MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 20: 17-34
Acts 27:27-44
Psalm 45
Leviticus 21–23

Leviticus 21–23
Historian Marvin Rosenthal wrote, “There is not a nation anywhere, even among the most primitive of peoples, that does not have its unique days of special celebration.” Why do we celebrate? I believe God wired us to love a holiday. God carefully orchestrated the details of each “holy day” and noted, “These are my appointed feasts.” These seven festivals were not random moments to make the Hebrews’ wilderness journey a bit more pleasant; no, these appointed times collectively told God’s redemptive story. Together they revealed God’s plan and prophetically pointed to Jesus whose life and purpose is seen in each divine festival!

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:1-11
Acts 28:1-16
Psalm 46
Leviticus 24–25

Psalm 46
History notes this psalm as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s great hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God. It opens with an admission, a cry for help. Unlike the use of the personal pronouns I and my in the 23^rd Psalm, the psalmist included everyone by using the pronoun our. Why? Because we each need help. And because God is our refuge and strength, we have no reason to fear. The Hebrew here literally means “when the earth is changed.” And the earth is always changing! So, let the mountains crumble and the waves crash; our God is in control. We will not fear.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:12-22
Acts 28:17-31
Psalm 47
Leviticus 26–27

Acts 28:17-31
Our last glimpse of Paul finds him teaching fervently in an effort to persuade his listeners about Jesus. From morning till evening Paul taught from the law and prophets as each pointed to the risen Lord. I’m grateful for verse 24, “Some were convinced . . . but others would not believe.” Not grateful that some rejected the truth, but thankful for the reminder that we cannot make anyone believe. If some in Paul’s presence rejected Jesus, we shouldn’t be surprised when the same happens today. As with Paul, we can only be faithful in sowing truth. God alone is responsible for the spiritual harvest.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:23-32
Romans 1:1-17
Psalm 48
Numbers 1–2

Romans 1:1-17
In high school, I was privileged to be part of a group who bonded in a week of church camp. We called ourselves “The Fellowship of the Unashamed” and every time I read this passage I am reminded of the impact those friends made in my life. Our bond in Christ gave me courage to stand firm in my faith when I sometimes felt alone. I still need that courage. This broken world convinces me there is but one constant in the upheavals of change—the gospel which is the power of God to save. I’m still unashamed; how about you?

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 21:33-46
Romans 1:18-32
Psalm 49
Numbers 3–4

Matthew 21:33-46
In a masonry arch, a single stone holds all others in place. Slightly V-shaped, it fits in the top center position and is the last stone placed in the arch, thus its name, capstone. Quoting from Psalm 118 regarding the rejected stone, Jesus declared himself to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. Though rejected, he is the capstone, the last stone that holds all others in place. Interestingly, the word can also be translated cornerstone, the first foundational stone laid in a construction project. Both are vital to the building’s integrity. How fitting that Jesus is the first and the last, the Vital One!