Daily Readings - Thu Jul 31 2025
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 encounter profound reflections on God’s presence and the ultimate judgment. The first reading from Exodus describes the meticulous setup of the tabernacle, where Moses follows God’s instructions to create a sanctuary for His presence. The tabernacle, filled with God’s glory, serves as a physical manifestation of His dwelling among the Israelites, guiding them through a cloud by day and fire by night. This passage underscores the importance of obedience and the tangible presence of God in our lives.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus’ parable of the net, which gathers all kinds of fish, symbolizing the kingdom of heaven. This parable emphasizes the inevitability of judgment, where the righteous will be separated from the wicked. Jesus highlights the importance of understanding these teachings and living accordingly, much like a wise scribe who shares both old and new wisdom. Together, these readings remind us of the balance between God’s presence and our accountability to Him.
As we reflect on these passages, we are called to examine our lives. Just as the Israelites followed the cloud’s guidance, we must remain attentive to God’s presence and direction. Similarly, the parable of the net urges us to live righteously, prepared for the day when our actions will be judged. The moral lesson here is clear: our obedience and preparedness are essential. Let us strive to live in accordance with God’s will, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to eternal life with Him.