Daily Readings - Sun Aug 17 2025
Jeremiah
4Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt.5Then Zedekiah the king said, Behold, he is in your hand: for the king is not he that can do any thing against you.6Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.8Ebedmelech went forth out of the king's house, and spake to the king, saying,9My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.10Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.
Hebrews
1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Luke
49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. The first reading from Jeremiah recounts the prophet's persecution and eventual rescue, highlighting the tension between speaking truth and facing opposition. Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to his divine mission, despite the danger, serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith. The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to persevere through life's challenges by fixing our gaze on Jesus, who endured immense suffering for our sake. This passage reminds us that our struggles are not in vain, as they draw us closer to God and refine our character. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus as the source of both fire and division, challenging us to reevaluate our priorities and allegiances. Jesus’ words remind us that following Him may lead to conflict, but it is through this tension that we are purified and strengthened.
These readings are deeply interconnected, as they all point to the transformative power of faith and the necessity of perseverance in the face of adversity. Jeremiah’s courage in the face of persecution, the encouragement to endure in Hebrews, and Jesus’ call to radical commitment all invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God. They challenge us to examine whether we are willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it leads to difficulty or division. In a world that often values comfort and conformity, these readings call us to embrace the transformative power of God’s grace, even when it disrupts our lives.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our commitment to our faith. These readings remind us that living as disciples of Christ is not always easy, but it is through these challenges that we grow closer to God. We are called to be like Jeremiah, speaking truth even when it is unpopular, and like the early Christians, enduring hardship with patience and hope. Jesus’ words about division remind us that our ultimate allegiance must be to Him, even if it means facing tension or conflict. As we navigate the complexities of our lives, let us draw strength from these readings, trusting in God’s providence and grace to sustain us through every trial.