Daily Readings - Fri Aug 09 2024
Nahum
15Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.
2For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.
1Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not;2The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots.3The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses:6And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock.7And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?
Matthew
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Sermon
Today’s readings present a powerful juxtaposition of judgment and redemption, urging us to reflect on our choices and commitments. The first reading from Nahum depicts the downfall of Nineveh, a city consumed by bloodshed, lies, and violence. Nahum’s prophecy underscores the consequences of turning away from God, highlighting the desolation and scattering of a people who have embraced sin. This serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of neglecting divine callings and the importance of moral accountability.
In contrast, the Gospel reading from Matthew offers a call to discipleship, as Jesus invites His followers to embrace self-denial and take up their cross. He emphasizes that true life is found in losing oneself for His sake, cautioning against prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual wealth. This passage is a classic call to prioritize faith, urging believers to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary comforts.
These readings together invite us to consider our own path. Nahum’s prophecy warns against the consequences of sin, while Matthew’s call to discipleship offers a transformative alternative. As we navigate our daily lives, we are reminded to reflect on our choices and commitments. Following Christ requires sacrifice, yet it promises a life of purpose and fulfillment. Let us commit to living with integrity, prioritizing spiritual values, and embracing the challenges of discipleship with hope and courage.