For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Heb. 13
The author concludes with some final exhortations. Which one most speaks to you and why? What will you do about it today? “Let us, then, go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore.” (Heb. 13:13). Jesus was not honored among the Jewish authorities. Ultimately, He was taken outside the city to die the disgraceful death of a criminal. Should we, then, who devote ourselves to Him, expect to be treated with honor among men?
We need to be willing to accept the disgrace, at whatever level, that often comes from boldly living out our faith. Whether that means rejection from family, friends, or co-workers, or even public criticism, lawsuits or imprisonment we need to stand unashamed in our faith. And we need to continue to live an honorable life, regardless of how others receive us. Remember that eternal honor from God is worth an immeasurable amount more than fleeting honor from any human or human entity.
Is. 5-6
What speaks to you from Isaiah’s vision and call? Has God ever asked you to do something that seemed impossible and pointless? Isaiah saw God and recognized his own unholiness. When Isaiah cried out, God cleansed him, removing his guilt and atoning for his sin. Immediately after this the Lord said, “Whom shall I send?” (From Is. 6:8). And Isaiah instantly responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Is. 6:8b).
Isaiah’s story starts out like every believer’s story. We see God and we recognize our need. God graciously fills that need, making us clean and holy. But what happens then? I have to ask myself if I am as eager as Isaiah was to offer myself to do God’s bidding. I was doomed to death but God took away my guilt. Should I not enthusiastically give back to the one who saved me in whatever way He asks? God, make me willing and eager to serve the Lord I love!
Ps. 104
This psalm of praise celebrates God’s creation. Go outdoors today and spend some time enjoying nature and praising the Lord! God’s creation is so complex. Men have been studying every aspect of it for centuries and our understanding is still so small and flawed. But as vast and mind-boggling as creation is, how much more so is the God that created it? I think we would do well to take a cue from this Psalm – to regularly stop and ponder the greatness of our God. “LORD my God, you are very great… How many are your works, LORD!… May the glory of the LORD endure forever;… I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” (From Ps. 104:1,24,31,33).