30th. June. 2022.Daily Devotions.
6 On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and the finest of wines.7 On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8 he will swallow up death for ever. Isaiah 25:6-8
As we reflect on the beauty of God, the beauty of his creation, and the beauty of living and serving together as God’s people, it’s important also to look ahead. The Bible includes many promises about the restored beauty that Jesus brings, and about the beautiful life that this restoration invites us to live.
The world we live in now is still tainted by the pollution and ugliness of sin, but we need to remember that it is also filled with signs of beautiful hope. The Bible promises that one day Jesus will return to make all things new.
For example, our scripture verses point to a future celebration, a feast on the holy mountain of God. The joy and happiness that we feel at a wedding celebration or at an anniversary party is like a glimpse of the future celebration that God has in store for us. And in that beautiful future, Isaiah says, God will take away all sadness and sorrow and disgrace. The prophet was speaking to people who were in exile, who had reason to be afraid—but he gave them words of hope. R. Jordan Heys.
We too live in hope as we await this beautiful future. We can trust that God will keep his promises.
God of the future, thank you for the promises you give us in your Word, saying you will make all things new. Give us hope and help us to serve you as we await that beautiful day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God of glory, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of blessings and source of life: come and dwell with us, cleanse us from all sin and grant us your salvation. Amen. Liturgy of St John Chrysostom (5th century)
Compassionate God, we are sorry when we fail to see ourselves and others in the light of your love. Transform our inner hostility into hospitality so that we may be ready to welcome you in friend and stranger. Help us to remember that you call all people to eat at your table, and that being chosen by you does not imply exclusion of others, but that your love extends to every human being, and your arms are always open. Amen.
Prayer to Use Our Gifts Wisely
Lord, give me each day the wisdom to see which things important, and which things are not. Show me how best to use the time and talents you have given me. Help me to use all my opportunities wisely, that I may share, through service to others, the good gifts I have received from you. Amen
Father, we live in a world where there are so many hurting people that at times it can become overwhelming, and we find ourselves stepping back, and almost hoping that the problem will go away. And yet Jesus demonstrated a life that overflowed with deep-compassion and tender-mercy towards all those that were wounded and abused, troubled, or hurt. Help us to stretch out a willing arm of comfort, when we see other people hurting or in pain, and may we extend a godly mercy that only comes from You to those that are the unlovely or the unlovable.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ become our inner clothing and may the love of the Father be the outer garment that we wear, so that by Your Spirit we may be empowered to bless and help all those with whom we come in contact. May all we say and do be a witness to the grace and mercy of God and we pray that You would give us opportunities to minister Your mercy and love to Your praise and glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.