Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
-Isaiah 43:18-19a (ESV)
Isaiah derives his pictures from the Red Sea event (Exod. 14) and from the wonders of that earlier wilderness journey (Exod. 15–17), but he issues an important reminder: the past can teach and illustrate but it must not bind. The Lord always has greater things in store; he is revealed in the past, but he is always more than the past revealed. -J. Alec Mother
The Collect of the Week
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
Psalm 126 (below playlist)
New Testament Reading: Philippians 3:7-16
Gospel Reading: Luke 20:9-19
Psalm 126
1 When the Lord overturned the captivity of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
4 Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us already, *
whereof we rejoice.
5 Overturn our captivity, O Lord, *
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
6 Those who sow in tears *
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed *
shall doubtless come again with joy,
and bring his sheaves with him.