Daily Readings - Wed Nov 18 2020
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 presented with two profound visions: one of heavenly worship and another of earthly stewardship. The first reading from Revelation paints a vivid picture of the throne of God, surrounded by living creatures and elders in adoration. This scene emphasizes God's majesty and the eternal worship that unfolds in heaven. The second reading, from Luke, shares the parable of the ten pounds, where a nobleman entrusts his servants with resources and later judges their faithfulness upon his return. This parable underscores the importance of accountability and responsible stewardship.
The context of these readings is significant. Revelation 4 is part of John's vision, highlighting God's sovereignty and the celestial worship that reflects His glory. In contrast, Luke's parable is set as Jesus approaches Jerusalem, teaching His disciples about the kingdom of God and the importance of faithfulness. Both readings, though different in setting, share a common theme: the call to live in a manner that honors God, whether through worship or through the responsible use of the gifts and talents He has entrusted to us.
As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded that our lives are not our own but are lived under the gaze of God. The parable challenges us to consider how we use the resources, talents, and time given to us. Are we like the servants who multiplied what they were given, or are we like the one who buried his pound out of fear? The vision from Revelation invites us to see beyond the present moment, to the eternal worship of God, and to live in such a way that we might one day join in that heavenly chorus. Let us strive to be faithful stewards, using all that we have to glorify God, and let us cultivate a deep reverence for the One who is worthy of all honor and praise.