Old Testament reading: Lamentations 3-5

While today’s reading contains many more verses than yesterday, the reading is essentially the same length. Note how the verses in chapters 3 and 5 are half as long as the others. This is a style of poetry called hemistich, or half verse. In chapter 3, the prophet turns inward and expresses his own anguish over Judah’s fall. As you read, pay particular attention to the large number of personal pronouns (i.e., I, my, me) in chapter 3. In chapter 4 he turns his attention back to the demise of the city. In an incredible comparison, Jeremiah says the punishment of Sodom was preferable to that of Judah. In his mind, Sodom got off easy, being destroyed in a moment of time (4:6). On the other hand, Jerusalem’s inhabitants were starving to death, with the hands of compassionate women cooking their own children for food (4:9-10). But, in true Jeremiah fashion, he concludes in chapter 5 with a prayer for restoration: “Turn us back to you, O Lord, and we will be restored” (5:21).

New Testament reading: John 8-9

“And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.” So ends the second verse of Eugene Bartlett’s classic 1939 hymn, “Victory in Jesus.” I was an adult before I ever knew those were the original words. Growing up in the church of Christ, every songbook I’d ever used read, “I then obeyed his blest command and gained the victory.” While this latter ending may not be the original, it is much closer to the truth than the first. Salvation is not a “better felt than told” experience. In John 9, we learn this lesson as the blind man who received his sight was questioned, “How were your eyes opened?” (v 10). His response was clear, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and received my sight.” Such a simple statement, yet it says so much! There was a specific process by which this man received his sight, just like there is a specific process by which we receive remission of sins today. “How did you become a Christian?” should be answered the same way by all people today, for there is only one way to obey the gospel: believe in Jesus (John 8:24); repent of sins (Luke 13:3), confess my faith in Jesus (Matt 10:32), just like Jesus said.

Old Testament reading: Lamentations 1-2

Lamentations might well be considered as five poems written for Jerusalem’s funeral. In the style of Psalm 119 (Day 230), chapters 1-4 are written in acrostic style, that is, each verse begins with the consecutive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, 22 in all. Chapter 3 contains this form three times, thus accounting for its 66 verses as opposed to the 22 in the others. The fifth chapter is not an acrostic, but maintains the form, also having 22 verses. Chapters 1, 2 and 4 begin with the Hebrew “Ah how!”, noting the measure of the author’s intense grief. In the first two verses, Jeremiah describes the city as once filled with people but now empty as a widow’s house. Judah’s lovers (her idols) are nowhere to be found to comfort her as she wails with bitter tears. Like the Prodigal of Luke 15, her friends have deserted her and have now become her enemies. In 1:12 the prophet is amazed at the callousness of passersby. Despite unspeakable pain and sorrow, no one takes note of Judah’s plight. In 1:17 Jerusalem is praying (spreads out her hands) but no one is listening. Jeremiah’s weeping is so great that his eyes are blinded by his tears, his heart is broken, and he feels as though his guts have been ripped out (2:11).

New Testament reading: John 6-7

Jesus’ teaching astonished the multitudes, “for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt 7:29). In today’s reading, we find Jesus’ enemies suffering the same reaction. Sent by the Pharisees to apprehend the Lord (John 7:32), they returned empty handed (44). Upon examination, they gave the following excuse, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” Indeed! Jesus was the Master Teacher! His ability to cut to the heart of every issue, to exegete, to illustrate, to comfort, to confound, to rebuke, to agitate to action, to silence His critics, and to compel one to discipleship is unparalleled. So great was His homiletic prowess that even His enemies took notice and were persuaded. We should take note of what the Lord said earlier in chapter 6 where He said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). No wonder Jeremiah proclaimed, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (Jer 15:16).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 52

God’s patience with His people has run out. Zedekiah has repeatedly ignored the warnings of the prophet, the Divine promises of protection if he will live faithfully, and the prophet’s pleas for repentance to save himself, his family, the city and all her inhabitants. The destruction of Jerusalem is one of many pictures of what happens when men defiantly turn their backs on God. God had gone well past “the second mile” with His people, and when the time for punishment came, it was swift, decisive, and worse than humanly imaginable. Much of what we read in this chapter has already been recorded in Jeremiah 39. This final chapter provides greater detail as to the completeness of Babylon’s spoiling of Jerusalem and the destruction of the city itself. Every bronze, silver or gold instrument was taken out of the temple and carried back to Babylon. The language here hearkens back to the time the temple was furnished, linking Israel’s greatest day with the ruin for her utter depravity. Six centuries later, God would again exact vengeance on Jerusalem, this time for her rejection of His Son (Matt 24). One day, God’s patience with man will run out again, and when He exercises His wrath on all of mankind at the great Judgment Day. He is giving us time to prepare, are we taking advantage of His goodness (Rom 2:4)?

