Week of February 17 through February 22
Something to think about this week: Read Matthew 25:31-46. Ponder how God’s kingdom should affect your relationships and the attention paid to people in need.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 2 Timothy 3:10-17 – Equipped for Every Good Work.
Tue. – Psalm 119:17-24 – Delight in God’s Ways.
Wed. – Matthew 25:1-13 – The Bridegroom Is Coming.
Thu. – Matthew 25:14-30 – Praise for a Faithful Servant.
Fri. – Psalm 119:41-48 – Choose the Way of Faithfulness.
Sat. – Isaiah 58 – The Fast That God Chooses.
Sun. – Matthew 25:31-46 – Compassion for the Least.
Jesus wants us to know that when we look at the faces of hungry children and give them a meal, we are doing this for Him. This is also true when we give a drink to the thirsty, and clothing to those without clothes. It carries on when we visit those in prison and the sick in the hospital. Jesus wants us to know that, although He is king and Lord, He is connected to everyone—the small and great.
Lesson 13 – February 23 – Ministering Mightily
Early the next day, Nancy wrote a letter expressing God’s love. She tucked it, along with a little cash, into a pocket-sized New Testament and slid it into his backpack. The couple never saw Leon again. But four years later, they received a letter from a woman named Christina. In the letter, she explained that she had met Leon at an outreach event, and her family had eventually accepted him as an honorary family member. A few months ago, he had died. As she was going through his few belongings, she found the New Testament and the letter. Christina knew that these items had been very dear to his heart. He had carried them with him until his death.
Serving is a priority in the Christian life. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We imitate our king through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside us. And if we look, we find “Jesus” in our neighborhoods and communities. There are many who freely walk past the homeless on the street and look away. There are those who disregard people in prison, saying that the prisoners deserve an existence of loneliness. But when Christians serve others, they are serving the King of Kings.
Week of February 10 through February 16
Something to think about this week: Read Matthew 19:16-30, Define the word “rich.”
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 20:1-16 – God Is Generous to All.
Tue. – Proverbs 22:1-9 – Those Who Are Generous Are Blessed.
Wed. – Luke 6:20-26 – Blessings and Woes.
Thu. – 1 Timothy 6:17-21 – Be Rich in Good Works.
Fri. – 1 Samuel 2:1-10 – God Sets All Things Right.
Sat. – Psalm 113 – God Lifts Up the Poor.
Sun. – Matthew 19:16-30 – All Things Are Possible with God.
Earthly treasures are perishable and decrease in value, whereas heavenly treasures are spiritual and everlasting.
Lesson 12 – February 16 – Living Lastly
When I was around 10 years old, I was an explorer. Or rather, my brothers and I were explorers together. To the west of our home was an undeveloped field with a roaring river beside it (actually, it was a drainage ditch, but I was 10). We would spend the cool summer evenings fording rapids, climbing mountain peaks, and spotting the native wildlife. Most of all, we were on the hunt for treasure.
Eventually, we realized that if we wanted to find buried treasure, we would have to bury the treasure ourselves. So we brought a cardboard box up the face of a “cliff” and found an ideal spot to bury it. We marked the spot on our “map,” and we cheerfully left our treasure for a future adventure. Only, we were kids, and we didn’t go back to it.
It was a few months later on a cold day of autumn when we remembered our box and had to confess to our parents that we had commandeered the family’s collection of rolled coins to fill it. I don’t think we ever saw that money again, which means our treasure is still out there, just waiting for someone to happen upon it.
Isn’t it funny that we didn’t have to be taught the value of treasure? Even as young boys, we dreamed of uncovering something important. It’s no surprise that Jesus challenges us to find our treasure, but not something buried in a field (as fun as that still sounds). Our real treasure is held by God, secure something that can never be lost or misplaced.
Enter into the Kingdom
Perhaps it is hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom because their faith is in their riches. Money appears to answer all our earthly needs. We buy food, clothes, all the essentials for life. What about medical insurance, which costs no small amount of money? If we want to travel and see the world, this takes money. All these things have a price tag. But the most important things in life cannot be purchased. There is no greater treasure than being in the presence of Jesus.
