The Wings of Protection

February 5

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 23:23 – 39 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 23:37 – “ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”

The Greek word, ορνις, translated “hen,” simply means “bird.” It is the base of our word for the study of birds – ornithology. 

The Old Testament has many references to God’s care for His people in the same way that a mother bird cares for her chicks. (Deut. 32:10 – 12; Psalm 36:7; 61:4; 91:4; Isaiah 31:5; and Malachi 4:2). The passages bring to mind how birds shelter their young under their wings and compare this to God’s protection. Jesus here says He wants to give people this same kind of protection and love, yet they so frequently reject what He offers.

Prayer: God of protection and love, I come today asking You to cover me with Your wings of shelter in this time. May I gain the assurance of Your protection and shelter in the midst of the storms in my life. Amen.

Humble sinners come

February 4

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 23:1 – 22 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 23:13 – “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.”

We often look with disdain at those who are very evident in their sinful lifestyle. But Jesus used His harshest and longest sermons, not for struggling sinners, prosperous people, or discouraged disciples – He spoke the strongest against the glory-hogs, legalists and religious hypocrites.

When we struggle, God knows our hearts. When we are discouraged, God knows our inner being. God comes to give rest and encouragement to those who truly seek Him, no matter where they are in life. But, to those who were a mask and pretend to be perfect and above others – He sends strong words of condemnation.

Prayer, Father of Grace and Mercy, I come as a humble sinner before You today. Seek out the sin in me, cleanse it, remove it, take control over that area of my life. Amen.

Sad-you-see

February 3

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 22:23 – 46 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 22:23 – “On that day there came to him Sadducees, they that say that there is no resurrection: and they asked him,”

I remember in one of my Seminary classes the instructor said, “The Sadducees were exactly that, they were sad you see.” He went on to explain that they based their beliefs solely on the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) and rejected all other writings. They thus did not believe in angels, demons, the resurrection or an afterlife. Thus, they were sad you see for a lack of a promise for the future. They basically saw any reward and success to be in the here-and-now only. Thus they lived an opulent lifestyle and found the teachings of Jesus a major threat.

When we muse over this religious thought pattern today, do we harbor it? Do we act as if we believe that today is all there is? Do we forget the promise of Eternal Life and the Kingdom?

Prayer: Eternal King, help me to focus on You and Your future rewards. Amen.

RSVP

February 2

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 22:1 – 22 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 22:14 – “For many are called, but few chosen.”

In this parable of the Wedding Banquet, Jesus makes this statement at the end. He has just spoken of one who was bound “hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness” (Matthew 22:13).

The Greek word, κλητοι, means invited. It is not used in the same sense as Paul uses it (Romans 8:28 – 29). Jesus is specifically speaking of Israel at this point, and He is saying that all of Israel has been invited into the Kingdom, but only a few will believe and follow Him. Thus, God will not bring them into the banquet of the Kingdom. 

In a way we can understand this of all people also. God has made His invitation open to anyone (John 3:16), but only a few will believe and receive this gift (Matthew 7:13 – 14).

Have you believed and received? Today will be a great day to settle it.

Prayer: Jesus, I bring my heart to You to cleanse and claim as Your own. Amen.

Parables

February 1

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 21:23 – 46 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 21:45 – “And when the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.”

Parables. Jesus often used these heavenly stories to explain earthly concepts. The Old Testament is written to those who thought in stories. Jesus at this point is still in the Old Testament economy of God. Thus, He uses stories – but not only stories, stories that are like wrapped gifts. The package needs to be peeled off to reach the wonder of the gift inside.

These stories reach different people in different ways, and effect each differently. The parable of the soils can reach 4 different types of people. The Prodigal Son reaches the father, the prodigal, and the jealous older brother differently.

Prayer: Father, as I ponder and study the stories (parables) that Your Son shares in the Gospels give me wisdom to understand. And, once I understand, give me strength to apply what You are teaching me in the correct way. My I have true ears to hear His Words. Amen.