An important question to consider

January 31

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 21:1 – 22 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 21:6 – “And the disciples went, and did even as Jesus appointed them,”

In this account by Matthew of what we term the Triumphal Entry of Jesus, we find this simple statement. They went and did as he appointed them. Simple. Concise. To the point. 

As I have pondered on this statement, I asked myself – could this be said of me? As I walk through life today, do I do as He has appointed me to do? Am I one that could be labeled faithful and true?

Today, pause and ask yourself that same question. What would you answer honestly?

As I mused over this, I realized that, no, I do not do this all the time. I fail often. However, I am reminded that I have a God who forgives and restores. 

Prayer: Forgiving and gracious Father, today I ask You to forgive and restore me. May I seek You each and every day to do as You have appointed me to do. May I be a pleasant follower of You in all areas. Amen.

Surprise

January 30

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 20:17 – 34 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 20:18 – 19 – “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up.”

Today, Jesus tells His disciples for the third time (16:21; 17:9. 22, 23) about His anticipated arrest and death. This is the first time that He reveals to them the method by which He would die – crucifixion.

They should not have been taken by surprise at His death, burial, and resurrection. He spelt it out plainly. Yet, they are as human as we are. God in His Word has told us of His power and might, yet we are so surprised when He answers our prayers. Before we are too hard on the disciples, consider this – we have the rest of the story and still are taken by surprise at His promises.

Prayer: Jesus, I am sorry that I so often pray and then are surprised that You answer. I need to have my faith strengthened to believe You.

Rewards to be gained

January 29

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 20:1 – 16 

Verse of the Day: Matthew 20:16 – “So the last shall be first, and the first last.”

In our reading today we hear Jesus tell a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. He often uses parables to take visible world to teach about the invisible.

In this parable, the worker’s with the contract (the first one’s selected) are the nation of Israel. They have the covenants and promises. The latter workers are those whom God has brought in – namely the Gentiles.

Jesus wants us to see that all who believe and obey Go will receive the same rewards and promises. The Church did not replace Israel, and the Church will not receive anything that Israel will not receive in the coming Kingdom Age.

Spend some time today meditating upon the glorious and marvelous riches that are promised to those who are God’s children.

Prayer: Gracious King, as Your child I come today in grateful adoration for the promises that You have made for all who believe. Amen.

Who can be saved?

January 28

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 19:16 – 30

Verse of the Day: Matthew 19:25 – 26 – “And when the disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

In this last part of chapter 19, we read the story of the rich, young ruler. The disciples were shocked by Jesus’ response to this man. Many today would have gone out of their way to accommodate him. Jesus told it straight and to the point.

One thing that I have always noticed in this passage is the question here and the answer of Jesus. Who can be saved? When we look at people around us, do we try to decide who can and who won’t be saved? Jesus reminds us that salvation is entirely in the hands of God. Man can’t save himself, and others can’t make the choice. God is author of salvation, the provider of salvation, and the keeper of the saved.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that salvation is all from You and that I can rest in that assurance for all eternity. Amen. 

Know the answer - know the Bible!

January 27

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 19:1 – 15

Verse of the Day: Matthew 19:5 – 6 – “and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Jesus is questioned on the importance of marriage by a group of Pharisees. They are seeking to entrap Him and create division among His followers. Jesus, as was His custom responded with a quotation from the book of Genesis (2:24). 

Whenever we are confronted with challenges of what we should do or believe, let us always return to the source – the Bible. Whatever God desires for our best can be found in His Word. That is why it is important for us to read and heed this precious book.

How much time are you spending acquiring the truth and wisdom available to you from God?

Prayer: Father, open my eyes and mind.