Good Morning 01-27

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

This is the day the LORD hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Cor. 1:10-17
Matthew 4:12-23
Psalm 27:1-9

On this Third Sunday in Epiphany the church hears these words from our LORD: "Repent, for the kingdom is at hand" With these words, Matthew tells us that the prophet Isaiah's words were fulfilled, "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has drowned"

Our LORD'S call is always a call to repent, With that call, the Holy Spirit is at work, exposing the darkness of our lives, exposing the shadows of sin, a shadow that lengthens even to our natural, physical death. But in the midst of that darkness and shadow, there comes one preaching the good news of the kingdom and His coming is like that of the rising sun. The LORD who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light, calls to each of us, "Follow me." and I will guarantee fame, fortune, praised by men, live in comfort and peace,? NO--none of these are the LORD'S call. But the LORD calls, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Each person who has been buried by Baptism into the death of Christ and raised again to share in His resurrection has been called to follow the LORD and to be His disciple.

Christian friends, In each of our calling and station in life, our LORD offers us the opportunity to follow him, to be His disciples and to be fishers of men, and tell the good news of Jesus to those in our lives, whomever and where they may be. Is God calling you to a new kind of service? It might mean leaving something behind, but God will surely lead you to something far better.

What will profit when life here is over,
Though far away places I see,
If, going my way and doing my will,
I miss what God planned for me?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - If you're not fishing for souls, you are not following the Savior.