Daily Reading Week 28
Sunday
Acts16
Discover:
What did the jailer do to secure Paul and Silas – 16:24?
How did Paul and Silas respond to this treatment – 16:25?
What happened about midnight and how did it affect the prisoners – 16:26?
What did the jailer ask – 16:30?
What answer did Paul and Silas give initially – 16:31?
Respond:
The foundational question asked by the jailor in Philippi is "What must I do to be saved?" The answer is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who has the power to save. Salvation comes through faith in the gospel message of Jesus. Once saved, our position is eternally secure. The only revelation of God is found in the Word of God. Sanctifying faith for the saved is also found in the Scriptures, not in nature, philosophy, denominational regulations, traditions, or rituals. Faith is the key to understanding the Christian life. We are saved, stand, walk, run, fight, pray, and live by faith in Christ. The first step in the Christian life is to believe in the Lord Jesus. We should share this simple truth with others without clouding it with human reasoning or regulations, but by emphasizing faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul and Silas effectively utilized the opportunity presented to them. Whether the earthquake was a natural occurrence orchestrated by God or a supernatural intervention, its exact nature is not crucial in practical terms. What matters is that Paul and Silas seized the moment to bear witness. As a result, the jailer and his household believed and were baptized. It is important to recognize that persecution often brings specific opportunities for sharing one’s faith. We should stand ready to seize these opportunities when they are presented to us.
Monday
Psalm 7
Discover:
How does the concept of God's righteous anger challenge or align with your understanding of His character as a loving and merciful God?
How does the psalmist's confidence in God's judgment and vindication impact your own trust in God's justice?
Reflecting on Psalm 7, what does it teach you about the consequences of unrepentant sin and the role of God's righteous anger in dealing with evil?
How does the psalmist's acknowledgement of God as the righteous judge challenge your own perspective on seeking personal vengeance or relying on human justice systems?
How can a deeper understanding of God's righteous anger inspire reverence and awe for His holiness and justice?
Respond:
Understanding God's anger helps us grasp human anger. The Reformers used "Iram Dei placare" to explain the atonement, where Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, sacrificed Himself on the cross to forgive our sins and satisfy God's justice. The concept of God’s anger and wrath is not popular in many circles today. If we don;t grasp this aspect of God’s character, however, we will not begin to understand the depths of his mercy. God’s wrath has to be poured out on evil in order for him to maintain his holiness, goodness, and righteousness. It was Christ who absorbed that wrath on our behalf. We should also remember that God's anger is different from ours; it is always righteous and good. While He is furious with impenitent sinners, He is patient and draws His people to Himself. As Christians, we are under God's mercy and grace, not His wrath, enjoying a loving relationship with Him.
Tuesday
Psalm 8
Discover:
How does contemplating the sovereignty of God, as expressed in Psalm 8, impact your understanding of His power and authority over creation and your own life?
Reflecting on the glory of God described in Psalm 8, how does it inspire you to worship and praise Him for His greatness and majesty?
In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty and glory in Psalm 8 challenge any doubts or concerns you may have about His control over difficult circumstances in your life?
In what ways can the sovereignty and glory of God, as depicted in Psalm 8, bring comfort and assurance during times of uncertainty or when facing challenges?
How does the concept of God's sovereignty and glory in Psalm 8 challenge any tendencies towards self-sufficiency or reliance on human wisdom and strength?
Respond:
The Reformation motto "After darkness, light" symbolized the recovery of God's truth and the gospel from man-made traditions that obscured it. This rediscovery brought a renewed light to the church, restoring the glory of God. Divine glory, associated with beauty, worth, and holiness, was unveiled as the Reformers proclaimed the holy God who provides righteousness and deserves all praise.
Scripture links divine sovereignty with divine glory, as seen in Psalm 8:1 where God's glory is set above the heavens, signifying His rule and reign. Other passages, such as 1 Chronicles 29:11 and 1 Thessalonians 2:12, connect God's glory with His kingly reign and His calling into His kingdom. God's glory encompasses His sovereign reign over all things.
God's glory summarizes His character, encompassing His beauty, truth, worth, purity, and sovereignty. Christians desire to see God's glory because it reveals His nature and attributes. Emphasizing God's complete sovereignty over every aspect of creation highlights His glory. Acknowledging His control over all things, including our salvation, brings Him the greatest glory.
The inseparable relationship between God's glory and His sovereignty underscores the importance of recognizing His complete control. By acknowledging His sovereign authority, we magnify His glory.
Wednesday
Psalm 9
Discover:
How does reflecting on the theme of God's judgment in Psalm 9 challenge or shape your understanding of His justice and righteousness?
In what ways does the concept of God's judgment in Psalm 9 impact your perspective on the ultimate accountability of individuals and nations before Him?
