Monday, July 23: 2 Kings 24-25, Matthew 9 ~ by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 24-25, Matthew 9

This stood out for me today from the OT:

13 The Babylonians broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the Lord and they carried the bronze to Babylon. 14 They also took away the pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes and all the bronze articles used in the temple service. 15 The commander of the imperial guard took away the censers and sprinkling bowls—all that were made of pure gold or silver.

I understand that these items were significant items in the temple, however, they are just stuff. Valuable and costly "stuff" but just that-stuff. It made me think of Matthew 6:19-21:

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

When we become too concerned about our "stuff" we can lose sight of what is truly important. God can allow destruction to happen to remind us of what truly matters.

From the NT readings, this stood out for me:

20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”

22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Sometimes I have trouble believing that the impossible IS possible with God. My faith is not always strong enough to believe. This woman confidently believed that if she was just able to grasp Jesus' robe, that her 12 year illness would be cured. Now that is FAITH. What would God be able to do in my life if my faith was as strong??

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 28-30, Matthew 10:1-25