Daily Readings - Sun Dec 01 2019
Isaiah
1The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.2And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.4And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.5O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Romans
11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Matthew
37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of readiness, peace, and living in accordance with God's will. In Isaiah, we are presented with a vision of a harmonious future where all nations gather at the mountain of the Lord, and warfare is transformed into agriculture, symbolizing peace. This vision is set against the backdrop of Judah and Jerusalem, offering hope for a messianic era. In Romans, Paul urges believers to awaken from spiritual slumber, emphasizing the nearness of salvation and the importance of living honorably, free from sin, and clothed in Christ. The Gospel from Matthew, part of the Olivet Discourse, highlights the unexpected nature of Christ's Second Coming, drawing parallels to the days of Noah and stressing the need for vigilance.
These readings are interconnected by the common thread of preparation and righteous living. Isaiah's vision inspires us to strive for a world where God's law prevails, bringing peace. Romans provides practical advice on moral living, encouraging us to shed sinful behaviors and embrace Christ. Matthew's passage underscores the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return, much like being vigilant against a thief. Together, they remind us that our spiritual readiness is paramount.
In our daily lives, this means embracing a life of purpose and virtue, avoiding complacency and sin. We are called to live with the awareness that Christ could return at any moment, prompting us to stay spiritually alert and committed to His teachings. The moral lesson here is clear: live righteously, remain vigilant, and trust in God's plan. By doing so, we not only prepare for the future but also contribute to a more peaceful and just world today.