Lesson 13 – February 13 – Serving a Just God
Job learned that sometimes we don’t understand God or why He allows bad things to happen to those who are good; he learned that we can’t control God or bend Him to our will; he learned that God is God and we are not; he learned that it’s a mistake to assume we know how or why God acts when knowledge of that is absent.
We can’t avoid going through painful or difficult circumstances. But we can abstain from responding in ignorance. Sometimes God and His ways are unknown. What we do know is that God is good all the time and that all the time God is good.
Week of February 21 through February 27
Something to think about this week: How would you respond to passionately feeling you were right about something, only to find out later you were entirely wrong?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Genesis 18:20-33 – Abraham Pleads for Justice.
Tue. – Psalm 37:1-11 – Trust in God’s Coming Justice.
Wed. – Psalm 37:21-28, 34-40 – The Lord Loves Justice.
Thu. – Romans 14:13-23 – Righteousness, Peace, and Joy.
Fri. – Matthew 12:1-13 – Jesus Demonstrates God’s Justice.
Sat. – Job 19:23-29 – Job Cries Out for a Redeemer.
Sun. – Job 42:1-6, 10-17 – Job’s Fortunes Are Restored.
Lesson 12 – February 20 – Bildad Misunderstands God’s Justice
It’s true that we don’t always get what we think we deserve in life. Sometimes bad things happen to us even though we’ve lived an upright life; but sometimes good things happen even when we haven’t been as good as God desires. What’s important is to continue to trust in God and to remain faithful to Him even when life seems unfair or we are suffering through no fault of our own.
Week of February 14 through February 20
Something to think about this week: The phrase “Life is unfair.” Do you agree?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Job 1:8-11, 13-22 – Job Suffers.
Tue. – Habakkuk 1:12-17 – Habakkuk Struggles to See Justice.
Wed. – 1 Peter 2:20-25 – Suffering for Doing Right.
Thu. – Psalm 29 – God Is in the Storm.
Fri. – Mark 14:32-42 – Remove This Cup from Me.
Sat. – Job 38:1-11 – God Speaks from the Whirlwind.
Sun. – Job 8:1-10, 20-22 – God’s Justice Is Unfathomable.
Lesson 11 – February 13 – Ezra Seeks God’s Law
You can only handle God’s Word with accuracy when you have studied His Word. The truth of His Word shows us the way to live a godly life that pleases Him rather than looking to the world for its hollow guidance.
If you want to be prosperous and experience success God’s way, meditate and study His Word. Study day and night and after you study the Word do what it says.
The Holy Spirit often uses God’s word to tell us what He wants us to do or give us insights into our problems and questions.
Week of February 7 through February 13
Something to think about this week: Guides we use to help us get places or do things such as maps, a GPS, instructions, etc.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 19 – God’s Law Is Perfect.
Tue. – Joshua 1:1-9 – Meditate Continuously on the Law.
Wed. – 1 John 3:18-24 – Obey God’s Commandments.
Thu. – Psalm 119:1-16 – Teach Me Your Statutes.
Fri. – Psalm 119:97-112 – How I Love Your Law!
Sat. – Ezra 7:11-22 – The King’s Letter to Ezra.
Sun. – Ezra 7:1-10, 23-26 – Ezra Leads the Exiles Home.
Lesson 10 – February 6 – Nathan Condemns David
Today’s lesson focuses on King David, who had it all. He was blessed. He had many wives. Yet he wasn’t satisfied; he wanted more. He wanted Bathsheba-someone else’s wife. That wasn’t fair. David plowed forward and accomplished his goal, but God was not pleased. In the end, David got his “just rewards.”
What is our response when we see injustice in our work, or in our neighborhood? Do we get involved? It’s so easy to sit back, keep our mouths shut, and continue on with our happy lives. God wants us to show compassion, and maybe some righteous anger, when people are taken advantage of so others can profit.
If the root of a problem is in others, it may take some finesse to address it as Nathan did in this week’s lesson scripture.
