Daily Readings - Sun Aug 25 2019
Isaiah
18"For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,19and I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.20And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the LORD, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the LORD, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD.21And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the LORD.
Hebrews
5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.12Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Luke
22He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.23And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them,24"Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.25When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.'26Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'27But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!'28In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out.29And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of God's universal invitation and the commitment required to follow His path. Isaiah envisions a future where all nations are gathered together, emphasizing God's inclusive plan for salvation. This vision is not just a distant hope but a call to action, urging us to embrace the diversity of God's people and recognize the universal scope of His mercy.
Hebrews complements this by discussing the role of discipline in our spiritual journey. It highlights that trials and challenges, though difficult, are part of God's loving plan to refine us. This discipline helps us grow in holiness and perseverance, essential for staying on the narrow path Jesus speaks about in Luke.
In Luke's Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of entering through the narrow gate, warning that not all who think they are included will be. This serves as a call to sincerity and commitment in our faith, reminding us that true discipleship requires dedication and a willingness to live according to God's will.
As we reflect on these readings, we are challenged to live our faith with sincerity and perseverance. We must remain open to the universal call of God's love while enduring trials with patience, knowing they strengthen our character. Let us strive to walk the narrow path with commitment, ensuring our actions reflect our faith. The moral lesson here is clear: God's invitation is universal, but it demands our dedicated response, lived out in love and perseverance.