Daily Readings - Thu Mar 23 2023
Exodus
7And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:8They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.11And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?12Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.14And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
John
18Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.31If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.32There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.33Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.34But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.35He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.37And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.38And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.40And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.41I receive not honour from men.42But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.43I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, intercession, and divine faithfulness. The first reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' lapse into idolatry with the golden calf, a moment of grave unfaithfulness while Moses was on Mount Sinai. Their actions provoke God's wrath, yet Moses' impassioned plea reminds God of His covenant promises, leading to mercy and restraint. This episode underscores the human tendency to falter and the vital role of intercession, as Moses stands in the gap for his people.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus confronts the Jews' disbelief, emphasizing His divine authority and the validation of His mission through John the Baptist, His works, and the Father's testimony. Despite the Scriptures pointing to Him, the people's hearts remain hardened, seeking human glory over God's truth. This passage highlights the challenge of accepting Jesus as the ultimate mediator and the fulfillment of God's promises, much like Moses in the Old Testament.
These readings intertwine themes of faith and redemption. Both narratives illustrate how easily humanity turns away from God, yet they also reveal the profound grace of intercession and divine patience. Moses and Jesus serve as mediators, bridging the gap between God and humanity. For us today, these stories remind us to examine our own faithfulness and trust in God's promises. In moments of weakness, we are called to repentance and to seek God's mercy, just as Moses interceded for his people.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider our tendency to seek validation from the world rather than from God. May we learn to trust in His faithfulness, even when we falter. Let us turn to prayer, emulating Moses' example, and find strength in Jesus, who intercedes for us. In doing so, we embrace the hope of redemption and the eternal life offered through Him.