April 11 - Any Way I Can

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 2:1-28
"Encounters with Jesus"

Focus Verses: Mark 2:2-4
2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.

Insight:
Today's scripture passage describes a wide variety of encounters people had with Jesus. We see the struggle someone had just trying to get close to Jesus and a tax collector who decided to follow Jesus. On one occasion the Pharisees questioned Jesus about his diet and associations with people they deplored. On another occasion they criticize his observance of Sabbath law. Jesus offered new hope, new purpose, "new wine," and new understanding.

Response and Action:
I am struck by the persistence of the paralytic and his friends. They were dogged in their efforts to get close to Jesus. The four men were willing to do whatever it took to get their friend next to Jesus.

That's the way I want to pursue Jesus. That's the way I want to help my friends get next to Jesus. Because I believe Jesus offers hope, healing, purpose, and understanding for life, I will be tenacious and unwavering in my efforts to get myself and my friends as close to him as possible.

O God, thank you for all you have given through Jesus. My hope and faith and purpose are in him. Help me to get closer to him every day in any way I can. Help me to press on in order to take hold of that for which he has taken hold of me. Help me to know him through the pages of Scripture, through the witness of the church, and through the indwelling of his Spirit. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 40:16-17
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" 17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
In Context: Psalm 40:1-17

Proverb for Today: Prov. 11:30
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright

April 10 - From Now On

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 5:1-11
"Calling of Disciples"

Focus Verses: Luke 5:8-11
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Insight:
Simon Peter was shaken by the mystery and authority he saw in Jesus. Because of the awe he had for Jesus, and the deep sense of his own sinfulness, Peter's first inclination was to push Jesus away. Jesus reassured him and spoke of a new future and purpose for his life. Peter and his partners, James and John, walked away from everything and followed Jesus.

Response and Action:
Like Peter, I am very impressed with Jesus. His power and authority are amazing. Sadly, like Peter I can also, at times, be preoccupied with my sin and weakness. It's so good to know that Jesus interrupts my shame and self-doubt with grace and peace. He tells me to not be afraid and gives me hope and purpose. I want to put Jesus first. I will follow him and treasure him above all things. I will leave behind anything that hinders my walk with him.

O God, thank you for the grace and truth Christ brings. Help me to honor and obey him. Help me to demonstrate my love for him by keeping his word. Show me your purpose for my life and give me the courage to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Give me the wisdom and the will to cast off anything that would distract me from the promise I have in Christ . Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 1:1-2
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
In Context: Psalm 1

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Recommended Reading:
Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship
by N. T. Wright

April 9 - Good News for Now

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 4:14-30
"Nazareth Rejects Jesus"

Focus Verses: Luke 4:18-21
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Insight:
Jesus came preaching the good news, which had been promised and foretold by the prophet Isaiah. It was good news of healing, freedom, justice, and restoration. More than merely spiritual, philosophical, or religious, Jesus came to bring truth and deliverance that would bring about real change, recovery, and hope in the real world.

This good news was not just for Israel, but for all people everywhere. When the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus, he reminded them that they were not the first to reject someone sent by God. In fact, the abuse and rejection of the prophets was typical in their history. They became outraged when he pointed out scriptural examples of non-Jews who, unlike them, were quicker to recognize God's power and truth.

Response and Action:
I recognize Jesus as good news. He is the hope of salvation. He brings forgiveness and restoration. He offers freedom from oppression and bondage. He is the proof of God's love and favor toward humanity. I will embrace the good news that Jesus embodies. My faith and hope are in him. Not only will I receive the good news, I will commit myself to joining Jesus in preaching and living the good news of God. As a follower of Jesus, I must commit myself to bring peace, deliverance, health, justice, life, truth, and freedom to the world around me. To embrace Christ Jesus is to embrace his agenda for the world.

