Old Testament reading: Psalm 120-129
This collection of short Psalms contain many beautiful and familiar texts. Many have heard or have at least some familiarity with Psalms 121, 122, and 127. However, I want to focus on a precious little gem found in Psalm 125:3, “The scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land of the righteous, lest the righteous reach out their hand to iniquity.” In this Psalm is seen the promise of Divine provision and protection for God’s people if they continue to faithfully serve Him. I love the next verse too: “Do good, O Lord, to those who are good.” Though provided in the national context of Israel, we should remember that wickedness can never prevail in our own lives and homes unless we stretch out our hands toward iniquity. Like the old Dracula legend, evil cannot come into our homes unless we invite it.
New Testament reading: Acts 25-28
“I believe God that it will be just as it was told to me.” So said Paul to his discouraged shipmates in Acts 27:25. Having not eaten nor seen the sun for several days, Paul gave them God’s promise that none of them would lose their lives despite the loss of the ship and her cargo. On the 13th day, the sailors tried to abandon them by stealing away in the skiff. Paul told Julius the centurion, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Notice he did not say “we cannot be saved.” Paul knew God would see him through to Rome, with or without Julius. What a marvelous influence was Paul upon this unbeliever, that he foiled their escape in accordance with Paul’s word. Then, Paul after encouraged them all again saying, Not a hair will fall from the head of any one of you,” they were all encouraged and took nourishment! Paul was a man of courage and integrity. While they all feared for their lives, Paul stood firm and fearless in the face of the raging seas. His confidence inspired the same in them, and they were eventually brought safely to shore just as he had promised. Paul was a prisoner from an unimportant region of the Roman Empire, yet his influence was profound and eventually found its way into Caesar’s household (Phil 4:22). Remember what Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth.”
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