Lord, You are the king of heaven, and You are worth more than any riches. We thank You for inviting us to follow You and to announce Your kingdom. Remind us that Your presence is worth far more than anything on this earth. Help us see anything that might hold us back from following You. Protect us from the distractions that our world throws at us, whether the lure of earthly comforts or the selfish motives we invent ourselves. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Week of February 3 through February 9
Something to think about this week: Read Matthew 11, What sorts of obstacles do you face when trying to work for God?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Joshua 1:1-9 – Be Strong and Courageous.
Tue. – Matthew 10:16-31 – As Sheep among Wolves.
Wed. – Matthew 10:32-42 – Resistance and Reward.
Thu. – Psalm 35:1-14 – God Is Our Salvation.
Fri. – Psalm 35:15-28 – Rescue Me from My Enemies.
Sat. – Proverbs 24:8-22 – Don’t Rejoice when Enemies Fall.
Sun. – Matthew 11:7-15, 20-24 – The Kingdom Presses On
Lesson 11 – February 9 – Heeding Wholly
Hitting the Target
I have worked in an office for my entire career. For a long time, I based my job satisfaction on how I was seen by my supervisors. I didn’t just want to respect my bosses, I wanted to impress them. If I fell short, or even felt like I would, then I couldn’t be happy. When my supervisors didn’t give me precise instructions, I’d get frustrated. I didn’t know what was expected of me. I couldn’t hit the target if it wasn’t defined.
That is not the case with believers’ spiritual lives. They have a guidebook—the Bible. They know what is expected of them. Jesus gave us a perfect example of how we should live our lives. He instructed His disciples about God and what He expects: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9).
Jesus taught God’s truth. If they were true believers, they were to follow that truth. Those who heard the truth had no excuse, and neither do we. We need to read God’s Word with sincere hearts to learn what Jesus taught. We must daily apply God’s word in every aspect of our lives. James 1:22 teaches: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” In doing so, you will be hitting the target. You will be pleasing your heavenly Father.
Father, we are easily discouraged and fooled by image. We look at someone in fine clothes and think, “That person has it together.” Help us not to be blind to what You are doing in the world, and help us to stand faithfully as servants of Your kingdom, rather than a kingdom of our own making, amen.
Week of January 27 through February 2
Something to think about this week: Matthew 6
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Matthew 11:25-30 – Come, All Who Are Weary.
Tue. – Psalm 4 – God, Answer Me When I Call.
Wed. – Luke 18:1-8 – Cry Out for Justice.
Thu. – James 5:13-20 – Pray for One Another.
Fri. – Psalm 91 – God Is My Refuge and Fortress.
Sat. – Psalm 92 – God Will Deliver You.
Sun. – Matthew 6:5-15 – The Prayer that Jesus Taught.
Lesson 10 – February 2 – Praying Properly
No matter how much a person knows of what the Bible says, without the power of prayer, God’s people are prone to wander aimlessly along the path of life. But when we pray for God’s kingdom to come, our prayer is for the here-and-now as well as for the future. Jesus is already king, but the world doesn’t recognize Him. The king’s instructions are as relevant today as when He spoke to His disciples in the first century, when they faced persecutions and famine, difficulties and disease.
Kingdom prayer is sincere, purposeful, grateful, and humble. It focuses on God and His will. Jesus provided a model prayer that guides believers in praying for God’s will, here on earth as it is already done in heaven. Reflect on the outline below to write your own prayer based on Jesus’ model.
- Recognize the holy nature of God.
- Praise the righteous, heavenly Father, who is also creator and king.
- Seek His will for your life.
- Bring requests for care and provision to Him.
- Confess sins, then ask for and receive His forgiveness. Ask God to direct your path in righteousness.
Lord, help us to remember and practice these principles of effective prayer. Help us to seek Your will and Your kingdom here on earth. Guide us to give You glory and to follow You on the path of righteousness. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for hearing our humble prayers. In Jesus’ name. amen.