O God, you are holy and loving. Your love and holiness have been gloriously lived out on earth through Christ Jesus. Thank you for the good news Jesus has brought to the whole world. Help me to follow in his steps and to walk in the power of his Spirit, that I might live and preach the same good news. Help me to be an active agent and living witness of the freedom, restoration, and hope that are in Christ Jesus. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 61:11
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
In Context: Isaiah 61:1-11

Proverb for Today: Prov. 9:10-11
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."

Recommended Reading:
Kingdom Come: How Jesus Wants to Change the World
by Allen Mitsuo Wakabayashi

April 8 - Crossing the Lines

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 4:1-42
"The Samaritan Woman"

Focus Verses: John 4:23-26
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

Insight:
Not only did Jesus come proclaiming, "The Kingdom of God is near," he also proclaimed salvation and hope for all people. In his interaction with the Samaritan woman, he stepped past many cultural barriers. Not only did he choose to travel in Samaria, he stopped to eat and drink. Not only did he converse with a Samaritan, he conversed with a woman. Not only a woman, but one who was an outcast among Samaritans. Not only did he speak to her, he drank water she had collected. He crossed the lines that divided people from each other and God.

The conversation Jesus had with the woman was at a well dug by the Patriarch Jacob (Israel). The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had made a covenant promise to bless all people through their descendants. Jesus openly claimed to be the promised Messiah who would be the Savior of the world, the source of eternal living water, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promise.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for Jesus' direct claim to be the Christ. I believe him and accept his claim as truth. I acknowledge him to be Savior; I believe he is the source of living water that never runs dry. I will worship God in spirit and in truth by embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior. I will follow him and tell others about what he is doing in my life, and as I do, be ready and willing to cross cultural barriers.

O God, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the living water you pour out on all who believe in him. Give me the honesty and courage to face the things Jesus exposes in my life. Give me a humble and responsive heart and make me ready to believe and follow. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead and transform me, and make my life a witness of Christ's power to save. I pray in him name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 45:20-22
20 "Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. 21 Declare what is to be, present it—let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD ? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
In Context: Isaiah 45:15-25

Proverb for Today: Prov. 8:17
"I (wisdom) love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ
by Robert H. Stein

April 7 - Into the Light

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 2:12-3:21
"The Temple and Teacher"

Focus Verses: John 3:19-21
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

Insight:
The people who encountered Jesus had to wrestle with who he was and what he was doing. The merchants driven out of the temple, the crowds who heard him making unusual claims ("tear this temple down and I'll build it up in three days"), the disciples who followed him, and the religious teachers who questioned him, all had to deal with him. Was he telling the truth or was he a fraud? Was he sent from God or a troublemaker?

Jesus claimed to be the son of God, the one sent from heaven, and the one able to give eternal life. He said he had been sent into the world as an expression of God's great love and desire to save all who would believe.

Response and Action:
Jesus said light had come into the world, but people loved darkness more than light because of their evil deeds and desires. The desires of the heart affect the response of the person. Do I have desires that are getting in the way of my faith? Am I holding on to things that keep me from knowing truth and following Jesus?

I want to embrace the light of Christ. I want to follow him. I believe his claims, and I will look to him in faith for truth, for life, and for salvation.

O God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, into the world. Thank you for loving people and for making a way for us to be saved and renewed. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Through Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 69:1-9
6 May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel. 7 For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. 8 I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons; 9 for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
In Context: Psalm 69:1-9

Proverb for Today: Prov. 6:23
"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life..."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus and His World
by P. W. L. Walker

Reading Schedule for April 7 - 12

April 7 - John 2:12-3:21
April 8 - John 4:1-42
April 9 - Luke 4:14-30
April 10 - Luke 5:1-11
April 11 - Mark 2:1-28
April 12 - Mark 3:1-35


You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

April 5 - Seeing and Believing

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 2:1-11
"Jesus' First Miracle"

Focus Verses: John 2:11
11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Insight:
There are some unusual things about Jesus' first miracle. To begin with, the supply of wine at a wedding doesn't seem like it really warrants supernatural intervention. There also seems to be reluctance on Jesus' part. His mother wants him to do something, but he doesn't want to get involved; he doesn't think it's the right time. When he does get involved, it seems to be at Mary's insistence. And though he performs a miracle, he does so in an anonymous way. Only Mary and the servants seem to know what has happened.