New Testament reading: John 4-5

How far are you willing to go to find Jesus? Today’s reading finds a nobleman from Capernaum traveling to Cana to find Jesus (John 4:46-53). His son is sick and at the point of death. The distance is more than twenty miles of difficult, uphill terrain. Finding Jesus, he implores Him to go and heal his son. Instead, Jesus declared to him that his son was well. Believing, he made his way home, only to be met by his servants who declared to him what he already believed to be true. Inquiring as to the time of the boy’s recovery, he is told “yesterday (another indication of the length and difficulty of his mission) at the seventh hour.” Knowing it was at that precise hour that Jesus had spoken, he believed and informed his household of the words of Jesus, leading them also to believe in Him. There is power and influence in faith! How far will your faith take you?

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 51

Jeremiah continues his proclamation against Babylon. As we noted yesterday, it would be the Medes who would exact God’s vengeance against Babylon: “The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it, because it is the vengeance of the Lord” (v 11). Of note also is the suddenness of Babylon’s destruction as foretold in verse 8. This prophecy came to pass in Daniel 5 during the reign of Belshazzar, who was completely oblivious to the destruction to be wrought by the Medes, even up to the very night Babylon was taken. Those who overtook Babylon were described as locusts (v 14), which pictures them as a swarm that consumes every green thing, leaving nothing but barrenness in their path. Jeremiah described Babylon as a “mountain who destroys all the earth” (v 25). Yet, of this mountain there shall not remain so much as a stone for a foundation. It would be nigh unto impossible for those who heard or read this prophecy to imagine such destruction upon the then mightiest nation on earth. The nation that gave us the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven great wonders of the world. Imagine if God were to prophesy of the utter destruction of the United States. Such would be beyond our ability to grasp! But the prophecy against Babylon was even more incredible!

New Testament reading: John 1-3

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure” (John 3:34). I have always loved this verse, as it exalts the man Jesus above all other men in His relationship to the Godhead. All other men who were given the Spirit received it “by measure,” that is, not in full measure. Paul described it as being received and manifest “in part” in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Not so with our Lord. He was a full participant in the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. There was no exercise or manifestation of the Spirit withheld from Him. John points to Jesus as the Christ (v 28), the bridegroom (v 29), the one who must increase (v 30), the One who comes from above who is above all because He did come from heaven (v 31), the recipient of all things (v 35) and the source of everlasting life (v 36).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 50

The overwhelming flood from the north shall be destroyed by the same. This is God’s message to Babylon, who was repeatedly referred to as a great nation from the north (e.g., 1:13-14, 4:6, 6:1, 47:2). Another mighty force from the north, this time a confederation of armies, would serve as God’s instrument of wrath against Babylon (50:8-10). This would be the Medo-Persian Empire, which shall be identified in chapter 51. The proclamation against Babylon is among the lengthiest texts in this entire book. But why so much ink for Babylon? I believe it is because Nebuchadnezzar and his servants were given every opportunity to witness the power of the one true God, and even acknowledged Him as such, but they did not depart from their idolatry, particularly the worship of Bel and Merodach (Marduk, 50:2). Go back and read the statement from Nebuzaradan in Jeremiah 40:1-3. It is an interesting thought, at least to me, to consider that God would have blessed the Babylonian empire had they forsaken their worthless idols and embraced the God of Heaven.

New Testament reading: Luke 23-24

“All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me” (Luke 24:44). These are among the last words spoken by our Lord before His ascension. They are not unlike the words He spoke early on in His earthly ministry, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). Earlier in today’s reading, Jesus rebuked the men He met on the road to Emmaeus saying, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” The Old Testament points us to Christ beginning in Genesis 3 wherein Christ is veiled as the seed of woman (Luke 1:26-35; Gal 4:4). From there, the Old Testament marches forth to the coming of the seed of Abraham (Gen 12:3, Matt 1:1; Gal 3:16), the prophet like unto Moses (Deut 18:18-20; Acts 3:22-26), the Holy One who was of the seed of David (Ps 132:11; Ps 16:9-10; Matt 1:1; Matt 22:41-45), and the Redeemer who would come to Zion (Jerusalem – Isa 59:20; Matt 20:18-19). Thus, we see the things written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Him.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 49

