Daily Readings - Fri Jan 15 2021
Hebrews
1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.4For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Mark
1And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.2And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.3And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.4And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.6But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,7Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?8And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?9Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?10But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)11I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.12And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith and God's healing presence. The first reading from Hebrews urges us to have faith to enter God's rest, referencing the Sabbath and the Israelites' unbelief. The second reading from Mark tells the story of a paralytic man whose friends' unwavering faith leads Jesus to forgive his sins and heal him, showcasing Jesus' authority.
Both readings emphasize the importance of faith. In Hebrews, faith is the key to entering God's rest, while in Mark, the friends' faith results in the man's healing. This connection highlights that faith is not just belief but also action, trusting in God's plan beyond our understanding. The paralytic's story also illustrates the value of community support, as his friends persistently seek healing for him.
In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by embracing persistent faith and trusting in God's healing, whether physical or spiritual. Just as the friends carried the paralytic, we can support one another in our journeys. The moral lesson here is clear: faith is essential, and through it, we find rest and healing in God's presence. Let us trust in His plan and seek His healing with the same determination as the paralytic's friends.