Daily Readings - Sun May 12 2019
Acts
14But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.44And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Revelation
9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
John
27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.30I and my 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.