Monday, April 29: Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12 

Things that stood out for me today:

54 Then he quickly called the young man who was carrying his weapons and told him, “Draw your sword and kill me. I don't want it said that a woman killed me.” So the young man ran him through, and he died.

This reminds me of when Pilate washed his hands of Jesus' fate and yet all this time later, everyone reads the testimony from the Bible that Pilate was responsible for the death of Jesus. Even though the weapon carrier finished the deed, readers know the truth of what really happened. We can try to wash our hands of our problems or make it look in a way that skews the facts but the truth always comes out.

29 but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them.......33 They got up at once and went back to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven disciples gathered together with the others 

The day was almost over and it was getting dark....but they got up at once to share what they had just seen and heard. I will be the first to admit that I CANNOT keep a secret. Especially when it is good news and exciting and I can't wait to share it. These men couldn't keep it a secret either because they didn't even wait for the next day before they made the journey back to share it with the disciples.

The Lord is good;
    his love is eternal
    and his faithfulness lasts forever.

In an ever changing and complex world, what an encouragement it is to know that The Lord is good. His love and faithfulness are without an end.

What you think is the right road may lead to death.

I've read this verse before but today it reminded me about the Bible College student who recently died while on a mission trip. He seemed to be on the right road: serving and giving of himself to others in God's name. However, he died due to a medical complication. Now, assuming this guy was a believer, his death should be looked at as a positive since he would be experiencing Heaven upon his death but it is still sad for the people he left behind as they wait to join him. I also have read this verse with the interpretation that what we might think is the right road--a white lie, a small indiscretion, a half truth---may lead to a slippery slope away from God forever.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Judges 11:1-12:15John 1:1-28Psalm 101:1-8Proverbs 14:13-14