Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Psalms 107-109; Galatians 6
In Psalm 107 history unfolds the prevailing deeds of God's steadfast love. Because of sin, this world is chaotic and inhospitable. But in Jesus God has restored the peace we long for. Our sins are forgiven, and where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and every blessing.
In Psalm 108 we're reminded that from time to time, old defeats come back to haunt us. Perhaps a future challenge reminds us of a past failure. At times like this, we remember that God, who delivered us in the past, is with us in the present and the future.
In Psalm 109, even though falsely accused, David responds by calling for judgment and punishment. Imprecatory (cursing) psalms can be difficult to harmonize with Jesus' command to "love your enemies". However, we do not know the hearts of David's enemies. His calls for destruction are his prayers for salvation. If he is to be saved, and if they refuse to repent, then they must be defeated. He believes that his enemies have removed themselves beyond the reach of God's grace. Ultimately, all who persecute Christ and his followers and refuse to repent will experience God's judgment. As we look to God for salvation, we know His justice will prevail upon our enemies who remain in sin. He declares us justified and His dear children through Jesus.
In our reading from Galatians, Paul reminds us that members of God's family restore the erring, bear one another's burdens, support their teachers, and do good to all-especially to fellow Christians. An attitude of moral superiority closes the heart against the brother or sister in need. The Son of God "loved me and gave Himself for me" (2:20), that I may be free to serve Him and my neighbor in need. In a handwritten postscript, Paul leaves us with an interpretive lens through which to evaluate all Christian teaching and life: the message of the cross. Against all self-righteous pride in spiritual accomplishments, the cross speaks a word of judgment. Yet to those who believe, the cross is God's power to make all things new.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 110-112; 2 Corinthians 1
In Psalm 107 history unfolds the prevailing deeds of God's steadfast love. Because of sin, this world is chaotic and inhospitable. But in Jesus God has restored the peace we long for. Our sins are forgiven, and where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and every blessing.
In Psalm 108 we're reminded that from time to time, old defeats come back to haunt us. Perhaps a future challenge reminds us of a past failure. At times like this, we remember that God, who delivered us in the past, is with us in the present and the future.
In Psalm 109, even though falsely accused, David responds by calling for judgment and punishment. Imprecatory (cursing) psalms can be difficult to harmonize with Jesus' command to "love your enemies". However, we do not know the hearts of David's enemies. His calls for destruction are his prayers for salvation. If he is to be saved, and if they refuse to repent, then they must be defeated. He believes that his enemies have removed themselves beyond the reach of God's grace. Ultimately, all who persecute Christ and his followers and refuse to repent will experience God's judgment. As we look to God for salvation, we know His justice will prevail upon our enemies who remain in sin. He declares us justified and His dear children through Jesus.
In our reading from Galatians, Paul reminds us that members of God's family restore the erring, bear one another's burdens, support their teachers, and do good to all-especially to fellow Christians. An attitude of moral superiority closes the heart against the brother or sister in need. The Son of God "loved me and gave Himself for me" (2:20), that I may be free to serve Him and my neighbor in need. In a handwritten postscript, Paul leaves us with an interpretive lens through which to evaluate all Christian teaching and life: the message of the cross. Against all self-righteous pride in spiritual accomplishments, the cross speaks a word of judgment. Yet to those who believe, the cross is God's power to make all things new.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 110-112; 2 Corinthians 1
3 comments:
The repeated use of "steadfast" stood out for me. Here's what Merriam-Webster had to say about the word:
Full Definition of STEADFAST
1
a : firmly fixed in place : immovable
b : not subject to change
2
: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal
How awesome is it that we have God's love that is firmly fixed in place, not subject to change, and loyal!
The Galatians verse that jumped out at me was about reaping what we sow. So true!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good." Psalm 107:1
This has been mentioned a number of times in the book of Psalms. Do I give all the thanks to God that is required?
"For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9 NIV
How often have I been hungry and had junk food to fill me up only to be hungry a short time after? This verse tells us that God will fill us up and quench our thirst with something good. Not junk food. Something healthy. Something we can only receive from Him.
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