Daily Readings - Sun Nov 28 2021

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 expectation, moral living, and preparedness. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of a future time when God will fulfill His promise to Israel and Judah, bringing justice and restoration through a messianic figure. This message of hope is set against the backdrop of exile, offering comfort to a people in despair. The second reading from Thessalonians encourages believers to live in a way that pleases God, abounding in love and maintaining moral integrity as they await the return of the Lord. The Gospel from Luke, part of Jesus' Olivet discourse, urges vigilance and prayer as signs of the end times unfold, reminding us to stay alert and prepared for the Lord's coming. Each reading, though distinct, weaves together a narrative of expectation and readiness. Jeremiah's prophecy points to the hope of justice and restoration, while Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life as we anticipate the Lord's return. Luke's passage, with its imagery of cosmic signs and the urgency to remain vigilant, underscores the need for constant prayer and mindfulness. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is rooted in hope and that our actions should reflect our commitment to living according to God's will. As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to cultivate hope, live with integrity, and remain prayerful. Let us trust in God's promises, striving to love more deeply and live more justly. May we approach each day with the readiness of those who know that our redemption is near, trusting in God's plan and living faithfully in His grace.