Daily Reading Week 34
Sunday
Acts 4
DISCOVER:
1. How does the unwavering confidence of Peter and the disciples in Acts 4 inspire you to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in your own life?
2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of confidence in God, knowing that He is in control even in the face of opposition or adversity?
3. Reflect on a time when you faced challenges or opposition in your faith. How did your level of confidence in God impact your response and outcome?
4. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and build a solid foundation of confidence in God, drawing inspiration from the disciples' unwavering trust in Acts 4?
RESPOND:
Following their encounter with the Sanhedrin's threats, Peter and John returned to the church and shared a detailed account of the incident. Subsequently, they gathered together in prayer, reaffirming their commitment to God. During this prayer, they drew inspiration from Psalm 2, a passage that delves into a widespread plot against God by humanity. The author of the psalm, David, contemplated the rebellion of surrounding nations against God's authority. He vividly expressed their raging and scheming, highlighting how even though these nations engaged in internal conflicts, they remained united in their opposition to God. These leaders boldly stood against God and conspired together to challenge His chosen one, the anointed king of that time. The conspiracy targeted David because of his unwavering devotion to God.
Peter and the disciples applied the themes of Psalm 2 to their own situation, recognizing a parallel conspiracy against God's anointed servant, Jesus. The conspirators in this case were the nations and their people, specifically referring to the Gentiles and the people of Israel. The leaders involved in the conspiracy were Herod and Pontius Pilate, who had been adversaries until they reached an accord to execute Jesus, as described in Luke 23:12.
Psalm 2 also portrays God’s response to human conspiracies. It depicts a divine being seated in the heavens, responding with laughter and derision, symbolizing supreme control. In Acts 4, this divine laughter intensifies due to the ironic nature of the situation. The conspirators who carried out Jesus' crucifixion unknowingly fulfilled God's will and the predetermined destiny (Acts 4:28). Jesus' death became God's triumph over His adversaries, as it brought about the destruction of the power of sin.
David further asserts in Psalm 2:5–6 that God rebukes the conspirators with anger and terrifies them with wrath, declaring the installation of His holy king over all. This sentiment resurfaces in Acts 4:29–31, where the disciples fervently pray for unwavering courage in the face of persecution. They beseech God to manifest visible signs and miracles, demonstrating the ascension of Jesus and his exalted position as the King of Kings. In response, God fills them with the Spirit and causes the very building to shake.
Monday
Luke 6
DISCOVER:
1. Reflecting on Jesus' command to love our enemies in Luke 6, how does this challenge your current understanding of love and forgiveness? Are there particular individuals or groups that you struggle to extend love towards, and why?
2. Consider the difference between loving our enemies as a feeling versus an action. How can you actively demonstrate love and kindness towards those who have wronged you or hold opposing views? What steps can you take to cultivate a genuine heart of love and forgiveness?
3. In what ways can you seek to imitate God's character of love and forgiveness, even towards those who may seem undeserving? How might this perspective transform your relationships and interactions with others, both within and outside your immediate circle?
RESPOND:
Jesus' command in the passage we read today, urging us to love our enemies (Luke 6:27), seems incredibly challenging to put into practice. It is easy to love those who love us in return (v. 33), but it is rare for people to genuinely love their adversaries. This kind of love requires exceptional patience and kindness, reflecting the very nature of God (vv. 35–36). Such love is only possible when we walk in the Spirit, as our natural inclination is to seek revenge against those who harm us.
Jesus' call to love our enemies is not naive. We should not read this command in isolation from other portions of Scripture. Therefore, what Jesus requires here does not contradict the principles of justice and self-defense found in other texts (Ex. 22:1–4). Jesus encourages us to be "wise as serpents" when dealing with others (Matt. 10:16). Seeking retribution against those who oppress the weak and defenseless is not unloving. In some cases, the most loving action we can take towards our enemies is to place them in a position, such as imprisonment, where they cannot cause further harm and must face the consequences of their actions.
However, such extreme situations are rare for most of us. More often, we encounter individuals who insult us with words (as Jesus refers to in Luke 6:29) or take advantage of us in minor ways (v. 30). In these instances, we should not seek vengeance (v. 35). It is undoubtedly difficult to feel love toward our enemies, but Christian love is not primarily a feeling; it is a duty, a requirement. Love is more about our actions than our emotions.
