Lost and Found

"But now we must celebrate and rejoice, 

because your brother was dead and has come to life again; 

he was lost and has been found.’” 

LUKE 15:32

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most well-known parables of Jesus. It is often interpreted as illustrating God’s forgiveness and the joy in heaven over a sinner who repents. The father’s compassionate welcome of his repentant son is seen as a metaphor for God’s forgiveness of sinners. No matter how far we stray, we are always welcomed back. The father’s joyous reception of his wayward son demonstrates God’s boundless love. The younger son’s hardships began when he demanded his inheritance prematurely. This underscores the importance of patience and trusting in God’s timing. He realizes his mistakes and decides to return home, hoping for forgiveness. This teaches us about the importance of acknowledging our wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness. The older son’s reaction to his brother’s return reveals the destructive power of jealousy and resentment. It’s a reminder to rejoice in others’ redemption rather than harboring negative feelings. We are all considered children of God regardless of our sins.

1 Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, 2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So to them Jesus addressed this parable. 11 “A man had two sons, 12 and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. 14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. 16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. 17 Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. 25 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. 27 The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. 30 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ 31 He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. 32 But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’” (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)

In the grand tapestry of life, woven so wide, each thread a soul, in God's love, we confide. Regardless of our sins, our missteps and falls, we are His children, He hears our calls. In His divine kingdom, no doors are closed, to His loving embrace, no child is opposed. Though we may falter, and from His path, we veer, His call remains constant, His message clear. "You are all my children," so says the Divine, "Lost in the wilderness, or in righteousness, you shine. Despite your sins, your soul, I never disown for you are my child, to me, you are known." So let us remember, in our darkest hour when weighed down by guilt, losing our power, we are all considered children of God, so grand, guided by His love, by His merciful hand.

Dear Heavenly Father, in the quiet of our hearts, we come to You acknowledging that we are Your children, in all that we do. Despite our sins, our missteps, and our falls, You embrace us as Your own, answering our calls. You see not just our actions, but our hearts' intent, Your love for us, unchanging, never spent. Regardless of our sins, our failings, and our strife, we remain Your children, in this life. Help us to remember, in our darkest hour, that we are Your children, blessed with Your power. Help us to seek Your forgiveness, to make a fresh start, knowing we are Your children, held close to Your heart. In Jesus' most holy name, we pray, Amen.

God does not remain angry forever but delights in showing divine care, forgiveness, mercy, faithfulness, compassion, and in showing steadfast love. Casting of sins into the sea is a metaphor for complete forgiveness and forgetting of wrongdoings. No matter the sin or guilt, God has the capacity to pardon and cleanse the individual. God may be displeased with our actions at times, His anger is not everlasting. It gives way to forgiveness and mercy. Clemency refers to mercy or leniency. God takes pleasure in showing mercy to His people, rather than punishing them. Despite any transgressions, despite human failings, God will continue to show compassion, offer love and mercy. This understanding of God provides comfort and hope to many believers. 

14 Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, that dwells apart in a woodland, in the midst of Carmel. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old; 15 As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt, show us wonderful signs. 18 Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, 19 and will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt? You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins; 20 you will show faithfulness to Jacob, and grace to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from days of old. (Micah 7:14-15, 18-20)

In the vast expanse of the celestial sphere, a divine presence, we hold so dear. Anger, a fleeting shadow in His divine light, His love, the eternal day that ends our night. God, in His mercy, a forgiving dove does not remain angry, but radiates love. He washes away guilt, makes the sinner pure, in His divine care, we find a cure. Forgiveness, a gift, He freely gives, in His mercy, our spirit lives. Faithfulness, a promise, never undone, steadfast as the journey of the sun. Compassion, His nature, in abundance flows, in His love, the flower of hope grows. Steadfast love, a river, forever deep, in His grace, He shepherds His sheep. So let us rejoice in His divine art for God delights in the merciful heart. His love, a beacon in the star-studded sky, a testament that He hears every cry.

Dear Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we come to You acknowledging Your divine care, so faithful and true. You do not remain angry, but delight in grace, in Your presence, we find our sacred space. Your forgiveness washes over us like a cleansing tide, in Your mercy, we find a place to confide. You pardon our sins, remove our guilt, in Your love, our lives are built. Your faithfulness is a beacon in the night, guiding us with its unwavering light. Your compassion, like a comforting balm, in the midst of storms, brings a soothing calm. You show steadfast love, unchanging and pure, in Your promise, we find security sure. You cast our sins into the sea, in Your forgiveness, we are set free. So we pray, O God, in Jesus' holy name, help us to love others, do the same. To show divine care, forgiveness, and love, as You do for us, from Heaven above. Amen.

