May 28 Bible Reading

Matthew 12

Jesus had sovereign authority even in His incarnate state.  He was not interested in the laws that man had come up with to dilute the law of God.  We too must be careful to extend love to those in need even when it might be inconvenient or socially unacceptable to do so.

Psalm 30-32

God’s restoring and protecting power can bring our souls from the depths of depression to the rejoicing of our hearts.  David, in Psalm 30, rejoices over God’s power to save him.  He recognizes the invigorating nature of God’s redemption.  Psalm 31 uses extensive analogies and examples of how God can be our stronghold.  He is the one who carries us through our times of distress.  David recognizes, in Psalm 32, that there is a joy and freedom in being forgiven and absolved from sin.  He rejoices, not only in God’s forgiving his sin, but also in God’s discipline because of the sin, because it makes him more Godly.  We too should find joy in correction, because through it we become more like Christ.  

Genesis 24&25

God always has a plan and is faithful to carry it out.  Abraham knew that God would lead his servant to the woman that He wanted for Isaac. What a test the servant set up to find the woman for his master.  He tested her servant’s heart.  Abraham’s life is characterized by one of great faith.  This is something we could do well to mimic.  

Isaiah 34-36

In times when the downward trajectory of the earth becomes apparent, it is comforting to know that God has a plan to destroy and renew the earth.  We can look forward to being citizens of that new and perfect world that God will populate with those who believe in Him.

Romans 15&16

We must be careful to put the interests of others before our own.  Paul reminds his readers one last time to practice the standard that Christ set before us to love others more than ourselves.  If the Christian walk was characterized by this, there would be far fewer issues between believers.

Judges 10-12

God does not take our promises lightly.  We must be cautious what we promise to God.  Jephtah made a rash and foolish vow, and God expected him to keep it.  This may seem cruel, but how much more cruel would it be for God to deny His own virtues and become compromising and not consistent.  God’s attributes are rooted in His unchanging eternality.  His love is steadfast.  His patience is long.  We should expect, and can take comfort in the fact, that God is unchanging.