This includes forgiving those who do not deserve our forgiveness. In doing so, we imitate our Father, not because He forgives those who deny Christ, as He commands us to do, but because He exhibited His willingness to forgive the undeserving when He sent Jesus into the world to save His people (John 3:16; 6:40).
The saying "love the sinner, hate the sin" is true to the extent that it reflects our human capabilities. Our remaining sin prevents our hatred of evildoers from being pure and holy like God's (Ps. 11:5). Thus, we are incapable of executing perfect punishment on wicked individuals. Loving the sinner does not imply approval of their wickedness. Instead, it entails praying for our enemies and desiring their conversion rather than their eternal condemnation.
Tuesday
Luke 7
DISCOVER:
1. Reflecting on the story of the sinful woman who received forgiveness and grace from Jesus in Luke 7:41-50, how does this narrative challenge your understanding of universal guilt and the grace of God? Do you tend to view your own sins as less significant compared to others, or do you recognize your need for God's forgiveness regardless of the magnitude of your transgressions?
2. Consider your own response to guilt and wrongdoing. Do you tend to justify or downplay your sins, or do you genuinely acknowledge your need for God's forgiveness and grace? How can the story of the sinful woman inspire you to approach God with humility and a repentant heart?
3. Reflect on the immense grace and love that Jesus demonstrated in forgiving the sinful woman. How does this example deepen your understanding of God's character and His willingness to extend forgiveness to all who come to Him in genuine repentance? How can this understanding impact your relationships with others, encouraging you to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged you?
RESPOND:
It is not only Scripture that testifies to the universal guilt of humanity. Major world religions also acknowledge that humanity has fallen short of what is right, although they may differ from the Bible in their understanding of original sin and other theological matters. Furthermore, our awareness of guilt permeates our everyday language. We often use phrases like "nobody's perfect" to rationalize our mistakes or to explain away more significant violations of moral standards. Only a few deluded individuals would claim to have never done anything wrong.
However, this widespread recognition of our fallen state does not necessarily lead to an accurate understanding of God's character. As fallen beings, we have a tendency to observe the imperfections of others and assume that God will forgive us simply because we are all in the same flawed condition. Many people believe that the holy Judge of all creation will rule in their favor because they are not as wicked as notorious figures like Pol Pot, Adolf Hitler, or Joseph Stalin.
Yet, God's law reflects His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6), and His standards cannot be compromised. Our Heavenly Father is infinitely holy, meaning that any violation of His will incurs an infinite debt. We are debtors who are incapable of repaying this debt, as Jesus illustrates in the passage we are studying today.
When others confront us about our wrongdoings, our natural inclination is to justify our sins. However, on the day of judgment, God's glory and perfection will be so evident that our mouths will be silenced (Romans 3:19). In the presence of the Lord of all, no excuse will hold weight.
The universal recognition of our fallenness is a reminder of our guilt, but it does not automatically grant us a true understanding of God's character. We must grasp that His standards are unchangeable and that we are incapable of meeting them on our own. On the day of judgment, all excuses will fade away in the light of God's holiness and perfection.
Wednesday
Luke 8
DISCOVER:
1. As you reflect on Jesus' care and concern for Jairus' daughter in Luke 8, how does this display of compassion impact your understanding of Jesus' love for His followers today? In what specific ways have you experienced Jesus' care and provision in your own life?
2. Consider the contrast between Jesus' genuine concern for the needs of individuals, as seen in His instruction to give the girl something to eat, and the impersonal nature of some modern expressions of faith. How does this challenge you to examine your own interactions with others? How can you demonstrate a genuine care for the needs of those around you, reflecting the love of Jesus?
3. Reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made in leaving heaven to reconcile us to Himself, as mentioned in the passage. How does this profound act of love impact your relationship with Him? How can you respond to His love by surrendering your own life to Him and seeking to align your desires and actions with His will?
RESPOND:
In Luke 8, we read the powerful account of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter from the dead. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, approached Jesus in desperation, seeking help for his dying daughter. Jesus went to Jairus' house, cleared the crowds, and miraculously brought the girl back to life.