Week of January 20 through January 26
Something to think about this week: Read Psalm 145 in preparation for the lesson.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Revelation 4 – God’s Heavenly Throne.
Tue. – Revelation 22:1-14 – Life Springs from God’s Throne.
Wed. – Isaiah 6:1-8 – My Eyes Have Seen the King.
Thu. – James 4:1-10 – Draw Near to God in Humility.
Fri. – Hebrews 4:11-16 – Boldly Approach the Throne of Grace
Sat. – Isaiah 66:1-14 – Heaven Is God’s Throne.
Sun. – Psalm 103:1-11, 19-22 – Bless God’s Holy Name.
Lesson 09 – January 26 – The Lord is Praised
Share What God Has Done
Amy Carmichael was the oldest of seven children. During her childhood, Carmichael realized that she could not depend on her parents’ beliefs but needed to develop her own. After coming to know Jesus, Carmichael devoted her life to sharing the gospel. In 1893, she left to begin her life as a missionary in Japan. She prayed that God would use her and her collaborator, Misaki San, for His glory. Throughout her time in Japan, she witnessed many people devote their lives to Christ. Eventually she came to live and work with the people of India, where she became known for her efforts to free young women and girls from forced prostitution.
Just like Carmichael, we are called to spread the gospel wherever God may call us. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Bringing the message of Jesus to those around us is not always easy, but God promises to never leave our side.
Week of January 13 through January 19
Psalm 103:1-10
Psalm 103:11-14
Today’s lesson is about the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and what He has done for us. In the midst of trials, it is easy to forget what God has done for us in the past.
Lesson 08 – January 19 – The Lord Is Active
All My Life He Has Been Faithful
I recall the day God blessed us with a baby to adopt. When my daughter got older, God blessed her, and us, with a young man who fell in love with her and married her. They celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary a few months ago. When I recall those moments, I find myself declaring, “Yes, God is good all the time. All the time, He is good.” But what about when life doesn’t feel good? What about when the unimaginable and the unexpected happen?
Three weeks ago that same son-in-law, who brought us such joy, died unexpectedly. In an instant, our world was shattered and our hearts broken. How could this have happened? Why did this happen? God, where are you? We felt disoriented and shaken. This death was not what was supposed to happen.
Today’s Scripture in Psalm 103:8 reminds us that God is “compassionate and gracious. . . abounding in love.” It goes on to say, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Ps. 103:13). Compassion is not just a sympathetic feeling, as if God gave us a polite but emotionally distant pat on the shoulder. Rather, His compassion is visceral and emotive. He not only cares for us in our deepest distress, but God acts to protect, nurture, and uplift us in the hardest of times. This is the goodness of God. Psalm 103 reminds us that God is good all the time because, when our knees give out from the distress of life, God’s abounding love will uphold us.
We will never understand why our son-in-law, Rick, died. We will never understand why the sweetness of life suddenly turned so bitter, but what we are growing to understand is that God’s compassion will sustain us. We are learning to put our trust in His care for us.
Remembering God’s faithfulness can prove to be difficult at times specially when trials barrage your life. Maybe God’s goodness seems more like a mirage than anything else. Whether you are in a season of sorrow or joy, find hope in God’s faithfulness.
Lord, You are faithful. You feed us, You clothe us, You see our every need. You are compassionate in ways that we do not understand, and we thank You for that. Please help us remember. Help us remember Your faithfulness, Your provision, Your love. Help us reflect faithfulness to one another, bearing an image of Your compassion so that others might experience You in their need.
Week of January 6 through January 12
Something to think about this week: An image of God’s splendor in creation. Perhaps in a sunset, a snowfall, or a moment of peace.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Revelation 19:11-21 – Faithful and True.
Tue. – 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 – God Gives Strength and Power.
Wed. – Isaiah 52:1-12 – Our God Reigns.
Thu. – Psalm 47 – Shout Joyfully to God.
Fri. – Philippians 2:1-13 – Exalted through Obedience.
Sat. – Mark 4:35-41 – The Wind and Sea Obey Jesus.
