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Lectionary
FIFTH WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 16 – 22 NOVEMBER, 2008
THEME: THE REMANT OF ISRAEL
READING: ISAIAH 11: 1 – 9
The text underscores social justice and individual and
collective responsibility towards achieving justice. For this
reason, people of God who oppress others while professing
formalistic religion are rebuked severely, and are promised
imminent catastrophe if they do not change. The attributes of
the messianic king (discernment, wisdom, listening, strength
of character, obedience, equitable judgment, sincere and
forthright arbitrating, etc., verses 2-4) are the qualities
that were missing in the leaders in Isaiah’s time, and also
among some African leaders today; hence, the issues of good
governance, justice and equity for Africa are urgent.
Our
assignments as the remnant people of God consist of first and
foremost, arbitrating in a forthright manner in favour of the
oppressed, then follow justice and probity in order to deliver
the people of God from the yoke of injustice and save the
human being created in God’s image from the nest of
dehumanizing evil. This action will lead to peaceful
coexistence and collaboration between the powerful and the
powerless.
Submitted by Rev. Juste Nader BARKA NADO
PRAYER
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in
us your gift of faith, that forsaking what lies behind and
reaching out to that which is before us, we may run the way of
your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
READINGS FOR THE
WEEK
1 Kings 19: 9 – 18; Romans 11: 13 – 24; Matthew 24:
38 – 44; Isaiah 10: 20 – 23; Mark 13: 14 – 23; Genesis 6: 5 ‐
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