Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, November 10
Revelation 19:1-10. Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (KJV)
I wrote yesterday about the importance of paying attention to the context of scripture verses. Today I want to make one exception—for singing. Here we have the “Hallelujah Chorus” from George Friederich Handel’s Messiah, perhaps the best known expression of musical praise ever composed. If you stop to unpack the historical, literary, and theological context of these words, you can end up befuddled, and the moment of adoration will pass you by. When singing songs of praise, let your emotions flow unimpeded.
The Book of Revelation contains passages (including part of today’s reading) that are hard to reconcile with the rest of scripture. It’s good to wrestle with these apparent contradictions, for the difficult biblical passages are those most likely to challenge any conventional or complacent thoughts we may entertain. To focus solely on the pleasant, easy verses is to avoid questions an honest Christian should be asking. But when it comes to praise, lay such questions aside. The Book of Revelation also contains some of the Bible’s most lofty expressions of wonder before the majesty of God and of confidence in God’s goodness and power. Sing them with joy!
PRAY for the Diocese of Upper South Carolina (Province IV, USA)
Psalm [83] or 23, 27 * 85, 86; 1 Maccabees 1:1-28; Matthew 16:1-12
View the daily Lectionary Readings at http://satucket.com/lectionary/
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.
Become a Fan of Forward Day by Day on Facebook.
Follow Forward Day by Day on Twitter.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