All of these peculiarities make fertile ground for both speculation and question. We ask “why this” and wonder “why that?” John jumps beyond our questions about this specific miracle and gets to a bigger question: Why miracles at all?

His answer: To reveal Jesus' glory and to foster faith in him (1:11).

Response and Action:
As I encounter Jesus' miracles while reading the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I will remember what John said at the conclusion of his account of Jesus' first miracle. I will ask myself, "What does this miracle reveal to me about Jesus' glory?" and "What does this miracle call me or cause me to believe about Jesus?" I will look for his glory and consider my faith in him.

O God, help me to recognize Jesus as your Son, the Christ, the Savior, and Lord. Help me to grow in my knowledge and experience of who he is and what that means. Increase my faith and do a miraculous work in my life. Take my bondage to sin and transform it into freedom and righteousness. Help me to live by the miraculous power of resurrection. Change my heart from stone to flesh. Turn the tepid and bitter waters of my life into the rich new wine of your Spirit. Take my death and give me life. In Jesus transforming and powerful Name, I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 77:13-14
13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
In Context: Psalm 77

Proverb for Today: Prov. 5:1-2
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, 2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

Recommended Reading:
Miracles
by C. S.Lewis

April 4 - Time for Good News

Overview of: Mark

Today's Reading:
Mark 1:9-45
"Jesus Begins His Ministry"

Focus Verses: Mark 1:14-15
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

Insight:
Jesus proclaimed the good news of God. He declared that the kingdom of God was near. His authority and message were demonstrated and confirmed through the amazing miracles he performed. He cast out evil spirits and healed the sick.

Response and Action:
The nearness of the kingdom of God is good news. I want to receive and experience the good news of God. I also want to bless others and change my world by living out the good news. I will recognize Jesus' authority and follow him. I will come to Jesus for healing and hope, and I will point others to Jesus. I will cultivate an awareness of God's presence and work in the world. I will commit myself to God, that he might use me to bring his kingdom to earth.

Our Father who fills the heavens, holy is your name. I long to see your kingdom come--your will lived out on earth as in heaven. Give me the wisdom to recognize Jesus' authority. Help me to follow him and to make every effort to advance his kingdom agenda. Help me to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Through Christ, Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 52:7
7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
In Context: Isaiah 52:1-10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 4:25-26
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Recommended Reading:
The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God
by Dallas Willard

April 3 - Submission and Resistance

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matthew 3:13 - 4:11
"Jesus' Baptism and Temptation"

Focus Verses: Matthew 3:15 & 4:10
3:15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."

4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'

Insight:
Jesus' baptism was an act of submission to God. It was an act of witness declaring Jesus' full surrender to God the Father. His submission to God was how righteousness would be fulfilled in his life.

Jesus' victory over temptation in the wilderness was an act of resistance. In every case, Jesus saw that giving in to temptation would be a failure to submit to God. He resisted and renounced every temptation, recognizing them for the satanic snares they were.

Response and Action:
Jesus' submission to God and his resistance in the face of temptation remind me of the words of James 4:7 -- "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Like Jesus, I want to live a righteous life that honors God. I will submit myself to God (a pledge I made when I was baptized), pursue righteousness, and hide God's word in my heart. I will guard against temptation, recognize it for what it is, and resist it.

