For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Rom. 13
It’s really hard to read what Paul says here about governing authorities and apply it to those we have at times. He said, “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.” (Rom. 13:3a). Likewise he said, “They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Rom. 13:4b). It is hard to accept these statements when we see criminals not only being ignored in their wrongdoing, but being honored while people who are simply standing for what is right and true are being punished – even criminalized – in so many different ways. Truly, we have become a society that “call[s] evil good and good evil” (Is. 5:20a).
We need to step back and realize, though, that Paul wasn’t exactly living under a Godly government himself. He, along with many of the other apostles and church leaders, had suffered much at the hands of both the Jewish and the Roman governing authorities. But whether or not somebody else is properly fulfilling their purpose and living as they ought to should not affect how we live our lives. It is important for us to remember that God is the ultimate authority. Nothing that happens is beyond His attention or out of His control. He uses even the wicked for His good purpose. What matters is that we obey God. And, as Paul said at the end of Romans 12, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Num. 11-12
Why did the people grumble? What was God’s response? What have you grumbled about lately? Change that to a prayer of thanks. Sure enough, that obedience bit was not resulting in the life the Israelites wanted. The complaints ensued. Funny, isn’t it, how we are so prone to focus on what we don’t have rather than on what we’ve got. These people were living in the presence of the Almighty God, who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt and performed miraculous deeds for their safety and provision. They had daily, tangible evidence of God’s presence, as well as just and humble leadership. All of their needs were met. But none of that came easy and they didn’t have all they wanted.
I think about the manna. It sounds like it tasted good. And it evidently met their needs. There was nothing inadequate or unpleasing about it. But instead of being grateful for God’s gracious provision, they wanted more. Why do we find it so hard to be satisfied in God? He is so much more than we need and so much better than we deserve. Furthermore, He is truly the only thing that CAN satisfy. I pray that I will learn from God’s people; that I will learn to look at my own life differently. I pray that I, like Paul, will “[learn] the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Phil. 4:12), knowing that it is God who sustains and satisfies me.
Ps. 28
Cry to God for mercy. What is His response? (see v. 7-8) Should we ask for God’s mercy and not give Him our trust and praise? Should we seek His help and not give Him our gratitude? I think not! I believe David often gave the thanks before he received God’s answer. He gave God praise, trusting in a response that had not yet come. Why could he do this? Because he knew who God is. He cannot be anything other than righteous, merciful, just, and true to His promise because He is God. Indeed, it is to those who humbly trust Him and praise Him through the fire that God faithfully gives His mercy.