The Daily Office for August 29, 2012
Scriptures
Job 7:1-21
Acts 10:1-16
John 7:1-13
Reading (Psalm 12)
Reflection
The theme of Psalm 12 is living a godly life in a godless environment. Here we see the contrast between the vain words of people and the pure words of God. While the words of humans are vanity, the words of God are purity; while others speak with flattering tongues, God speaks with tested lips.
The words of God and the Word of God have passed through the furnace of persecution, philosophical dispute, scientific reasoning, and literary criticism; but they have not lost one ounce of their purity. God preserves and keeps those who are oppressed and needy because He keeps His word. Even when the wicked walk on every side, as a result of corrupt men and women being in positions of authority, we may still trust the Word of God, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love Him (Romans 8:28).
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who called your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of your Son in birth and death: strengthen us by your grace that, as he suffered for the truth, so we may boldly resist corruption and vice and receive with him the unfading crown of glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.