June 12 Psalm 73:1-14 Acts 7:44-60; 8:1-3 2 Samuel 18:19-33; 19
Psalm 73:1-14
Asaph sings his lament at seeing proud and wicked people prosper. He also writes about almost losing his grip on life by fixating on other people who didn’t seem to have a care in the world. We should learn from Asaph and be careful about what we are focused on.
Acts 7:44-60; 8:1-3
Stephen’s defense of his faith in Jesus points out Yahweh’s redemptive narrative through the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon. He questioned the Jewish leaders’ resistance to the Holy Spirit and their history of persecuting the prophets including Jesus the Messiah. The high council and the accusers killed Stephen. As they were throwing rocks at him, God allowed Stephen to see Jesus in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Stephen forgave his murderers. What a man, filled with faith, grace, power, and the Holy Spirit!
2 Samuel 18:19-33; 19
King David mourned the death of his traitorous son. He did not hold bitterness against his son or the many people who had betrayed him. Instead, he forgave them and showed them grace. There’s freedom in forgiveness. A bitter argument broke out between the two tribes of Judah and the ten tribes of Israel.
June 12 Psalm 73:1-14 Acts 7:44-60; 8:1-3 2 Samuel 18:19-33; 19
Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.
Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.
What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
What should you do about that truth?