Chapter to Chapter - Thoughts on Daily Bible Readings

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 36-38

“Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.” So wrote the Psalmist in Psalm 119:89. Were it possible to destroy every copy of the Bible (it isn’t), or eliminate every earthly reference to God’s word (ditto), it still wouldn’t change a thing. God’s word is eternal because it originates with Him who is eternal. King Jehoakim must have missed that in Sunday School. As God’s word was read to him, the king took a knife and cut the scroll before throwing it into the fire. Though righteous men pleaded with the king, he would not listen. Worse still, the king and his friends were not afraid of God’s words, neither did they repent (“tear their garments” – 36:24). The Divine response was to rewrite all the words of the first scroll and add many more similar words (36:32). In Jeremiah 38, the prophet’s enemies accused him of weakening the resolve of those fighting against Babylon, saying, “For this man does not seek the welfare of this people, but their harm” (38:4). In reality, the very opposite was true. Jeremiah did have their best interest at heart. Those who would heed Jeremiah would live, while those who continued to fight would die! We must not cave to those who accuse of us of being unloving simply because we preach a truth that they do not want to hear. Despite all the king had done to Jeremiah, I cannot help but be moved by the prophet’s pleading with Zedekiah to save himself, his family, and the city.

New Testament reading: Luke 10-11

Luke 10:25-37 is often identified as “The Good Samaritan.” I find this tag to be insulting, as elsewhere in the New Testament we can read of the Samaritans from a favorable perspective (cf John 4:39-42). No one ever writes of or tags a text with the moniker, “The Good Jew.” I’ve read this text many times, but today, for the first time, I made a connection to the situation with Mary and Martha. That is, the choice is not always good or bad, but sometimes good or better. I’m sure the priest and Levite were on their way to render some service to God and His people. However, that work was not more needful than to stop and show compassion on this brother who had fallen into the hands of reprobates. Regardless of our mission, may we never be so busy or in such a hurry that we fail to show the love of Christ to our fellow man.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 34-35

The faithful sons of Rechab. Though there is previous testimony concerning Jonadab, the son of Rechab (cf 2 Kings 10:15, 23), the holiness and fidelity of this righteous family is revealed in Jeremiah 35. The sons of Rechab had taken to heart the command of their father not to drink any wine, nor anything from the vineyard, neither to plant a vineyard for themselves. At God’s command, Jeremiah encouraged them to drink wine from bowls set before them, but they would not be persuaded nor would they violate the command of their father. In His omniscience, God knew they would not defile themselves. Thus, He held them up as examples of fidelity to the command of their father and contrasted them with the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah, who had not heeded the voice of their father. Moreover, Jeremiah pronounced a blessing upon the sons of Rechab, namely, that they and their posterity would not be cut off in the impending destruction of Jerusalem. A lesson for us is seen in how our own commitment to God can bless our families for generations to come.

New Testament reading: Luke 8-9

“She had nowhere else to turn.” As Jesus made his way to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter, a woman with “a flow of blood for twelve years” approached Jesus simply to touch the hem of His garment that she might be healed (Mark 5:28). Luke records that she had spent everything she had on physicians who not only did her no good, but Mark’s account said she “suffered” at their hands. For a list of the rabbinic “cures” she likely endured, see Adam Clarke on Mark 5:26. Being ceremonially unclean (Lev 15:25ff),  she approached Jesus under the cloak of the crowd, hoping to receive her blessing in anonymity. Such would not be the result. Perceiving that power had gone out from Him, Jesus called for her to be identified, referring to her with the tender title of “daughter.” In similar fashion, many seek to rid themselves of the guilt of sin, searching high and low, leaving no stone unturned except for one, the Rock of Ages. Jesus is the only source for the healing of sin, and He has set forth the prescription in the preaching of the gospel (Rom 1:16; Mark 16:15-16).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 32-33

Today’s reading is a wonderful reminder that even God’s faithful men need to be encouraged from time to time. In Jeremiah 32, God instructs the prophet to purchase his cousin’s field in Anathoth (vv 6-15). Jeremiah is obedient, but questions the Lord why he should buy a field when the land is facing utter destruction (vv 16-25). God reminds Jeremiah of the hope of restoration at the end of the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah bought property that he would never possess, but in so doing he gave a testimony of faith to his countrymen while also making provision for his descendants who would return from captivity some seventy years later. Jeremiah 34:14-18 contains the familiar language of chapter 23:5-8 and the righteous Branch of David and the new name of Jerusalem, “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Remember, this book is not arranged chronologically. As best I can tell, these two texts, though separated by ten chapters and a variety of themes, appear to be in the same time frame. The context of Jeremiah 23 is the outset of Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign against Jerusalem (cf 21:1-2) and today’s reading is in the context of the days immediately preceding Jerusalem’s destruction, being in the tenth year of Zedekiah’s eleven year reign (32:1-2).

