Old Testament | Proverbs 22:1–2, 8–9, 22–23 (with Tom Gastil)

Opening Song:
Instrument of Peace by Isaac Wardell, Jessica Fox, Liz Vice, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach

Lyrics:
Lord make me
An instrument of peace
An instrument of peace

Where is there hatred let me sow love
Where there is darkness let me sow light
For in the giving we shall receive
And in the dying we’re given life

Lord make me
An instrument of peace
An instrument of peace

Where there is sorrow let me sow hope
Where there is doubt let me sow faith
Where is injury your pardon give
Your consolation to those in pain

Lord make me
An instrument of peace
An instrument of peace

Passage:
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together;
the LORD is the Maker of them all.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
and the rod of his fury will fail.
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.

22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate,
23 for the LORD will plead their cause
and rob of life those who rob them.

(Proverbs 22:1–2, 8–9, 22–23 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
“Air on the G String” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major by J.S. Bach

Reflection Notes:
The slow, descending bass line creates musical “steps” in an elegant fashion while a suspended melody several octaves above creates a satisfying combination of sound registers.

Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.