Daily Readings - Fri Sep 27 2019
Haggai
1On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:2"Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them,3'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing?4But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD. 'Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the LORD Almighty.5'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'6"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.7I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty.8'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty.9'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."
Luke
18Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?"19They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."20"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God."21Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.22And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter themes of hope and recognition, guiding us to trust in God's plan and embrace our faith in Jesus Christ.
First, in Haggai, the prophet addresses the post-exilic community, who, despite their efforts to rebuild the Temple, feel discouraged by its humble state compared to the past. Haggai reassures them with a message of hope: God is present, and the future glory of the Temple will surpass its former splendor. This promise is fulfilled in the Messiah, who brings peace and fills the Temple with His presence.
In Luke, Jesus asks His disciples to recognize His true identity. Peter's confession, "You are the Christ of God," marks a pivotal moment in their understanding of Jesus' mission. However, this recognition comes with the revelation of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus' journey to the cross underscores the necessity of enduring trials for the redemption of humanity.
These readings connect through their emphasis on hope and recognition. Haggai's message of future glory aligns with the ultimate glory revealed in Jesus' resurrection. Peter's confession highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, which strengthens our commitment to His mission. In our daily lives, when faced with challenges, we can draw strength from these teachings. Trusting in God's plan, even amidst struggles, leads us to the hope of redemption and the promise of eternal life. Recognizing Jesus as our Savior, we embrace both the challenges and the promises of His mission, knowing that through faith and commitment, we find true purpose and peace.