Week of January 31 through February 6
Something to think about this week: If you could change one problem in this world for the better, what problem would it be?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 2 Samuel 11:1-13 – David’s Sin with Bathsheba.
Tue. – 2 Samuel 11:14-27 – Murder of Bathsheba’s Husband.
Wed. – 1 John 1:5-10 – Walk in the Light.
Thu. – Psalm 51:1-14 – Create in Me a Clean Heart.
Fri. – Psalm 32 – Redemption through Repentance.
Sat. – 1 John 2:1-11 – Christ, the Sacrifice for Our Sins.
Sun. – 2 Samuel 12:1-9, 13-15 – Nathan Tells a Pointed Parable.
Lesson 09 – January 30 – Justice and the Marginalized
The Scriptures in this lesson point out the importance of viewing those on the edge of society with God’s point of view. God is in the business of rescuing people, whether from physical or spiritual bondage, oppression, or poverty. He calls us to remember with gratitude how He has delivered us from our past. As Christ’s hands and feet here on earth, we are called to provide from God’s abundance to meet the needs of those around us.
Week of January 24 through January 30
Something to think about this week: Widows and orphans you know.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 140 – God Executes Justice for the Poor.
Tue. – Deuteronomy 26:1-11 – Remembering Our Marginalized Ancestors.
Wed. – James 5:1-11 – Woe to Those Who Mistreat Workers.
Thu. – Psalm 82 – Justice for the Weak and Orphaned.
Fri. – Matthew 9:27-38 – Jesus Compassion for the Helpless.
Sat. – Leviticus 19:32-37 – Do Not Oppress the Alien.
Sun. – Deuteronomy 24:10-21 – Justice for the Poor.
Lesson 08 – January 23 – Justice, Judges, and Priests
The Accountability Plan
God has placed certain officials in authority over others—a social order—that represent a path of justice. We should follow directives given by those in authority, acting “according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you” (Deut. 17:11). However, we must be consistent and do ourselves what we ask others to do because we are commanded to love, honor, and obey God.
We must ask ourselves, are we, as the Scripture says, following justice and justice alone? Are we ourselves acting according to the decisions we make? Are we staying on “the path of justice” and not turning aside, to the right or to the left? We should hold those in authority accountable but we are accountable to the Lord ourselves.
Week of January 17 through January 23
Something to think about this week: Accountability
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 19:15-21 – True and False Witnesses.
Tue. – Matthew 18:15-20 – Addressing Church Conflicts.
Wed. – Matthew 18:21-35 – The Duty to Forgive.
Thu. – Exodus 18:13-26 – Moses’ Court of Appeal.
Fri. – Ephesians 4:25-32 – Speak Truth and Act on It.
Sat. – Deuteronomy 10:14-22 – God Is an Impartial Judge.
Sun. – Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 17:8-13 – Appoint Leaders to Administer Justice.
Lesson 07 – January 16 – The Laws of Justice and Mercy
It’s uncomfortable wanting to be part of a group of people who will accept us only if we join in their unjust actions. What to do in such a challenging situation forces us not only to understand the meaning of God’s justice but also to see how much God’s justice demands of us.
Crowds often follow someone who is the loudest, not necessarily someone who is righteous in his or her actions. Therefore, doing right may mean alienating people around you such as family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and roommates. However, sometimes our godly actions are recognized to the point that they inspire others to act likewise, the praise and glory for such just action should go to Christ Jesus.
Week of January 10 through January 16
Something to think about this week: How do you show mercy and justice to others?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Exodus 23:13-19 – Serve God Alone.
Tue. – Exodus 23:20-33 – Blessings for the Obedient.
Wed. – James 2:1-13 – Mercy Triumphs over Judgment.
Thu. – James 2:14-26 – Faith Without Works Is Dead.
Fri. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – Seek the Advantage of Others.
Sat. – Psalm 85 – Steadfast Love and Faithfulness.
Sun. – Exodus 23:1-12 – Treat Others Justly.
Lesson – 06 – January 9 – Hagar and Ishmael Not Forgotten
Hagar expressed her misery to God. The Lord, however, did not abandon her, for she was shown a well and given a promise. And as with Hagar and Ishmael, God does not abandon us but loves us despite our many failings.