What emotions arise within you when contemplating the idea of God's judgment against evil and oppression, and how does this affect your trust in His ability to bring justice?
How does the assurance of God's judgment against the wicked in Psalm 9 provide comfort and hope for those who have experienced injustice or oppression?
Reflecting on the theme of God's judgment in Psalm 9, how does it deepen your understanding of the importance of repentance and placing trust in God's righteousness as a means of avoiding His judgment?
Respond:
Psalm 9 begins with a customary expression of thanks to God, acknowledging His wonderful deeds and His nature worthy of gladness and exultation. However, the main theme of the psalm, which might seem unfamiliar to many today, focuses on judgment. David calls upon God to judge, an aspect that is rarely heard or prayed for in contemporary circles.
The psalmist speaks of God's righteous judgment of the world, imploring Him to rise up and demonstrate His authority over nations, instilling fear and reminding them of their insignificance before Him. This theme of judgment and the act of asking God to judge necessitate reflection. Firstly, it recognizes the reality of God's justice and judgment, emphasizing that the primary reason for believing something is its truth, irrespective of personal benefit. The utility of an idea does not determine its truthfulness. David writes this psalm because God is a God of justice and judgment, and this truth should not be ignored. "The LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice."
Once this truth is acknowledged, its implications are both terrifying and comforting. It brings comfort to those who trust in God, providing a stronghold against oppression and assuring that God will avenge blood and not forget the cries of the afflicted. The needy will not be forgotten, and the poor will have hope. God will ultimately restore justice. For the oppressed, this brings solace and encouragement to place their trust in God. Simultaneously, it is a terrifying prospect for the wicked who refuse to repent and trust in God.
David may not have had the same understanding of hell as revealed in the New Testament, but he recognized that there would be a judgment for the wicked beyond the grave. When we read the news and witness the immense evil and suffering in the world, encountering the vanity of evil individuals in power, we can cry out to God as David did, asking Him to instill fear and remind the nations of their mortality.
Thursday
Psalm 10
Discover:
Have you ever experienced a sense of God's silence or distance during a challenging season in your life, and how did that impact your faith and relationship with Him?
How does the psalmist's cry of "Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" resonate with your own questions and doubts during difficult times?
What emotions arise within you when contemplating the possibility of God's silence during trials, and how does this challenge your understanding of His presence and care?
Reflecting on the wickedness and oppression described in Psalm 10, how do you reconcile the existence of evil with the belief in a loving and just God who sometimes appears silent in the face of injustice?
How might the psalmist's plea for God to arise and take action encourage you to persist in faith and seek God's presence, even when His silence seems prolonged and perplexing?
Respond:
The cry of many faithful individuals, even devout and pious souls, is the question of where God is when things become difficult. This psalm captures the raw reality of such feelings, refusing to hide behind empty phrases and clichés. It boldly asks, "Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"
Perhaps you find yourself asking this very question today. Maybe unexpected calamity or trouble has befallen you, causing God to seem distant, quiet, and unresponsive at the very moment you need Him most.
First and foremost, this psalm validates our feelings. It acknowledges the wicked who relentlessly pursue the poor, boasting of their evil deeds and exploiting the suffering of others for personal gain. They arrogantly deny the existence of God and dismiss any notion of His judgment. The wicked believe that nothing can shake them, as they scheme, lie, and deceive to get ahead, crushing the helpless and proclaiming that God has forgotten.
Yet, this psalm also gives voice to our prayers. "Arise, O LORD!" It implores God to take action, to intervene in the face of injustice and evil. We need not fear praying with such boldness, for this psalm serves as an example of how to approach God in this manner. The wicked may believe that God is oblivious, but the truth is that He sees everything.
Because of this, the helpless entrust themselves to God, knowing that He is their helper. Despite Marx's mockery of religion as an opiate, it is God who truly aids His people. When trouble arises, there is nowhere else to turn but to God. "Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer." The psalm's audacity in expressing our prayers is remarkable.
This psalm also instills confidence in our future. "The LORD is king forever and ever." Regardless of what you may fear today, hold onto this truth. God is the eternal King, unchanging amidst the fluctuations of life.
Even when it feels as though God is distant, the reality is that He hears the desires of the afflicted. Even our unspoken prayers are heard, as the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with indescribable groanings. Not only does God hear, but He also acts. He strengthens the hearts of those who rely on Him, providing them with supernatural resilience and emotional endurance, for He is their rock. God will administer justice for the fatherless and the oppressed. And one day, the mere mortals of this earth will no longer strike terror.
Friday
Psalm 11
Discover:
In times of difficulty or uncertainty, do you instinctively turn to God as your refuge, or do you tend to rely on your own strength and resources? How does this choice impact your overall sense of peace and security?
