December 1 marks the start of Advent and actually the beginning of a new church year. In this season of Advent my focus in preaching will be on the appointed readings that come from the prophet Isaiah. He is gives us words that point to the coming of the Messiah as well as an ideal situation that God would usher in at the end of time.
The reading for this Sunday comes from Isaiah 2 that animates us with a picture of Jerusalem being the center of the Earth, where all nations would be coming to it.
"In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it." Is. 2:1-5
The people make their way to this place because they want to be taught God's ways and want to walk in God's ways. Can you imagine such a situation existing? Would that all people would come to acknowledge God and would not want anything less than to live in God's ways!
I especially like the great vision that Isaiah holds out for us: "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks." (Is. 2:4) What a scene of peace. Can you think of our weapons of warfare today - tanks, missiles, drones, - all being converted into tools for the good of the earth? What would it be like if folks only wanted peace. Let us hold onto Isaiah's words and meditate upon them during this Advent season.
You might want to read the whole text from Isaiah 2:1-5. May your reflection on this words be a blessing to you in preparation for your worship.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Do you see anything happening in our world today where many nations seem to have a singular focus to work for the good of humanity?
What might be ways that the church today could help to connect people from many walks of life and nations?
The reading for this Sunday comes from Isaiah 2 that animates us with a picture of Jerusalem being the center of the Earth, where all nations would be coming to it.
"In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it." Is. 2:1-5
The people make their way to this place because they want to be taught God's ways and want to walk in God's ways. Can you imagine such a situation existing? Would that all people would come to acknowledge God and would not want anything less than to live in God's ways!
I especially like the great vision that Isaiah holds out for us: "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks." (Is. 2:4) What a scene of peace. Can you think of our weapons of warfare today - tanks, missiles, drones, - all being converted into tools for the good of the earth? What would it be like if folks only wanted peace. Let us hold onto Isaiah's words and meditate upon them during this Advent season.
You might want to read the whole text from Isaiah 2:1-5. May your reflection on this words be a blessing to you in preparation for your worship.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Do you see anything happening in our world today where many nations seem to have a singular focus to work for the good of humanity?
What might be ways that the church today could help to connect people from many walks of life and nations?
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