God does not deal with us according to our sins or repay us according to our wrongdoings. He will not always rebuke or keep His anger forever. The vast distance between the heavens and the earth is a metaphor for God’s immense kindness towards those who fear Him. Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. Acknowledge His mercy, compassion, and righteousness.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. 3 He pardons all your iniquities; he heals all your ills. 4 He redeems your life from destruction; he crowns you with kindness and compassion. 9 He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. 10 Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12)

In the realm where divine justice reigns, where love's river forever flows and never wanes, God gazes upon us, His creations so dear, not through the lens of sin, but with love clear. He does not deal with us as our sins dictate, nor repays us for wrongs, small or great. His justice is tempered by mercy divine, in His court, love's the only line. Rebuke and anger, they may come, like a storm under the setting sun. But remember, His anger will not last, it fades away, like shadows the daylight has cast. For God is love, and love is kind, in Him, forgiveness we always find. He does not keep His anger, nor lets it stay, like night giving way to the break of day. So take heart and in His love, believe for His mercy, we always receive. God does not deal with us according to our sins, in His love, everyone wins.

Dear Heavenly Father, in the quiet of our hearts, we acknowledge Your divine mercy, You do not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us for our folly. Your love is greater than our transgressions, Your forgiveness our holy treasury. You are slow to anger, abounding in love, Your patience is our sanctuary, You do not rebuke us without end, nor keep Your anger eternally. In Your wisdom, You correct us gently, guiding us to live righteously. We thank You for Your compassion, Your love that sets us free, for not treating us as our sins deserve, for lifting our guilt effortlessly. Your mercy is as vast as the heavens, Your love deeper than the sea. Help us to walk in Your ways, to reflect Your love in our journey, to forgive as You forgive, to love as You love unconditionally. For You are our God, our Redeemer, our strength and our surety. In Jesus most holy name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP / THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON

Luke 15:1-10 / 11-32

III: Admonition

CONDEMNATION AND PRAYER

Micah 7:1-20

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

PRAISE OF DIVINE GOODNESS

Psalm 103:1-22

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Edge

Let the Children be Fed First

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. 

For it is not right to take the food of the children 

and throw it to the dogs.” 

MARK 7:27

The Lord heals you regardless of who you are and what you are. He sees your pain and your scars, and He loves you from afar. He knows your past and your present, and He has a plan for your future. He does not judge you by your appearance, but by your faith and your character. The Lord heals you regardless of what you have done and what you have not. He forgives your sins and your faults, and He gives you a new start. He hears your prayers and your cries, and He answers in His time. He does not abandon you in your trials, but He walks with you by your side. The Lord heals you regardless of where you are and where you are going. He meets you in your place and your moment, and He guides you with His wisdom. He blesses you with His grace and His power, and He protects you with His arm. He does not leave you alone in your journey, but He carries you in His heart.

Pray and intercede for the people you love for they are precious gifts from above. They need your support and your care and they need to know that you are always there. They face many challenges and troubles, they need your wisdom and your guidance, they need to feel your peace and your presence. They need your encouragement and your affirmation. They need to see your hope and your vision. They are part of God's family and plan. They need your blessing and your grace. They need to experience your joy and your faith.

24 Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. 25 Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 28 She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” 29 Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. (Mark 7:24-30)

There are always dire consequences of sin for it separates us from God and His will. It leads us to darkness and despair, it brings us pain and suffering. Sin corrupts us from within and without, makes us selfish and rebellious, and blinds us to the truth and grace. It affects us and those around us, causes harm and destruction and it spreads like a deadly virus.  But there is also a way out of it. It is through the cross of Jesus Christ. It is by His blood and sacrifice.

Always keep and obey the Lord's covenant and statutes for they are the source of life and blessing. They reveal His character and His will and they teach us how to love and serve Him. They are the standard of righteousness and holiness. They convict us of our sin and our ne.ed. They point us to His mercy and forgiveness. They are the guide for our journey and our destination. They instruct us in wisdom and understanding. They lead us to His presence and His kingdom

4 When Solomon was old his wives had turned his heart to strange gods, and his heart was not entirely with the Lord, his God, as the heart of his father David had been. 5 By adoring Astarte, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Milcom, the idol of the Ammonites, 6 Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not follow him unreservedly as his father David had done. 7 Solomon then built a high place to Chemosh, the idol of Moab, and to Molech, the idol of the Ammonites, on the hill opposite Jerusalem. 8 He did the same for all his foreign wives who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 9 The Lord, therefore, became angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 10 (for though the Lord had forbidden him this very act of following strange gods, Solomon had not obeyed him). 11 So the Lord said to Solomon: “Since this is what you want, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes which I enjoined on you, I will deprive you of the kingdom and give it to your servant. 12 I will not do this during your lifetime, however, for the sake of your father David; it is your son whom I will deprive. 13 Nor will I take away the whole kingdom. I will leave your son one tribe for the sake of my servant David and of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.” (1 Kings 11:4-13)

Observe what is right, do always what is just for this is the way of the Lord and His trust, the path of peace and happiness, and the witness of our faith and our hope. He commands us to love Him our one true God alone and our neighbor. He expects us to act with integrity and honor. 

