Daily Readings - Tue Jan 19 2021
Hebrews
10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,14Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.16For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Mark
23And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.24And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?25And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?26How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?27And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:28Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Sermon
**Sermon Reflection on Hebrews 6:10-20 and Mark 2:23-28**
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about trust, hope, and compassion. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness and the unshakeable nature of His promises. Using Abraham as an example, Hebrews encourages us to persevere in hope, trusting that God's promises are our anchor in uncertain times. This passage, likely addressing early Christians facing challenges, underscores the importance of maintaining faith and hope, with Jesus as our steadfast anchor.
The Gospel from Mark presents a scenario where Jesus and His disciples encounter criticism for their actions on the Sabbath. Jesus defends their behavior by referencing David's actions and emphasizing that the Sabbath is for humanity's benefit, not the other way around. This highlights Jesus' authority and His focus on human well-being over rigid legalism. This passage, part of early conflicts with Pharisees, teaches us to prioritize people's needs and acts of love over strict adherence to rules.
Both readings converge on themes of trust and faith. Hebrews urges us to trust God's promises, while Mark shows Jesus trusting God's will and teaching about the Sabbath's true purpose. Together, they encourage us to trust God, live according to His will, and balance compassion with tradition.
In daily life, these teachings remind us to maintain hope in God's faithfulness, especially during challenges. From Mark, we learn to avoid letting rules hinder acts of love and care for others. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's faithfulness, keep hope alive, and practice compassion, as Jesus did when He allowed His disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath. Let us embrace trust, hope, and compassion, living as reflections of God's love in the world.