As Moab gloried in vain over her high perch, so also did Ammon glory in her treasures and the riches gained from her well watered valley. But, as God promised to restore a remnant in Moab, so also did He promise the same to Ammon. Also, as Moab was joined to Chemosh, so also was Ammon joined to Milcom. Edom is the next nation to fall under condemnation. If one could take Moab’s pride in her lofty location and fill it full of steroids, he would have Edom. Verse 16 is paralleled in Obadiah 3-4… “The pride of your heart, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill, though you make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,” says the Lord. No one is beyond the wrath and reach of God. Edom received no promise of restoration, only of total plundering (v 9), widowhood and orphans (v 10). The remaining curses of this chapter are upon Damascus (Syria), Kedar, Hazor and Elam. These curses upon Gentile nations serve to show that the Gentiles were under Divine law and answerable to God, even after the giving of the law of Moses, else why would God condemn them?

New Testament reading: Luke 22

“Then Satan entered Judas…” This phrase has been problematic for many Bible believers through the millennia. On this phrase, Albert Barnes commented, “It is not necessary to suppose that Satan entered personally into the body of Judas, but only that he brought him under his influence.” I would not even go as far as Mr. Barnes. Satan did not coerce Judas or forcibly bring him under his influence. Rather, Judas permitted it by his love of money (cf John 12:6). In like fashion, Jesus does not literally or personally live in our bodies (cf Romans 8:9-11, 2 Cor 13:5, Col 1:27). But when we allow ourselves to be influenced by His example and teaching, He is said to live or dwell in us. Neither will Jesus coerce or force His way into our hearts, for He said we must open our hearts to Him, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” (Rev 3:20). Both Satan and Jesus are knocking at the door of my heart. It is up to me, by the exercise of my free will, to reject one and accept the other.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 48

“Woe to Nebo!” So begins Jeremiah’s prophecy of doom against Moab, the first of three successive pronouncements against the nation. Moab’s destruction will be complete. Two of the three identifications of Moab are directly related to the fact that Moab resided in the mountains. It was in this high elevation that she took her pride. Jeremiah speaks to this pride in verse 11, wherein he notes that Moab has never been unsettled from his place. Jeremiah compares Moab to an undisturbed wine, which settles and begins to age without disruption. Such beverages cannot age properly if shaken or moved from one container to another. This is why the bottles are corked and sealed, then placed on their side in a cellar for lengthy periods of time until they are ready to be used. Jeremiah says in verse that the Lord will send those who will tip them over, pour them out and destroy the bottles. The implication is that the Babylonians, who do not belong in Moab, will come and displace Moab from her resting place. Moab would be destroyed “because he exalts himself against the Lord” (v 42). However, a remnant of the captives will later be returned (v 47). Three times, Moab is identified with their god Chemosh (v 7, 13, 46).

New Testament reading: Luke 20-21

“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Luke 20:25). Americans live under a system of government that is increasingly antagonistic toward Bible believers. Our tax dollars are increasingly used to defend and promote activity that the God of heaven calls an abomination (e.g., abortion, homosexuality and other sexual deviancy). Moreover, even now our tax dollars are expressly used against us to punish us for our views. A Christian might think himself justified in failing to pay his taxes when that money is used to promote ungodliness and oppress the righteous. But that Christian would be wrong. Jesus did not tell us to pay our taxes so long as we agree with the way the money is spent. The Roman government of Jesus’ day was one of the most ungodly, corrupt organizations on earth, yet Jesus did not give His disciples an exception to paying their taxes. Our faithfulness is seen when we do what is right in God’s eyes and not our own (cf Prov 14:12).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 45-47

Lest there be any confusion, Jeremiah 45 is woefully misplaced. This short chapter belongs in the context of Jeremiah 36 (cf vv 2-4) and the account of the scroll burning (v 23, 32). Chapter 46 begins a series of Divine pronouncements against Egypt and the heathen nations of Canaan. The specificity of these prophecies is incredible and testify to the inspiration of the record. Egypt had moved northward into Canaan following the battle at Megiddo (609 BC), and had remained there for some time after their victory. Though allied with the then failing Assyrian forces, Egypt was driven out of Canaan by the Babylonians in the battle of Carchemish (605 BC). Egypt then retreated to her previous borders, inhabiting her former land “as in the days of old” (46:26). Egypt would never again to be a world power, and an additional prophecy against her will be seen in Ezekiel. Jeremiah also pronounces judgment against Philistia “before Pharaoh attacked Gaza” (47:1). This attack by Egypt was not the one that destroyed Philistia, for Jeremiah prophesied that the destroyer would come from the north as “an overflowing flood” (47:2). This flood from the north was surely a reference to the advancing and overwhelming Babylonian army, which was being used as the instrument of God’s wrath against them.