New Testament reading: Luke 6-7

Even great men need encouragement. Such was the case with John the Baptizer in Luke 7. Wrongly imprisoned for declaring the truth regarding marriage to Herod, John needed some form of affirmation that what he was truly suffering for righteousness’ sake. I love how the text reads when Jesus is questioned by John’s disciples. Rather than respond verbally, Jesus immediately performs numerous miracles before their very eyes. After (re)establishing Himself as the One whom John had identified as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” Jesus returns them to John with this statement, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard.” Finally, rather than be critical of John for his lack of faith or his need for encouragement, Jesus declares to all present the greatness of this man John. Jesus announced him as a prophet, more than prophet, the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3, and the greatest man ever born among women.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah 31 continues God’s promise of restoration begun in chapter 30 (cf 30:3). Jeremiah 31:31-34 is a marvelous text that foretells of the termination and passing away of the Mosaic Law, including the Ten Commandments (vv 31-32). It also explains a fundamental difference in what it means to be a child of God under the Mosaic Covenant and being a child of God under the Gospel or Christian Covenant. One born under Moses’ Law was automatically and inherently an Israelite, but he had to be taught the precepts found therein to be a faithful child of God. This is in contrast with the arrangement of the New Covenant, wherein a person must be taught first before being born into the family of God. Unlike Judaism, no one enters the family of God today by the means of physical birth. We might explain the difference like this: under Judaism, one was born first and taught afterward; under Christianity, one is taught first and then born again (1 Peter 1:22-25). Hebrews 8:7-13 is an inspired commentary on Jeremiah 31:31-34, and Romans 2:28-29 and Colossians 2:11-13 are also helpful texts.

New Testament reading: Luke 4-5

“And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority” (Luke 4:32). This statement closely resembles that found at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, where “the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt 7:28-29). Jesus had been publicly confirmed as God’s Son (Luke 3:22), so this kind of teaching would have been a natural outgrowth of this affirmation. Contrary to the teaching of the scribes, who argued by quoting the human traditions and interpretations handed down through the centuries, Jesus appealed to no authority other than Himself. This is seen in His repeated statements in the Sermon on the Mount, “You have heard it said… but I say…” (Matt 5:21-22). Even Moses, when giving instruction to Pharaoh and the people, appealed to the Lord as his source of authority (cf Ex 5:1, 11:4). Not so with Jesus. No truer words were ever spoken than those by our Lord upon His departure, “All authority is given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matt 28:18).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 29-30

Today’s reading is a message of hope to those who had been taken away into captivity. There is a historical note that must be understood here as well. There were three carryings away into Babylon. The first took place in 606 B.C. in the days of Jehoiakim (Eliakim – 2 Chr 36:4-8). The second was in 597 B.C., and the last was in 586 B.C. when Jerusalem was destroyed in the days of Zedekiah. So, as we read of Jeremiah pleading with Zedekiah and the people to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar, we should know that some Jews had already been taken to Babylon. (This is why Hananiah lied about breaking the yoke of the king of Babylon in Jeremiah 28:2.) Those who were first taken in Jeconiah’s reign are the recipients of Jeremiah’s letter in chapter 29 (vv1-2). In the letter, Jeremiah encourages them to build houses, plant gardens, marry and have children (vv 5-6). Moreover, the captives are to pray to the Lord on Babylon’s behalf, “for in its peace you will have peace” (v 7). This letter reaffirms their captivity in Babylon will be for seventy years, then God will restore them to their former place (v 10).

New Testament reading: Luke 2-3

Following the “lost in Jerusalem” incident, Luke makes three statements concerning Jesus: 1) Jesus was subject to His earthly parents; 2) Jesus increased in wisdom; and 3) Jesus increased in favor with God and man. Consider the contrast of the young Savior with the youth of today. It is at this very age, the age of adolescence and the early teen years, that many youth begin to rebel against the authority of their parents. Not Jesus. Having been raised in a godly home, He exercised His free will and dedicated Himself to being a son who would please both Joseph and the heavenly Father. Jesus also applied Himself to wisdom. If he astonished the seasoned teachers of the law at age 12, one can only imagine the wisdom of our Lord as He began His earthly ministry. Finally, Jesus conducted Himself in such a way so as to gain the favor of God and man. Even today, there are still many who appreciate a polite, respectful, and well mannered young person. Our Lord’s youthful example is one that we all should strive to emulate.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 26-28

