Daily Readings - Tue Sep 28 2021
Zechariah
20Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:21And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.22Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Luke
51And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,52And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.53And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.54And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?55But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.56For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound messages that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Zechariah 8:20-23 paints a vivid picture of a future where people from all nations gather in Jerusalem, united by their quest to seek the Lord. This vision emphasizes a time of unity and hope, where God's presence among His people attracts the world. The Gospel from Luke 9:51-56 presents Jesus resolutely journeying to Jerusalem, only to face rejection by the Samaritans. When his disciples suggest retaliation, Jesus gently rebukes them, affirming his mission of salvation over destruction.
The context of Zechariah's prophecy is set in a time of rebuilding and hope for the Israelites, encouraging them to trust in God's future blessings. Luke's narrative, on the other hand, highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of rejection. Both readings underscore the importance of seeking God and responding to adversity with grace.
These passages remind us to embrace unity and compassion in our daily lives. Just as Zechariah envisions people from all nations coming together, we should strive to create inclusive communities. Like Jesus, we must respond to rejection with love rather than anger. Let us seek God with others and reflect His love in all our interactions, trusting in His plan of salvation.