All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God.
As we read the scriptures given this week, we can expect that they will profit us for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that we as matured sons and daughters of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Matthew 24 – 28
Jesus is in Jerusalem for His final week before His offering of Himself to the Father as the Lamb of God. He shares about the last days in what is known as the Olivet discourse in Chapter 24. He gives charge to be faithful servants, wise virgins, good and faithful servants, and helpers to humanity in need, in Chapter 25. Jesus then celebrates the Passover with His disciples, institutes the new covenant, predicts the disciples stumbling, and prays in Gethsemane. Afterward, He is arrested and stands before the Sanhedrin. He is handed over to Pilate, sentenced to death, crucified, and buried.
Then the resurrection! Rejoice!
There are many jewels in these chapters. For instance, in Matthew 25:64 Jesus identifies Himself under oath as the Messiah coming in glory in Daniel 7:13, 14. The high priest knew what Jesus was saying and declared Jesus to be blaspheming.
Mark 1, 2
A busy day in the ministry of Jesus. I love reading this picture of a day in the life of Jesus, in Chapter 1, verses 21 – 38. Yet even with an all-day schedule that grew and grew late into the night, Jesus rises the next morning long before daylight to a solitary place to pray. The secret to Jesus’ ministry was His secret place with God. In Chapter 2 we see forgiveness, callings, and conflict.
Romans 8 – 16
These are some of my favorite chapters in Romans. Romans 8 is a complete description of our new covenant in Christ. Take time and listen a few times to the vast description of salvation in Christ. Romans 9 and 11, speak to Israel and God’s sovereignty for their salvation. Chapter 10 is sandwiched in between and declares to all how salvation is through faith in Christ’s resurrection. Chapter 12 is our consecration in the Lord. It is so rich with truth about how we are to walk. Chapter 13 is about our submission to the government and walking in love. Chapter 14 is about conscience and how we live with each other, without judges and despising each other’s faith. Chapter 15 calls on the strong to bear with the weak and not please themselves. Chapter 16 are the goodbyes and a promise.
“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” Romans 16:20
Deuteronomy 9 – 17
Moses reviews Israel’s two big rebellions, the golden calf and refusal to enter the promise land. Moses gives heart insights into the two critical moments in Israel’s journey with God in their first two years out of Egypt. Moses reviews the second pair of tablets, the essence of the law and obedience. Worship in the new land and the place God chooses, along with the danger of idolatry is shared in Chapter 12. False prophets, dreamers, and enticements to serve other gods are warned against. Clean and unclean meats, tithing principles given. Debts being canceled every seven years, and generosity to the poor are commanded.
In Chapter 16 the three feasts of Israel; Passover, Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), and Feast of Tabernacles are reviewed. Finally, Moses reviews offerings, witnesses to offenses, and principles governing kings. All kings were to write their own copy of the Torah, (the first five books of Moses), when they came into power and read it all the days of their life, so that they may learn to fear the Lord their God. What a brilliant idea!
Psalms 82 – 87
Psalm 84 is a particular favorite of mine. “How lovely is Your tabernacle O Lord of host! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalm 84:1, 2
Lamentations 2 – 5
Lamentations of Jeremiah are his poetic recount and heartbreak over the destruction of Jerusalem. This Thursday, I will share more on this in the last Jeremiah and America blog. Here are two verses that are key to understanding this dirge. Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not uncovered your iniquity, to bring back your captives, but envisioned for you false prophecies and delusions.
Lamentations 2:14
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seek Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25, 26
