| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| @June 20, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
Deut. 25
Deuteronomy 25:17–19 (ESV) 17 “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, 18 how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. 19 Therefore when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.
The Israelites were to remember how the Amalekites mistreated Israel and how Amalek did not fear God. The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible provides some context regarding Amalek and that he “was the son of Eliphaz (Esau’s son) by his concubine, Timna (Gen. 36:12; 1 Chr. 1:36). Descendants of this tribal chief of Edom were known as Amalekites…[and were] were notable enemies of Israel.” Beyond the call to remembrance, the LORD told the people that once He had given them rest, they were to destroy the Amalekites completely. This eradication would play out later under Saul’s reign, depicted in 1 Sam. 15. These verses demonstrate much of the LORD’s favor for His people and how we are to never forget His faithfulness. We serve a God who provides protection, rest from enemies and the assurance that all who oppose Him will be destroyed.
Psalm 116
Psalm 116:12–14 (ESV) 12 What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, 14 I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.
There is nothing we can do to repay what God through Christ has done for us. Any such attempt would be construed an insult to His grace freely bestowed upon us. So what then are we to do? The psalmist answers the question in lifting up his cup of salvation, a means of expressing recognition and gratitude for what the Lord has done. He will pay his vows (originally established as a promise to God) as a display of worship and full devotion to God. By this, the psalmist models the posture we are to have toward our Lord and Savior, realizing that we have nothing to render to Him but our joyful praise and thankfulness for His salvation.
Isaiah 52
Isaiah 52:13–15 (ESV) 13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. 14 As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— 15 so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
Isaiah speaks of the Servant who will be high and lifted up, to be elevated to the status of a King in respect and renown. However, this will come through humiliation, being marred beyond human semblance. The unjust anguish inflicted on the Servant will shut the mouths of earthly kings. The scourging and sacrifice of Jesus will reveal to them who He is and allow them to see what they once could not. It never fails to astonish how precise these passages are despite the roughly 700 years that divided Isaiah and Jesus. Returning to them regularly serves as a reminder of Jesus’ undeniable fulfillment of OT prophecy and of God’s faithfulness to provide for us the Lamb who is worthy.
Revelation 22
Revelation 22:12–13 (ESV) 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Jesus speaks that He is coming soon and will bring His recompense with Him, repaying each for what He has done. According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, “recompense” is a verb to “compensate (someone) for loss or harm”. This compensation will be wholly just and perfect, exacted on each according to his deeds. The will be none excepted, all will receive their due. Those in Christ rejoice in the forthcoming of this Day as it marks the glorious entry into the kingdom. For those apart from Him, these words should both bring terror but also an invitation to repent of sin and turn toward Him.