For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
John 1
We often hear that part of the goal as Christians is to be like Christ. Our old, human nature is replaced with God’s Spirit, and as far as we live in that Spirit, we live differently than we did before. Jesus was the living example for us, showing us how this new life in the Spirit works. Well, I noticed something really cool about all of that in this chapter this morning. It turns out that Jesus’ life began showing us this truth right from the very start. Jesus is the Son of God. And John tells us that all who receive Him for who He is become children of God as well. We become, “children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (Jn. 1:13). In other words, we become like Jesus!
Amos 5-6
“Seek me and live.” What do you tend to seek rather than God? What did God want more than their religious ceremonies? I see God calling out four behaviors or attitudes in Israel in these two chapters. He calls out injustice, false pretense, complacency, and pride. It’s the complacency in that list that hit me. How often do I simply settle into what feels like a fairly secure life, enjoying God’s plentiful blessings without concern for those who are headed into ruin? Am I like King Hezekiah, who was content to know that he would not see disaster in his lifetime?
I would much rather be like King Josiah, who lived his life fervently for God. I see him as one who truly let God shine His light through him so that others might also find life. I want to be like that; to care about what concerns God and to live it for all to see. Not to see me, of course, but to see God who dwells in me. That is, after all, how Jesus lived. Therefore, complacency has no place in a child of God.
Ps. 143
In this prayer for help, how does David express his desperation? What do you do when you feel desperate? There is prophecy in this Psalm. It speaks of Jesus’ saving work on the cross. “Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.” (Ps. 143:7b). God hid His face from Jesus as He hung thee on the cross. Thus, He became like us, carrying our judgment to the very pit of hell. But that isn’t the end of the story. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.” (Ps. 145:8a). Ah, yes – the glorious morning! That new dawn that destroyed the power of sin and death! The rising of the Son that sealed God’s love for us forever!
Before that morning was a cry for mercy. “Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.” (Ps. 143:2). After that morning, the prayer of mercy’s answer. “For your name’s sake, LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.” (Ps. 143:11-12). What do we do in our desperation? We turn to the cross. And we leave changed.