12th August 2014 Daily Reading & Meditation Reading : Ezek 2:8-3:4 ; Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131 ; Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Gospel : Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; 10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 1st Reading: Ezek 2:8-3:4. : But you, mortal, hear what I say to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you. 9I looked, and a hand was stretched out to me, and a written scroll was in it. 10He spread it before me; it had writing on the front and on the back, and written on it were words of lamentation and mourning and woe. 3He said to me, O mortal, eat what is offered to you; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. 2So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. 3He said to me, Mortal, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it. Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey. 4 He said to me: Mortal, go to the house of Israel and speak my very words to them Reflection : Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14 Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?- Are we surprised to see the disciples discussing with Jesus who is the greatest? Dont we do the same thing? The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Who doesnt cherish the ambition to be somebody whom others admire rather than a nobody? Even the Psalms speak about the glory God has destined for us. You have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5). Whose glory do you seek?- Jesus made a dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God. What can a little child possibly teach us about greatness? Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their own. They were socially at the bottom of the rung and at the service of their parents, much like the household staff and domestic servants. What is the significance of Jesus gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the presence of his disciples by placing the child in a privileged position of honor at his right side. It is customary, even today, to seat the guest of honor at the right side of the host. The lowly of heart empty themselves of pride- Who is the greatest in Gods kingdom? The one who is humble and lowly of heart - who instead of asserting their rights willingly empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the lowly position of a servant and child before God. The simple of heart know that they belong to God - he is their father, teacher, and provider - the one who shows them the way of peace, joy, and life everlasting. They are content to recognize their total dependence on God who is the source of all goodness and every good gift. Jesus restores us to the people he has made holy - What does Jesus story about a lost sheep tell us about God and his kingdom? Shepherds normally counted their sheep at the end of the day to make sure all were accounted for. Since sheep by their very nature are very social, an isolated sheep can quickly become bewildered and even neurotic. The shepherds grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold. What was new in Jesus teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God (Luke 15:7). How terrible, then if one of us is responsible for someone being separated from God forever! One feels that it happens quite a lot in our society and in our Church . Seekers of the lost are much needed today. Do you pray and seek after those you know who have lost their way to God? Lord Jesus, teach me your way of humility and simplicity of heart that I may find perfect joy in you. May your light shine through me that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in you. Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131 14. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. 24. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. 72. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 103. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!. 111. Your testimonies are my heritage forever; yes, they are the joy of my heart. 131. With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 01:48:54 +0000
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