Daily Reading Week 33
Sunday
John 2:13-22
Discover:
1. How do I differentiate between righteous anger and sinful anger in my own life, and what situations have challenged me to reflect on this distinction?
2. In what ways can I ensure that my priorities align with God’s will, particularly regarding the things that provoke my anger or frustration?
3. How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus’ example of holy anger, and in what areas of my life might I need to express my emotions more righteously?
Respond:
Since all that the Lord does is holy and good, examining His actions can guide us in determining whether certain activities are inherently evil. The Father and the Son experience anger (Ps. 7:11–13; Rev. 14:14–20), indicating that anger itself is not sinful, as God is incapable of wrongdoing (James 1:13). However, considering the distinction between Creator and creature, can only the Almighty express righteous anger? We can explore this by looking at Jesus’ example. Our Lord and Savior is both fully God and fully man. He came as the last Adam to redeem us from sin by offering Himself as a perfect, sinless substitute. Had He sinned, He would not have been able to provide the righteousness necessary for our justification, nor could He have atoned for our sins. The Father’s raising of the Son for our justification affirms His sinlessness (Rom. 4:23–25; see also 1 Peter 2:22). Jesus consistently obeyed God perfectly, ensuring that everything He did during His earthly ministry was right. Therefore, His anger, as described in today’s passage, was both holy and righteous.
The anger Jesus exhibits in this passage stems from His role as the Son of God, zealous for His worship, and as the perfect human being with the right priorities, passionate about the sanctity of the Lord’s house. It was justifiable, from His human perspective, to be angry with the money-changers and animal traders for corrupting the temple, taking advantage of the Passover pilgrims, and occupying the space designated for Gentiles to pray to the Creator under the old covenant. Christ shares in a true human nature, similar to ours, yet without sin. If He can express anger without sinning, it suggests that there are occasions when we, too, may do the same.
Monday
Psalm 100
Discover:
1. In what ways have I viewed servitude as a burden rather than a privilege, and how can I shift my mindset to embrace the joy of serving the Lord?
2. How can I identify and respond to the specific needs of those around me as an expression of my service to God, and what small acts of kindness can I incorporate into my daily routine?
3. What are some moments in my life where I have felt the joy of serving God and others? How can I cultivate more of those experiences moving forward?
Respond:
Psalm 100 calls us to enter into a posture of praise and thanksgiving. It begins with a joyful invitation: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” This verse sets the tone for our understanding of what it means to serve the Lord. Unlike the negative connotations often associated with the word "servant" in our modern context, being a servant of the Lord is a privilege filled with purpose and joy.
In our world, servitude is frequently viewed through a lens of obligation or subjugation. However, serving God is fundamentally different. When we choose to serve the Lord, we align ourselves with a Master who holds our best interests at heart. He is not a distant ruler but a loving Father who desires a relationship with us. As we recognize this, we can see that serving Him is not a burden but a blessing.
Psalm 100 reminds us that we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. This imagery invokes a sense of belonging and care; as His sheep, we are under the watchful eye of our Shepherd. He knows us intimately and provides for our needs. In serving Him, our actions not only honor Him but also acknowledge that we trust in His provision and guidance.
Tuesday
Psalm 101
Discover:
1. In what ways can I deepen my understanding of God’s character through the music I choose to engage with, and how can I incorporate more theologically rich songs into my worship?
2. Are there any songs or hymns that I’ve previously enjoyed that may not align with sound theology? How can I approach these songs with discernment while seeking to grow in my understanding of God’s truth?
Respond:
Martin Luther was not only a distinguished theologian and pastor, but he also possessed a talent for music. He composed numerous hymns, many of which are still sung today by both those in the Lutheran tradition and other Protestant communities. Recognizing the power and influence of music, Luther once stated “music is the handmaiden of theology.”
Just as a handmaiden supports her master, music complements theology and the teaching of God’s Word. However, music can either serve well or poorly. When it serves well, it creates an appropriate atmosphere for communicating God’s truth, helping the people of God understand the profound aspects of faith. High-quality hymns and songs enrich our hearts and minds, reinforcing what God has revealed. Conversely, when music serves poorly, it can hinder good theology. Poorly crafted music and lyrics can promote falsehood. As an art form, music inherently communicates messages, which can be either truthful or erroneous.
