The scriptures read are Exodus 7-9, Psalm 19, and Matthew 20.
Exodus 7-9. Not gonna break down these chapters because it's the same pattern repeated: God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let the people go. Pharaoh refuses. The plague hits. Pharaoh may or may not ask Moses to stop the plague but after it's over, Pharaoh remains stubborn. The plagues are, in order, water turns to blood, frogs everywhere, gnats (that would have gotten me--I hate gnats! Annoying, biting things you can't kill), flies, dead livestock, boils, hail. I'm not doing the research thing, just reading and reflecting but I recall reading somewhere that the plagues were specifically aimed at Egyptian deities, like the Nile. Pharaoh reminds me of a boss I once had: deceitful and dumb. Let the people go already!
Psalm 19. A familiar and beautiful psalm, of the heavens telling of God's glory as well as praise for God's words. The last verse I say before every sermon.
Matthew 20. The wonderful parable of the generous vineyard owner. He is definitely not being proportionate in doling out the pay. You get a full day's whether you work all day or just got started. Master's privilege.
James and John have an ambitious mother. Little does she know what she's asking for. But even Jesus doesn't decide who gets front row seats. His other students are ticked. But followers of Jesus lead by serving others. Just like Jesus.
There's time for 1 more healing before the debates and death of Jesus.
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