3 Blessed are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just. 4 Remember me, O Lord, as you favor your people; visit me with your saving help. (R) 35 But they mingled with the nations and learned their works. 36 They served their idols, which became a snare for them. (R) 37 They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. 40 And the Lord grew angry with his people, and abhorred his inheritance. (Psalm 106:3-4, 35-36, 37, 40)

Lord Jesus, You are my divine healer. Please heal me and make me whole. My faith and well-being is at the palm of Your hands. Thank You so much for granting Your grace, favor, and blessings regardless of who I am and what I am because of Your unconditional love for me, dying for me in the cross so that I may be saved. I humbly pray for all Your children who are most in need of healing. You know all our pains and scars, our present and our future. Keep us all close to Your heart and embrace us with Your love and comfort. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN'S FAITH

Mark 7:24-30

I: The Reign of Solomon

THE SINS OF SOLOMON

1 Kings 11:1-43

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

ISRAEL'S CONFESSION OF SIN

Psalm 106:1-48

Abba, Father!

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery

 to fall back into fear, 

but you received a spirit of adoption, 

through which we cry, 

“Abba, Father!” 

Romans 8:15

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God. - Galatians 4:4-7

Abba Father, you are my God and my King, the creator of everything, the giver of every good thing, the lover of my soul and my spirit. You are my Father and my Friend, the one who knows me and understands, the one who cares for me and provides, the one who leads me and guides. You are my Master and my Teacher, the one who shapes me and makes me better, the one who instructs me and corrects me, the one who empowers me and directs me. You are my God and my King, the one I worship and praise, the one I love and obey, the one I trust and follow. You are my Abba Father.

Holy Spirit, only You can remove my sinful nature and bring me to the holiness that I seek. Thank You so much for Your hands that truly works for good in me. Today, I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name that You work Your way in me. Restore me to the fullness of life with sound mind, body, and spirit. I claim my right as child of God in Christ Jesus to inherit the vast riches of His glorious kingdom. Praise be to God our Father in whom all came to be through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Pericope:

V: Justification and the Christian Life

CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH ADOPTION

Romans 8:14-17

GOD'S FREE CHILDREN IN CHRIST

Galatians 4:1-7

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Published:

October 30, 2023, 9:51 AM

October 28, 2015, 10:08 AM

Born for a Purpose

"He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah 

to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient 

to the understanding of the righteous, 

to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 

LUKE 1:17

Everyone is born for a purpose, and that purpose is ultimately related to God, who created us and loves us. God has a plan and a purpose for each person, and that He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Each of us has a unique role and contribution to make in this world, and that we can discover and fulfill our purpose by following our passions, talents, and values. You can find inspiration and guidance from other people who have lived purposeful lives, such as biblical characters, historical figures, or role models.

Angel Gabriel’s announced to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, about the role and mission of his son. John the Baptist was the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, the Messiah, by preaching repentance and baptism. John the Baptist has a similar ministry and character as Elijah, the Old Testament prophet who performed miracles and confronted the idolatry of his time. "To prepare a people fit for the Lord”, John the Baptist would help people to recognize their sinfulness and their need for God’s forgiveness and grace, which would be fulfilled in Jesus.

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” (Luke 1:5-25)

To be consecrated to God means to be set apart for His service, to be devoted to His purpose, and to be sanctified by His grace. It is a way of living that honors and glorifies God in everything we do. A life dedicated to obeying God’s will and fulfilling His plan. As the Lord said, "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you" (Leviticus 20:7-8). Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2:).

There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’” The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him; the Spirit of the Lord first stirred. (Judges 13:2-7, 24-25)

God formed each person in His image and likeness, and that He has a purpose and a plan for every life (Genesis 1:26-27) (Jeremiah 29:11). God formed you with love and care, and He knows everything about you, even the number of hairs on your head (Psalm 139:13-16) (Matthew 10:30).

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety; for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:3-4, 5-6, 16-17)

God Formed Me. He gave me His breath of life, made me a living soul, and filled me with His light. God formed me with His hands, He shaped me with His skill, molded me with His wisdom, and fashioned me with His will. God formed me with His love, He cherished me with His heart, blessed me with His grace, He set me apart. God formed me with His care, He watched me with His eyes, guided me with His voice, and protected me with His might.

