For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 19
What is Jesus’ stated mission (see v. 10)? How are you joining him on that mission? Jesus told the parable of the ten minas because the crowds around Him were expecting a conquering king. I guess they thought that when Jesus reached Jerusalem He would whip out His flaming sword and free them from their oppression. Jesus let them know that wasn’t the case. He first had to go away for a while before He would return as king. And He made it clear that what we do during His absence matters.
Unfortunately, that is about the only thing that is clear to me. My gloss over understanding is that Jesus left us to do His work, and He will reward those who are faithful to do it. I believe that statement has some basis in the rest of the New Testament, but I feel that it somehow misses at least part of the point. Jesus tells us elsewhere that those who give their life for Him will save it while those who try to save their life will lose it. He also speaks extensively about storing up treasures in heaven. Perhaps Jesus is telling us here that what we do, give or risk for the kingdom of heaven will be multiplied to us on His return. On the other hand, what we try to save, keep, and preserve in this life we will lose in the end.
Gen. 37-38
Reuben’s response when he went back to rescue Joseph from the cistern is telling. He said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?” (Gen. 37:30b). He wasn’t worried about Joseph – he was worried about himself! Reuben was in hot water with his father for sleeping with Bilhah, so it’s quite possible that he was planning to make himself a hero to Jacob by returning Joseph safely to him. God had other plans. But Reuben’s actions do make me wonder if the things I do ‘for God’ or ‘for others’ really are.
Ps. 9
Why does the psalmist offer praise to God? What has God done? David offers God praise because He is the righteous judge. God takes up the cause of the afflicted and those who seek Him. The wicked, however, will be caught by their own wickedness. I always like how David praises God’s action as though it has already happened. “You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name for ever and ever.” (Ps. 9:5). From a perspective that is not bound by time, as we are, David’s words are true. And I find it a little ironic that the NIV notes this Psalm is “to the tune of ‘The Death of the Son’”, which is, of course, what ultimately brings about the fulfillment of these words.