June 1 Bible Reading

Matthew 16

As we share the message of the gospel, it is of great importance that we communicate the true identity of Jesus.  It is important that the lost understand that Jesus was not a good man or good teacher, but that He was Deity.  We must tell others that Jesus is God Himself come to seek and to save that which is lost.  If we fail to communicate the Deity of Christ, then His death is meaningless. 

Job 1&2

I am struck, as never before, at Job’s heart and devotion to God.  We see a man who offered burnt sacrifices just in case his children had sinned, who after losing everything says, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”  And as if his physical afflictions were not enough, his wife then tells him to “curse God and die.”  Yet, in all this Job did not sin.  This is a heartbreaking story, yet one that is relatable to many.  We often question Devine reason.  Even Job’s afflictions are not fully explained.  God Himself uses the phrase “without reason.”  It is not important for us to know why.  It is important to trust that God’s plan is of higher priority than our earthly satisfaction.

Genesis 32&33

Jacob’s reuniting with Esau presents a beautiful example of repentance when we’ve wronged someone.  Jacob does not pretend the wrong was not committed or sneak by Esau.  He instead admits his submission to his brother and extends a generous apology.  We would be wise to treat our wounding others with this kind of humility. 

Isaiah 46-48

This is an amazing passage where the Lord lays out how preposterous it is that man should worship idols.  How ludicrous is it that we raise things that we, ourselves being formed by God, have formed to the level of God.  What an insult to His Devine status.

1Corinthians 5

In this part of First Corinthians Paul clears up an issue that is poorly exercised by Christianity at large.  he reminds us that it is not the world that we should be separating from for their worldliness, it is those who claim to be redeemed through Christ and are acting worldly.  Why would we expect a person of the world to act like a person of the Way?  However, we should most definitely expect someone chosen of Christ to strive to look like Him.

Ruth

Throughout the book of Ruth there is a pattern of Ruth being faithful and as a result receiving blessing.  Ruth was faithful to Naomi and to Naomi’s God, the One True God of Israel.  She was blessed so that she is included in the lineage of Christ.  We must be faithful to God, whether we see the fruits of our labors or not.