Daily Readings - Fri Jan 31 2020
2 Samuel
1And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.2And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.3And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?4And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.5And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.6And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.7And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.8And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king.9But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.10And when they had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not from thy journey? why then didst thou not go down unto thine house?13And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.14And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.15And he wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die.16And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant men were.17And the men of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also.
Mark
26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.30And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:32But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two contrasting narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of growth and its implications in our spiritual lives. The first reading from 2 Samuel 11 presents the story of King David, a man of great faith and leadership, who succumbs to sin. His encounter with Bathsheba leads to a series of choices that escalate from adultery to murder, revealing how unchecked sin can grow and dominate one's life. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing sin to take root, emphasizing the importance of accountability and repentance.
The Gospel reading from Mark 4 offers a different perspective on growth through Jesus' parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed. These parables illustrate the kingdom of God's nature—starting small, yet leading to remarkable growth. Just as a seed germinates and flourishes without the farmer's constant intervention, faith can develop quietly yet powerfully within us. The mustard seed, though tiny, becomes a haven for many, symbolizing how even small acts of faith can have a profound impact.
These readings together remind us that growth is a double-edged sword. While sin can grow into something destructive, our faith can also grow into something transformative. The challenge is to nurture the right kind of growth—spiritual growth that leads to a deeper relationship with God. By tending to our faith with prayer, reflection, and good works, we can allow the kingdom of God to flourish within us, just as the mustard seed becomes a shelter for many. Let us be vigilant in uprooting sin and diligent in cultivating a fruitful spiritual life, trusting that God will bring His kingdom to fruition in and through us.