Daily Readings - Mon Feb 17 2020
James
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.7For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.9Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Mark
11The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.12And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."13And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
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.