Isaiah 58:1-9a; Matthew 5:13-20 Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. This passage in Isaiah begins with a comparison. It is a contrast between true and false worship. To be focused on rituals and performing them correctly, even perfectly, as opposed to worshipping…

February 5, 2023 Isaiah 58:1-9a; Matthew 5:13-20 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. This is not intended as practical advice about illuminating one’s home. It is about how we are to act in this world. Not only to follow the ways of Jesus,…

January 22, 2023 Isaiah 9:1-4; Matthew 4:12-23 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.   The Book of Isaiah anticipates a change. Darkness is interrupted by light. And people shrouded in darkness, upon them light has shined. We might ask, what did they see? What…

January 8, 2023 Isaiah 42:1-9, Matthew 3:13-17 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. Cornell West once said that justice is what love looks like in public. Which sounds catchy, but…