In worship today we are invited to look for God’s messengers, the prophets who invite us to change our course (repent) and prepare ourselves to receive god’s salvation. There is a warning which we can hear to lead us back to relationship with God. Our reading from Hebrew Scripture in the Prophet Isaiah declares that one will come to save the chosen people of God, one who will set things right. As part of this process, there will be restoration of community like that which was present in Eden. Our Psalmist sang a song calling for God’s justice and helping people see the prosperity which people have when the defend the poor and care for those on the margin. Our Epistle from Paul to the Romans reminds us for a second week that we have hope in Jesus and our faith in the promises offered by God through Christ.

Our sermon was based on the reading from Matthew’s gospel where we are introduced to John the Baptist. John was one that came to proclaim Jesus as Lord. John was distinct enough (weird enough) to engage people. As he engaged them he proclaimed the need to repent and return to relationship with God. We are invited to actively wait for God’s clearer guidance and do what we can in the now.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/KxNjqBh8Q2Y