Lessons for Today

2 Esdras 2:42:48

I, Ezra, saw on Mount Zion a great multitude that I could not number, and they all were praising the Lord with songs. In their midst was a young man of great stature, taller than any of the others, and on the head of each of them he placed a crown, but he was more exalted than they. And I was held spellbound. Then I asked an angel, "Who are these, my lord:" He answered and said to me, "These are they who have put off mortal clothing and have put on the immortal, and have confessed the name of God. Now they are being crowned and receive palms." Then I said to the angel, "Who is that young man who is placing crowns on them and putting palms in their hands?" He answered and said to me, "He is the Son of God, whom they confessed in the world." So I began to praise those who had stood valiantly for the name of the Lord. Then the angel said to me, "Go, tell my people how great and how many are the wonders of the Lord God that you have seen."

The Psalm

Psalm 110:1-4 Page 753, BCP

Dixit Dominus

1
The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, *
until I make your enemies your footstool."
2
The LORD will send the scepter of your power out of Zion, *
saying, "Rule over your enemies round about you.
3
Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth; *
in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you,
like dew from the womb of the morning."
4
The LORD has sworn and he will not recant: *
"You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."

or

Psalm 126 Page 782, BCP

In convertendo

1
When the LORD restored the fortunes 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
The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6
Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Matthew 10:16-22

Jesus told the twelve disciples, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. "

Comments

Susan said…
It is all about accepting Him and the price He paid and remaining faithful to the calling He has in each of our lives. It's truly such an individual calling and so very wonderful. Merry Christmas to you Sioux!!!
Susan
J C said…
Have a blessed Christmas, Sioux. xoxoxo
Terry said…
hi sue sioux.
i was just thinking about you and thought i would come and see how you are doing and i read these beautiful verses.
sioux..i can't find your first passage anywhere...where is 2 Esdras 2:42:48 sioux?
i haven't been here for so long and i hope that you are all feeling well.
i will be back tomorrow to wish you a merry christmas....love terry
Sue Seibert said…
Hi, Terry. It's another name for Ezra.

Happy Christmas to you, too!
Werna Gail said…
Beautiful passages, hope you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS,and thanks for reminding us JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.
Anonymous said…
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Terry said…
i think that sioux's posts are ALL good right from the beginning until now!
it is just like watching your family grow...the past is very precious as well as the present and the future!
her posts are ALL good.
how could she improve on something that is all ready perfect?
you better believe it sue sioux!
love terry

Popular Posts