GENESIS 26:17-27:46; MATTHEW 9:1-17; PSALM 10:16-18; PROVERBS 3:9-10
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The strangest of things happen, and the reasons are sometimes never clear. Wells are dug in good faith, but fights break out; old enemies come around to make peace when least expected; and daughters-in-law suddenly become a source of grief. I suppose this is what is called life!
The story of Rebekah’s scheming and Isaac’s gullibility, combined with Jacob’s craftiness and Esau’s despair, makes this one heck of a story on human relationships. All is not always well!
Turning to Matthew, we continue with the account of Jesus’ preaching and teaching. Matthew recounts his own calling by Jesus. “Follow me” is all that Jesus says to him, and Matthew does just that. Not known for the best of reputations in town–a tax collector was synonymous with everything corrupt–Jesus’ choice in befriending Matthew is promptly questioned by the Pharisees.
In reply, Jesus says to them: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Turning next to our reading from the Psalms, we find David offering up a cry of help for the helpless. He says:
17 Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. 18 You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.
Finally, Solomon, the wise king of Israel, gives straightforward direction in these verses:
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
You see, it is not our wealth that God is in need of. And yet, giving the best of whatever we have is the only way to put our money where our mouth is. Because in giving back to the Lord do we offer praise to him.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word. Amen.
