Pentecost • 20

reading for: Tuesday Night, 1 october

mark 10:2-16

  • ReAD

    Scripture Reference: Mark 10:2-16

    “14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”– Mark 10:14-16

  • Commentary

    What is our response to Jesus? Today’s passage speaks of two different kinds of response. One of them is a response that is welcoming and joyful. The other response seeks to trap and condemn Jesus.

    Let’s begin with the response to trap and condemn Jesus. The Pharisees came to Jesus to test Jesus, asking him if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. In short, Jesus told them that it was not possible for a man to divorce his wife, for God made man and woman from the beginning of creation. A man shall leave his father and mother and become one flesh with his wife. Jesus was, in effect, telling them no. But Moses told them yes if they wrote a certificate of divorce. Jesus recognised that as a concession because of their hardness of heart. The intention of the Pharisees was not to learn from Jesus or to have a dialogue with Him but to trap Him so that they could find a charge against Him.

    The second response is one of welcoming and joyfulness. People in the crowd were bringing children to them so that Jesus might touch them. This shows a sense of trust and dependence on Jesus to the point that they wanted Jesus to bless their children. Indeed, they did not condemn Jesus, but they received Jesus. The children and those that sent them to Jesus were welcoming of Jesus. When the disciples tried to stop them, Jesus commanded them not to hinder the children, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.

    Today we see in this passage two different kinds of response to Jesus. One that is affirming of Jesus and the other that seeks to trap Jesus.

  • Reflect

    What is our response to Jesus? Are we seeking to ask Him questions to trap Him, or are we asking Him questions so that we can receive Him? Do we want to come to Him like children?

    Prayer

    Our Father in Heaven, you sent your Son Jesus into this earth to save and rescue us from darkness into light. Help us to respond to you with faith, joy and happiness. We want to receive You and walk with You. Amen.

reading for: Wednesday Night, 2 october

Job 1:1, 2:1-10

  • ReAD

    Scripture Reference: Job 1:1, 2:1-10

    Key Verse:
    "Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10, ESV)

  • Commentary

    In the opening chapters of Job, we encounter a man who is blameless and upright, yet suddenly thrust into immense suffering. His wealth, family, and health are stripped away, and in his anguish, he speaks words that resonate deeply with us: can we accept only blessings from God and not hardships? Job’s story invites us into a profound reflection on God’s presence in every season of life—whether good or bad.

    As a church, we’ve been on a journey, learning that God sustains and strengthens us through every trial. We’ve declared, “It is well with my soul,” even in uncertainty, because we trust that God is our Strength, Enabler, and Sustainer. Job lived this reality. Despite everything he endured, he didn’t turn away from God, but instead, clung to faith.

    This lesson is for every generation: children, teens, single adults, married couples, and the elderly. No matter where you are in life, you will face challenges—doubts, pain, and perhaps loss. But as we’ve learned together in recent months, listening to God and trusting His vision, even when we don’t understand, opens the door to His love and healing. In Job’s story, we see the power of trusting God’s purpose, knowing He is working even in our deepest struggles.

  • Reflect

    In what areas of my life am I struggling to trust God’s presence and strength, especially when things feel uncertain?

  • Prayer

    “O Master of my life, give me not a spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But grant unto me a spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages.” — St. Ephrem the Syrian.

reading for: THURSDAY Night, 3 october

Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12

reading for: FRIDAY Night, 4 october

Psalms 26

  • ReAD

    Scripture reference: Psalm 26 

    Psalms 26:11-12

    But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.

    My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.

  • COMMENTARY

    How do we maintain our strength in challenging times? How do we pray in times of need?

    Continuing on our topic of strength training through prayer, we see at the end of Psalm 26 that David is standing on level ground. Not only that, he’s also blessing the LORD in the midst of his brothers and sisters. He’s praising in the midst of the storm, he’s praising even though he’s in the valley.

    This strength that David has hasn’t come easy. David is first and foremost pure before His heavenly Father, in the fullness of his heart and actions, he’s asking that the LORD test him and try him (v. 2). There is a confidence that he has done everything he can to rely on the LORD. And that he would do even more if he knew how.

    He has not hung out or spent time with liars and hypocrites, he has not been in the presence of those who do or think evil (v. 4-5). Instead, he has done the opposite, he’s been hanging out at the altar of the LORD, he’s been proclaiming the wonderful works and singing thanksgiving about the LORD (v. 6-7). He loves to be in the presence of the LORD and in His house.

    In this secure place with the LORD, in His presence, he then makes his plea. Do not let his soul or life be swept away with evil doers. But show your hand of redemption, show your face of love and grace (v. 11). For that is how he will stand strong, that is how he will maintain his strength. 

  • Reflect

    How much time and how do you spend time coming before the LORD in difficult times? Are you able to pray with such integrity and confidence as David prayed to be tried and tested? That can only come with time with the LORD.

  • Prayer

    Father in Heaven, I need You in my life. Even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. Teach me Father to be in your presence, teach me how to bring all of my struggles, all of my anguish before You. That I might continue to walk in faith trusting in You.

    In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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