MONDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 7:11-17
Colossians 1:1-14
Psalm 123–124
1 Chronicles 1–2

Psalm 123–124
The psalmist opens with an upward look to God whose throne is in Heaven, followed by an inward, introspective look. God’s people are suffering under the anguish of contempt. And then, there is the outward look at the proud and arrogant whose disdain had fallen on the nation. Some suggest this is a reference to Nehemiah’s time and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. The contempt of Judah’s neighbors was evident as they schemed to prevent the construction through intimidation and threats. Regardless, the very heart of this Psalm applies to all aspects of life, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy” (v. 3).

TUESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 7:18-35
Colossians 1:15-29
Psalm 125
1 Chronicles 3–4

Luke 7:18-35
In prison John seemed to be overwhelmed by doubt. He needed confirmation of Jesus’ identity. Is this the same John who earlier proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God? Yup, the same John. We don’t know what triggered his doubts, but I do believe his doubts were genuine. Was Jesus offended by John’s honest doubts? Apparently not; immediately after the question, Jesus reminded the crowd of John’s greatness. Please remember that doubt isn’t the opposite of faith, it isn’t necessarily unhealthy, and it isn’t somehow unforgivable. The lesson we learn from John is this: diligently seek an answer for your doubts.

WEDNESDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 7:36-50
Colossians 2:1-7
Psalm 126
1 Chronicles 5–6

Luke 7:36-50
Musician Steve Green took this story and created a stirring ballad comparing the broken bottle of perfume spilled on the feet of Jesus to the Lord’s own life spilled out and used up for us. Reading Luke’s insightful account, I am burdened with this question. Is my attitude like that of the sincere and broken woman or more reflective of the self-assured but judgmental Simon? The story ends well for the tearful woman, but we are left to wonder about the impact on Simon and others around his table. Did being with Jesus that night change their lives, too? 

THURSDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 8:1-15
Colossians 2:8-15
Psalm 127
1 Chronicles 7–9

Colossians 2:8-15
Paul’s words create powerful imagery: “takes you captive . . . hollow philosophy . . .buried with him in baptism . . . raised with him. . . dead in sin . . .. . . canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness . . . disarmed the powers.” In a handful of significant words, Paul retells the heart of the gospel and our response to it. Sin’s hollow promises held us captive, but Jesus cancelled the law’s death sentence and disarmed the archenemy’s power. And through our baptism, we, who were dead, were buried and then raised with Christ. And like Paul’s well-chosen words, this watery pageant also retells the heart of the gospel. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what Jesus alone could do.

FRIDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 8:16-25
Colossians 2:16-23
Psalm 128
1 Chronicles 10–11

1 Chronicles 10–11
Tragedy underscores every line of this chapter. On Mt. Gilboa, the wounded king Saul and his armor bearer took their own lives. Saul’s sons also died, decimating the royal family. Like the spoils of victory, the cruel Philistines displayed Saul’s body on a wall while his armor and head were interred in Dagon’s temple. The lifeless idol was erroneously credited with victory. But the most tragic part of the story is the chronicler’s explanation—this was God’s punishment on a man who had turned his back on the Lord who made him king. Choices have consequences; walk faithfully with the Lord.

SATURDAY

Reading for Today:
Luke 8:26-39
Colossians 3:1-14
Psalm 129
1 Chronicles 12–14

Colossians 3:1-14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14). We have a weathered wagon wheel from my wife’s family farm. Who knows how many country lanes it traversed over the years? How does a wagon wheel—wooden hub, spokes and rim—endure so many miles? The secret to its longevity rests in the outer metal band called the tire. All the wooden parts are securely held together and protected by the tire. In the same manner, the virtues spelled out in this text remain intact when godly love binds them together in perfect unity.