Sun. – Psalm 93 – Robed in Majesty.
I’m developing a newfound appreciation for science and the natural world. Naturally, my interest arises in part from my life on a farm, but studying the grandeur of and ingenuity behind creation often points me to God.
When I stepped out of the back door last night, I was awestruck by the clear night sky arrayed with millions of bright points of light. I heard the hooting of an owl to the south of me. When I closed the door, the horses galloped to the barn, and I met them with their feed. I delayed long enough to listen to them crunching their meal, then I stepped out of the barn into the night again.
There was more beauty than my senses could behold: the navy-blue sky overhead brightened to a lighter shade in the east; the silhouetted ridge with its trees crowning the top; a mist hovering over the pond. The call of the whippoorwill
accentuated the calm of the evening as it seemed to ask, “Isn’t it lovely? Isn’t it lovely?” Yes, whippoorwill, it certainly is.
The revelation of God’s glory in the world is not limited to my beloved farm. The mountains and the oceans their vastness and enormity, their juxtaposition of sound and silence, peace and motion fill me with reverence. They leave me in awe.
As I take a moment to look out the window right now, I ponder my prayers, count my blessings, and thank God for this life.
Lesson 07 – January 12 – The Lord Is Majestic
Kings are imperfect human beings, and many have been seduced by power, greed, extravagance, lust, and corruption. While others have tried to be just in their rule, all kings have one thing in common: their rule ends. That end can come peacefully, but often plays out tragically. A person cannot trust in a king because they all are imperfect and ultimately fail.
King David realized his own shortcomings and knew that his life could be cut short at any time. He composed many psalms that shifted the focus from his fears and troubles to the all-knowing King.
King David, like the writer of Psalm 93, was aware that God’s steadfastness is solid like a rock. God is trustworthy. He would deliver David from his enemies. King David’s focus was heavenward. Christians living in a fallen world should always direct their focus in that same direction toward the King of all Kings.
God is ultimately in control of the universe, and His power is greater than the seeming chaos in the natural world. No matter how dark things may appear to be, or how bad your struggles are, God is constant. He is in control. His authority is immovable. This is cause for rejoicing. Knowing this is true and worshiping God for it can bring peace in any storm.
Week of December December 29 through January 5
Something to think about this week: Consider how much the Lord is concerned for your spiritual welfare.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Sat. – Psalm 10:12-15
Sun. – Psalm 10:16-18
Has anyone in a store or restaurant ever given you a free drink? In school, did a teacher allow you to turn in your work late without taking a penalty, even though you didn’t have a good excuse? Did a family member ever patiently listen while you complained about your day at work? Our daily lives are often full of grace that we take for granted. What do you do, though, when you have a chance to extend that same grace to someone else? A test of our understanding of grace is whether we show it to others.
Who in your life right now would you say is really struggling with something? Maybe this isn’t the person who has the worst problem, in your mind. It could be someone who is suffering in silence over something that others don’t consider important. Ask yourself, “How can I build trust so that this person is willing to talk to me about it?” Today’s psalm doesn’t give you a “right” answer to share, but you can remind your friend that God sees them.
Lesson 06 – January 5 – The Lord Is King
An Ocean of Love
A father and his young daughter were on one of those “get away from it all” cruises. The father had thought the trip would be good for the two of them after the sudden loss of his wife. Though both openly expressed their intense sadness, they also tried to spend some time telling stories and reliving all the good memories.
At one point, as they were huddled together on the deck of the ship and trying to cope with the unrelenting grief of their loss, the little girl asked her father, “Daddy, does God love us as much as Mommy did?” At first, the father didn’t know what to say. But he knew he couldn’t sidestep his daughter’s question.
Pointing out across the water to the most distant horizon, he said, “Honey, God’s love reaches farther than you can see in that direction.” Turning around, he said, “And God’s love reaches farther than you can see in that direction too.” Then, the father looked up at the sky and said, “And God’s love is way higher than the sky.” Finally, he pointed down at the ocean and said, “And it’s even deeper than the ocean.” After hearing her father’s description, the girl looked up into her father’s eyes and responded, “Oh, just think, Daddy! And we’re right here in the middle of it all!”
