Today's reading—Luke 3
One Word that I can't help noticing is verse 18: "So with many other exhortations [John] preached good news to the people." What John preaches doesn't sound like good news! But his summons to repentance tells us that the way is ever and always open for us to return to the Father. I may feel a sting in repenting, but on the other side is welcome, relief, and comfort.
What's your Word?
Today's reading—Luke 2
Merry early Christmas! I don't know about you, but for me it's impossible to read this chapter without hearing Linus reciting it in the old King James. What's the gospel? "Good news of great joy, which will be for all people" (verse 10). That's what Christmas is all about—and all our faith!
What's your Word?
Today's reading—Luke 1:39-80
In this latter half of Luke 1, I'm taken with Zechariah's song, and in particular verse 72: "To show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant." While Jesus' coming was marvelously unexpected, it was mercifully promised. And this Word also reminds me that I am an heir: I'm the recipient of blessings long foretold, and passed down through generations.
What's your Word?
Today we start Part 3 of the Dwell Richly Initiative with the Gospel of Luke. If you've made it this far, congratulations! And if you're just joining us on this journey, welcome! Our goal is to "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16), and we're doing that by savoring the four Gospels, one chapter at a time.
By way of reminder, you can also join the conversation by leaving your thoughts from the day's chapter on our church website or Facebook page (links below). If you still need it, you can download the booklet for Part 3 here...
As we get going with Luke, and like I shared last month, you may once again appreciate the Bible Project's introductory video:
Today's reading—Luke 1:1-38
In the first half of Luke 1, right away the word "certainty" (v. 4) jumps out at me: Luke writes to his friend Theophilus so that the latter "may have certainty concerning the things [he has] been taught." This tells me: I can trust this account. Luke isn't sharing his opinions; he is reporting the (good) news. Praise God for his diligent servant!
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Matthew 28
What grabs my attention? Resurrection! And this Word of Jesus: "Greetings!" (v. 9). I noted in Bible study a few weeks ago that this is an unfortunate translation for the Greek verb chaire, which literally means "Rejoice!" It's a fitting note for today, Reformation Day. Wear your red today, in celebration that God's promise of resurrection abides forever!
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Matthew 27
I can't help noticing the troubling cry of the crowds in verse 25: "His blood be on us and on our children!" Oh, the folly! But I also hear an echo of grace, for in spite of their rejection of Jesus, His blood is indeed "on us and on our children"—not in guilt, but in grace. This promise is "for us and for our children" (Acts 2:39). Thanks be to God!
What's your Word?
Today's reading: Matthew 26
Here we are again in the Passion account. One Word that grabbed me today is this: "my Father's kingdom" (v. 29). It strikes me that the reign and rule that Jesus announces and enacts is ever and always that of His (our) Father. And when we pray, "Thy kingdom come," we're praying for the Father's kingdom to come in full. Father, grant it!
What's your Word?