For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Acts 17
What made the Berean Jews “of more noble character” than those in Thessalonica? How do you “examine the Scriptures every day?” According to Acts 17:5, the Jews in Thessalonica who turned against Paul and Silas did so out of jealousy. They were more interested in taking center stage than they were in seeking the truth. As a result, they not only stopped up their own ears against Paul and Silas’ message, but they then stood as a block toward others receiving the message as well.
Contrast this ‘character’ with that of the Jews in Barea. “They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11b). These people were concerned with seeking the truth! They did not just blindly accept what Paul and Silas said. And they were not concerned with what others were doing. Instead, they “eagerly” checked for themselves to see if this message that Paul and Silas declared to be scriptural really was. They were humble without being naive.
Ex. 31-32
What qualified Bezalel to do his work? What practical skills has God given you that you could use for Him? Once again we see that God provides the means for us to accomplish what He asks of us. For the building of His tabernacle, God not only provided the raw materials, but He provided the people with the appropriate skills to do the work properly. It is God who gives the wisdom, understanding, knowledge, skill, and ability for us to serve Him. All we have to do is trust and obey.
If Exodus 32 isn’t a picture of Judgment Day, I don’t know what is. While waiting for Moses’ return, the people lost faith and went their own way because they grew impatient and began to wonder if he ever would return. When Moses did return and saw what was going on, he said to the people, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” (Ex 32:26). The Levites – those set apart for God – rallied to him. Then we see Jesus’ words form Luke 14:26 at play. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, even their own life – such a person cannot be my disciple”. Moses then basically presented himself as an atonement for the people’s sin, asking to be blotted out of God’s book if He would not forgive their sin.
So now here we are, waiting for Jesus’ return. He has been gone an awful long time and it is tempting to think He will never return. What do we do? Do we seek other gods to serve and to follow? Or do we wait for His return and rally to Him, forsaking any who won’t come with us? Will we accept the atonement Jesus made on our behalf, or will we be among those of whom God said, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book…when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.” (Ex. 32:34b).
Ps. 18
Look at v. 6. What distresses you? This Psalm is David’s song of praise to God. David called to God in his distress, and God saved him in a mighty way. So often is seems like our calls of distress to God fall on deaf ears. They Don’t. Sometimes it seems like God doesn’t care about us because enemies strike out against us unchecked. But He does care. And He is faithful to respond. The problem isn’t God’s faithfulness. The problem is our time-bound perspective and the result it has on our faith.
Though this Psalm makes God’s response to David’s call sound instant, we need to remember that Saul pursued David for 15 years before God finally rescued David and turned the promised kingdom over to him. Fifteen years! Was David defeated up until that time? I don’t think so. We see evidence in other Psalms that David kept his eye on God and His promise and that he responded to God as if God had already responded to his pleas. So when we feel like we have lost the battle, let’s remember that God has our – and His – enemies right where He wants them. Then let’s praise God for His mighty deliverance even before He has delivered it. Because to God, it’s already done.