Old Testament reading: Psalm 119:89-176
I love this Psalm more every time I read it. Like a well produced movie that requires repeated watching to appreciate its nuances and attention to detail, so also is Psalm 119. Do not be intimidated by its length! Take your time and soak in every verse. When you have time, go back and read it again! Among my favorite texts in this section is the first verse of today’s reading: “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” God’s word is unchanging! Moreover, all of God’s word is truth (v 160). God’s word is right! This is why David said in verse 128, “Therefore all your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right.” Too many want to question, argue with, or disregard God’s word as irrelevant, but God’s word is always right in all things. Finally, David says his understanding exceeds that of his teachers because he meditates on God’s testimonies. Many are greatly educated in the ways of man, but true wisdom and understanding can only be had by those who adhere to God’s word.
New Testament reading: Acts 22-24
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Acts 23 reveals the fickleness of the discord between the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Sanhedrin (counsel – v 1) was a Jewish tribunal comprised of 71 members. As they stood against Paul, the apostle perceived the group was comprised of both Pharisees and Sadducees (v 6). Upon this discovery, Paul made a declaration of his faith in the resurrection of the dead, which the Sadducees denied but the Pharisees affirmed (v 8). Suddenly, the Pharisees found opportunity to support Paul and goad their Sadducee counterparts. Turning their attention to the resurrection, and away from Paul, they began to dispute among themselves. Unfortunately for Paul, they began to pull him in each direction, probably not the result he intended. This disturbance was so great that the Roman commander feared he would be pulled in pieces and thus took him into protective custody. So began Paul’s ultimate journey to Rome.
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