One Year Bible: Days 243-272

Day 243

Micah 5:1-7:20; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Proverbs 21:17-26

God wipes out the shadow of our past - He “pardons sin” (Micah 7:18). He shines in the light of His future - “We will be “clothed with our heavenly dwelling” (2 Corinthians 5:4). From this standpoint of privilege, we are called to fulfil our responsibility: to be soldiers of Christ (Proverbs 21:22).

Day 244

Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2; Psalm 105:1-11

The ministry of Isaiah calls for reality, for transformed lives. this renewal of our lives can only be achieved through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. We don’t have the power to change ourselves. It is in Christ that we become “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This great Gospel blessing gives us much reason for praising the Lord and giving thanks to Him (Psalm 105:1-2).

Day 245

Isaiah 3:1-5:7; 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1; Psalm 105:12-22

“Those who are left ... will be called holy” (Isaiah 4:3). “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). The Lord is calling His people to holiness. They are not to be in bondage to the world and its way of living. Even though the Lord’s people are “few in number”, they have this encouragement - they are protected by the Lord: “Do not touch My anointed ones, do My prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15).

Day 246

Isaiah 5:8-8:10; 2 Corinthians 7:2-16; Psalm 105:23-36

“The holy seed will be the stump in the land” (Isaiah 6:13). God preserves the faithful remnant, the remnant of faith. “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all”(Isaiah 7:9). What or who can keep us firm in the faith? - “Immanuel (God with us)” (Isaiah 7:14). In the face of much opposition, we could easily become discouraged, “But God ... comforts the downcast” (2 Corinthians 7:6). To those who turn to Him, God brings His comfort. To those who turn from Him, He sends His judgment (Psalm 105:28-36).

Day 247

Isaiah 8:11-10:19; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Proverbs 21:27-22:6

Who is Jesus Christ? What has He done for us? God’s answer to these questions is found in Isaiah 9:6 - “He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” and 2 Corinthians 8:9 - “our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” We have true riches when we know God: “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all” (Proverbs 22:2).

Day 248

Isaiah 10:20-13:22; 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5; Psalm 105:37-45

Jesus Christ was filled with “the Spirit of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2). It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are to live for Christ. As we give ourselves to the Lord in service, our first priority is “to honour the Lord Himself.” We do this as we “show our eagerness to help” (2 Corinthians 8:19). We, who have been so richly blessed by the Lord, are to live in obedience to Him out of joyful gratitude to Him, our Saviour (Psalm 105:42-45).

Day 249

Isaiah 14:1-16:14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Psalm 106:1-15

Christ came to destroy the evil one, Satan - to bring him “down to the grave, to the depths of the pit” (Isaiah 14:12-14). Satan seeks to impoverish our lives. God, however, is very different. He gives us His “surpassing grace.” This is given to us in His Son, our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s “indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:14-15). God’s gift of grace is so great that it surpasses our capacity for praising Him - “Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare His praises?” (Psalm 106:12).

Day 250

Isaiah 17:1-19:25; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 106:16-31

Much of the “oracle concerning Egypt” (Isaiah 19:1) speaks of the negative aspects which are associated with the nation of Egypt. Nevertheless, there is a Word of hope at the end of this oracle (Isaiah 19:18-25). In 2 Corinthians 10:15-16, Paul expresses the hope that “our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you.” It is so important that we do not write people off, that we do not give up hope, that we continue to believe that God can turn things around for His glory and for the salvation of men and women. The story which is told in Psalm 106:16-29 is one which makes us wonder, ‘Can this situation be turned around? Is there any hope?’ In Psalm 106:30-31, we catch a glimpse of hope, it is hope “for endless generations to come.”

Day 251

Isaiah 20:1-23:18; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Proverbs 22:7-16

The people of God live in a situation of conflict. We are at war with the enemy. Nevertheless, we need not be afraid. The enemies of the Lord will be brought to nothing: “Babylon has fallen, has fallen! All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!” (Isaiah 21:9). “Look at the land of the Babylonians, this people that is of no account!” (Isaiah 23:13). There will be “false apostles”, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13). We must not become discouraged. We must not say, “There is a lion outside!” or “I will be murdered in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13). We must remember that “the Lord ... frustrates the work of the unfaithful” (Proverbs 22:12).

Day 252

Isaiah 24:1-26:21; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Psalm 106:32-39

“Lord, ... all that we have accomplished You have done for us” (Isaiah 26:12). “I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised for ever ... “ (2 Corinthians 11:30-31). The way of pleasing God is the God-centred way of living. The way of angering the Lord (Psalm 106:32) is the way of self-centredness. The words of Psalm 106:32-39 are full of self - “they ... they ... they.” It’s all about them. The only references to God  are descriptions of their refusal to do God’s will (Psalm 106:32-34).

Day 253

Isaiah 27:1-28:29; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Psalm 106:40-48

Isaiah 28:29 contains a great description of God - “The Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.” Paul speaks, in 2 Corinthians 12:7, of “surpassingly great revelations.”  Whenever God reveals an increased measure of His wonderful counsel and magnificent wisdom, He wants us to remain humble, resting only in His grace and power (2 Corinthians 12:9) and not in any supposed achievement or attainment of our own. He wants us always to say, from the heart, “Praise be to the Lord” (Psalm 106:48).

