For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 9
Jesus often withdrew, with or without His apostles, to a quiet place to be alone. However, this didn’t always work out. The account in Luke 9 is one of those instances. I think He was trying to take His apostles for a time of rest after their mission. The crowds caught wind of it, though, and had different ideas. Instead of resting, the group ended up feeding a crowd of 5000 men plus women and children.
There is a lot to think about in all of that. The thing that stood out to me, however, was Jesus’ response to the uninvited crowds. “He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” (Lk. 9:11b). And after that, He fed them. Wow – how contrary to the typical human response when our efforts for “me” time are interrupted! I say “me” time because it doesn’t matter what we were planning to do. Whatever it was, it was still our plan. This is true even if we were attempting to get some time alone with God, as Jesus and His apostles were here. And the point to me is that we need to set self aside and be openly receptive of interruptions as opportunities to let the healing, nourishing kingdom of God flow through us.
Dan. 1-2
What was Daniel’s response when he heard of the king’s decree? How did Daniel give credit to God? How can you do the same? The argument of the wise men at king Nebuchadnezzar’s request caught my attention. They said, “What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among humans.” (Dan. 2:11). They could just as well have ended their statement about the gods at, “and they do not live”. But what really caught my attention is that our God, the only true God, actually does live among humans. It was so from the beginning, and He has gone to very great lengths to keep it so. What an awesome truth that is!
The fact of the matter is that our true God lives, is with us, and nothing is too difficult for Him. Daniel’s knowledge of and faith in these truths saved not just his life, but the lives of many. And I love how he not only gave praise and credit to God in it, but he also lifted up everyone else involved.
Instead of setting himself up as better than the others, Daniel confirmed the first half of their argument to the king. “Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about’” (Dan. 2:27). He made sure the king understood that he, Daniel, was not stepping up to do what nobody else could do. He was no greater or wiser than the rest. As for the second half of the wise men’s argument, though, Daniel set that record straight. He told the king, “but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” (Dan. 2:28a). Yes, there is a God who knows all things, and He does indeed live among humans.
Ps. 137
I like how this Psalm turns to God’s prophecies. God had promised punishment for Edom because they rejoiced at Jerusalem’s fall. And He had promised the destruction of Babylon. So, in the midst of their darkness and pain, God’s people leaned into God’s promises. May I always remember to do likewise!