Daily Readings - Wed Dec 15 2021
Isaiah
6so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.7I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.8"You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it.18For this is what the LORD says- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other.21Declare what is to be, present it- let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.22"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.23By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.24They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.'" All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.25But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.
Luke
19he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"20When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'"21At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.22So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey from the Old Testament's declaration of God's sovereignty to the New Testament's fulfillment of His plan in Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah proclaims God's uniqueness and omnipotence, emphasizing that He alone is the creator and savior, calling all to turn to Him for salvation. This declaration is a reminder to Israel, amidst their trials, of God's enduring plan and power.
In the Gospel of Luke, we find John the Baptist, uncertain and doubting Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Jesus responds not with words of reassurance but through actions—miracles that demonstrate His divine authority. He heals the sick, restores sight to the blind, and preaches to the poor, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah. Jesus' response is an invitation to trust in God's plan, even when clarity is elusive.
These readings encourage us to embrace faith amidst uncertainty. Just as John faced doubt, we too may question God's presence in our lives. Yet, the readings remind us to seek signs of God's work around us and to trust in His unfolding plan. Let us recognize God's sovereignty and find comfort in knowing His plan is always at work, even when we cannot fully see it. May we trust in His divine plan and remain open to His work in our lives.