For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Matt. 16
Trace Peter’s highs and lows in v. 13-23. What does that tell you about following Jesus? What I learn from Peter in this chapter:
- Even when we know the truth, our expectations can still be off. Peter recognized that Jesus was God’s promised Messiah, yet he still misunderstood Jesus’ purpose. I need to not let what I think I know be a hindrance to my faith.
- Sometimes doing seemingly good things can be a hindrance to God’s work. In desiring to protect Jesus’ life, Peter was working against God’s plan.
- How do we know when our expectations and seemingly good desires are stumbling blocks? That can be tricky, for sure. But I think the answer lies in where we find self in all of it. There is a difference between serving God – being a part of the work that He is doing – and thinking God needs our help. I think when we find ourselves taking on responsibilities that don’t belong to us, like “protecting” God in Peter’s case, it is a sign that we aren’t happy with the way God is doing things. That’s when self steps forward and tries to take over the situation. When we do that, Jesus’ words to Peter apply to us. “…you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matt. 16:23).
Is. 65-66
What are God’s promises in these two chapters? God promises two things. “…the hand of the LORD will be made known to His servants, but His fury will be shown to His foes.” (Is. 66:14b). These two chapters contain a lot more detail as to what that means, but those two things are what it all ultimately boils down to. God will pour out the fullness of His goodness and mercy on His faithful ones. Conversely, He will pour out the fullness of His justice and wrath on those who went their own way. Both ends will exceed the extremes of our imaginations. One thing I know for sure is which end I want to experience. And I am humbled and beyond grateful that God saw fit to provide a way to see me there.
Ps. 116
Why did the psalmist love the Lord? Why do you? Tell Him in your own psalm! “For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling” (Ps. 116:8). This is God’s promise to those who call on His name. Therefore, I know that it is true. Yet I also know that we still suffer. Even as God’s beloved children, our lives are fraught with death, tears and stumbling.
This is where I need to stop and take a hard look at my expectations and desires, as mentioned above. I need to realize that God has a different path to this destination than the one I want. But I also need to trust that, from God’s timeless perspective, that destination has already been reached. It is surer than a sure thing. Thus, even in the midst of my troubles, I can know that God’s deliverance is guaranteed. And so I can live as though I have already obtained it. I can endure what is because I know what will be. I know I will one day, “walk before the LORD in the land of the living.” (Ps. 116:9).