costly-discipleship

Title: Living Faithfully in the Day of the Lord

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A Reflection on the Scripture Readings from the Daily Office: Joel 1:15 – 2:11, Psalm 78, Revelation 19:1-10, and Luke 14:25-35 by Roy Pearson

Title: Living Faithfully in the Day of the Lord

Introduction

Each day, the Daily Office invites us to pause and listen to God’s voice through Scripture. The recent readings — from Joel, Psalm 78, Revelation, and Luke — carry a unified message: God is calling His people to remember His works, awaken from complacency, and live faithfully as disciples of Christ in a world drifting far from Him.
Though written across centuries, these passages speak with one heartbeat: Be ready. Be true. Be steadfast in love and obedience.

1. Remember and Teach (Psalm 78)

Psalm 78 calls us to look back — to remember God’s mighty acts and to tell them to the next generation. Israel forgot His faithfulness and fell into rebellion, but God’s mercy endured.

Today, we live in an age of forgetfulness. The noise of technology and self-promotion easily drowns out remembrance of God’s goodness. Yet, the psalm reminds us that spiritual vitality depends on remembering. When we rehearse God’s works — in our prayers, families, and worship — faith deepens and hope is renewed.

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 78:4)

2. Awaken to the Lord’s Call (Joel 1:15 – 2:11)

Through the prophet Joel, God sounded a trumpet of warning. The “day of the Lord” was near — a time of judgment and awakening. The devastation Joel saw in his day mirrors much of what we witness now: broken systems, moral confusion, and a planet groaning under human pride.

But Joel’s message was not despair; it was invitation. God calls His people to return with all their hearts, to repent, and to trust His mercy. When crises shake the world, the faithful are not to panic but to pray — to become instruments of repentance, hope, and renewal.

“Blow the trumpet in Zion… for the day of the Lord is coming.” (Joel 2:1)

3. Worship and Hope in God’s Final Victory (Revelation 19:1-10)

In Revelation 19, heaven erupts in praise: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!” Babylon — the symbol of worldly arrogance and corruption — has fallen, and the marriage supper of the Lamb has come.

This vision assures us that God’s justice and love will prevail. No evil empire, ideology, or power can stand forever against His kingdom. As followers of Jesus, we are not to fear the future but to live as His Bride — pure, faithful, and ready. Worship is our weapon and our witness in a world chasing false gods.

“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9)

4. Counting the Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:25-35)

Jesus’ words cut to the heart of modern discipleship: following Him requires full surrender. To “carry our cross” means to put His will above comfort, reputation, or possessions.
In a culture that prizes convenience and compromise, Jesus calls us to authentic commitment. We are to be salt — preserving truth and adding godly flavor to the world around us.

True discipleship may cost us relationships, success, or popularity, but the reward is eternal: fellowship with Christ and the joy of His kingdom.

“Whoever does not carry the cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:27)

Bringing It All Together

These readings form a divine rhythm:

  • Remember God’s faithfulness (Psalm 78).
  • Repent and awaken to His call (Joel 2).
  • Rejoice in His victory (Revelation 19).
  • Remain faithful in costly discipleship (Luke 14).

This is how we live in “the day of the Lord” — not with fear, but with faith that endures, hope that worships, and love that acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual “forgetfulness” might God be calling me to correct?
  2. How am I responding to the signs of God’s call to awaken and repent?
  3. Do I live each day as one invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb?
  4. Have I truly counted the cost of following Jesus in my daily life?

Prayer

Lord God,
You are faithful through every generation.
Wake us from complacency and teach us to remember Your mighty works.
Purify our hearts, renew our worship, and strengthen our discipleship.
May we live ready for the day of the Lord — faithful, hopeful, and true.
Through Jesus Christ our Savior and Bridegroom we pray. Amen.

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His Spirit awaken your heart to truth and joy,
and may your life shine as a witness to His coming kingdom.
Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Amen.