A Reflection on the Daily Office Readings

Isaiah 7:1-9

In this passage King Rezin of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah of Ephraim (Israel)  together launch a failed attack on King Ahaz of Jerusalem (Judah). Even still, the heart of Ahaz and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. God entrusted the prophet Isaiah with the task of bringing a word of encouragement to King Ahaz. The Lord God gave his promise that the downfall of Jduah would not come to pass but Judah had to believe in God’s word. If they did not stand firm in faith, then they would not stand at all.

  1. Have you ever had an experience that shook you to the core? Describe what that experience was like and how it impacted you.

  2. What encouraged you in that moment to move forward in overcoming the crisis?

  3. Why is it hard to trust God in the midst of a crisis?

  4. It has been said - “If you do not stand for something, then you will fall for anything.” What are your thoughts on this?

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

The Apostle Paul pleads with the Thessalonians to not be shaken or alarmed. He cautions them to not let anyone deceive them. The truth is that God opposes and exalts himself above every other god or object of worship. We must be reminded of this truth over and over for in time God will surely reveal his purpose and plan at the proper time. Evil will not be able to hide forever ; it will be exposed for what it is. The Lord Jesus will destroy evil with the breath of his mouth, annihilating evil at his second coming. Those who hate the truth will use all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception to attack the children of God. They are delusional; they believe what is false; and they run away from the truth. This is what we should expect for those who work evil.

  1. What has shaken or alarmed you?

  2. Have you been deceived by a family member, friend or stranger? How did this deception make you feel?

  3. Who are the people in your life that constantly remind you of God’s faithfulness and ultimate victory?

  4. The Bible assures us that the reign of evil is temporary. Why does evil’s reign feel like forever?

  5. What enables Jesus to destroy evil?

  6. Are there areas in your life where you have become delusional or believe what is false and run away from the truth? What practical steps can you take to move towards the light of truth?

Luke 22:1-13

This passage unfolds just before the festival of Unleavened Bread (also called the Passover). The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it." They asked him, "Where do you want us to make preparations for it?" "Listen," he said to them, "when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, 'The teacher asks you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"' He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there." So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

  1. Are there people who are secretly looking to trap you or bring you down? Explain.

  2. The Bible tells us that Satan entered into Judas. Reflect on that reality for a moment. Have there been times when Satan has entered into us or someone we know? Describe what that experience was like.

  3. Judas sold Jesus for money. What spiritual treasure have we sold in order to satisfy our fleshly desire?

  4. Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus when no crowd was present. How are we unknowingly or knowingly betraying God behind closed doors?

  5. What would it be like to prepare and participate in a Passover meal with Jesus?

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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