New Testament reading: Luke 17-19

Today we see another example of a Samaritan being held in high regard by our Lord. While the Samaritan of Luke 10 may have only been a parable character (see Day 295), the Samaritan of Luke 17 was not. As the first Samaritan teaches us the necessity to be good neighbors to those in need, so also does this real Samaritan teach us the necessity to be thankful. As Jesus passed through Samaria and Galilee, He was met by ten lepers. As societal outcasts, they dare not approach Jesus, but rather cried out to him from afar off. Told to go show themselves to the priest (cf Lev 14:1-32), they went. In so doing, they received the desired cleansing. Seeing himself healed, one of the ten turned back “and with a loud voice glorified God.” Now cleansed, this one approached the Lord and fell at His feet to give thanks. Of him, Luke says, “he was a Samaritan.” May we never be so busy with our blessings so as to forget to be thankful for them every one.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 42-44

“Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God… that it may be well with us” (Jer 42:6). Johanan and his company declared themselves ready to receive whatever instructions the Lord would give, whether they liked them or not. Tragically, this beautiful statement of faith was not sincere. God revealed to Jeremiah the hypocrisy of their hearts and foretold that they would not do as the Lord had commanded. Accusing the prophet of lying, Azariah and Johanan took all the people and the prophet (by force) and made their way to Egypt, the very thing God had forbidden them to do. And, just like the Lord said, those who fled to Egypt would be destroyed so that none of the remnant of Judah remained (44:13-14). What should have begun in faith and future prosperity ended in condemnation and destruction. Regardless of how this encounter ended, the opening statement is quite beautiful and ought to reflect the attitude of all followers of Jesus! This kind of statement can only be made in sincerity by those who believe that whatever God commands is for their ultimate good. I am reminded of Deuteronomy 6:24, wherein the commandments of the Lord are said to be “for our good always.” It is not always easy to serve the Lord and receive all that he says, but it is always worth it (not to mention the only right thing to do!).

New Testament reading: Luke 14-16

The account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) is thought by many to be a parable, but I am not among that number. If it is a parable, it is the only parable wherein one of the characters has a specific name, and it would be the only parable wherein a literal Bible character is involved (Abraham). Regardless, we should not miss the greater truths within the text. First, man does not go to his final eternal abode at death. Rather, he goes to a spiritual waiting place to await the Judgment (cf Rev 6:9-11; Luke 23:43). Second, those who are in this place are conscious. There is no such thing as “soul sleeping” as many affirm. Third, our identities and our deeds go with us into eternity (2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12-13). Each individual was still himself with the ability to remember those things that had taken place while on earth.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 39-41

“For the Lord of Hosts has purposed it, and who shall annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?” (Isa 14:27). This truth is manifest in Jeremiah 39:1-2. Despite the lies of the princes of Judah and their persecution of Jeremiah for speaking against the city, and Jeremiah’s pleas to the king to save himself, his family and the city of Jerusalem, the city wall was breached and the city itself destroyed… Just like God said. In an unspeakable act of cruelty, Nebuchadnezzar killed Zedekiah’s sons before his very eyes, then put out his eyes in order for that to be the final image he would ever see. Conversely, Jeremiah was protected by Nebuchadnezzar and guaranteed provision by the captain of the guard. Jeremiah chose to stay with Gedaliah, whom Nebuchadnezzar appointed as governor over the remnant of the poor who had been left behind in Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. Gedaliah would soon be murdered in an insurrection prompted by the Ammonites.

New Testament reading: Luke 12-13

Our thoughts on this text have centered on vices and virtues — vices in the form of covetousness (Day 26) and worry (Day 116), and the virtue of patience (Day 206). Today we balance those scales with the virtue of watchfulness, which is simply an expression for faithfulness. In Luke 12:35, Jesus tells us to have our waists girded and our lamps burning. In verse 36 He admonishes His disciples to be as a servant who is ready for his master’s return at all times, whether in the second or third watch (around midnight or 3 a.m.). We are reminded that the thief does not enter when men are on guard. In like fashion, Satan would love nothing more than for us to “forget” the return of our Lord, for in so doing we would forfeit our inheritance and our joy. Many Christians affirm the reality of the second coming, but because this old world has continued on for many years, they often conduct themselves in a way so as to say, “I know He’s coming, but He’s not coming back any time soon.” But Jesus says the master will return on a day when many of his servants are not looking for him, and in finding them unprepared, “will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” Therefore be ready!