In the middle of our helplessness, God is there. In the middle of our trouble and grief, God is there. Even in the middle of our oppression, God is there. For whatever we face, we are right here in the middle of His love.
Week of December 23 through December 29
Something to think about this week: God’s marvelous compassion.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Luke 4:14-21 – Mercy for Those Who Suffer.
Tue. – Luke 6:27-36 – Show God’s Mercy to All.
Wed. – Micah 7:14-20 – God Delights in Compassion.
Thu. – Psalm 25:1-10 – Remember Your Mercy, 0 Lord.
Fri. – Psalm 25:11-22 – God Relieves a Troubled Heart.
Sat. – Luke 18:9-14 – Mercy for Sinners.
Sun. – Luke 18:35-43 – Lord, Let Me See Again.
Today’s Scripture shows Jesus fulfilling the promises in Isaiah, restoring sight to the blind. His miracle, although a literal instance of restored sight, acts as a metaphorical restoration too. The man’s sight is restored because his “faith has healed [him]” (Luke 18:42). Luke closely ties together faith and sight, showing his readers that those who have faith can truly see. The man who was blind ignores the rebukes from those around him and continues to cry out to Jesus (v. 39). He, though “blind,” can see clearly that Jesus is the Son of David—the king (v. 38). He sees through the eyes of faith, even before his vision is restored.
Lesson 05 – December 29 – David’s Son
Awaiting God’s Mercy
How do we await God’s mercy? With confidence and joy, or with disillusionment and despair? I wish I could say that I am always confident that Jesus will show me mercy. Sometimes, I react with fear.
The evangelist Billy Graham used to say, “The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy.” The point is that, when we seek God’s mercy, we should not focus primarily on our own failures and mistakes. We can place our hope on the compassion of Christ. When people needed forgiveness, Jesus forgave; when people sought healing, Jesus healed; and when people died, Jesus gave life. As Deuteronomy 4:31 reminds us, “The LORD your God is a merciful God.” We can anchor our faith in the unchanging character of God.
But receiving mercy is only half of our covenant with God. We also must extend compassion to others. When we show mercy to others, we not only reflect the love of God to the world, we also remind ourselves of the mercy God has shown us. We are recipients of God’s boundless grace. That means we are called to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
You might ask yourself, “Am I like the wealthy ruler, or am I like the man in today’s story?” Luke shows us that if we are too comfortable with the way the world is now, it’s a lot harder to enter God’s kingdom and to accept the lordship of Jesus. God is willing to meet us, wherever we come from, and Jesus does not turn away a humble request for mercy. Praise God for His mercy and for His Son, who truly embodies it!
Week of December 16 through December 22
Something to think about this week: Reflect on how you celebrate Christmas.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Isaiah 11:1-9 – The Coming King of Peace.
Tue. – Isaiah 43:14-21 – God Is Doing a New Thing.
Wed. – Isaiah 64 – We Are the Clay; God Is the Potter.
Thu. – Micah 5:1-9 – A Great and Peaceful King.
Fri. – John 1:1-5, 9-14, 16-18 – The Word Became Flesh.
Sat. – Hebrews 1 – The Son Is King! Worship Him!
Sun. – Luke 2:1-20 – Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!
During Christmas, the nativity scene appears across North America. We see Jesus presented as a baby in a manger with His earthly parents and others present: shepherds, the wise men from the East, and sometimes even animals. We see such a scene in front yards, on living room tables and shelves, and in store malls. In some places of the world, there is hostility or indifference to symbols of Christian faith, but God has blessed us with the freedom to express our adoration for the birth of Christ.
Lesson 04 – December 22 – Savior’s Birth
Despite the frequent sighting of nativity scenes, however, how often do we take the time to ponder the significance of Jesus’ birth? Moreover, how often does the knowledge that Jesus came in human form stir our hearts with joy and gratitude? For most of us, not nearly enough.
