Daily Readings - Wed Jul 19 2017
Exodus
1Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.3So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up."4When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."5"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."6Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.9And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.10So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."11But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"12And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."
Matthew
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of divine revelation. In Exodus, Moses experiences a miraculous encounter with God through a burning bush, symbolizing God's presence in unexpected places. God commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite Moses' initial hesitation. This story highlights God's tendency to reveal Himself to those who are humble and willing to trust in His plan. In Matthew, Jesus praises the Father for revealing divine truths to the humble, emphasizing that spiritual understanding is not reserved for the wise or powerful, but for those with open and receptive hearts.
These readings connect through the theme of humility and trust. Moses, though unsure of himself, trusted God's promise, leading to a historic act of deliverance. Similarly, Jesus teaches that divine truths are accessible to those who approach with humility. This underscores the idea that God's revelations are not limited to the elite but are available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace humility and trust. Like Moses, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but God's presence and guidance are always available. Let us remain open to His voice, even in unexpected moments, and trust in His plan. By doing so, we allow God to work through us, just as He did through Moses. May we cultivate humility and faith, knowing that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him with a willing heart.