Daily Readings - Tue Jul 20 2021
Exodus
21And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.23And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,25And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.26And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.27And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.28And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.29But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.30Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.31And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.
1Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.20And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.21And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Matthew
46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on trust and spiritual kinship. In Exodus, we witness the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, a testament to God's power and the Israelites' faith. Moses, guided by divine wisdom, leads his people to safety, while the Egyptians meet their fate. This story underscores the theme of salvation through trust in God's plan, even when the path seems uncertain.
In Matthew, Jesus redefines family, stating that those who do God's will are his true brothers, sisters, and mother. This challenges us to see beyond biological ties and embrace a spiritual community. Jesus' message emphasizes that our actions in accordance with God's will forge deeper bonds than blood alone.
These readings remind us to trust in God's plan and nurture our spiritual relationships. In our daily lives, let us have faith in God's guidance, even when faced with uncertainty, and build a community grounded in shared values and purpose. Through this, we find our true family in Christ, united in spirit and deed.