Daily Readings - Sat Feb 15 2020
1 Kings
26And Jeroboam said in his heart, "Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David.27If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah."28So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, "You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt."29And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan.30Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one.31He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.32And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made.
33After this thing Jeroboam did not turn from his evil way, but made priests for the high places again from among all the people. Any who would, he ordained to be priests of the high places.34And this thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, so as to cut it off and to destroy it from the face of the earth.
Mark
1In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them,2"I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.3And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away."4And his disciples answered him, "How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?"5And he asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven."6And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.7And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them.8And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.9And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away.10And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on leadership, faith, and the nature of true provision. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts the story of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who, fearing the reunification of his people with Judah, established idolatrous worship centers. By creating golden calves and appointing unqualified priests, Jeroboam led his people away from the true worship of God, resulting in sin and eventual downfall. This act underscores the consequences of prioritizing human schemes over divine commandments.
In contrast, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus, who compassionately feeds a multitude of four thousand with seven loaves and a few fish. This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus's divine power but also his deep care for the people's physical needs. The abundance of leftovers, filling seven baskets, symbolizes God's generosity and the fulfillment of true needs. This narrative highlights Jesus as the true leader who guides and provides, embodying the correct approach to spiritual and physical nourishment.
These readings relate by contrasting false and true provision. Jeroboam's leadership led to idolatry and separation from God, while Jesus's leadership offers genuine care and connection to the divine. In our daily lives, we are reminded to seek spiritual fulfillment from God rather than idols, whether material or ideological. We must trust in God's provision and compassion, just as Jesus exemplified. The moral lesson is clear: true leadership guides people towards God, and faith in Him provides abundantly. Let us strive to follow Jesus's example, trusting in His provision and leading others towards Him.