This is part of a series of devotions based on the Daily Office, which is found in the Book of Common Prayer.

This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 131, 132, 133; Exodus 7:25–8:19; 2 Corinthians 3:7-18; Mark 10:17-31

This morning’s Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (Song of Moses, Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (Revelation 15:3-4, BCP, p. 94)

A beautiful clustering of 3 psalms of assurance. 

It’s assuring to know that God so takes care of me that my soul can rest “tranquil and quiet like a child in its mother’s arms” (Psalm 131:2 JB).

It’s assuring to know that I can rest in the truth that God is working all of history so as to dwell among us (Psalm 132:13) through an enthroned Son of David (132:11-12), revealed to us in the New Testament as Jesus Christ (Luke 1:31-33). 

And it’s assuring and motivating to know that God is in the business of dwelling, through King Jesus, in a place where “all…live together like brothers” (Psalm 133:1).

Lord, may King Jesus be enthroned in my life in such a way this day that I may know peace within my heart, and be at peace with my brothers and sisters—because these days’ combination of distancing and confining can bring a strange mix of estrangement and conflict. Lord, have mercy.

Plagues of Frogs & Gnats—A Song Celebrating Gods’ Liberation of His People. The wild juxtaposition of the description of the second and third plagues (Exodus 7 & 8) with the Song of Moses from the far side of the Red Sea (Canticle 8 = Exodus 15) prompts within me this question: is my heart hardened against God’s purposes today? or am I yielding to “your constant love” with which “you lead the people you redeemed”? Christ, have mercy.

Vision Unimpaired versus Vision Impaired. On the one hand, Paul joyfully describes the wonder and the hope of having the Spirit of God live inside us in such a way that we begin to see ourselves as changed people (2 Corinthians 3:7-18). Our transformation, of course, isn’t into better versions of ourselves. As Paul says, as we reflect Jesus Christ in our lives, we actually become more and more like the One we are reflecting:

All of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit (v. 18).

On the other hand, sadly, Jesus encounters a man whose wealth so clouds his vision that he can’t see true wealth (Mark 10:17-31). He has scrupulously kept the commandments regarding his behavior and relationships with others (e.g., parents and neighbors). However, he fails to recognize the treasure of a relationship with God. And as a result, he is unable to accept Jesus’s offer of that relationship: “Follow me.” Lord, give me eyes to see. Lord, have mercy. 

Be blessed this day.

Reggie Kidd+