Daily Readings - Wed Dec 14 2022
Isaiah
6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.8Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.18For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.22Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Luke
19And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?20When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?21And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.22Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.23And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. The passage from Isaiah emphasizes God's uniqueness as the creator and savior, urging all ends of the earth to turn to Him. It reassures us of His presence and plan, especially during times of uncertainty. The Gospel from Luke presents a moment of doubt from John the Baptist, who, despite his imprisonment and questioning, receives affirmation through Jesus' miracles, which fulfill the prophecies of old.
These readings connect in their themes of trust and fulfillment. Isaiah's words, spoken during Israel's exile, remind us of God's enduring presence and plan. Luke's narrative shows Jesus affirming His identity through His works, reinforcing faith amidst doubt. Together, they call us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances are challenging.
In our daily lives, let us recognize God's presence in our struggles and trust His plan. As we navigate uncertainties, may we look for signs of His work around us. Let us draw strength from the knowledge that God's promises are fulfilled in His time, and may we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in His providence and love.