Reading October 29, 2019

Romans 8:18-25

Brothers and sisters:I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothingcompared with the glory to be revealed for us.For creation awaits with eager expectationthe revelation of the children of God;for creation was made subject to futility,not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,in hope that creation itselfwould be set free from slavery to corruptionand share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;and not only that, but we ourselves,who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,we also groan within ourselvesas we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.For in hope we were saved.Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.  For who hopes for what one sees?But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Psalm 126:1b-6

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,we were like men dreaming.Then our mouth was filled with laughter,and our tongue with rejoicing.Then they said among the nations,"The LORD has done great things for them."The LORD has done great things for us;we are glad indeed.Restore our fortunes, O LORD,like the torrents in the southern desert.Those that sow in tearsshall reap rejoicing.Although they go forth weeping,carrying the seed to be sown,They shall come back rejoicing,carrying their sheaves.

Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?To what can I compare it?It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.When it was fully grown, it became a large bushand 'the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'"Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?It is like yeast that a woman tookand mixed in with three measures of wheat flouruntil the whole batch of dough was leavened."