Epiphany
January 27, 2016

Scripture Reading: Psalm 71:1-6

In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
   let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
   incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge,
   a strong fortress, to save me,
   for you are my rock and my fortress. –Psalm 71:1-3

How often we humans seek the shelter of the Lord taking refuge in God as we would a mighty fortress. I like the imagery of God as a rock so much so when my Sunday school class revamped the garden in the center of our church’s grounds, they installed a rock in my honor. I love that rock, not just for the sentiment of a caring class but when I perch on its edge in the peaceful presence of God, I become in tune with the voice of this Psalm and others like it.

I am reminded of the story of Elijah fleeing from very real danger, feeling his life was worthless and hiding in a cave on Mount Sinai. He sought God not finding God in the earthquake or fire, but in the quiet voice of the whispering wind. It caused Elijah to step out of his refuge standing ready to face the world again whatever that might mean. (I Kings 19)

God does not give us refuge to hide from God’s call but to re-energize us to answer it.

Prayer: God of Refuge and Strength, open the door to the shelter of your cave when we need it and walk with us out the entrance refreshed and renewed and abide with us as we return to your service. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.