Daily Readings - Mon Feb 17 2020
James
1James, servant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes of the dispersion, greetings2My brothers, when you have fallen into various trials, consider everything a joy3knowing that the proving of your faith exercises patience4and patience brings a work to perfection, so that you may be perfect and whole, deficient in nothing5But if anyone among you is in need of wisdom, let him petition God, who gives abundantly to all without reproach, and it shall be given to him6But he should ask with faith, doubting nothing. For he who doubts is like a wave on the ocean, which is moved about by the wind and carried away7then a man should not consider that he would receive anything from the Lord8For a man who is of two minds is inconstant in all his ways9Now a humble brother should glory in his exaltation10and a rich one, in his humiliation, for he will pass away like the flower of the grass11For the sun has risen with a scorching heat, and has dried the grass, and its flower has fallen off, and the appearance of its beauty has perished. So also will the rich one wither away, according to his paths
Mark
11And the Pharisees went out and began to contend with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, testing him12And sighing deeply in spirit, he said: "Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, if only a sign will be given to this generation!13And sending them away, he climbed into the boat again, and he went away across the sea
Sermon
In preparing the sermon, I began by examining the readings from James and Mark. James emphasizes enduring trials with joy, as they test our faith and lead to patience. He advises seeking wisdom from God with unwavering faith, warning against doubt, which leads to instability. He also contrasts the humble and the rich, noting that true worth isn't in wealth but in humility.
In Mark, the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, reflecting their doubt and testing of his authority. Jesus' response highlights his frustration with their unbelief, emphasizing that faith should be present without needing signs.
Connecting these, both readings stress the importance of faith. James encourages steadfastness, while Mark illustrates the consequences of unbelief. The sermon should thus encourage believers to face trials with faith, trust in God's wisdom, and remain humble, regardless of circumstances.
The moral lesson is clear: cultivate unwavering faith, trust in God's plan, and embrace humility. This approach helps believers navigate life's challenges with grace and contentment.