Amidst the miraculous event, there is a small but significant detail mentioned in the text: "And he directed that something should be given her to eat" (v. 55). This seemingly simple act holds deeper meaning. It not only serves as proof of life but also reveals Jesus' care and concern for the girl. It shows that Jesus was not merely interested in performing a spectacle; He truly cared about the well-being and needs of the girl. Even after being raised from the dead, she was hungry, and Jesus took notice.
The love of Jesus is a theme woven throughout the Bible, and though the exact phrase "I love you" is only found once on God's lips in Isaiah 43:4, its truth resonates. Passages like Luke 8 flesh out this truth, illustrating Jesus' care for Jairus' daughter as a reflection of God's love for His people. Jesus knows our needs, and He is deeply concerned with providing for us. He is not a detached miracle-worker but a loving Savior who willingly left heaven to reconcile us to Himself, at great cost.
In Isaiah 43, God assured the exiled Israelites that He would provide a ransom to rescue them. Centuries later, Jesus Christ, God in human form, became the ransom Himself on the cross. He paid the price to free us from the bondage of sin and death, offering us new life. All of this was motivated by His love for us.
Reflecting on these truths, we can find comfort and assurance in God's love for His people. He sees our needs, He cares for us deeply, and He has provided the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. As we grasp the depth of this love, may our hearts respond with gratitude and a desire to love and serve Him in return.
Thursday
Luke 9
DISCOVER:
1. As you reflect on the question Jesus posed to His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" in Luke 9, how do you personally answer this question? Do you truly recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, or have you unintentionally diminished His identity to fit your own desires or expectations?
2. Consider the significance of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection as He explained to His disciples in Luke 9. How does this understanding of His sacrificial work shape your perception of His true identity and the purpose of your faith? How does it impact your willingness to fully surrender your life to Him and follow Him as a disciple?
3. Reflect on the concept of denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, as Jesus taught His disciples in Luke 9. In what ways do you find it challenging to deny your own desires, ambitions, and comforts in order to prioritize and align your life with Jesus' teachings and example? How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and practice of self-denial to fully embrace the true identity of Jesus and live as His follower?
RESPOND:
In the same manner that Jesus posed the question, "Who do you say I am?" to His disciples, it is essential for us to ask ourselves the same question. Even if you have been a Christian for your entire life, it is possible to slip into a life of "easy Christianity." You may faithfully attend church services, consistently tithe, and volunteer periodically or even weekly. Perhaps you have established a nightly or weekly prayer routine. However, amidst the smooth sailing of life, it is crucial to remember the purpose behind these practices. We must frequently remind ourselves of the significance of these verses.
Alexander MacLaren once said, "We see our beliefs more clearly and hold them more firmly when we put them into definite words... Jesus' question is of utmost importance for us. Our understanding of Christ's nature and role determines our relationship with Him and the overall direction of our lives." Do we respond to Him as Peter did, acknowledging Him as God's Messiah? Or do we reduce Him to being our personal genie, merely one among the idols worshipped in this world? Jesus emphasized the events to come: His suffering, death, and resurrection were necessary for Him to be our Messiah. He showed us the path of discipleship, which requires us to bear our crosses daily by denying ourselves. This denial of self is not about abstaining from material things, but rather about surrendering our entire selves. Christ can only dwell within us, radiating through us, if we truly die to ourselves. This sets true Christianity apart from all other idols and religions of this world.
While preparing His disciples for what lay ahead, Jesus reminded them of the severe consequences of denying Him instead of denying ourselves. This is not authentic Christianity.
Friday
Luke 10
DISCOVER:
1. As you reflect on the conversation between Jesus and the lawyer in Luke 10:25-37, examine your own beliefs about self-reliance on personal righteousness for salvation. Do you find yourself relying on your own obedience and good works to justify yourself before God? How does this understanding align with Jesus' teachings on the necessity of complete reliance on God's mercy for justification?
2. Consider the parable of the good Samaritan as a reminder that our salvation does not come from our own efforts or righteousness. Reflect on any tendencies you may have to view certain people as more deserving of your love and assistance based on their background or perceived righteousness. How can you challenge these biases and embrace the truth that God's love is not limited by human standards?
3. In light of Jesus' teachings, reflect on your own understanding of the role of good works and obedience in the Christian faith. How can you ensure that your acts of love and service flow from a heart that is fully surrendered to God's grace, rather than seeking to earn salvation through self-reliance? How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's mercy and grace in your daily life?
