Daily Readings - Wed Nov 21 2018
Revelation
1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.7In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Luke
11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'14"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'15"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.16"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'17"'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'18"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'19"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'20"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow?23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'25"'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.27But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of worship, accountability, and the kingdom of God. The first reading from Revelation offers a glimpse into the heavenly throne room, where God is worshiped by the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures. This vision emphasizes God’s majesty and the eternal adoration that surrounds him. The Gospel, from Luke, presents a parable about a nobleman who entrusts his servants with resources before departing to claim his kingdom. Upon his return, he holds them accountable for how they used what was given to them. Those who were faithful and fruitful are rewarded, while the one who buried his gift out of fear is reproached. The parable concludes with a stern warning to those who reject the nobleman’s rule, foreshadowing the consequences of rejecting God’s sovereignty.
The readings are connected by the theme of accountability and the call to live in a way that reflects our ultimate allegiance to God. Revelation reminds us that our worship is not just an earthly act but a foretaste of the eternal praise that surrounds God’s throne. The parable from Luke challenges us to consider how we use the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has entrusted to us. Both readings encourage us to live with purpose and responsibility, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How am I using the resources God has given me? Am I living in a way that reflects my commitment to God’s kingdom? Let us strive to be faithful stewards, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for the One who has entrusted us with so much. May we worship God with our lives, using our gifts to build up his kingdom, and may we be prepared to give an account of our stewardship when we stand before him.