For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Ex. 12
There is so much in this chapter that reveals God’s great plan for us in Jesus Christ! It’s really quite amazing and well worth a deeper study. One thing about this story that I had not noticed until recently, however, is that God re-set the Israelite’s calendar around this Passover event. He said, “This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you.” (Ex. 12:2). How appropriate! This is a sign of the new beginning that God gives each of us when we have our own Passover moment, accepting Jesus as the sacrifice and redemption for our lives.
Luke 15
Self-righteousness is a farce because it only goes skin deep. It does nothing to change the heart. In fact, I’d wager to say that it actually changes the heart in completely the wrong way. Self-righteousness moves us toward selfishness and pride – definitely not a righteous attitude, regardless of how our actions look. This is why salvation comes from faith in Christ and nothing else. Anything added to that comes from self, and any self-driven efforts at righteousness promote a heart in opposition to God. Then we get what we see in the Pharisees and scribes. Not only did they miss what Jesus offered them, but they scorned any who received Him.
Job 30
In yesterday’s reading, Job reflected on all he once was and had. In today’s reading, he laments what he has become. Again, it makes me think of all that Jesus took on Himself that He didn’t deserve. He made Himself lower than the lowest sinner; separated Himself from God, His Father. It’s sobering. And I think somehow, Job’s story is there to remind us of it.