If you have been paying attention to the historical time references of Jeremiah’s writing, you will realize that it is not arranged in chronological order. For example, in yesterday’s reading, chapter 24 was penned after Nebuchadnezzar had taken Judah into captivity, while chapter 25 was penned in Jehoakim’s fourth year as king, which coincided with Nebuchadnezzar’s first. Today’s reading begins with Jehoakim’s first year. Don’t get too bogged down in the chronology. If such were imperative to understanding the book, God would have arranged it that way. Jeremiah’s boldness and faith are on full display in chapter 26. Being declared unfit to live (vv 10-12), Jeremiah responded by saying, ‘I am simply the Lord’s servant and am delivering His message. Here I am. Do with me as you see fit. But know this one thing — if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves’ (vv 13-15). Righteous elders appealed to past prophets and kings, both good and evil, in pleading for the king to repent and deal righteously with Jeremiah (vv 16-23).

New Testament reading: Luke 1

“There were many authors, but only one gospel.” In all of my readings of the New Testament, and Luke 1 in particular, Luke 1:1-2 just hit me for the first time. In Luke 1:1, “the beloved physician” is clear that there were “many” who had undertaken the task of recording written narratives of the life of Jesus. Luke’s gospel record was likely the third of the four accounts found in the New Testament today, yet there were many circulating at the time of his writing. According to verse 2, these narratives included those written by the men who had been with Jesus “from the beginning.” I don’t know why it never before occurred to me that the other apostles had also written accounts of Jesus’ life! These accounts written by the other apostles would have been inspired by God, but were not necessary to accurately preserve the account of Jesus’ life. Not all inspired writings have been preserved for us today. Certainly, Paul’s letter to the Laodiceans, which he instructed to be read to the Colossian church, would have been inspired, just like all of his epistles and other instructive correspondence.

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 24-25

It is easy to focus on the curses pronounced upon Judah, but one theme we don’t want to miss throughout Jeremiah is the hope of restoration. Jeremiah 24 illustrates this hope in the parable of the figs. The good figs (vv 5-7) are those who will return from captivity to be blessed by God in their home country. Note also that the captivity is “for their own good” (v 5). Discipline, and Divine discipline in particular, while never pleasant, is always for our own good (cf Heb 12:5-11). Another lesson we find is that of perseverance. Jeremiah declared that he had been preaching that Judah should repent for some 23 years (25:3), and that he was not alone in this preaching (v 4). Despite the many warning, Judah was adamant to continue in her sin. Thus, God used Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as the instrument of His wrath to punish Judah. Of note is verse 9 where God calls Nebuchadnezzar “My servant.” Some are God’s unwitting servants, working to accomplish His will in the lives of His people. Finally, the determined length of the Babylonian captivity was 70 years (vv 11-12). Daniel would later read Jeremiah’s prophecy as a message of hope for God’s people to be restored to their homeland (Dan 9:2).

New Testament reading: Mark 15-16

“Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” This was the discussion among the two Marys and Salome as they made their way to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. Having observed the Sabbath (16:1), they had no idea the Jews had placed soldiers at the tomb entrance. No matter. God had the matter well in hand and provided for the women that which they could not accomplish on their own. This account reminds me of John 11 and the death of Lazarus, where Jesus commanded those present to roll away the stone, something those present could do. Afterward He raised Lazarus from the dead, providing for them what they could not accomplish by their own means. This is truly the story of the gospel, and specifically the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In Jesus, God provided for us what we could never accomplish on our own, namely, the means by which we can be forgiven of sin. In response, it is our duty to response in faithful obedience to God’s gift (cf Mark 16:16).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 22-23

A descendant of Coniah and the Branch of righteousness. In Jeremiah 22:28-30 we find a prophecy against the descendants of Coniah, king of Judah. Specifically, we see that no descendant of Coniah would ever sit on David’s throne as king in Judah. This prophecy is often overlooked when studying the false doctrine of premillennialism. This doctrine has Jesus returning to earth to sit on an earthly throne in Jerusalem (Judah). However, when we read the genealogy of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 1, we find Jeconiah, a.k.a. Coniah, listed in verse 11. Thus, it would be a violation of God’s own word for Jesus to come and sit on an earthly throne in Judah. Acts 2:29-31 explains what it means that Jesus is sitting on David’s throne today. Jeremiah 23:5 foretells the coming of a descendant of David who shall reign and prosper, execute judgment and righteousness, and ultimately save Judah. This king would be called “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (v 6). This can be none other than Jesus.

