Daily Readings - Sun Dec 02 2018

¹⁴Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.¹⁵In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.¹⁶In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

1 Thessalonians

Chapter 3

¹²And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:¹³To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Chapter 4

¹Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.²For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

Luke

Chapter 21

²⁵And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;²⁶Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.²⁷And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.²⁸And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.³⁴And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.³⁵For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.³⁶Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Sermon

In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, preparation, and vigilance as we await the Lord's return. The Prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise of justice and redemption, symbolized by a shoot from David—Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us of the enduring hope that God's promises bring, even in uncertain times. The Second Reading from 1 Thessalonians encourages us to live lives of love and holiness, abounding in charity and pleasing God as we wait for the Lord's return. It emphasizes the importance of moral living and being prepared, highlighting our responsibility to live in a way that reflects our faith. The Gospel from Luke vividly describes the end times, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful. It cautions against being weighed down by worldly concerns, reminding us to stay alert and focused on our spiritual lives. Together, these readings remind us to live with hope, preparing for the future by staying grounded in our faith and being ready to stand before the Son of Man. As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises, live with moral integrity, and remain vigilant. Let us embrace the hope of redemption, live with purpose, and stay spiritually alert, ever ready to meet our Lord. May we find strength in prayer and live in anticipation of His return, trusting in His plan for us.