October 26, 2027

18I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 19For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 23and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

1Psalm 126 The Reversal of Zion’s Fortunes - A song of ascents. I - When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we thought we were dreaming. 2Then our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD had done great things for them.” 3The LORD has done great things for us; Oh, how happy we were! 4Restore our captives, LORD, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb. 5II - Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. 6Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, Will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.

25The Praise of the Father. At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.

18Then he said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.’” The Parable of the Yeast. 20Again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed [in] with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” The Narrow Door; Salvation and Rejection.