Old Testament reading: Psalm 73-77
[Note: As Psalm 72 ends the prayers of David, these readings begin a series of Psalms penned by Asaph, a music director in the days of David (1 Chr 15-16) and Solomon (2 Chr 5). This begins Book 3 of the divisions of the Psalms.]
“Why do the wicked prosper?” So asked the Weeping Prophet in Jeremiah 12:1. Asaph found himself envying the way of the wicked (73:1-9). He envied them because they were “always at ease,” meaning they were not dependent upon hard daily physical labor to eat their bread. He envied them because they seemed to get richer and richer (v 12). It was not until he entered the sanctuary of God and saw the end of their ways (v 17) that Asaph realized his envy was foolish and ignorant (v 22). May we never envy the wicked! Rather, let us have full faith in God who holds us by His right hand and guides us with His counsel (vv 23-24). May God be the strength of our heart and our portion forever (v 26)!
New Testament reading: John 14-16
John 15:1-8 is an oft-misused text when discussing the present state of religious division in the world today. Some mistakenly identify the branches as the various denominational bodies in the realm of Christendom. However, Jesus identifies the branches as individual members, not groups. Moreover, there are two very important details that must be considered. First, to be a true branch, one must be in and abide in Christ. The only way to be in Christ is to be baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27). Secondly, as a vine only produces one kind of fruit, so also will all genuine believers bear the same fruit to the glory of God. This is not at all unlike the seed principle of Luke 8:11. Consider, how many vines have you seen producing completely different types of fruit? What tree bears apples, oranges, and pears? What vine produces grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers? If we can understand this principle in the simplest matters of agriculture, why can we not understand this same principle when it is used in spiritual matters?
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