Daily Readings - Sat Feb 01 2025
Hebrews
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2For by it the elders obtained a good report.8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Mark
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Sermon
In today's readings, we delve into the essence of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Hebrews 11 highlights the unwavering faith of Abraham and Sarah, who trusted God's promises despite the uncertainties and challenges they faced. Their story reminds us that faith is not about seeing the immediate results but trusting in God's plan, even when the future is unclear. The second reading from Mark 4 presents a dramatic scene where Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His divine authority and prompting the disciples to reflect on their own faith.
The context of these readings is significant. Hebrews 11 is part of a chapter often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," where the author illustrates the lives of those who trusted God without receiving the fullness of His promises in their lifetimes. This emphasizes the long-term nature of faith. In Mark 4, the story of Jesus calming the storm occurs during His ministry, showcasing His power and teaching the disciples about trust in the face of adversity.
Both readings intertwine the theme of faith, though in different contexts. Hebrews focuses on enduring faith over time, while Mark's narrative captures a moment of crisis where faith is tested. Together, they teach us that faith is both a steady journey and a response to immediate challenges. In our daily lives, we face our own "storms," whether personal struggles or broader uncertainties. These readings encourage us to trust God, just as the patriarchs and the disciples did, even when the outcome is unclear.
The moral lesson here is clear: faith is our anchor in turbulent times. Just as Abraham and Sarah trusted God's promises and the disciples learned to trust Jesus, we too can find peace by deepening our faith. Let us embrace the journey of faith, trusting in God's plan and authority, even when the path ahead seems daunting.