Many disputes over music in the church revolve around whether to embrace contemporary hymns and songs or to stick with traditional church music. This debate can sometimes overshadow more critical issues. After all, the classic hymns of the church were once contemporary when they were first introduced, and some of the music created today may eventually be regarded as timeless for the people of God. The real contention should focus on the quality of the music rather than its age. A beloved hymn is not necessarily a good hymn simply due to its antiquity; many older hymns convey flawed theology. Similarly, a modern song isn't automatically inferior; many contemporary songs express sound theology.
Ultimately, the key question is whether a given hymn or piece of music, in both its melody and lyrics, effectively conveys biblical truth. Good worship music reflects the complexity of our Lord’s character and encourages us to deepen our understanding. Simplistic songs often fail to do justice to the full biblical truths they aim to express and may not motivate us to delve deeper into God’s Word. Our objective should be to seek out music that best communicates God’s truth, goodness, and beauty.
Wednesday
Psalm 102
Discover:
1. In what ways have I experienced feelings of isolation or despair during difficult times, and how can I learn to bring those feelings before God as the psalmist did?
2. How can I actively support and encourage others in my community who are facing trials, and what specific steps can I take to remind them of God’s promises?
3. When I reflect on my current struggles, what truths about God’s faithfulness and restoration can I hold onto to strengthen my faith and encourage others?
Respond:
Psalm 102 is an expression of human suffering and despair. The psalmist cries out to the Lord from a place of deep anguish, feeling abandoned and forgotten. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed by our troubles. Yet, this passage reminds us that we cannot truly isolate ourselves from others. Our lives are interconnected, and our pain often reflects the struggles of those around us. As members of the body of Christ, we experience trials not only as individuals but also collectively as a community.
The psalmist’s lament highlights the reality that even the most devoted servants of God endure hardships. It’s a reminder that faithfulness does not exempt us from suffering. In times of distress, our instinct might be to withdraw, to wallow in our pain alone. However, Psalm 102 encourages us to hold fast to the promises of the Lord, even when our circumstances seem bleak.
During our own struggles, we can find solace in knowing that God sees our pain and hears our cries. The psalmist fervently seeks the Lord’s attention, and we, too, can approach God with honesty about feelings of despair. We are reminded that God is not distant; He is present and active in the midst of suffering.
Thursday
Psalm 103
Discover:
1. How do I typically respond to feelings of guilt after I have confessed my sins, and in what ways can I shift my focus from my emotions to the objective truth of God’s forgiveness?
2. Are there specific sins that I find myself repeatedly confessing out of a lack of assurance in God’s forgiveness? How can I remind myself of His promises and the truth in Scripture regarding repentance and forgiveness?
3. In what situations have I allowed feelings of guilt or shame to overshadow the truth of God’s Word in my life? How can I actively resist these feelings and cling to the assurance of forgiveness that God offers through Christ?
Respond:
The Scriptures affirm that the only true remedy for our genuine, objective guilt is a corresponding real and objective forgiveness. We must turn to God for the forgiveness of our sins and the cleansing of our unrighteousness. This requires us to confess our sins to Him and seek His forgiveness based on the work of Christ, in whom we place our trust. If we do this, God assures us that He will forgive us, allowing us to experience the renewal that only He can provide.
It's important to recognize the distinction between guilt and the feeling of guilt, as well as the difference between forgiveness and the feeling of forgiveness. Both forgiveness and guilt are objective realities. However, it’s possible to have genuine forgiveness without feeling forgiven, or conversely, to feel forgiven even when one is not. This explains why many Christians find themselves repeatedly seeking God’s forgiveness for a sin they have already confessed numerous times. While this believer rightly acknowledges that their actions were a serious breach of God’s law and they genuinely repent, they may overlook the fact that they have already fulfilled the command in 1 John 1:9. Therefore, the absence of feeling forgiven should not be a concern. To base one’s behavior on lingering feelings of guilt after confession is to prioritize emotions over the truth of God’s Word. The biblical promise is clear: if we sincerely repent of our sins and confess them to God, He will forgive us. It is not prideful to rise from our knees and move forward as if we have not sinned; rather, it is presumptuous to return to prayer for the same sin simply because we do not feel forgiven.
