For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 1
In the first few verses Luke identifies his work as one of many accounts of Jesus’ time on earth. He describes it as, “an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us” (Luke 1:1b). That is an interesting choice of words. Other variations of the word translated “fulfilled” here are, “accomplished” and, “most surely believed”. In Eugene Peterson’s idiomatic expression in The Message, Luke was, “putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us”. “Fulfilled.” “Accomplished.” “Most surely believed.” “Harvest.”
The point is that Luke wasn’t simply relating a series of things that took place or events that happened. No, what Luke was doing was putting together an account of the fulfillment of Scriptural prophecies. He was detailing the seeds of God’s promises from long ago that had fully matured to harvest; the things once believed that had now come to pass. Strange how so many found it easier to believe in the prophecies and hope in the promises than they did to believe and hope in their fulfillment.
Ezek. 31-32
Egypt was powerful and proud, but God pointed them to the example of Assyria, who was great and then fell. Compare to Proverbs 16:18. God says an interesting thing about all these nations, including Egypt and Assyria. He says, “All who had spread terror in the land of the living went down uncircumcised to the earth below. They bear their shame with those who go down to the pit.” (Ez. 31:24b). Three phrases stuck out to me in this statement – “land of the living”, “uncircumcised”, and “they bear their shame”. Thus, I see in this prophecy the fate of ALL who cling to their pride and do not humbly submit themselves to God.
Jesus said of God, “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matt. 22:32b). Therefore, “the land of the living” is a reference to those who belong to God. Circumcision is the sign and seal of their belonging. However, as Paul stated, “a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code.” (Rom. 2:29a). Thus, the uncircumcised are those who never set aside the desires of their own flesh to live instead for God. Finally, we know that Jesus bore the shame of our sin when He went to that cross. It is when we accept Him as our atoning sacrifice that He circumcises our hearts and makes us part of His living family. However, those who don’t accept but oppose Him and His people bear their own shame.
Ps. 134
The final “song of ascents,” sung as the pilgrims entered Jerusalem and the temple, was a call to praise. What did lifting one’s hands signify? Try lifting your hands and praising the Lord! That is a good question. And the only thing that comes to mind is surrender. Like when a cop, with pointed gun, shouts, “Put your hands in the air!”. Or when a canine rolls over on its back in submission to another. The nice thing about surrendering to God, though, is that it is done in humility and gratitude rather than fright. Thus, it elicits our praise for One who we know could reduce us to dust but chooses instead to draw us into His loving arms.