John 13. Jesus loved his disciples “to the end” (1). He washed the feet of all of them – those who would soon run away from him and deny their allegiance to him — even the one who would betray him. This kind of love would become the mark of a true disciple (34-35).
LORD, manifest the kind of love in us that serves even those who betray. May we love one another to the end.
Isaiah 9:2-7. The prophet foresaw a time when Galilee will lose its contempt and replace it with glory. They will lose their darkness and replace it with light. They will lose their oppression and gain a peace so strong that they could burn their battle uniforms. They will lose their sorrow and gain a joy like the joy of the harvest — like the joy of dividing the spoil.
LORD, thank you for the One who brought harvest joy to Galilee, and thank you for those Galileans who spread that joy to us.
John 12:12-16. Gentleness and power were not always opposite concepts. In ancient times, a conquering king would often ride into his newly acquired land on a humble animal as a way of flaunting his power. It showed that all resistance was eliminated. Like that young donkey, Christ chooses us to serve him in gentleness. Someday we will all understand that in doing so, Christ is showing his strength.
LORD, help us to serve Christ in gentleness and humility, and so demonstrate your power.
2 Kings 17:24-41. After Assyria conquered the cities of Samaria, they established colonies there with exiles from various other conquered nations. These nations brought their own idols, and served them. To protect them from a sudden infestation of lions, they were also provided with a priest who could teach them the law of the LORD. The resulting pluralism and syncretism did not please the LORD.
LORD, forgive us for believing the lie that we could be faithful to you and other gods at the same time. Cleanse our households.
Isaiah 5:1-7. The LORD was frustrated with his vineyard (Israel and Judah). He planted and prepared it well, so expected a harvest of kindness. It produced wild grapes: injustice and violence.
LORD, we want to produce the fruit of kindness for your sake.
Psalm 107:41-43. Part of the joy of the Christian life is the testimony we have of what God has done for us, manifesting his steadfast love. When the wicked see what God has done for us, they shut their mouths.
LORD, help us to show off our joy because of how good you have been.
Isaiah 2:4-5. The light of the LORD will some day bring peace between the nations, ending the need for swords and spears. But the prophet calls on God’s people to walk in that light (and that peace) today.
LORD, make us people of peace.
Isaiah 1:18-20. This promise of forgiveness comes from the heart of the God of justice, who is about to unleash disaster upon his own people for rebelling against him, but promises restoration to the repentant.
LORD, help your own people to take you seriously before it is too late.
2 Kings 13:14f. Elisha had told Joash to strike the ground with arrows. These strikes were to represent the future victories Israel would have over Syria. But Joash was impatient, and struck the ground only three times. Thus he sealed his fate. His victories would not defeat his enemy.
LORD, help us to be patient and passionate about serving you, until the job is done and final victory won.
Jehoida’s Chest
2 Kings 12. It is wrong to rob God by not contributing to his ministry (Malachi 3). It is also wrong for those in ministry to hoard those contributions instead of investing them. Kingdom work requires maintenance.
LORD, give us the courage to spend in faith, not to hoard in fear or neglect.