RESPOND:
The Samaritans were descendants of Hebrews who had intermarried with pagan peoples following the Assyrian capture of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. In the first century, Samaritans were viewed unfavorably by Jews, and there was mutual hatred between the two groups. Therefore, Jesus' choice to use a Samaritan as the example of a good neighbor in today's passage would have been astonishing to His original audience.
Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan in response to a lawyer's question about inheriting eternal life (Luke 10:25). Initially, Jesus explained to the lawyer that loving God with all one's heart and loving one's neighbor as oneself were the keys to eternal life (vv. 26–28). It is important to note that Jesus was not endorsing the idea that obedience can make us righteous before God. In other instances, He taught that only those who completely rely on God's mercy are justified in His sight (18:13–14). Instead, Jesus proposed the two great commandments of the law to challenge people to consider how well they had actually kept the law. His thorough explanations of the law, such as in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:21–48), and His conversation with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17–22), aimed to make people realize that their estimation of their own obedience was far from the truth. He wanted them to recognize that relying on their own obedience for justification was futile.
During Jesus' conversation with the lawyer regarding loving God and neighbor, He shared the story of the good Samaritan to illustrate who our neighbors are and how we should treat them (Luke 10:29–37). A Samaritan helping a Jew would have been unexpected, whereas the priest and Levite, who were Jews, should have assisted the injured man. In a society where one's neighbor was defined by blood relations, the failure of the priest and Levite was scandalous. However, the Samaritan's care for the wounded Jew revealed that our definition of neighbor should not be limited to those who are like us. We are called to help those in need, regardless of their background, and provide genuine assistance when we have the means to do so. The love that God commands us to demonstrate is not constrained by bloodlines.
saturday
Psalm 33
DISCOVER:
1. As you reflect on the attributes of God described in Psalm 33, such as His faithfulness, righteousness, and unwavering love, how does this impact your level of trust in Him? Do you find yourself fully relying on His character and promises, or do you sometimes struggle to trust Him completely?
2. Consider the examples of God's sovereignty and control over the plans of all nations mentioned in Psalm 33. How does this understanding of God's authority and power affect your trust in Him, especially during times of uncertainty or when facing difficult circumstances? In what ways can you deepen your trust in God's ability to work all things for your good, even in situations that seem beyond your control?
3. Reflect on the truth that God created the heavens and the earth with His words and that He cares for and sustains His creation. How does this reminder of God's role as the ultimate Creator and Provider impact your trust in Him? How can you cultivate a greater sense of trust in God's provision and care for your own life, knowing that He is faithful to His creation?
RESPOND:
Society often encourages us to rely on ourselves and find solutions within our own capabilities. We take pride in our independence and self-sufficiency. However, if we are not careful, this mindset can seep into our relationship with God.
We may fall into the trap of believing that we only need God's help for major issues, while we can handle the smaller things on our own. Think about the times when you hesitated to pray because you felt insignificant or as if you were bothering God with trivial matters. Moreover, consider the last time you engaged in a conversation with God that wasn't centered around a frightening diagnosis, a natural disaster, or an unforeseen tragedy.
It often takes a moment of great need before we turn to God, and while we should bring those concerns to Him, He desires to hear from us in all aspects of our lives, not just the significant ones. Our relationship with God grows stronger as we learn to depend on Him in all circumstances, rather than waiting until we feel desperate and in need of His assistance.
So, how can we rely on God even when we don't feel like it? In Psalm 33, David sets an excellent example of how remembering who God is can help us depend on Him. David celebrates God's character by highlighting various aspects:
- His words are always right and true.
- He is faithful and can be trusted.
- He cherishes righteousness and justice.
- He fills the earth with unwavering love.
- He created the heavens and the earth through His mere words.
- He has complete control over the plans of all nations.
- He has given us an inheritance and cares for us.
- He is our help and shield.
- He is our ultimate hope.
God, who made us, loves us, and sustains us, is always ready to support us when we depend on Him. Often, we may believe that we are placing our trust in God, but our words and actions may reveal otherwise. What would our lives look like if we genuinely believed in God's unwavering faithfulness, as David describes in Psalm 33? How would our actions change if we truly understood that, in Christ, we cannot ultimately lose?