Daily Readings - Tue Nov 24 2020
Revelation
14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Luke
5And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,6As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.7And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?8And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of judgment, perseverance, and trust in God's plan. In the first reading from Revelation, we encounter a vivid vision of the end times, where a figure on a cloud harvests the earth with a sickle, and angels execute God's judgment. This imagery, while dramatic, reminds us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, separating good from evil. The second reading from Luke presents Jesus warning his disciples about the destruction of the temple and the challenges of the end times. He cautions against false prophets and advises steadfastness amidst turmoil, emphasizing that these events, though unsettling, are not the end but part of a larger divine plan.
Both readings, though differing in style, share common themes of judgment and the necessity of faith. Revelation's apocalyptic imagery symbolizes God's ultimate triumph, while Luke's passage offers practical wisdom on navigating life's uncertainties. Together, they remind us to stay vigilant and rooted in our faith, trusting that God's plan unfolds even amidst chaos.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain steadfast and discerning. We are to trust in God's justice and plan, even when faced with challenges. The moral lesson here is one of trust and perseverance—keeping our focus on God amidst life's turmoil, ensuring our actions and hearts are aligned with His will.