The Bible
Version
HomeReadings

Daily Readings - Tue Sep 24 2024

Proverbs

Chapter 21

1The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.12The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.13Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

Luke

Chapter 8

19Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd.20And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you."21But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about the nature of the heart and the essence of spiritual kinship. The first reading from Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom lies not in outward appearances but in the inward virtues of mercy, justice, and righteousness. It warns against the dangers of sin and laziness, emphasizing that our actions have consequences. The second reading from Luke challenges us to redefine our understanding of family. Jesus teaches that his true family extends beyond blood ties to include all who hear and live according to God’s word. The readings complement each other by highlighting the importance of aligning our hearts and actions with God’s will. Proverbs underscores the internal transformation necessary for living a virtuous life, while Luke emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, where obedience to God’s word unites believers as a spiritual family. Together, they remind us that faith is not just about rituals or blood ties but about living a life of integrity and love. As we reflect on these readings, let us examine our own hearts and actions. Are we living in a way that reflects God’s mercy and justice? Are we part of a community that supports and encourages each other in living out our faith? Let us strive to be true members of God’s family by hearing and doing His word, creating a spiritual home where love and righteousness guide our lives.