In essence, we must take God at His word and live by His truths rather than our feelings, as His Word is objective while our emotions are subjective. If He declares, “I forgive you,” then we are indeed forgiven, regardless of how we may feel. Our adversary, Satan, delights in accusing God’s children and reminding them of their transgressions to rob them of their joy. However, Scripture tells us that if we resist him, he will flee from us, and we resist him through the Word of God. Ultimately, we must hold fast to this truth: while God will not compromise His standards, He will forgive all who sincerely ask for forgiveness through Christ.
Friday
Psalm 104
Discover:
1. In what ways does contemplating the majesty of God’s creation inspire reverence and awe within me, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of wonder in my daily life?
2. How does acknowledging the greatness and sovereignty of God influence my understanding of my place in His creation and instill a healthy fear of the Lord in my heart?
Respond:
Psalm 104 is a celebration of the majesty and splendor of God’s creation. The psalmist paints a picture of the world, reflecting on the intricacies of nature, the grandeur of the heavens, and the delicate balance of life. There is a profound sense of awe on the part of the psalmist regarding God's creative power. Each verse serves as a reminder of how magnificent and sovereign our Creator truly is.
The imagery found in this psalm calls to mind the creation account in Genesis, where God spoke the world into existence. From the towering mountains to the depths of the sea, every element of creation reveals God’s artistry and intentionality. When we contemplate the complexity of ecosystems, the beauty of a sunset, and the intricacies of a single flower, we are reminded that all of it reflects God’s glory. He is not just a distant creator; He is intimately involved in every aspect of His creation.
Awe is an essential response to the Creator. It invites us to worship with reverence and gratitude. When we stand in awe of God’s power and creativity, we are reminded of our place in His creation—not as a ruler over it, but as a humble caretaker. This perspective should shift our priorities and deepen our appreciation for the world around us, and ultimately for its Creator.
Saturday
Psalm 105
Discover:
1. How does my understanding of God's glory shape my perspective on my own happiness and purpose in life?
2. In what areas of my life am I being called to seek God's glory more intentionally, and how can I align my actions and decisions with that pursuit?
3. What practical steps can I take to deepen my joy in God's presence and in the revelation of His glory, especially in my daily routines and interactions with others?
Respond:
Jonathan Edwards is often regarded as one of the most significant Protestant thinkers of the past three centuries, particularly because of his emphasis on the glory of God. In his influential work, The End for which God Created the World, Edwards argues that God’s pursuit of His own glory is not in conflict with our happiness. In fact, he suggests that as God reveals His glory, He is also working for our joy.
But how does this make sense? If God’s primary goal is to display His glory—acting in all things for the sake of His name and refusing to share His divine glory with anyone else (Isa. 48:9–11)—then His glory must be the highest good. It raises a compelling question: What could a perfectly good Creator prioritize above the greatest good? If God’s glory is the ultimate good, then our greatest joy is found in recognizing and proclaiming that glory. After all, nothing in existence surpasses His glory, meaning that nothing else can bring us deeper joy.
The passage we’re studying today highlights the connection between God’s glory and our joy. The psalmist calls on the people of God to rejoice in His holy name, to delight in His holy character, and to understand the beauty and goodness of the Lord. This call is closely linked to the psalmist’s encouragement for those who seek the Creator to celebrate (Ps. 105:3). As we seek the Lord and find joy in His name, we discover that our pursuit of His glory aligns perfectly with our God-given purpose, which is to glorify Him. Isaiah 43:1–7 reinforces the idea that we were created for His glory.
As followers of Christ, we have the assurance that He will present us blameless before His glory, filled with great joy (Jude 24). God will be glorified, both in His judgment and in His salvation. For those who do not know Him through Christ, the revelation of His glory will be a source of despair (Ezek. 30:3). However, for those redeemed by the Lamb of God, it will be a day filled with unmatched joy.
Ultimately, seeking God’s glory does not contradict our joy. In fact, when we deny ourselves for the sake of His glory, we aren’t losing anything. Instead, we are opening ourselves to the fullness of eternal joy in His glorious presence.