New Testament reading: Mark 13-14

In the hours immediately preceding His death, Jesus suffered the most undignified treatment. How do you feel when people lie about you? Most lies are not told in our presence, but many false witnesses (liars) were brought in to lie against our Lord (14:55-59). While we would be tempted to cry out and condemn our lying accusers, Jesus never spoke a word against His accusers or in His own defense (v 61). After being declared as “deserving of death” (v 64), those who stood near began to spit on Jesus. In most cultures, this is the most demeaning insult one can receive. Men in professional sports often come to blows, and people ignore it due to the nature of the game. However, if one man spits on another, he is ostracized and often suspended for a time. Moreover, he is never able to shake that image. Why? Because of how demeaning we consider the act. Yet, our Lord endured a showering of spittle as He awaited His condemnation. He was going to the cross to pay for the sins of those who were spitting on Him! What irony! These are some of the ways I find myself falling so short of the example of Jesus. But if I would imitate my Lord, I must be willing to suffer shame as He showed me (cf 1 Peter 2:19-23).

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 19-21

God saves in times of great distress and emergencies, but He will not be relegated to being nothing more than a 9-1-1 service. The arrogance and ignorance of God’s people is on full display in Jeremiah 19-21. In chapter 19, Jeremiah is sent with the parable of the broken flask. The Lord is bringing complete and utter destruction upon His people and the city of Jerusalem. Prior to this destruction will be a famine so severe that the city’s inhabitants will eat the flesh of their children and their neighbors (cf 2 Kings 6:24-29). In chapter 20, Pashhur, the priest and chief governor, places Jeremiah in stocks outside the house of the Lord. Undeterred, Jeremiah targets Pashhur as one who will be carried to Babylon and die there, saying that God has now called him Magor-Missabib, meaning “fear on every side” (v 3). Don’t miss this identification in verse 10! Of course, Jeremiah 20:7-9 are among the most well-known of all the texts in this book. In chapter 21, Zedekiah sends Pashhur to Jeremiah to find some good word from the Lord concerning his troubles with Nebuchadnezzar. Note how Zedekiah desires God to act according to His wonderful works and not according to his own wicked works. How presumptuous to defy God’s word, mock His prophets, and then call upon Him when things go bad. Unfortunately, this sounds like a lot of folks today. They have little or nothing to do with God until they get in a tight or difficult situation, then they want the Lord to help them or bail them out.

New Testament reading: Mark 11-12

“Thou art not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34).In this context, Jesus is commending a scribe for his understanding and reception of Jesus’ words. But if I miss the kingdom in the end, an inch is as good as a mile. The nearness of a man to the kingdom is determined by the openness of his heart and his integrity. Many appear to be close, but in reality their prejudice against truth and blind adherence to human tradition separates them by a million miles. But another, seemingly an outcast of society, having a good and honest heart and a sincere desire for truth, may require only the slightest of encouragement to find the way of righteousness. Find that one and teach him!

Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 17-18

Where to begin with the jewels of today’s reading? Jeremiah 17:9 serves as a divine commentary on Proverbs 28:26. A man’s heart may justify him in his own eyes, but the heart is not to be trusted in matters of right and wrong (cf Pr 14:12; John 16:2; Acts 23:1). Jeremiah 17:14 is a beautiful statement of the true healing and salvation provided by the Lord. In Jeremiah 6:14, the prophets condemned the prophets and priests as healing “the hurt of my people slightly,” or superficially. The religious leaders lied to the people, making them feel good in the short term, but leading to long term disaster. One may put ointment and a bandaid on a skin cancer, but there will be no healing. But when God heals, the hurt or injury is completely removed. When God saves, He saves to the uttermost (Heb 7:25). I am reminded of Jesus’ statement in John 8:36 – “If the Son makes you free, you are free indeed.” Another well known illustration is found in chapter 18 with the potter and the clay. God has the power to transform what is marred and worthless when we allow ourselves to be molded in His hands and by His wisdom.

New Testament reading: Mark 9-10

Following His exchange with the rich young ruler, Jesus makes a statement that is often quoted but rarely understood – “It is easier for a camel eye to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25). The most popular explanation is that Jesus is referring to a small, narrow gate in Jerusalem’s wall, by which a camel could enter only unsaddled and on its knees. It’s a powerful illustration, except there is no evidence any such gate ever existed. The proper explanation is that Jesus is using hyperbole to illustrate the vanity of placing faith in one’s possessions (cf 1 Tim 6:17-19). Jesus said as much in verse 24. This is why it is difficult to evangelize in America. How do we convince people making six figure incomes, living in large houses with fine automobiles, knowing little or nothing of delayed gratification, that they are helpless and hopeless without the Lord Jesus? Jesus noted this truth in Matthew 11:5 when He emphasized preaching to the poor, and Paul reaffirmed it in 1 Corinthians 1:26.