Daily Readings - Sat Oct 12 2019
Joel
12Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.13Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness 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 shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.16The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.17So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.18And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.19Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.20But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.21For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth 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.