Daily Readings - Mon Feb 17 2020
James
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Mark
11The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven.12He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."13Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
Sermon
In preparing the sermon, I began by examining the readings from James and Mark. James emphasizes enduring trials with joy, as they test our faith and lead to patience. He advises seeking wisdom from God with unwavering faith, warning against doubt, which leads to instability. He also contrasts the humble and the rich, noting that true worth isn't in wealth but in humility.
In Mark, the Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus, reflecting their doubt and testing of his authority. Jesus' response highlights his frustration with their unbelief, emphasizing that faith should be present without needing signs.
Connecting these, both readings stress the importance of faith. James encourages steadfastness, while Mark illustrates the consequences of unbelief. The sermon should thus encourage believers to face trials with faith, trust in God's wisdom, and remain humble, regardless of circumstances.
The moral lesson is clear: cultivate unwavering faith, trust in God's plan, and embrace humility. This approach helps believers navigate life's challenges with grace and contentment.