Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – November 2, 2016

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Today’s readings: Nahum 1:1-14; Revelation 12:1-6; Luke 11:37-52

In our reading, Jesus delivers what are called “Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers.” He warns them about their dishonesty and the way they neglected what God wanted them to do. Jesus was not easy on the “preachers.”

Long ago, Reinhold Niebuhr, one of the great theologians of this past century, spoke to a group of potential seminarians. He urged them to go into ministry only if they lost the battle to stay out.

He spoke about the woes of the world, racism, poverty, injustice, and the hope of God for human decency and love in the midst of the world. It is still true today. We are called by God into the world to bring hope and love.

The “woe” passage reminds us—both lay and clergy—that ministry in the name of Jesus is not easy. It calls us to be faithful regardless of the cost.

Prayer: Lord, grant me wisdom, courage, and strength to serve you this day with love and steadfast determination. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Thomas W. Corbell, Pastor of  Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in Statesville, NC.

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