Daily Readings - Wed Nov 16 2022

Revelation

1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.2And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.7And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.9And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Luke

11And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.12He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.25And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.28And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

Sermon

The first reading from Revelation paints a vivid picture of the heavenly throne room, where God is seated in majesty, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures. This vision is a glimpse into the eternal worship of God, where all creation acknowledges His holiness and power. The scene is one of awe-inspiring beauty and order, emphasizing God’s transcendence and the reverence due to Him. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel tells the parable of the ten pounds, a story about stewardship and accountability. A nobleman entrusts his servants with his wealth before departing to receive a kingdom. Upon his return, he rewards those who multiplied their portion but condemns the one who buried his pound out of fear. This parable underscores the importance of faithfulness and initiative in using the gifts and resources we have been given. Both readings, though seemingly different, point to the same truth: our lives are lived under the gaze of God, and we are called to respond with faithfulness and reverence. In Revelation, we see the ultimate reality of God’s throne room, where all creation worships Him without ceasing. This vision reminds us that our lives are not just about the here and now but are part of a larger cosmic story. In the parable, Jesus challenges us to think about how we use the talents, time, and resources entrusted to us. The servants who took risks and multiplied their pounds were rewarded, while the one who played it safe out of fear lost everything. This teaches us that faithfulness is not about preserving the status quo but about taking initiative to grow what we have been given. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the gifts God has given me? Am I living with a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that one day I will give an account of my life? The heavenly vision in Revelation invites us to cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God, recognizing that He is the source of all things. The parable in Luke encourages us to embrace the risks and challenges of discipleship, trusting that God’s grace will empower us to live fruitfully. May we strive to live in such a way that, when we stand before the throne of God, we can say with confidence, “I have used what you gave me to build your kingdom.”