Daily Readings - Sun May 12 2019
Acts
14but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.43And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.44The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.46And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.47For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"48And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.50But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.51But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Revelation
9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,14I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
John
27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.30I and the Father are one."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through the expansion of God's message, a vision of eternal unity, and the assurance of divine protection. The first reading from Acts illustrates the early church's missionary efforts, where Paul and Barnabas face rejection but find receptiveness among Gentiles, highlighting the universal call to salvation. The second reading from Revelation presents a glorious vision of a diverse multitude united in worship before God's throne, symbolizing the ultimate destiny of all believers. The Gospel from John assures us of Jesus' personal connection with His followers, promising eternal life and security in His care.
These readings connect by showcasing the progression of God's plan: from the initial spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities, to the future vision of heavenly unity, and the personal assurance of salvation. They remind us that our faith is part of a larger narrative, embracing all nations and tribes, and leading to eternal life with God.
In daily life, these readings encourage us to trust in God's expansive plan, to embrace diversity as part of His community, and to endure challenges with faith. The moral lesson is clear: God's salvation is universal, and through faith in Jesus, we are assured of eternal life, united in worship and service to Him. Let us live with this assurance, trusting in His care and embracing our role in His diverse and eternal family.