Desperation often motivates us to seek God’s help, and many times after He rescues us, our feelings of gratitude and praise fade over time until God once again comes to our aid. What we learned from this week’s lesson should deepen our faith in Christ so that we are not only always confident of God’s abiding love but also always thankful for what He has and is doing for us.
Week of January 3 through January 9
Something to think about this week: A time when you felt like God’s presence was missing.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Genesis 16:1-15 – The Lord Blesses Hagar and Ishmael.
Tues. – Psalm 5 – Hear My Prayer, 0 God.
Wed. – Matthew 5:3-12 – The Pure in Heart Will See God.
Thurs. – Genesis 17:23-27 – Abraham and Ishmael Are Circumcised.
Fri. – Genesis 25:12-18 – The Twelve Tribes of Ishmael.
Sat. – Psalm 106:1-5 – Remember Me, 0 Lord.
Sun. – Genesis 21:8-20 – God Hears lshmael’s Voice.
Lesson 05 – January 2 – Justice, Vengeance and Mercy
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
Jesus not only takes our burdens upon Himself, but He also calls us to do the same for others. What better example is Jesus in doing what is right and just? Indeed, when we act justly toward those in need, Jesus says we are doing acts of mercy toward Him (see Matthew 25:31-46).
The old man placed order for one hamburger, French fries and a drink. He unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half, placing one half in front of his wife. He then carefully counted out the French fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife. He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them.
As he began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the people around them were looking over and whispering. They were thinking, ‘That poor old couple all they can afford is one meal for the two of them.’ As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table and politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man politely declined, saying they were just fine, and were used to sharing everything.
People closer to the table noticed the little old lady hadn’t eaten a bite. She sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink. Again, the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another meal for them. This time the old woman said ‘No, thank you, we are used to sharing.’
Finally, as the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet to eat a single bite of food and asked ‘What is it you are waiting for?’ She answered: ‘The teeth”
Week of December 27 through January 2
Something to think about this week: What does it mean to care for someone?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Acts 7:54-60 – Stephen Prays for Mercy for His Persecutors.
Tue. – Matthew 2:1-8, 16-18 – Herod’s Vengeance.
Wed. – Revelation 6:9-17 – Martyrs Long for Justice.
Thu. – Psalm 94:1-10 – Shine Forth, God of Vengeance!
Fri. – Psalm 94:11-23 – God’s Just Acts.
Sat. – 1 John 3:4-13 – Love One Another.
Sun. – Genesis 4:1-15 – Abel’s Blood Cries Out for Vengeance.
Lesson 04 – December 26 – Justice for God’s Beloved People
Remember that God’s ways are not our ways, but we can trust Him to be just. We have to have faith in God to act even if we can’t see it. God’s justice may not be our way of justice. God is God, and we have to trust Him in all ways.
A 75 year old man showed up in court accused of harassing a young women for her attentions. The judge told him that he could understand how a young man might do this but it is not appropriate for a 75 year old man.
The man replied “I was 25 years old when this happened!”
Week of December 20 through December 26
Something to think about this week: What does this phrase mean to you and your life at the moment? “Justice Comes Slowly”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 33:1-12 – God’s Chosen Nation.
Tues. – Isaiah 61:4-9 – A People Whom God Has Blessed.
Wed. – Luke 1:26-37 – Mary, the Servant of the Lord.
Thurs. – Psalm 72:1-8, 11-14 – May God’s King Rule Justly.
Fri. – Luke 1:46-55 – God Lifts Up the Lowly.
Sat. – Luke 2:1-7 – Jesus Is Born into an Unjust World.
Sun. – Nahum 1:1-3, 6-8, 12-13, 15 – God Avenges God’s People.
Lesson 03 – December 19 – Justice and Righteousness
God has given us the most wondrous gift ever given—the gift of Jesus Christ becoming Light into our world of darkness But Jesus, the Light, won’t force Himself into our lives. We have to open our hearts and receive Him as our Lord and Savior.
