MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 26:1-16
Romans 9:19-33
Psalm 62
Deuteronomy 1–3

Matthew 26:1-16
In this text the disciples first asked Jesus about the timing of his statement regarding the temple’s destruction. His prophecy must have shaken them to the core as the temple represented the heartbeat of their faith. Jesus answered their question in somewhat veiled terms. These verses seem to relate to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. In verse 34 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.”The Jewish nation still mourns the temple’s demise, but God doesn’t dwell in man-made structures. Is your heart a welcome place for his Spirit?

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 26:17-35
Romans 10
Psalm 63
Deuteronomy 4–5

Psalm 63
On my grandparents’ farm in southern Indiana it was not uncommon to see a hen with her brood of chicks racing to keep up with her. They scurried about without much direction, but that changed the moment danger filled the air. A clucking sound from their protective mother drew the chicks to safety under her wings. And under her sweeping wings the fledgling birds became silently invisible. What a poignant picture of God’s mercy. He is a refuge in times of trouble. It’s as if we can rest securely under the shadow of his care, invisible to the dangers of life. 

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 26:36-56
Romans 11:1-24
Psalm 64
Deuteronomy 6–8

Deuteronomy 6–8
The disciples’ second question in Matthew 24 text focused on the sign of Jesus’ return and the end of time as we know it. Church history is filled with interpretations, arguments, and speculations about how to understand the Olivet discourse; but regardless of one’s interpretation, this wonderful passage reminds us not to get too attached to mortal life. We do not know the day or the hour of this prophecy’s fulfillment, but by faith, we do know it will happen. We also know that what God has in store is incomprehensible. So hold on faithfully to Jesus; he assures us the best is still yet to be.

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 26:57-75
Romans 11:25-36
Psalm 65
Deuteronomy 9–12

Matthew 26:57-75
The Feast of Weeks, better known in the New Testament as Pentecost, followed Passover by 50 days. It coincided with the wheat harvest and began with an offering of the “first fruits,” a term that described offering the first of the harvest to God. In that festival we catch a glimpse of eternity. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds us that Jesus is the “first fruits” of those who have died. In other words, the risen Christ is the first to be resurrected never to die again. And because he was raised to die no more, we, too, will be raised and made like his own body suited for life in Heaven. What a glorious image of our hope!

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 27:1-10
Romans 12:1-8
Psalm 66
Deuteronomy 13–17

Romans 12:1-8
This final section of Romans 8 is one of the more powerful and encouraging passages found in Scripture. In any survey of favorite Bible verses, Romans 8:28 will inevitably make the list. Knowing that God can take the bleakest of life’s moments and use them to accomplish good fills the heart with hope. So, too, does the promise that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. And speaking of his love, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—that can separate us from his love in Christ Jesus. Feeling defeated? Try reading this passage again; it will lift your spirit out of the depths. After all, if God is for us who can stand against us?

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Matthew 27:11-26
Romans 12:9-21
Psalm 67
Deuteronomy 18–21

Romans 12:9-21
“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (v .2). At first glance, it appears a strange request, but the psalmist often associated God’s help and protection with higher ground. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains” (121:1). “I call out to the lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain” (3:4). “lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?” (15:1). Mountains are majestic and awe inspiring—it’s as if they point upward to God. When discouragement takes up residence in the depths of our soul, we need to look up to the Rock of Ages who is higher than we.