Daily Readings - Fri Nov 25 2022
Revelation
1Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain.2And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,3and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.4Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.13And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.14Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.15And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Luke
29And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.30As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.32Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through profound visions of the end times, beginning with Revelation's depiction of cosmic struggle and ultimate renewal. The first reading describes the binding of Satan, symbolizing the temporary restraint of evil, followed by a vision of the deceased being judged based on their deeds. This transitions into a glorious new creation, where heaven and earth are reborn, and God dwells among His people. In Luke's Gospel, Jesus uses the fig tree parable to illustrate the importance of discerning signs of God's kingdom, urging vigilance and preparedness.
These passages, though distinct, share a common theme of God's ultimate triumph and the call to faithful readiness. Revelation, written to comfort persecuted early Christians, uses apocalyptic imagery to assure them of God's victory. Luke's narrative, part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, teaches the disciples to recognize the nearness of God's kingdom through observable signs. Together, they invite us to trust in God's plan and remain attentive to spiritual realities.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stay faithful amidst challenges, watchful for signs of God's presence, and trustful in His promises. The moral lesson is one of hope and vigilance, reminding us to anchor our lives in God's sovereignty. As we navigate life's uncertainties, may we find strength in the assurance of God's ultimate victory and remain steadfast in our faith, ever-prepared to embrace His eternal plan.