Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – September 29, 2016

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Today’s readings: Esther 7:1–10; Acts 19:11–20; Luke 4:14–30

We often hear about the spirit of an age. In all times, there seems to be a prevailing influence in a culture. It is usually connected to the most powerful or at least the loudest voice at a given time. No one would have thought that Esther’s voice would have been heard over Ahasuerus’ advisor, Haman. Surely, Sceva, the high priest, and his seven family magicians amazed the crowds with their power. Faithful people must have thought that evil was the spirit of their ages.

The Power of all the Ages is prevailing even in such dark times. Following on the heels of Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21-22) and his testing in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13), he returns to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit.” After his crucifixion and resurrection, a time that could have seemed dark indeed, all might have appeared lost. Yet God kept doing extraordinary things and his word “continued to increase and prevail mightily.”

The Spirit of the Ages is always present and prevailing—even when times seem darkest and when all seems lost. That is the time for faith and for devoted action on the part of faithful people.

Prayer: Lord, give us the vision to fix our eyes on you, especially when our days seem dark and desperate. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Advance, NC, and Communications Coordinator for the NALC.

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Tomorrow’s readings: Esther 8:1–8, 15–17; Acts 19:21–41; Luke 4:31–37

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