Advent: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 8:1-14

We see the Lord speak judgment against His people. Why? What had the done wrong? How had they failed? How had they not done what they should have done? This judgement is pronounced over the way they treated each other, over the way they treated the poor, the needy, the sick, they soar. They had not shown God's mercy to all, they had robbed, they had stolen, they had abused.

Perhaps Christianity, in the end, in not shown by the words we say, the music we listen to, the shirts we wear. Perhaps, in the end, Christianity is shown by the way that we treat each other.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:17-2:7

The constant message of Revelation is heard for the first time in this passage - do not be afraid. Do not fear. Revelation reminds us over and over again, that not matter what happens, God is at work. God is doing something. Something good, and something for God's glory, it will come out of this. God is at work in all things. Do not fear. God is with us, and God is at work.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus tells us not to seek praise - but instead to serve. Let's not be about tooting our own horns, lets not about about showing off, let's not be about showing everyone how great and awesome we are. Let's serve. Let's serve God and let's serve our neighbor. That's what we are called to be about, that's who we are called to be.