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John 1 - Day 243 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: John 1:1 Commentary: The Word of God and Creation (1:1–5) 1 “In the beginning” recalls Gen 1:1. But it relates here not to the act of creation, but to what existed when creation came into being, namely the Word, who was with God and was God. As Haenchen pointed out (116) the subject is surprising; one expects to read, “In the beginning … God,” but it is “the Word”; yet it would be impossible to read in its place any other title that has been appropriated for Jesus, e.g., “In the beginning was the Christ,” or “the Son,” or “the Son of Man.” Not even the lofty title “the Lord” or the more ancient “the Wisdom” could adequately convey the associations of the following utterances, for the connotation of “the Word” is unique; and it is without parallel in the languages of modern culture. Its richness has to be searched out and conveyed by explanation (see above, pp. 6–10). πρὸς τὸν θεόν = “with God,” in the sense, of “in the presence of God” (cf. Mark 6:3), or “in the fellowship of God” (1 John 1:2–3), or even (as the next clause suggests) “in union with God.” καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος: θεός without the article signifies less than ὁ θεός; but it cannot be understood as “a god,” as though the Logos were a lesser god alongside the supreme God; nor as simply “divine,” for which the term θεῖος was well known (in 2 Pet 1:4 believers are said to be θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως, “sharers of the divine nature”); nor as indicating the exercise of divine functions without possessing the divine nature; rather it denotes God in his nature, as truly God as he with whom he “was,” yet without exhausting the being of God (observe that the Evangelist did not write καὶ λόγος ἦν ὁ θεός (“and God was the Word”). The divine nature of the Logos is seen in his activity in creation (1–5), revelation (5, 9–12, 18) and redemption (12–14, 16–17); in all these God expresses himself through the Word, hence the dictum of Bultmann, “From the outset God must be understood as the ‘one who speaks,’ the God who reveals himself” (35). Beasley-Murray, G. R. (1999). John (Vol. 36, pp. 10–11). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: Whenever I read this passage I feel compelled to drop to my knees and worship. Prayer: Lord, words fail me so please listen to my heart.. Deuteronomy 34 - Day 242 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:5 Observation: Moses dies before entering the promised land. Application: God's grace is sufficient for all of our needs. Moses had come to accept that he would die before entering the promised land because he sinned against God. For this reason, Moses is still considered one of Israel's greatest leaders. If Moses had continued to whine and complain about how unfair God was treating him and that he didn't want to do this in the first place (burning bush - Exodus 3), then he would probably have been forgotten. However, the bible tells us that Moses was the meekest man alive. Thus, it makes sense that God would extend His grace to Moses, even though it was after his death that he was allowed to enter the promised land, as witnessed in Matthew 17. Prayer: Lord, I know that I don't deserve Your grace and mercies, but I appreciate them... Deuteronomy 33 - Day 241 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:26-29 Commentary: 33:26–29. Jeshurun (lit., “the upright one“; cf. v. 5; 32:15) was a name for Israel. The nation’s God is incomparable in power as the One who rides on the heavens and the clouds (33:26). No matter what adversity Israel would encounter, the Lord could be there instantly with power to deliver her. Because God is eternal and is a Refuge for His people, His everlasting arms, figuratively speaking, would protect Israel in times of calamity, and would destroy her enemy (v. 27). Having such a wonderful and powerful God the nation could be assured of conquering Canaan and then of living for a while in safety and prosperity (v. 28). If Israel would only serve her incomparable God she would be an incomparable people (O Israel! Who is like you.…?) in blessing (saved and shielded by God) and invincible before her enemies (v. 29). Deere, J. S. (1985). Deuteronomy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 322). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. Application: If God is for us, then who can be against us. Back then, this thought would encourage the Israelites men as they marched into battle. Today, this same thought should humble us as we share the love of Jesus to a broken world. Prayer: Lord, there is none like You... Deuteronomy 32 - Day 240 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:48-52 Observation: Moses is instructed to go to Mount Nebo and prepare for his death. Application: What would you do if you knew exactly when you would die? Would you do anything differently today? Moses knew that he would not enter the promised land so he used the time before his death to remind the Israelites of God's commandments. Personally, I think this was his way of reminding them that he messed up, so don't make the same mistake that he did. Don't take God for granted for He is Holy and deserves our utmost respect and adoration. Prayer: Lord, create in me a clean heart... Deuteronomy 31 - Day 239 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Observation: Moses commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land. Application; When God calls us to lead, we can trust Him to be with us. And if God is with us, then there's no reason to be afraid, right? Wrong. Fear is a natural emotion that God gave us for our survival. Hence, we need to learn to manage our fears to increase our faith in God and His plans for our lives. Prayers; Lord, please remind me why You've chosen me... |
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