Daily Readings - Sun Jan 09 2022
Isaiah
1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.3A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.4Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."9Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!"10Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.11He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Titus
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,5he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,7so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Luke
15As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ,16John answered them all, saying, "I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
Sermon
The readings today weave together themes of preparation, grace, and divine love, guiding us to reflect on our spiritual journey. Isaiah 40 offers a message of hope and consolation, urging us to prepare our hearts for the Lord's coming, much like clearing a path through a wilderness. This prophecy not only foretells the Messiah's arrival but also calls us to spiritual readiness, emphasizing that God's glory will be revealed to all.
Titus 2 and 3 build on this by highlighting the transformative power of God's grace. We are instructed to live virtuous lives, not through our own efforts, but through the mercy and regeneration brought by the Holy Spirit. This grace renews us, making us heirs of eternal life, reminding us that our salvation is a gift, not something earned.
In Luke 3, the narrative shifts to the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy through John the Baptist and Jesus. John's humility and recognition of his role as a precursor to Jesus illustrate the importance of acknowledging our place in God's plan. Jesus' baptism, with the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, confirms His divine mission and God's pleasure in Him.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace a life of preparation and openness to God's grace. Just as John prepared the way, we too can clear paths for the Lord in our hearts and communities. By living with humility and virtue, we reflect God's love and participate in His plan. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's grace, prepare your heart, and live with hope, knowing His glory will be revealed in our lives.