O God, I desire to honor you this day in thought, word, and deed. Help to turn away from what is wrong and do what is right. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from evil. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape, and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Deuteronomy 6:13-15
13 Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.
In Context: Deut. 6:4-19

Proverb for Today: Prov. 3:3
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

Recommended Reading:
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
by John Owen, John Piper, Kelly M. Kapic, and Justin Taylor

April 2 - Growing Up

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 2:41-52
"Jesus in the Temple as a Boy"

Focus Verses: Luke 2:49-52
49 "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Insight:
With all of the unusual circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, it's not hard to imagine that his childhood would be marked by unusual events. The four gospels of the New Testament, however, tell us very little about Jesus' boyhood. In fact, the short story of Jesus in the Temple as a twelve-year old boy, during his family's Passover trip to Jerusalem, is the only childhood event recorded in the Bible.

Though the account is very short, it gives us some interesting insights about Jesus. It reveals that even as a boy Jesus had a sense of calling. He spoke about his mission, and referred to God as his Father. At age twelve, Jesus was so knowledgeable of Scripture he could have intelligent and thought-provoking conversations with the experts in the Law. Jesus treated his mother, Mary, and his stepfather, Joseph, with dignity and respect. He obeyed them as he grew in stature, increased in wisdom, and earned the respect of others.

Response and Action:
From a young age, Jesus faithfully pursued God's purpose for his life. He knew the Scriptures, and was obedient to God. Like Jesus, I want to live by faith and seek God's purpose for my life. I want to know the Scriptures. I want to engage with others in meaningful conversations about God, the Kingdom, and the meaning of life.

O God, give me a love and passion for the Scriptures. Give me guidance for my life, and help me to apply your word to my daily life. Help me to discuss and declare the grace and truth of Christ Jesus with others around me. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 119:99-101
99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. 100 I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.
In Context: Psalm 119:97-112

Proverb for Today: Prov. 2:6
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ
by Robert H. Stein

April 1 - Seeking and Finding

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matt. 2:1-23
"The Wise Men"

Focus Verses: Matthew 2:3-6
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 6 "'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Insight:
When the visiting wise men from the east came looking for the "one who had been born king of the Jews," Herod had his advisers search the scriptures for clues to the birthplace of the Christ. They pointed him to the words, "in Bethlehem in Judea," from the prophet Micah. The words of Micah’s prophecy also seem especially appropriate to the story of the visiting magi as they describe Christ’s greatness “reaching to the ends of the earth, and he will be their peace."

The Wise Men were seekers of the Christ. The priority they gave to finding Jesus, the way God led them in dreams, the worship they offered, and the gifts they presented all suggest to me that they were people who knew and believed God's covenant promise to Abraham: "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Gen. 12:3).

Response and Action:
I believe the scriptures are reliable, that Jesus is the Christ, and that the peace he brings is for all people. I will search the scriptures in order to be wise. I will seek Christ in order to find peace. I will trust God to keep his promises and to lead me.

O God, show me your ways. Thank you for the scriptures. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Give me the wisdom to seek you above all else. Help me to love, worship, and follow Christ wherever he leads. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Micah 5:4-5
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be their peace.
In Context: Micah 5:1-5

Proverb for Today: Prov. 1:32-33
"For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ
by Robert H. Stein

March 31 - The Light of Christ

Overview of: John

Today's Reading:
John 1:1-18
"The Word Incarnate"

Focus Verses: John 1:9-12
9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God...

Insight:
Jesus is the human manifestation of God's creative word--"all things came into being by him." Jesus is the incarnation of God's word of wisdom--"the true light that enlightens all mankind." Jesus is the embodiment of God's saving word--"in him was life." Jesus is the human face of God's regenerating word--"to those who received him, who believed in his Name, he gave to the power to become the children of God."

Response and Action:
I believe that Jesus is God made flesh. I believe that the gifts of God's grace and truth are found in him. I believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I receive him, embrace him, surrender myself to him, and look to him in faith. I look to Jesus to understand and take hold of God's truth and wisdom. I look to him for salvation and regeneration.

