| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 12, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Observation
Application
Genesis 43
There was so much fear on the part of Jacob and Joseph’s brothers. Jacob did not want to lose another son in sending Benjamin with his brothers back to get more food, so he instructed that extensive measures be taken for the trip to be successful. When the brothers were brought to Joseph’s house, they thought the worst and assumed that it was because of the money placed back into their sacks. But the steward spoke peace to them and told them that it was God’s doing to put their treasure back in their sacks. How often do we also proceed in fear as we approach novel or difficult situations? How often do we fail in the moment to acknowledge God’s sovereignty? May we instead be reminded of God’s overarching plan of redemption, realizing that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28).
Mark 15
The wickedness of the chief priests and elders in both campaigning to have Jesus crucified and joining the passers by in derision reveal the unanimous corruption of the human heart. These were the religious elite—those who knew the Scriptures best and should have surrendered first to Jesus’s Lordship—and yet they showed themselves to be no different than any other. It should shock us to realize the blinding nature of sin. Let us then respond with utter gratitude that our gracious God has chosen to open the eyes of His people in order that they may see Him for who He is.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to not face a change of circumstances with fear; to trust that you are working out all things for my good and Your glory. Father, I also thank you that you open the eyes of the blind to see who You are—Your goodness, Your resplendence—and the gift of reconciliation you have bestowed to us in the sacrifice of Your Son.