SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
 
Jer. 17:5-8
1 Cor. 15:1-20
Luke 6:17-26
Psalm 1
 
In Jeremiah's message from the LORD in the OT lesson is a curse upon unbelievers but a blessing to believers. These words summarize the same thoughts which Jesus declares in the Gospel, words of blessing upon those who do not seek to find their satisfaction in the things of this life at the expense of true spiritual values. In 1 Cor., Paul proclaims Christ's victory over death for all believers by the power of His resurrection from the dead. In Luke we see Jesus mighty in deed, as He heals the sick, and mighty in word, as He speaks with divine authority.
 
The features we find in this lesson surely are basic elements in Christ's present kingdom, and foundational to our life as citizens in it. In His sermon to the disciples and to the multitudes, He makes it clear this sermon is for us also. He describes the members of His kingdom as having a craving for righteousness which is a free gift to those who hunger and thirst for it. They will be filled, not once, but again and . . .

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
 
Jer. 17:5-8
1 Cor. 15:1-20
Luke 6:17-26
Psalm 1
 
In Jeremiah's message from the LORD in the OT lesson is a curse upon unbelievers but a blessing to believers. These words summarize the same thoughts which Jesus declares in the Gospel, words of blessing upon those who do not seek to find their satisfaction in the things of this life at the expense of true spiritual values. In 1 Cor., Paul proclaims Christ's victory over death for all believers by the power of His resurrection from the dead. In Luke we see Jesus mighty in deed, as He heals the sick, and mighty in word, as He speaks with divine authority.
 
The features we find in this lesson surely are basic elements in Christ's present kingdom, and foundational to our life as citizens in it. In His sermon to the disciples and to the multitudes, He makes it clear this sermon is for us also. He describes the members of His kingdom as having a craving for righteousness which is a free gift to those who hunger and thirst for it. They will be filled, not once, but again and again. Those who are truly blessed are all who are fed daily with the righteousness which is from God. If you read Psalm 32:1, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
 
Christian friends, go to your house of worship to hear and be healed through His Words. Share the supper of the risen Christ. Give thanks for this true refreshment and healing power of Christ's gift of life, which will strengthen you in faith toward God and in fervent love toward one another.
 
More holiness give me, more striving within,
More patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin;
More faith in my Savior, more sense of His care,
More joy in His service, more purpose in prayer.
 
PRAY - O LORD, mercifully receive the prayers of Your people who call upon You, and grant that they may know and understand the things they ought to do and also may have grace and strength to accomplish them. Amen