Old Testament reading: Psalm 1-7
Today begins our journey through the Jewish book of songs. Unlike the songs of men today (e.g., Amazing Grace, How Deep the Father’s Love) which are not inspired, the Psalms are divinely given. More than simply songs of praise, these inspired hymns also gave the worshipers hope in the Messiah to come (Psalm 2). Jesus Himself spoke to this in Luke 24:44, “All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me” (cf Psalm 110:1, Luke 20:41-44). Psalm 1 sets the tone for this great book, giving a description of the blessed man. First, the text describes him by what he disdains, namely, the company of the ungodly (v 1). Second, he is described by his delight, “the law of the Lord” (v 2a). Third, he is described by his determination, meditating on the law of the Lord day and night (v 2b). Finally, verses 3-6 mark the distinct outcomes between the blessed life of God’s man and the curse of the ungodly.
New Testament reading: Luke 2-3
“There’s so much more to tell, but we just don’t have the time.” Luke 2-3 contains most of what we know about Jesus’ childhood. Luke makes no mention of the magi, the slaughter of the innocents, or the family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2), but of the things concerning the child Jesus Himself, Luke gives us a picture of the faithfulness of Jesus’ parents and the early stages of Jesus’ recognition of His uniqueness. “My Father’s business” was neither a reference to Joseph nor to carpentry! While we would love to read and know more of Jesus and his childhood, this will have to suffice us on this side of eternity. We must move on to the more important matter of the ministry of Jesus. One more note before we move on… Twice in our reading Luke make the following statement concerning the events surrounding Jesus – “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” (2:19, cf 2:51). What a marvelous testimony to motherhood! I cannot tell you how many precious moments I have forgotten while my children were living at home but have been kept in the heart of my wife. These memories would prove invaluable for Mary as Jesus entered His public ministry and endured the death of the cross.
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