Daily Readings - Sat Oct 12 2019
Joel
12Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.13Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great.14Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.15The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.16The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.17"So you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.18"And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.19"Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.20But Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations.21I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells 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.