The celebration of Jesus’ birth should awaken our faith in the Lord and overcome our hearts with rapture and gratitude. “Rejoice,” stated Jan Hus, the distinguished Czech theologian of the fourteenth and fifteenth century, “that the immortal God is born, so that mortal men may live in eternity.” Yes, let us join together to praise God and celebrate His marvelous gift to us.
For centuries, the people of God fervently prayed for the coming of the Messiah. Even the heavenly host might have wondered how God would redeem humankind. As Christians living in our present age, we are truly blessed to know the whole story. We do not have to await God’s fulfillment of His promise; His promise is already fulfilled.
Therefore, let us fall to our knees and raise our hands and celebrate the birth of Jesus, for the Lord is gracious and worthy to be glorified!
Week of December 9 through December 15
Something to think about this week: Be on the lookout for Christmas light displays as you read about God’s light, shining on those in darkness.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Psalm 89:1-4, 27-37 – God’s Covenant of Love.
Tue. – Luke 1:5-17 – God Has Heard Your Prayer.
Wed. – Luke 1:18-22 – A Message of Promise and Grace.
Thu. – Psalm 84 – The Lord God Is a Sun and Shield.
Fri. – Malachi 4 – The Herald of God’s Coming.
Sat. – Luke 1:57 – 66-A Child of Wonder.
Sun. – Luke 1:67-80 – Praises to the God who Saves.
The word “message” denotes two things concerning Jesus’ birth: the message God conveys to us about His birth and the message we tell others about His birth. The message itself is the same, but the speaker and the listener are different. The message is not just good news but is great news: this child, who has come from the “Most High,” has come to deliver us from sin and death because of His great love for us – a love that inspires us to share the gospel with others.
Lesson 03 – December 15 – Zechariah’s Prophecy
A Time to Be Silent and a Time to Speak
Many of us have heard the phrase, “God gave you two ears and one mouth so that you can listen twice as much as you talk!” But we love to hear ourselves talk. We all have opinions, and we like to share them, often without being asked. Talking is easy.
It’s more difficult to abide by the words, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). God knows it’s hard for us to be quiet and wait on Him. Scripture says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
In Luke 1:67-80, the passage for today’s lesson, the angel Gabriel came to Zechariah to enlighten him about the birth of his future son, John the Baptist. But Zechariah doubted the angel’s message, so God removed his ability to speak. He then had plenty of quiet time to prepare for the prophetic birth of his son. Eight days after the birth, Zechariah obediently named his son John, as the angel had instructed. Immediately, Zechariah’s speech returned, and he praised the God of Israel for his special son, who would prepare the way for the Lord.
Let us prepare our hearts, then look to Him expectantly and be willing to proclaim His message to the world.
Zechariah was blessed with a son even though his wife, Elizabeth, had been barren. This son had a remarkable calling; John would be the one to prepare the way for the Messiah. Like the people of that day, God is actively preparing our hearts for the message of Christ.
Week of December 2 through December 8
Something to think about this week: Something you wish could last forever, even though it won’t.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – 1 Samuel 16:1-13 – The Lord Looks on the Heart.
Tue. – 2 Samuel 5:1-10 – A Shepherd for God’s People.
Wed. – Luke 1:26-38 – Christ’s Unending Reign.
Thu. – Psalm 2 – God Defends the Anointed.
Fri. – Isaiah 9:1-7 – Endless Peace for David’s Throne.
Sat. – Romans 1:1-7 – The Son of David.
Sun. – 2 Samuel 7:4-17 – An Everlasting Kingdom.
Lesson 02 – December 8 – God’s Promise
What’s the Plan?
Most of us want to be successful and happy, so we make plans and work toward our goals. We plan for schooling, marriage, family, home-ownership, career, and so on. We plan our weeks with lengthy to-do lists. We plan our vacations to check off items from our bucket list, and then we smile with satisfaction at our accomplishments.
There is a Yiddish expression that goes, “Man plans, and God laughs.” I’ve had many people throw that phrase at me. My life has not gone exactly as planned. We have our plans, but God may have other ideas. Sometimes those shifts are very difficult for us.
