Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
@July 22, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
Judges 5
Judges 5:3 (ESV) 3 “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the LORD I will sing; I will make melody to the LORD, the God of Israel.
This chapter, often referred to as the “Song of Deborah”, opens with an address of kings and princes that singing and praise was to be to the LORD who gave them victory. Beginning the song this way is a means of acknowledging that it was not by their own power that King Jabin of Canaan was defeated, but by the LORD who was with them. As we also experience triumph over adversity, it is from a heart fixed on God and the realization that such blessings are of His grace that we respond with gratitude.
Acts 9
Acts 9:20–21 (ESV) 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
It can be difficult for us to grasp—or lose appreciation over time—just how dramatic was Paul’s conversion. The people responded with utter disbelief because Paul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord only a few days prior. For Paul to not only abruptly cease his persecution of Christians but suddenly begin professing Christ as the Son of God would have been the cause of mass confusion and dissonance. Looking on this, we must see how immense is the power of our God to transform such a heart and that truly no one is beyond His grace of salvation in Christ.
Jeremiah 18
Jeremiah 18:4–6 (ESV) 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
The LORD told Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house where found him working at his wheel and making a vessel. The vessel became spoiled in the potter’s hand which he then reworked into another vessel. As with the loincloth of Jer. 13:3-7, the pottery was symbolic of Israel and Lord’s work upon her. The FSB provides a helpful summary of this event in saying, “Jeremiah uses the potter’s ability to shape and reshape his work as an analogy for Yahweh’s care for His people. Reworking the same clay into a new vessel creates an added layer to the metaphor: Yahweh might reshape a new Israel, foreshadowing Jer 31.”
Mark 4
Mark 4:21–25 (ESV) 21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? 22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
I have been thinking much about the parable of the lamp under the basket lately. By God’s grace, I have been able to focus much of my time growing in my knowledge of and walk with the Lord. However, I continue to struggle with inadequacy, thinking that I am not mature enough to offer profitable guidance or insights. This leads to a withheld speech in personal interactions and group settings, keeping hidden what may be helpful to others. It is selfishness, rooted in the sin of fear, keeping obscured the truths of Himself He has been gracious to reveal. It is a failure of trust and full surrender to the Lord, of His willingness and ability to work through me and that what I have been given of Him needs to be shared. Lord, help me by your Spirit to release me of this fear that I may pour forth the love, truth and hope of Christ to every soul I encounter.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- D. A. Carson, For the Love of God: Volumes 1 & 2 (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006; hosted on thegospelcoalition.org)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)