12.02.2018 – “Stand Up and Raise Your Heads” Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine

“Stand Up and Raise Your Heads” Rev. Sarah Gomez-Lorraine

1st Scripture Reading:

Psalm 25:1-10
To you, O God,
I lift up my soul.
O my God,
in you I trust;
do not let me be put
to shame;
do not let my enemies exult
over me.
Do not let those who wait for you
be put to shame;
let them be ashamed
who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways,
O God;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth,
and teach me,
for you are the God
of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy,
O God,
and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins
of my youth
or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love
remember me,
for your goodness' sake,
O God!
Good and upright is God;
therefore God instructs sinners
in the way.
God leads the humble
in what is right,
and teaches the humble
God's way.
All the paths of God
are steadfast love
and faithfulness,
for those who keep God's covenant
and God's decrees.

2nd Scripture Reading:
​
Luke 21:25-36
[Jesus said:] "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
"Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

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