Daily Readings - Sat Feb 01 2025
Hebrews
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.2This is what the ancients were commended for.8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.16Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.17By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son,18even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."19Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
Mark
35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Sermon
In today's readings, we delve into the essence of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Hebrews 11 highlights the unwavering faith of Abraham and Sarah, who trusted God's promises despite the uncertainties and challenges they faced. Their story reminds us that faith is not about seeing the immediate results but trusting in God's plan, even when the future is unclear. The second reading from Mark 4 presents a dramatic scene where Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His divine authority and prompting the disciples to reflect on their own faith.
The context of these readings is significant. Hebrews 11 is part of a chapter often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," where the author illustrates the lives of those who trusted God without receiving the fullness of His promises in their lifetimes. This emphasizes the long-term nature of faith. In Mark 4, the story of Jesus calming the storm occurs during His ministry, showcasing His power and teaching the disciples about trust in the face of adversity.
Both readings intertwine the theme of faith, though in different contexts. Hebrews focuses on enduring faith over time, while Mark's narrative captures a moment of crisis where faith is tested. Together, they teach us that faith is both a steady journey and a response to immediate challenges. In our daily lives, we face our own "storms," whether personal struggles or broader uncertainties. These readings encourage us to trust God, just as the patriarchs and the disciples did, even when the outcome is unclear.
The moral lesson here is clear: faith is our anchor in turbulent times. Just as Abraham and Sarah trusted God's promises and the disciples learned to trust Jesus, we too can find peace by deepening our faith. Let us embrace the journey of faith, trusting in God's plan and authority, even when the path ahead seems daunting.