Tuesday, November 30

Isaiah 1:21-31

Psalms 5, 6, 10, and 11

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Luke 20:9-18

Therefore the Lord Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah, I will get relief from my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.” Isaiah 1:24

Every year as Advent approaches I look forward to the exciting prophesies in Isaiah and the beautiful birth stories in Luke; well today’s readings are not of that ilk so they are somewhat disappointing. At first read, and I will admit second and third read, these come off rather vengeful and wrath filled. In my constant effort to find the good news, even in verses filled with thoughts of murderers, harlots, cheaters, will burn together, broken to pieces and crushed, I find God’s incredible love. He is constantly trying to redeem us.

Isaiah admits the obvious, people can and will constantly fall into sin. In Luke’s Gospel Jesus tells of how we constantly back away from what is right and fair. What these readings also tell us is that God is and will be constantly involved and constantly trying to reconcile us to him.

The precious stories of Christmas are coming, just a few more weeks. Advent is our time to ponder and struggle to live into God’s magnificent redemption.

Blessings,

Jennie Perry