Daily Readings - Sat Oct 12 2019
Joel
12Let them arise and ascend to the valley of Jehoshaphat. For there I will sit, so as to judge all the nations of the world13Send forth the sickles, because the harvest has matured. Advance and descend, for the press is full, the pressing room is overflowing. For their malice has been increasing14Nations, nations in the valley of being cut to pieces: for the day of the Lord fittingly takes place in the valley of being cut to pieces15The sun and the moon have been darkened, and the stars have withdrawn their splendor16And the Lord will roar from Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem. And the heavens and the earth will be moved. And the Lord will be the hope of his people and the strength of the sons of Israel17And you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem will be holy, and strangers will not cross through it anymore18And it will happen, in that day, that the mountains will drip sweetness, and the hills will flow with milk. And the waters will pass through all the rivers of Judah. And a fountain will go forth from the house of the Lord, and it will irrigate the desert of thorns19Egypt will be in desolation, and Edom will be a wilderness destroyed, because of what they have unfairly done to the sons of Judah, and because they have shed innocent blood in their land20And Judea will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem for generation upon generation21And I will cleanse their blood, which I had not cleansed. And the Lord will remain in Zion
Sermon
In today’s readings, we journey through themes of judgment, restoration, and the true nature of blessedness. The passage from Joel paints a vivid picture of God’s judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat, where nations are gathered to face divine reckoning. Amidst the turmoil, God’s presence brings hope to His people, culminating in a vision of restoration where the land flourishes, and His house becomes a fountain of life. This prophecy underscores God’s balance of justice and mercy, reminding us that His judgment leads to renewal.
In Luke, Jesus shifts the focus from physical lineage to spiritual obedience. When a woman praises His mother, Jesus emphasizes that true blessedness comes not from fleshly ties but from hearing and keeping God’s word. This teaching, set amidst Jesus’ ministry, highlights the importance of living according to divine will.
Together, these passages invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. Joel’s prophecy and Jesus’ teaching converge on the necessity of obedience. Just as Joel’s restoration follows judgment, our obedience to God’s word paves the way for experiencing His presence and hope. In daily life, this means prioritizing spiritual practices and aligning our actions with God’s teachings. By doing so, we find true blessedness—a state of grace that transcends earthly challenges, offering hope and renewal. Let us embrace this call to obedience, allowing God’s word to guide us toward a life of purpose and peace.