Daily Readings - Wed Dec 14 2022
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 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.