For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 18
What is the lesson from the parable of the persistent widow? How is God like or unlike the judge? The lesson that is typically taught from this parable is that we should be persistent in prayer, even when it seems our prayers are not being answered. While I believe that statement is true, I also think there is a little more to it than that. First of all, Jesus specifically addresses justice in this parable. Secondly, He ends the story by saying, “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:8b). Thus, I think it would be more accurate to say that the point Jesus is making is, “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13).
It’s the same message I see reiterated over and over again throughout the entire Bible. God gave us more than fair warning that our time here on earth would not be easy. The wicked don’t always get what they’ve got coming and the good guy doesn’t always win. At least that’s how it all too often seems. But God, unlike this judge, is good and just. So if even an unjust judge will deliver justice to those who persistently pursue it, how much more will God deliver justice for His own? Therefore, whether or not justice will prevail is the wrong question for us to concern ourselves with. The question we need to ask ourselves is whether or not we can live like we know it will.
Hos. 8-9
I’m having another ‘duh’ moment this morning. This time regarding the sacrifices. God had very specific rules and requirements for the sacrifices the people were to offer Him. A part of those requirements that I have evidently been skimming over in my mind has to do with consuming the food and drink offerings they made. Somehow, the importance of this part of the process never really connected with me before now. But now I see that consuming their portion of the offering was an action of internalizing the sacrifice and making it part of you. It is why the sacrifice made them clean, at least temporarily.
This connection jumped out at me from Hosea 9:4b. “Such sacrifices will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat them will be unclean. This food will be for themselves; it will not come into the temple of the LORD.” The insincere sacrifices God mentions here failed to fulfill the intended purpose of properly offered sacrifices. Hence the connection with the importance of consuming the offering. This also adds clarity to why the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols was such a big deal in the New Testament churches. And it gives deeper meaning to Christ’s words at the last supper concerning His body and blood. As with the sacrifices in the Old Testament law, it is imperative that we take Jesus in and accept His sacrifice as our own. Only then can He make us clean and reconnect us with our Holy God.
Prov. 28
Choose one proverb that speaks to you and share it with someone today. Is there some adjustment you need to make? Though the Bible has a lot to say about the rich, there is nothing wrong with being wealthy or making a lot of money. At least not until that wealth or the pursuit of it become your god. The reason wealth is so dangerous is because it very readily claims that position in the human heart. When gaining and holding onto wealth cause you to mistreat and neglect others, it has become your god.
“A tyrannical ruler practices extortion…” (Pr. 28:16a). “The stingy are eager to get rich…” (Pr. 28:22a). “The greedy stir up conflict…” (Pr. 28:25a). And, “Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.” (Pr. 23:24). Cruel, stingy, greedy and destructive. Such are your fruits when wealth is your master.