Daily Readings - Fri Mar 11 2022
Ezekiel
21But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.22All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.23Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?24But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.25Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?26When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.27Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.28Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Matthew
20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.21Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Sermon
The readings from Ezekiel and Matthew guide us on the path of personal responsibility and inner holiness. Ezekiel emphasizes that our actions have consequences, but also offers hope: turning away from sin and living justly leads to life. It warns the righteous to stay vigilant. In context, Ezekiel addresses exiles concerned with divine justice, clarifying that each person is responsible for their actions, and God's ways are fair.
In Matthew, Jesus extends this by emphasizing inner purity. He teaches that true righteousness involves more than outward behavior; it requires inner change and reconciliation. Addressing His followers, He shows that true faith requires inner holiness and harmonious relationships.
Together, these readings stress personal moral responsibility and inner holiness. Ezekiel highlights personal accountability and the opportunity for change, while Jesus adds the necessity of inner purity and reconciling relationships. In daily life, this means taking responsibility for our actions, seeking holiness, and reconciling with others before worship.
The moral lesson is clear: our faith must be lived through personal holiness and reconciled relationships. We must take responsibility for our actions, seek holiness, and reconcile with others, reflecting God's justice and love in our daily lives.