O God, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, into the world. Thank you for showing yourself through him. Thank you for the grace and truth we receive through him. Give me the wisdom and the will to love and follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is in his saving Name that I pray. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Prov. 8:27-29
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
In Context: Prov. 8:22-36

Proverb for Today: Prov. 31:8
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

Recommended Reading:
Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from the Gospels
See Part 3, Chapter 12, p. 409 for a fantastic explanation of John 1.
by Darrell Bock

Reading Schedule for March 31 - April 5

Mar. 31 - John 1:1-18
April 1 - Matt. 2:1-23
April 2 - Luke 2:41-52
April 3 - Matthew 3:13 - 4:11
April 4 - Mark 1:9-45
April 5 - John 2:1-11


You're invited to read through the Bible with Dave Burkum. Six readings each week will take you through key scripture passages from Genesis through Revelation. Click here to download your copy of the Useful Breath Reading Schedule for 2007-08.

March 29 - Recognizing Salvation

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 2:1-40
"The Birth of Jesus"

Focus Verses: Luke 2: 27b
27b When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

Insight:
Simeon was a righteous and devout man who worshiped God with his whole heart, and prayed faithfully for the consolation of Israel. When he saw the baby Jesus at the temple, he recognized the hope and peace for which he had been waiting and praying. He saw in Jesus, the fulfillment of the promised salvation the prophet Isaiah had foretold.

Response and Action:
What do I see in Jesus? Do I recognize in him the hope of peace and comfort? Do I see in him the fulfillment of God's promises to save? I believe Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. I believe there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father--God from God, light from light, true God from true God.

O God, give me eyes to see who Jesus is. Please help me to recognize him as the Savior you sent into the world to rescue me from the dominion of darkness. Show me the hope, healing, light, and life that are found only in him. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 9:2,6
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In Context: Isaiah 9:1-7

Proverb for Today: Prov. 29:30
"The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both."

Recommended Reading:
God in the Flesh: What Speechless Lawyers, Kneeling Soldiers And Shocked Crowds Teach Us About Jesus
by Don Everts

March 28 - Hope and Light

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 1:57-80
"The Birth of John the Baptist"

Focus Verses: Luke 1:76-79
76 "And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Insight:
Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up the hope of ever having a child, but God blessed them with a son. This son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way and announce the coming of the Lord Jesus to a people who had given up hope of ever seeing the Messiah.

At John's birth, Zechariah burst into a song of celebration and quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah. His song of praise was a message of hope for everyone on the verge of giving up. The long awaited Messiah was coming, and Zechariah's son would be the prophet who would go before him.

Response and Action:
My hope is in the Lord. God is faithful to keep his promises. I will cling to the hope I have in Christ Jesus--the hope of eternal life, the hope of salvation, the hope of purpose and meaning, the hope of restoration, the hope of transformation, and the hope of resurrection.

O God, my hope is in you all day long. Show me your ways; guide me in your paths, and teach me. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me, by your Spirit, through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Make your light shine into the darkness of my life. Help me to delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 9:2,6
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In Context: Isaiah 9:1-7

Proverb for Today: Prov. 28:5
"Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully."

Recommended Reading:
Hope Has Its Reasons: The Search to Satisfy Our Deepest Longings
by Rebecca Manley Pippert

March 27 - God with Me

Overview of: Matthew

Today's Reading:
Matthew 1:1-25
"Mary, Joseph and Jesus"

Focus Verses: Matthew 1:21-22
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

Insight:
Matthew makes more references to Old Testament texts than any other of the four Gospels. He begins his account of Jesus' life with a genealogy that traces his descent from the house of David. Matthew saw, in the birth of Jesus, a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy to the house of David (Isaiah 7-8). Jesus was the coming King, the coming Messiah, and the one who would deliver Israel from their oppression. He was "God with us."

Response and Action:
Like Matthew, I believe the Jesus is the promised savior. I believe that in his birth, God became flesh and lived among us full of grace and truth (John 1). I believe that Jesus is Immanuel--"God with us." I believe Jesus' departing promise that though he was physically returning to the Father, he would be with us--through the Holy Spirit--always to the very end of the age. I believe he will come again to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end.