Just a simple prayer could lead someone into the the Light: “Father God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner living in darkness. I accept that Jesus was born, lived, died and resurrected that I can experience Light. I open the door of my heart and ask Jesus Christ to come into my life, forgive my sins and give me eternal life. Thank You for hearing my prayer and entering my life as the Light.”
Week of December 13 through December 19
Something to think about this week: Why is light so important to us?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 – God’s Holy People.
Tues. – Psalm 89:14-21 – Righteousness and Justice.
Wed. – 1 Timothy 6:6-12 – Be Content; Pursue Righteousness.
Thurs. – Micah 6:1-8 – Do Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly.
Fri. – Matthew 6:25-34 – Seek God’s Kingdom and Righteousness.
Sat. – Isaiah 11:1-9 – God’s King Will Judge with Righteousness.
Sun. – Isaiah 9:1-7 – God’s Light Has Shined.
Lesson 02 – December 12 – David Administers Justice and Kindness
Showing lovingkindness is often a deliberate decision to obey what God has already told us to do. It is incredibly gratifying to know you are in the will of God. Where He prompts us to go, He has given the grace and provision to fulfill that which He commands of us. If you discover that you have been selfish or proud following an act of kindness, now is the time to repent of such an attitude. Lovingkindness is shown with a cheerful, happy heart, not with grudging obedience. At this time of year, lovingkindness may be the best gift we can give to others.
Week of December 6 through December 12
Something to think about this week: 2 Samuel 9:1-7, 9-12 What is the kindest thing that someone has done for you lately?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 2 Samuel 1:1-12 – Deaths of Saul and Jonathan Mourned.
Tues. – 2 Samuel 1:17-27 – A Lament from a Just Heart.
Wed. – Luke 18:1-8 – A Cry for Justice.
Thurs. – Matthew 20:29-34 – Mercy from the Son of David.
Fri. – 2 Samuel 3:1-5; 5:1-5 – David Made King over All Israel!
Sat. – Psalm 21 – The King Rejoices in God.
Sun. – 2 Samuel 9:1-7, 9-12 – David Shows Kindness.
Lesson 01 – December 5 – Justice and Obedience to the Law
The Lord repeatedly told Israel to keep His commandments before them, for He knew who and what they would encounter once they entered the promised land. When you acknowledge the Lord in all of your ways, He will direct you down the good path. His Word keeps your faith high, removes your fears, and transforms your life.
We keep God’s commands not because we hope to earn salvation but because it shows we love Him and want to serve Him. Blessings flow from our service to Him from a glad, servant heart.
Right on command, the frog jumps.
He then cuts off one of the frog’s legs says “Jump, frog, jump!”, the frog still jumps.
The scientist cuts off a second leg and instructs the frog to jump again. The frog still jumps.
After the frog loses its third leg and is instructed to hop yet again, it jumps but not as well.
Finally, the scientist cuts off the frog’s final leg. Again, he issues his command: “Jump, frog, jump!”
The frog doesn’t move. The scientist barks his command again: “Jump, frog, jump!” The frog remains motionless.
The scientist finally opens his notebook to record the results of his experiment: “Cut off fourth leg, frog goes deaf.”
Week of November 29 through December 5
Next week begins a quarter studying justice, law, and history in the Old Testament.
Read Deuteronomy 5:1-3; 10:12-13; 27:1-10.
Something to think about this week: Commands you have obeyed in your life.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Deuteronomy 5:6-21 – The Law of Justice.
Tues. – Deuteronomy 5:23-33 – Follow the Path of God’s Law.
Wed. – Romans 12:1-2, 9-21 – Discern the Good, Acceptable, and Perfect
Thurs. – Deuteronomy 10:1-11 – The Written Law and the Ark of Wood.
Fri. – Matthew 5:17-20 – Jesus Fulfills the Law.
Sat. – Deuteronomy 27:14-26 – Curses upon Disobedience.
Sun. – Deuteronomy 5:1-3, 10:12-13, 28:1-2 – Obey the Statutes and Ordinances.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 