Old Testament reading: Psalm 28-31
“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Ps 28:2). Holiness is not a garment that may be put on or off according to circumstances. Rather, it is a lifestyle that must be pursued with great diligence (cf Heb 12:14). We must strive to perfect holiness in view of the promises and fear of God (2 Cor 7:1). If I would be an acceptable worshiper of God, I cannot live like the world through the week and put on my holiness on Sunday. Paul said we cannot eat at the table of demons and the table of the Lord (1 Cor 10:16). This does not mean we must live in sinless perfection in order to worship God acceptably, but faithful living keeps us continually cleansed by the blood of Jesus that we might be made fit to worship (1 John 1:7).
New Testament reading: Luke 12-13
Patience may be a virtue, but it is much more than that in regard to God’s dealings with humanity. In the parable of the fig tree (13:6-9), we are reminded of God’s longsuffering with Israel, and by extension, to us as well. The Jews’ general rejection of Jesus is pictured in the three years of fruitlessness. God’s longsuffering is seen in the added provisions made to help the tree produce, but only for a little while longer. Earlier, in Luke 12:54-56, Jesus condemned that generation for its failure to recognize the signs of that time, specifically the coming of the Messiah. All of the miracles of Jesus (Luke 7:22), His apostles (Luke 9:1-2), and the seventy (Luke 10:1) were more than adequate evidence to announce the imminence and coming of the prophesied kingdom. They were without excuse for their unbelief, and God’s patience would eventually run out. Ultimately, God used the sword of Rome to cut down the Jewish nation for her unbelief and stubborn rebellion against the Lord and His Christ. At some point in the future, God’s patience will run out with mankind again. At that time He will send His Son and the mighty angels to reap the harvest of the saints and gather the tares to be burned in eternal flame (cf Matt 13:24-30, 36-43).
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