| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 18, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Observation
Application
Genesis 49
Immediately prior to his death, Jacob spoke a blessing over his sons. However, this was not some blessing of general well-wishing and prosperity, but rather each son was given a specific word. Some would enjoy power and ability to judge (Judah and Dan), have their preeminence removed (Reuben), experience division and scattering (Simeon and Levi), produce and enjoy rich foods (Asher), be free and populous (Naphtali), or be dangerous but generous with their allies (Benjamin). It is a wide spectrum and speaks to the variety and colorful tapestry of God’s work among humanity. By God’s design, not everyone is pinned to the fullest of earthly pleasures in this life. There is a mixture of beauty of pain, of joy and sorrow, but laid up for us is a treasure in the heavens beyond compare, one of endless life with our Beloved, available to all who call upon His name and surrender to Him in faith.
Luke 5
The way in which James, John and Simon along with Levi later left everything to follow Jesus should elicit conviction among the heart of the saints as regards commitment to their faith. It was not as if Jesus was asking them to follow Him for the day, but that they would entirely jettison the life they had lived and known up to that point. Jesus’ calling on our lives is not an invitation to half-hearted obedience but a complete abandonment of self and personal pursuits for the sake of knowing, sharing and glorifying Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, how wonderful is this world You have created. It is exactly as You have willed to magnify Your glory. May we rejoice in Your grand expression of grace and majesty and also answer the call to worship, praise and proclaim Your great name.