Lord, You have  a plan for my life. I believe that I was born for a purpose, not by chance or fate, but by Your own design and grace. You have a role for me to play. I was born not to wander or waste but to grow and serve. You have a promise for me to claim. I was born not to fear or doubt but to trust and obey. You have a glory for me to reflect. I was born not to live for myself

But to live for You.

I am consecrated to You O God. You have set me apart for Your glory, called me by Your grace and has chosen me for Your story. You have cleansed me by Your blood, renewed me by Your Spirit, and transformed me by Your Word. Thank You so much for empowering me with Your strength and entrusting me with Your mission.

Help me to always be fit for You O Lord not just in body, but in soul and spirit, to love You with all my heart and follow Your perfect will. To know You with all my understanding and worship You in truth, not just in words, but in deeds. To serve You with all my strength and glorify You in all I do. May I always live with You in Your presence and enjoy You forevermore. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:5-25

II: Stories of the Judges

THE BIRTH OF SAMSON

Judges 13:1-25

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

PRAYER IN TIME OF OLD AGE

Psalm 71:1-24

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Revealed to the Childlike

 "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, 

for although you have hidden these things 

from the wise and the learned 

you have revealed them to the childlike."

LUKE 10:21

God’s gracious will is revealed to us through His word, His Spirit, and His son Jesus Christ. His wisdom and grace are not accessible to those who are proud, arrogant, or self-reliant, but to those who are humble, simple, and trusting like children. 

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Luke 10:21-24)

God is kind, compassionate, and generous to us, even though we do not deserve it. He has a plan and purpose for our lives, and He wants to bless us and help us grow in His love. We need to have a personal relationship with God as our Father, and not just a theoretical or intellectual knowledge of Him. Developing a personal relationship with God is a lifelong journey that involves faith, love, and obedience. 

On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and His delight shall be the fear of the Lord. Not by appearance shall He judge, nor by hearsay shall He decide, but He shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around His waist, and faithfulness a belt upon His hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for His dwelling shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:1-10)

This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of David and the Savior of the world. The bud that blossoms from his roots represents the fruitfulness and glory of the Messiah, who will be filled with God’s Spirit and rule with justice and peace. 

To govern and rule with justice means to exercise authority and power in a way that is fair, righteous, accountable and respectful of the rights and dignity of all people. It also means to follow and uphold the rule of law, which is a system of laws, institutions, norms and community commitment that delivers just law, open government and accessible and impartial justice to people. To govern and rule with justice is a responsibility and a challenge for both the leaders and the citizens of any society.

O God, with Your judgment endow the king; and with Your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern Your people with justice and Your afflicted ones with judgment. Justice shall flower in His days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May He rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. He shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor He shall save. May His name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness. (Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17)

God’s name is ultimately revealed and glorified in Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God’s name, which represents His character and His deeds, will be blessed or exalted by all people and all nations, both now and forevermore.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

PRAISE OF THE FATHER/THE PRIVILEGES OF DISCIPLESHIP

Luke 10:21-22/23-24

II: Immanuel Prophecies

THE RULE OF IMMANUEL

Isaiah 11:1-9

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

A PRAYER FOR THE KING

Psalm 72:1-20

Reflection Source:

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HIDDEN FROM THE WISE

"I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, 

that thou hast hidden these things 

from the wise and understanding 

and revealed them to babes."

Matthew 11:25

Dear brothers and sisters, I couldn't talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life (1 Cor. 3:1). The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing (1 Cor. 2:6).

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (1 Cor. 1:20)

All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you (Is. 47:13). For it is written, "Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish" (Is. 29:14, 1 Cor. 1:19).

The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have? -- Jer. 8:19

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1:27). He foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense (Is. 44:25). Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise (1 Cor. 3:18).

"Yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will."

Matthew 11:26

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him (Jas 2:5)? We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us (1 Cor. 2:12).

"All things have been delivered to me by my Father; 

and no one knows the Son except the Father, 

and no one knows the Father except the Son 

and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Matthew 11:27

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe (1 Cor. 1:21).

Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Pt. 2:2). In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (Heb. 5:12)

Father in heaven, from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger (Ps. 8:2). Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me (Phil. 3:12). In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

"I tell you the truth, 

unless you change and become like little children, 

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:3

Published:

July 03, 2011, 8:36 AM

God has Blessed your Children

For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; 

He has blessed your children within you.

PSALM 147:13

They are children of Israel; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. (Rom 9:4-5)

Jesus said, “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” (Lk 14:5-6) But they kept silent; so He took the man and, after He had healed him, dismissed him. (Lk 14:4)

I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. (Rom 9:1-3) 

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you.  He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! (Ps 147:12-15)

He has proclaimed His word to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel. He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. (Ps 147:19-20)