Today’s lesson reminds us that God has a plan. His plan is the only one that matters because He is the only God. He knows all. And He uses us for His purposes and invites us to embrace His good plans to fill the world with order and justice.
King David wanted to build a temple for God. He probably had his own ideas and plans. But God spoke through the prophet Nathan to let David know it was not time. It would happen, but not while David was king. God had a plan. David only had to trust Him and he did.
We need to trust Him, too. We need to ask Him for guidance and be willing to follow. Years later, it was David’s ‘son who would write the words, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).
Like King David, we can trust God’s plan.
Week of November 25 through December 1
Something to think about this week: How God has influenced your family in the past.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Mon. – Luke 3:23-38 – We Belong to Christ’s Family.
Tue. – Psalm 128 – A Household Built by God.
Wed. – Ruth 1:1,3, 6-18 – Determined Loyalty.
Thu. – Ruth 2:1-3, 17-23 – An Act of Kindness.
Fri. – Matthew 12:46-50 – Bound Together by More than DNA.
Sat. – Ruth 3:1-13 – Daring Faith.
Sun. – Ruth 4:9-17 – God Has Not Abandoned You.
and her mother-in-law, Naomi.
Lesson 01 – December 01 – Jesus’ Ancestry
The events in Ruth take place near the end of the time of the judges a dark period in Israel’s history when “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judg. 21:25). During a time of famine, a family of Israelites left for the neighboring country of Moab. Elimelek traveled with his wife, Naomi, and their two sons. In this foreign land, the sons married Moabite women. But soon Elimelek and his sons died, and Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. While both daughters-in-law started with her, one left Naomi to return to her family in Moab. The other, Ruth, accompanied Naomi back to Bethlehem, and declared, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
Once in Bethlehem, the women connected with Boaz, who was a family relative. He was faithful to God and to the law of Moses. The Law stipulated that a guardian-redeemer (in this case, Boaz) would be responsible to care for Naomi’s family by marrying his relative’s widow. Boaz’s actions throughout the story revealed his righteousness.
The couple was married, and “the LORD enabled [Ruth] to conceive, and she gave birth to a son” (v. 13). Ruth and Boaz were able to have a child together—a blessing in its own right—and the family name could continue. Boaz fulfilled his role as guardian-redeemer.
Naomi’s story also has a happy ending. The women of Bethlehem blessed Naomi’s grandson (v. 15). In that culture, a child represented security for the future, almost like a modem retirement plan. When Obed grew up, he would work and bring in the family income. Naomi, as a widow with no income of her own, would have to rely on Obed.
The women acknowledge Ruth’s love and loyalty toward Naomi. Even during Naomi’s worst times, God was faithful to her. The women call Ruth a “daughter-in-law, who loves [Naomi] and who is better to [her] than seven sons” (Ruth 4:15). Since Ruth is blessed with a son, Naomi becomes like a mother all over again; when she holds the child, the women proclaim, “Naomi has a son!” (v. 17). Even though she lost two sons, God used the birth of a grandson to redeem Naomi’s family.
This story of redemption continues even past Naomi’s lifetime. The boy becomes a father to Jesse, who becomes the father of David. Through David’s family line, God establishes a line of kings (2 Sam. 7:16). The third chapter of Luke shows that the kingly lineage extends a thousand years after David: “[Jesus] was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph” (Luke 3:23). Joseph was a descendant of David, Jesse, Obed, and Boaz (vv. 31-32). This was also a reason that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the town of His ancestors (Luke 2:1-5). Through Jesus, the kingship of David’s family will never pass away. God used unusual and tragic circumstances to accomplish His purposes, not only for Naomi, but for the entire world.
Seeking Hope, Finding God
When circumstances are challenging, our first instinct may be to try to fix the situation ourselves. Then when things get worse, we feel helpless. Part of this is cultural—we want to show that we are individuals who can be self-reliant. But this isn’t how the Bible instructs us to live. Instead of letting God be our last resort, we should turn to Him first, in any situation.
Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church 