Daily Readings - Thu Aug 03 2023
Exodus
16Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.17And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.18And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.19And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.20And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:21And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.34Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.35And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:37But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.38For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
Matthew
47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.51Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on God's presence and our responsibility as disciples. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses meticulously erecting the tabernacle, a sanctuary where God's glory resides. The tabernacle, filled with the cloud of God's presence, guides the Israelites, symbolizing God's active role in their lives. This passage underscores the importance of creating sacred spaces—both physical and spiritual—where God's presence can dwell.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the net, illustrating the kingdom of heaven as a net gathering all kinds of fish, which are later separated into good and bad. This parable reminds us of the inevitable judgment, where our actions and choices will be assessed. Jesus emphasizes that a true disciple, like a well-taught scribe, values both old and new wisdom, applying these teachings in their life.
These readings connect through themes of divine presence and accountability. Exodus shows us the tabernacle as a place of God's presence, while Matthew's parable calls us to live in a manner that reflects our faith, mindful of the judgment to come. In our daily lives, we are invited to create sacred spaces within our hearts, nurturing God's presence through prayer and reflection. We must also live with intentionality, ensuring our actions align with our faith, preparing for the day when our lives will be examined.
As we reflect, let us consider how we embody God's presence and live in anticipation of His judgment. May we strive to be disciples who cherish both tradition and new insights, using them to guide our actions. Let us live with purpose, creating a sanctuary of love and righteousness, ever-ready to stand before God with hearts full of grace.