en claro quiénes eran esas personas, les dio el regalo temporal de la profecía.

Pero a Josué no le gustó. Como ayudante de Moisés, todo lo que podía ver era que su querido mentor iba a tener que compartir su glorioso trabajo con todas esas otras personas. «Moisés, mi señor, ¡no se lo permitas!» le dijo. Pero Moisés le respondió: «¿Acaso tienes celos por mí? ¡Cómo quisiera yo que todo el pueblo del Señor fuera profeta! ¡Cómo quisiera yo que el Señor pusiera su espíritu sobre ellos!»

Cada pastor y líder que conozco reza la misma oración: "¡Por favor, Dios, levanta a más personas para hacer el trabajo!" Jesús mismo dijo que debemos orar por esto: «Ciertamente, es mucha la mies, pero son pocos los segadores. Por tanto, pidan al Señor de la mies que envíe segadores a cosechar la mies» (Mateo 9: 37b-38). Mientras oras, recuerda que el Señor también puso su Espíritu sobre ti cuando fuiste bautizado. No eres solo quien está orando, sino la respuesta de Dios a esa oración. Pregúntale al Señor dónde y cómo quiere que sirvas. Quizás sea de una manera que nunca hubieras pensado, pero será una alegría.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor, abre mis ojos y mi corazón para ver cómo quieres que te sirva. Amén.

Dra. Kari Vo

Para reflexionar:

* ¿Cómo sirves al Señor ahora? ¿Cuál es la parte más gloriosa de ese servicio, al menos a los ojos de los demás?

* ¿Cuál es la parte más humilde, desordenada o divertida de tu servicio?

© Copyright 2020 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Cómo sirves al Señor ahora? ¿Cuál es la parte más gloriosa de ese servicio, al menos a los ojos de los demás?

Nuestro Pan Diario - Más dulce que la miel

Más dulce que la miel

La escritura de hoy: Proverbios 16:1-2, 21-24
La Biblia en un año: 1 Crónicas 28–29; Juan 9:24-41

Panal de miel son los dichos suaves; suavidad al alma y medicina para los huesos.

— Proverbios 16:24

Su tema era la tensión racial. No obstante, el orador permaneció calmo y sereno. De pie en el escenario y frente a una gran audiencia, habló con valentía, pero también con gracia, humildad, gentileza e incluso humor. Poco después, los oyentes, ya visiblemente relajados, se rieron junto con él respecto al dilema que enfrentaban: cómo resolver su problema candente, pero templar sus sentimientos y palabras. Sí, cómo abordar un tema duro con una suave gracia.

El rey Salomón nos aconsejó adoptar este mismo enfoque: «Panal de miel son los dichos suaves; suavidad al alma y medicina para los huesos» (Proverbios 16:24). Así, «el corazón del sabio […] añade gracia a sus labios» (v. 23).

¿Por qué un rey como Salomón dedicaría tiempo para referirse a cómo hablar? Porque las palabras pueden destruir. En su época, los reyes dependían de los mensajeros para obtener información sobre sus naciones, por eso valoraban tanto a los que eran confiables. Eran prudentes y reflexivos, sin reacciones extremas ni palabras ásperas, cualquiera fuese el asunto.

Todos podemos beneficiarnos si comunicamos con dulzura piadosa nuestras opiniones. Como dijo Salomón: «Del hombre son las disposiciones del corazón; mas del Señor es la respuesta de la lengua» (v. 1).

De:  Patricia Raybon

Reflexiona y ora

Dios, suaviza nuestros corazones y palabras con tu Espíritu al hablar de temas duros.

¿Cómo te expresas al hablar de temas candentes y cismáticos? Cuando permites que Dios endulce tu lengua, ¿cómo cambian tus palabras?

© 2020 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario
Su tema era la tensión racial. No obstante, el orador permaneció calmo y sereno.