For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 4
We know that scripture is God’s truth. Yet we see that the devil used scripture to tempt Jesus. This doesn’t make scripture any less good and true. What it does, however, is show us that even goodness and truth can be twisted and used the wrong way. We need to have an understanding of scripture’s purpose in order to apply it appropriately. Notice that the devil’s temptations consistently put the focus on Jesus, the man. The devil was attempting to get Jesus to use scripture to justify the desires of the flesh. But scripture isn’t about gratifying self. Quite contrarily, it is about denying self. As James pointed out, “each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire” (Jms. 1:14). Which is why we must do as Jesus did. We must, “deny [ourselves] and take up [our] cross daily and follow [Him].” (Luke 9:23).
Ezek. 37-38
What was the meaning of the vision of dry bones? What hope does that give you? The field of dry bones is a clear image of Jesus’ work among us. He came to us, dead in our sin, to speak God’s word to us. He came to bring God’s Spirit – His breath of life – to restore us. Note that life was not in the flesh. Life was in the Spirit. Through Jesus, God has done as He promised. “My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them…I will put my Spirit in you and you will live” (Ez. 37:12b, 14a).
Ezekiel announces God’s victory over powerful nations. What hope does that give you? What stood out to me in this prophecy was God’s description of the army of evil. He said they would be, “a great horde, a mighty army.” (Ez. 38:15b). He went on to say this army would, “advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land.” (Ez. 38:16). My thought? SCARY!! Picture living in peace, in unwalled villages, when you look up and see this massive army, covering the earth like a storm cloud, thundering toward you. Yeah, scary.
I don’t pretend to know how all this prophecy actually plays out in real life. I know Jesus wasn’t what all the learned scholars expected, so I doubt that we will do any better with figuring this part out. What I do get from it, though, is what I have been seeing throughout God’s holy Word. Even when things look peaceful, we must never grow complacent in our faith. Jesus didn’t say that the one who endures until the time of peace will be saved. No, He said that the one who endures to the end will be saved. As they say, it ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings. So I say, expect the unthinkable in life and determine ahead of time that if you run in fear, it will be straight to God and nowhere else.