September 17 Proverbs 22:28-29; 23:1-9 Galatians 3:10-25 Isaiah 41; 42
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 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?
September 17 Proverbs 22:28-29; 23:1-9 Galatians 3:10-25 Isaiah 41; 42
Proverbs 22:28-29; 23:1-9
A lifestyle of honest hard work is a sign of wisdom. A God-informed value system will provide healthy guidelines for this. Further, there’s a benefit to good stewardship of resources (including money earned). Proverbs 23:4-5 reminds us that money is a tool that will not last forever. We should think through our value-based approach to it. It is possible to be a good steward of money without being a miserable companion.
Galatians 3:10-25
When Jesus was crucified, He took on Himself the curse that came from the sin of all humanity. Jesus rescued all who would receive Him as Savior. Paul writes about this truth. He is dispelling the myth that simply obeying all of God’s commandments would ensure your place in heaven. By faith, we can receive the grace of Jesus. God made a promise of blessing to people from all nations in His covenant agreement with Abraham. God gave laws to Moses to show people how their sin breaks this agreement and brings consequences (instead of the fulfillment of the promise). We receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus. As we receive this salvation, we all come into unity.
Isaiah 41; 42
Constantly turning ourselves to the guidance of God is the right thing to do. It is also what is best for us. In Isaiah 41 God refers to the benefits of this relationship: courage, strength, comfort, companionship, direction, identity, purpose, redemption. In Isaiah 42 we read that freedom, mercy, and justice are signs God’s Kingdom. Regarding the Messiah, Isaiah 42:4 reads as follows in the Greek, “His name will be the hope of all the world.” Jesus and therefore His followers are to be the “light to guide” all. Through Isaiah God promises to be their Redeemer, a present help and strength. This help doesn’t come from idols. In Isaiah 42 we read a powerful and beautiful promise of the Messiah, a future blessing to people, from all nations, who would receive Him. We are called to sing new songs of praise to God for this Messiah.