And so we continue with the homegrown parables. The writers of Matthew had obviously never seen a tobacco seed so fine a tablespoon can plant three acres. We continue our study of Romans and the parables in Matthew. The alternate OT Lesson is the story of how Laban tricked Jacob into working a total of 14 years to obtain the bride he favoured. We won't confront the issue of polygamy which was acceptable in a time when many woman died in childbirth.
In 1 Kings the dream in which God grants Solomon his wish for wisdom is told. Interestingly the pericope omits verses 13 and 14:
1Ki 3:13 I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king.
1Ki 3:14 And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
The passage excerpted from Psalm 119 glories in the Lord's teaching, wisdom, and laws. Wise are those who follow them.
Rom 8:28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.
And so to the parables. The mustard seed tells us that though our efforts may seem small a pebble dropped in a pond makes waves that spread beyond the initial contact. We should think globally but act locally and not despair as to the eventual outcome which is in God's hands.
The leaven disappears within the flour just as our efforts seem to have little effect but the affect of yeast is to leaven the whole. We should not discount our efforts or become discouraged.
The parable of the treasure and the pearl involve “discoveries (that) disrupt normal daily life and priorities; they require risk and sacrifice”. So too does our investment in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is worth everything.
Finally the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to fisherman emptying their nets of by-catch. We should be mindful of our commitments lest we be found wanting and thrown out with the garbage.
The theme of the day then seems to be that of taking care that we make wise choices, our eternal life rests upon those decisions.
In 1 Kings the dream in which God grants Solomon his wish for wisdom is told. Interestingly the pericope omits verses 13 and 14:
1Ki 3:13 I will also give you what you have not asked for: all your life you will have wealth and honor, more than that of any other king.
1Ki 3:14 And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
The passage excerpted from Psalm 119 glories in the Lord's teaching, wisdom, and laws. Wise are those who follow them.
Rom 8:28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.
And so to the parables. The mustard seed tells us that though our efforts may seem small a pebble dropped in a pond makes waves that spread beyond the initial contact. We should think globally but act locally and not despair as to the eventual outcome which is in God's hands.
The leaven disappears within the flour just as our efforts seem to have little effect but the affect of yeast is to leaven the whole. We should not discount our efforts or become discouraged.
The parable of the treasure and the pearl involve “discoveries (that) disrupt normal daily life and priorities; they require risk and sacrifice”. So too does our investment in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is worth everything.
Finally the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to fisherman emptying their nets of by-catch. We should be mindful of our commitments lest we be found wanting and thrown out with the garbage.
The theme of the day then seems to be that of taking care that we make wise choices, our eternal life rests upon those decisions.
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