O God, thank you that though you existed in the very form of God, you did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but instead emptied yourself to become a man who lived among us. Jesus, thank you for the gracious work of salvation and deliverance you accomplished. Thank you for being faithfulness to obey God all the way to death, even death on the cross. I will exalt you and give you my praise. Your Name is above all other names! My knee is bowed before you. My mouth declares that you, O Christ, are LORD. Be with me this day as I commit myself to live out my faith in you. Amen.


Old Testament for Today: Isaiah 8:9-10
9 Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! 10 Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
In Context: Isaiah 8:1-10

Proverb for Today: Prov. 27:11
"Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt."

Recommended Reading:
God in the Flesh: What Speechless Lawyers, Kneeling Soldiers And Shocked Crowds Teach Us About Jesus
by Don Everts

March 26 - Promises Kept

Overview of: Luke

Today's Reading:
Luke 1:5-52
"The Births of John and Jesus Foretold"

Focus Verses: Luke 1:16-17, 30-33
16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Insight:
The Old Testament prophets spoke of a future hope that Israel had yet to see. This hope was more than the rebuilding of Jerusalem, more than the return of the Jews from exile, and more than the restoration of the temple. They spoke of the coming Messiah who would save his people. He would bring redemption and give new hearts. He would bring freedom and eternal life. The coming Messiah would be announced by a special messenger who would shout, "Prepare the way of the Lord."

An angel appeared to Zechariah and said, "Your son is going to be the messenger who proclaims the coming of Christ." The angel Gabriel told Mary, "You will have a son--the son of the Most High God--and he will be the long awaited Savior." It's exciting to see that the first words of promise in the New Testament are the fulfillment of the last words of promise of the Old Testament.

Response and Action:
I am thankful for God's unfolding story of redemption and salvation. By faith, I embrace the promises of the prophets. By faith, I believe that Jesus is God's promised Messiah. By faith, I believe that God is present in the world today, still working toward redemption and salvation. By faith, I have given and continue to give my life to Jesus. By faith, I have entered the unfolding story of redemption, and pray that God will direct and use me for his redemptive purposes as I serve and follow Jesus.

O God, thank you for your son Jesus, who for us and for our salvation became incarnate from the virgin Mary and was made man. Thank you that for our sake, he suffered death, but rose again on the third day as the victor over death. Help me to love and follow Jesus, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Malachi 3:1
1 "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty.
In Context: Malachi 3:1 - 4:6

Proverb for Today: Prov. 26:6
"Like cutting off one's feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool."

Recommended Reading:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott

March 25 - Drinking Living Water

Overview of: Isaiah

Today's Reading:
Isaiah 55:1-13
"An Invitation for the Thirsty"

Focus Verses: Isaiah 55:1,6-7
1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. - - - 6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Insight:
The God who restores and saves, through the redemptive work of his Messiah, calls all who are thirsty to come to him. He calls us to seek him, and to forsake our evil ways and thoughts. He promises to pardon our sins and provide for our needs. Surely, this passage from Isaiah must have been in Jesus' mind when he said, "Let everyone who is thirsty come to me and drink."

Response and Action:
I believe that Jesus is God's Messiah. I look to Jesus for redemption, for pardon, for meaning, for purpose, and for fulfillment. My thirst for a satisfying life compels me to answer Jesus' call to come to him and drink. My need for forgiveness leads me to Jesus for pardon from sin. My desire for redemption and wholeness motivates me to turn away from unrighteousness.

O God, thank you for the invitation for life that you have given me through Christ. Help me to turn away from what is wrong and to do what is right. Satisfy the needs of my soul through the living water of Jesus. May my faith in him cause streams of living water to well up and flow out of me, that I might be a blessing to others. Amen.

New Testament for Today: John 7:37-38
37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
In Context: John 7:25-44

Proverb for Today: Prov. 25:25
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."

Recommended Reading:
Come Thirsty: No Heart Too Dry for His Touch
by Max Lucado