Daily Readings - Tue Dec 14 2021
Zephaniah
1Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!2She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God.9"Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.10From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.11On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.12But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD.13The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies, nor will deceit be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid."
Matthew
28"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'29"'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.30"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.31"Which of the two did what his father wanted?The first," they answered.32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about repentance, obedience, and the true nature of faith. The prophet Zephaniah addresses a rebellious city, urging its people to turn back to God. Despite their initial defiance, God promises restoration, transforming their hearts to humility and righteousness. This passage emphasizes that true faith leads to a life of moral integrity and trust in God.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, highlighting the contrast between words and actions. The son who initially refuses but later obeys illustrates genuine repentance, while the one who agrees but doesn’t act represents hollow commitment. Jesus then relates this to the religious leaders, noting that tax collectors and prostitutes, though considered sinners, repented and entered the kingdom before them. This underscores that true faith is about action, not just words.
These readings remind us that faith requires more than lip service. It demands humility, repentance, and living out our beliefs. In our daily lives, let us strive to walk the walk, embracing a humble and obedient heart, trusting in God’s promise of restoration and renewal.