Daily Readings - Mon Sep 30 2024
Job
6Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.13And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:14And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:15And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.16While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.17While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.18While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:19And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Luke
46Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,48And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith and humility. The story of Job presents a man who, despite unimaginable suffering, chooses to trust God. Job's declaration, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord," exemplifies unwavering faith in the face of adversity. This response isn't born of passivity but of a deep trust in God's plan, even when it's unclear.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about true greatness through the example of a child, emphasizing humility and service. He challenges their notions of power and status, reminding them that receiving a child in His name is akin to receiving Him. This lesson extends further when Jesus encourages inclusivity, stating that those who work in His name, even if not part of their group, are allies. This challenges us to embrace a broader view of community and ministry.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith and service. Like Job, we may face trials that test our trust in God. Like the disciples, we may need to reevaluate our understanding of greatness. Let us strive to trust God in all circumstances and serve others with humility, remembering that true greatness lies in selfless love and service. May we, like Job, remain faithful and, like Jesus, embrace humility and inclusivity in our daily lives.