Lectionary for 30 December: BT 163:6.1-8
Today’s readings from the Book of Truth present us with an extraordinary moment in the life of Yeshua (Jesus) and His ministry—a time when the work of His chosen disciples began to bear fruit in the world, independent of His physical presence. This event is rich with lessons for those who labour in the vineyard of God, lessons on humility, faith, and the nature of true spiritual joy.
As the seventy returned to the camp, bursting with enthusiasm, they recounted how their mission to preach the Gospel had been met with great success. They rejoiced in the healing of the sick and even the subjection of devils. But note what filled the heart of our Lord with joy. It was not the acts of power they performed but the realisation that His mission could continue even after His earthly departure. Christ rejoiced not in what was transient but in the eternal—the establishment of God’s kingdom in the hearts of men and women.
This is a call to us as disciples today. We must place our trust not in worldly victories but in the enduring work of the Spirit. Our labours, small as they may seem, contribute to the eternal unfolding of God’s plan. Rejoice, then, not in visible signs of success, but that your names are written in heaven, as the Lord Himself declared.
Yeshua, in His wisdom, gently rebuked the seventy for their elation over power. “Rejoice not so much over this,” He warned, pointing them instead to the eternal perspective. Spiritual pride, that subtle danger, can easily ensnare even the faithful. It was, after all, the downfall of Lucifer, who exalted himself rather than remaining humbly faithful to God. As we go about our work in the Church, whether preaching, teaching, or serving, let us guard our hearts against any sense of superiority. Our successes are not our own but the Spirit working through us. Let us be humble servants, always mindful that without Christ, we can do nothing.
In one of those rare moments of emotional ecstasy, Yeshua gave thanks to the Father for revealing the truths of the kingdom to “children of the kingdom” while keeping them hidden from the self-righteous and the worldly wise. God’s revelation is not a reward for intellectual brilliance or worldly status but a gift to the humble and faithful. This teaches us to approach the mysteries of God with childlike faith and simplicity. It is not our accomplishments or our understanding that earn us a place in the kingdom but our openness to receive the Spirit’s guidance.
Yeshua pronounced woe upon Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—cities that had seen His mighty works yet rejected Him. This should stir our hearts with holy fear. How often do we receive the graces of God but fail to respond fully? How often do we let His Word take root only shallowly, distracted by the cares of the world? Let us heed this warning, turning our hearts wholly to God and bearing the fruit of repentance and faith.
Yet the Lord does not leave us without hope. He ends with one of the most beautiful promises in all of Scripture: “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Here is the assurance for all disciples—our struggles, burdens, and sacrifices are not borne alone. The Master is near, ready to give us rest and refresh our weary souls.
Brethren, we are co-labourers with Christ in spreading His teachings. We are called to labour with faith, humility, and joy—not in the power we wield but in the grace we receive. Never lose sight of the eternal promise that our names are written in heaven. And let us go forward, encouraged by the Master’s call to come to Him, bearing our burdens with the assurance of His abiding presence and unfailing love.
— Brother Chaim