Old Testament reading: Psalm 24-27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). What a beautiful expression of faith is this! Would to God that every believer should have the same confidence in God. David’s confidence and lack of fear were based in his faith in God and His divine protection and provision (v 2). The Hebrews writer referenced this very text while seeking to instill the same confidence in those who would soon shed their blood for their faith (Heb 12:4), saying, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (13:6). Finally, Jesus taught the same in Matthew 10:27-31. This context is often ignored in favor of citing verse 28, but such misses the point of Jesus’ statement. Our Lord commanded His disciples to proclaim His word from the rooftops, not fearing the repercussions of man, but rather in the fear of God. However, this fear is not rooted in terror of being struck down by God. Rather, this fear is grounded in the loving care and provision of God, who does not let a single, seemingly insignificant sparrow fall to the ground apart from His notice, and Who also knows us so well so as to know the number of hairs on our heads.
New Testament reading: Luke 10-11
“But whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house” (Luke 10:5). We should purpose and pray for God’s peace to take up residence in every house, for the home is the foundation of society. No nation can long prosper when its foundation is breached and broken. When God’s peace resides in our homes, our homes become a little slice of heaven, providing light and refuge in a world filled with darkness and turmoil. When a home is saturated with God’s peace, we can see at work the provision of God, the love of Christ and the unity of the Spirit. Peaceful homes produce pleasant children and productive members of society. What a tragedy it is to know how many millions of children are surrounded by turmoil and discord in their homes. Where will these find respite? Where will they find peace? Where will these find the love of God? Christian parents should always be mindful to maintain their homes as a place of peace and tranquility.
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