Pastor's Notes

One of my favorite stories from Scottish history tells about a Protestant girl apearing before her Catholic Queen to plead for the life of her father. As a prominent leader of the Reformation, he was sentenced to be beheaded. The Queen, however, offered a pardon if only her father would recant his Protestantism. Without hesitation, the daughter replied, "I'd rather have his head in my lap."

The story underlines not only Presbyterian commitment, but also our rebellious nature when faced with authority. Presbyterians accept the fact that someone has to be in charge, but we're seldom intimidated by those who have that position. Our readings today point to the power of God to guide and inspire God's people. Implied in those incidents is the presence of countervailing forces in the world: false prophets, demons, and a skeptical audience. Thus, we read scripture and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, trusting that grace will lead us.

David