Reflecting on Psalm 11, what are some specific challenges or situations in your life where seeking refuge in God would be particularly relevant or beneficial? How might intentionally seeking God's refuge in those circumstances bring about a sense of stability and confidence?
Consider the phrase "The Lord is in his holy temple" from Psalm 11. How does this truth impact your understanding of seeking refuge in God? How does it remind you of His sovereignty and power, and how does it influence your decision to place your trust in Him during difficult times?
Respond:
The act of seeking refuge in God, as mentioned in verse 1, is a characteristic of the righteous, as stated in verse 7. The upright will have the privilege of beholding His face. However, David doesn't shy away from acknowledging the troubles that weigh on his heart. He refuses to settle for empty religious phrases and acknowledges the complexity of his situation. "How can you say to my soul, 'Flee like a bird to your mountain?'"
If you've ever experienced a crisis and received a thoughtless response like, "God's got it under control," you understand how such a simplistic answer can feel like a religious cliché. Yes, you may know deep down that God is in control, but it doesn't always feel that way. In times like these, you need more than Christian jargon; you need the truth in all its rawness. And part of that truth involves confronting the reality head-on. "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
In today's world, it often seems that the very foundations of ideology and morality are crumbling in the societies we inhabit. Countries that were once nurturing grounds for Christian faith and practice are now becoming hostile towards orthodox spirituality. What should we, the righteous, do in such a situation? The answer is far from simple, but it does exist!
What can the righteous do? It is God who will act! "The Lord is in his holy temple." He will take action. "The Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face." Seek refuge in God. Trust in Him. Act righteously for His sake. Receive His assistance.
However, this doesn't mean that there isn't a practical role for us to play. Our actions should be driven by initiative rather than mere reaction. We shouldn't fear a world where foundations appear to be crumbling; instead, we should have confidence in the ultimate victory of the Son of God. We should love others and refuse to compromise with the world around us, rejecting the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" mentality. Instead, we should extend grace and mercy to the society we live in, becoming missionaries and ambassadors for Christ.
Friday
Psalm 12
Discover:
How does the concept of inerrancy in Scripture impact your trust and confidence in God's Word? Do you believe that every word of the Bible is without error, or do you struggle with doubts or skepticism in certain areas?
Reflecting on Psalm 12:6, how does the purity and truthfulness of God's words contrast with the deceitfulness and falsehoods often found in human speech? In what ways does this truth challenge you to prioritize the study and understanding of Scripture in order to discern and uphold God's truth?
Consider the implications of inerrancy for your personal interpretation and application of Scripture. How does the recognition of the Bible's flawless accuracy in what it affirms guide your approach to understanding difficult passages or potential contradictions? How might a firm belief in inerrancy shape your commitment to aligning your beliefs and actions with God's revealed truth in Scripture?
Respond:
Divine revelation possesses an essential quality: its unwavering truthfulness in all that it proclaims. God's self-disclosure and the revelation of reality hold absolute perfection, and this applies first to natural revelation. Whatever the Lord communicates to us through nature is without error. However, our interpretation of this revelation may contain errors, as evidenced by the continuous modification of scientific hypotheses. Nevertheless, the truths conveyed by the created order remain unchanged, regardless of our understanding.
While God's revelation in nature is equally true, we typically refer to the Bible when discussing inerrancy. Psalm 12:6 is one of many biblical passages that affirm this concept. The Lord's words are pure, akin to silver that has undergone thorough purification, leaving no impurities behind. Unlike human speech, which often contains lies, God's Word is devoid of error; His truth remains untainted.
It is crucial to comprehend biblical inerrancy accurately to avoid various complications. Inerrancy applies solely to what Scripture explicitly affirms and not to every statement made by biblical characters. For instance, consider Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39:11–18. What is deemed inerrant here is the account of what Potiphar's wife said and did. Scripture does not affirm the accuracy of her statements themselves. Although she did utter the words attributed to her in the text, the intended meaning of her words to the household members was false.
Focusing on the veracity of what Scripture explicitly affirms also allows us to consider the use of poetic imagery. Isaiah 55:12 describes trees clapping their hands when God redeems the exiles. If the Bible were asserting that trees actually possess hands in this instance, the text would be deemed inerrant, as trees are undoubtedly handless. However, Isaiah is simply affirming that creation itself will rejoice at the salvation of God's people, utilizing metaphorical language to convey this message.
The health of the church relies on a steadfast commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture. Once the notion that Scripture contains falsehoods is accepted, what fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith might be questioned next? However, it is crucial to grasp the correct understanding of inerrancy to avoid falsely accusing others of denying it. Likewise, we must approach biblical interpretation with care, recognizing that while the text itself is inerrant, our interpretations may not always be.