Ordinary Time: Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Micah 1:1-9

Micah begins God's judgement against Israel. This was the northern kingdom that began not long after the death of Solomon. Judgement will come against Israel and Samaria will be destroyed. Most of us know the town of Samaria because that is where the Samaritans lived in the New Testament. At this point in the Old Testament, Samaria was just the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel.

And, this city would be destroyed because of the sins of the people. They thought they had build a strong kingdom, but in reality, it was weak and dieing because they had turned from the Lord. When they turned from God, regardless of what the outside appearances were, they doom was sealed.

So is it for us. Regardless of how things look on the outside, if inwardly we have turned from God, we aer setting our lives up to fail. God brought judgement against His chosen people. Why do we not believe that He would bring judgement against us. The old hymn reminds us to "turn your eyes upon Jesus." Today, may we turn towards Him, and in that, find our salvation.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 23:12-24

We see the journey of Paul continue in this passage. God was working all of this out to get him to Rome, where he would preach in the most powerful town, most important city of Paul's day. The Lord was bringing him to that point to be where He needed Paul to be.

Sometimes in our lives, we may be unsure why things are happening as they are; what God's great plan in all of this may be. In those times, hold on. Remember, all things work to the good of those that love Jesus and are called according to His name (Romans 8: 28). Know that God is working in your life, bringing you to the point you need to be for His glory and His plan.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 7:1-17

We see that for many, they did not believe until after they had seen the miracles that Jesus performed. But, Jesus told Thomas after the Resurrection, blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe (John 20: 29). Today, we often want to see things before we believe. Sometimes, that happens. But, other times, we have to believe first, and then we see. The Word reminds us that we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Today, spend more time believing, and you will see. If you must see first, you might not see what you want. But, if you first have faith, first believe, first know in you heart, you will see miracles every day. Today, blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe.