The Daily Office for February 19, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 148
Proverbs 26:1-23
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Luke 9:18-27
Reading (Proverbs 26:1-23)
Reflection
In our Old Testament reading today from Proverbs we find in verses 13-16 a cautionary message for the lazy. The lazy person, or sluggard, is ingenious in the inventing of excuses for his or her continued indolence. Their ability to rationalize is well-cultivated, and they will be the last to see the error of their ways. They never think of themselves as lazy, but rather as realists. Something bad could happen, they think (vs. 13), if they go out into the streets and so they reason it is best to stay at home. They never think of themselves as self-indulgent, but simply as a slow starter in the morning (vs. 14). The slightest exertion is a sorrow to them (vs. 15) and they defend their world view against everyone else. In fact even the disgust of others leaves them unaffected.
While the Bible never states that God helps those who help themselves, as many believe, it does caution (especially in Proverbs) against being lazy. It's easy to see these traits in others but we should always be about the work of the Kingdom and not hoping others will take our place on the front lines of furthering the cause of Christ.
Collect for the Day
Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.