Daily Readings - Wed Nov 27 2024
Revelation
1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.2And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
Luke
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.13And it shall turn to you for a testimony.14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.18But there shall not an hair of your head perish.19In your patience possess ye your souls.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with vivid imagery and profound teachings that guide us through the challenges of faith and the promise of divine triumph. The first reading from Revelation 15:1-4 offers a vision of the end times, where seven angels bear the final plagues, and the victorious stand before a sea of glass, praising God with harps and song. This apocalyptic scene, rich in symbolism, reminds us of God's ultimate judgment and the triumph of those who persevere through trials. The second reading from Luke 21:12-19 shifts focus to Jesus' words of warning to His disciples, foretelling persecution and betrayal. Yet, amidst these trials, Jesus assures them of God's presence, promising wisdom and strength to endure, with the ultimate assurance that not a hair will perish and their souls will be saved through patience.
Both readings, though distinct in context, share a common theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. Revelation, with its apocalyptic imagery, serves as a reminder of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, encouraging believers to remain steadfast. Luke's passage, part of the Olivet Discourse, is a practical guide for living through persecution, emphasizing trust in God's providence. Together, they teach us that our present struggles, though real, are part of a larger narrative where God's justice and love prevail.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace faith and perseverance. When faced with challenges, we are called to trust in God's plan, knowing that our trials have purpose. Like the disciples, we may face opposition, but we are assured of God's wisdom and strength. The moral lesson here is clear: our endurance, rooted in faith, will lead us to triumph. Let us, therefore, stand firm, trusting that God is with us, even in our darkest hours, guiding us toward ultimate victory.