Daily Readings - Sat Oct 14 2017
Joel
12"Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side.13Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow- so great is their wickedness!"14Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.15The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine.16The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.17"Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her.18"In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the LORD's house and will water the valley of acacias.19But Egypt will be desolate, Edom a desert waste, because of violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.20Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations.21Their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, I will pardon." The LORD dwells in Zion!
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about God’s judgment, restoration, and the true nature of blessedness. The first reading from Joel paints a vivid picture of the Day of the Lord, a time of reckoning for the nations. Joel describes a valley of judgment where God will sit in judgment, separating the wicked from the righteous. Yet, amidst this imagery of judgment, there is also a promise of restoration. Joel envisions a future where Jerusalem is holy, and the land flows with abundance, symbolizing God’s ultimate plan to renew and restore creation. This passage reminds us that God’s justice is not merely punitive but is tied to His desire to bring life and flourishing to His people.
The Gospel reading from Luke shifts our focus to the nature of true blessedness. A woman from the crowd praises Jesus’ mother, but Jesus redirects her attention. He says, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” This exchange highlights that true blessedness is not found in physical relationships or earthly ties but in a deep, spiritual connection to God. Jesus is not dismissing the importance of family, but He is emphasizing that our ultimate fulfillment comes from living in accordance with God’s will. This teaching challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that our lives are rooted in faith and obedience to God’s word.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Joel’s vision of judgment and restoration calls us to consider how we align our lives with God’s justice and mercy. Are we living in a way that reflects His love and care for all people? The Gospel reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment come from a life of faith and obedience. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I hearing and keeping God’s word? Am I trusting in His plan, even when the path is uncertain? May we find our hope and strength in the Lord, knowing that He is our refuge and our guide, both now and forever.