For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
John 2
What does the wedding story at Cana tell you about Jesus? What is your response? I always wonder if the water turned to wine before or after the servants obeyed by taking it to the master of the banquet. Of course, it was an amazing miracle either way. But if they could tell it was wine when they drew it back out of the jars, where was the faith in serving it? Maybe Jesus went easy on those servants. Often, though, God asks us to act before we are certain of the outcome. I can just imagine carrying that goblet or pitcher of water to the head guy, wondering what he was going to do to me when he drank it. That’s faith.
1 Chron 4-6
What editorial explanation does the author add to this section of the genealogy, and what can you learn from it? The author notes that during the reign of Saul, the two and a half tribes that settled on the other side of the Jordan fought against the Hagrites and several of their allies. He notes that God helped them because they cried out to Him during the battle. “He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him.” (1 Chron. 5:20b). This is quite the contrast to later days, also noted by the author. Over time, their trust in God faded and “they prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.” (1 Chron. 5:25b). Thus, they were taken out of the land by the king of Assyria.
It took time for these tribes to go from a trust that delivered to faithlessness that exiled. Time and familiarity breed complacency. I don’t want to become complacent. Life gets so busy sometimes, and I know from personal experience how easy it can be to let God fade into the recesses of your heart and mind. I pray that I never go down that road again. Whether I face physical struggles or struggle with this Spiritual war that is constantly waged against me, I want to remember always to cry out to the Lord. I choose trust because I know, as with the Israelites, the battle is God’s.
Ps. 73
Describe the psalmist’s problem, how he resolved it and his conclusion. “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant” (Ps. 73:21-22a). Isn’t that the truth! When we focus on what’s wrong; when we let our hearts be filled with grief and bitterness, it changes our behavior. And not in a good way. We might start to envy what we should disdain. Or perhaps we lose faith in doing what is good and right. Or we stop trusting God, because we don’t see Him responding the way we think He should. All are senseless and ignorant responses.
Yes, it is hard to see the wicked prosper. It is hard to watch evil run wild. That’s why it is so important to keep our eyes on God and be constantly mindful of the end of the story. We know the battle is God’s. We know the wicked will perish. And we know God protects the faithful. “You destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God.” (Ps. 73:27b-28a).