Day 254

Isaiah 29:1-30:18; 2 Corinthians 12:11-21; Psalm 107:1-9

“In repentance and rest is your salvation” (Isaiah 30:15). Repentance is an ongoing part of our Christian experience - 2 Corinthians 12:21 emphasizes the need for continuing repentance. We have been saved. We continue to sin. We must seek, by God’s grace, to maintain our repentance. Rest is part of our redemption in Christ. To be “redeemed from the hand of the foe” (Psalm 107:2) means the beginning of rest, the beginning of deliverance from the oppressor. This does not mean that the perfect state has been reached. Still, there is “wandering in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle” (Psalm 107:4). In Christ, we have entered into our rest. Still, however, there is restlessness - a God-given restlessness - as we continue to hunger and thirst (Psalm 107:5) for “a city where they could settle” (Psalm 107:7), a heavenly city that is permanent, and not merely transient.  In His faithful love, God assures us that He will lead us to this heavenly city where we can settle forevermore (Psalm 107:7), rejoicing in “His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men” (Psalm 107:8) and praising Him who satisfies our hunger and quenches our thirst.

Day 255

Isaiah 30:19-32:20; 2 Corinthians 13:1-14; Proverbs 22:17-27

What a transformation there is when “the Spirit is poured upon us from on high” (Isaiah 32:14-15). The blessings which God pours upon us are well summed up in 2 Corinthians 13:14 - “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” How are these ongoing blessings communicated to us? - These blessings come to us through “true and reliable words” (Proverbs 22:21). These blessings come to us from the God of perfect wisdom. His teaching is both present and personal - “I teach you today, even you” (Proverbs 22:19).

Day 256

Isaiah 33:1-35:10; Galatians 1:1-24; Psalm 107:10-22

Isaiah 35:8 speaks of “the Way of Holiness.” Isaiah 35:9 stresses that “only the redeemed will walk there.” This is also the teaching of Paul in Galatians. We must be redeemed by the Lord if we are to walk in the Way of Holiness. Any attempt yo walk in the Way of Holiness as a means of earning salvation is “ a different gospel - which is really no gospel at all”, a perversion of the Gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7). Only God - and not ourselves - can break the chains of sin. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron” (Psalm 107:15-16).

Day 257

Isaiah 36:1-37:38; Galatians 2:1-10; Psalm 107:23-32

“For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 37:32). In a time when many people are turning away from the Lord, God is still preserving His own people for Himself. He keeps us for Himself so that we might be used by Him to bring others to Him. In response to His revelation, we are to preach His Gospel among the Gentiles (the unbelieving world) (Galatians 2:2), so that they, with us, may “exalt Him in the assembly of the people ...” (Psalm 107:32).

Day 258

Isaiah 38:1-40:31; Galatians 2:11-3:9; Psalm 107:33-43

“The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the Temple of the Lord” (Isaiah 38:20). Saved by the Lord, we are to give ourselves to Him in worship. This worship is to be in the Spirit (Galatians 3:3). we are to be “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). As we worship in the Spirit, God Himself will turn “parched ground into flowing springs” (Psalm 107:35). As His Word is sown in the hearts of men and women, it will yield “a fruitful harvest - He blessed then, and their numbers greatly increased” (Psalm 107:37-38). May the Lord look upon us in mercy. May His “fruitful harvest” be our future, and not the tragic situation described in Psalm 107:39 - “Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow.” At the end of Psalm 107, we have this challenging exhortation: “Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord” (Psalm 107:43).

Day 259

Isaiah 41:1-42:25; Galatians 3:10-25; Proverbs 22:28-23:9

The Old Testament looks forward to the coming of Christ - “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1). He is the fulfilment of the Old Testament hope: “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit” (Galatians 3:14). Proverbs 22:28 says, “Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.” Jesus Christ may be ancient, He is still the boundary stone, set not only by our forefathers but by our Heavenly Father. He is the Rock of our salvation. He is the criterion by which the boundaries are set. We are not to move the boundaries because modern man has become impatient with a faith that is based on the Bible. In this generation and every generation, we are to set our feet firmly on the Rock of ages, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whose Gospel is old yet ever new, ancient yet constantly relevant.

Day 260

Isaiah 43:1-44:23; Galatians 3:26-4:20; Psalm 108:1-5

What a majestic description of God we have in Isaiah 44:6 - “This is what the Lord says - Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty; I am the First and I am the Last; apart from Me there is no God.” This is the God to whom we pray, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 108:5). He is exalted, but He is also the God who draws near to us; “God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Galatians 4:6).

Day 261

Isaiah 44:24-46:13; Galatians 4:21-5:6; Psalm 108:6-13

“I am the Lord, and there is no other” - This truth is repeated several times over in this part of Israel (Isaiah 48:5-6,14,18,21-22; Isaiah 46:9). The contrast, in Isaiah, is between God and the gods. The contrast, in Galatians, is between Christ’s salvation and other ways of salvation (Galatians 4:25-26; Galatians 5:1). There are always contrasts between what is godly and what is ungodly, what is Christ-centred and what denies Christ. In the face of such conflict, we have God’s own promise: “With God we shall gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies” (Psalm 108:13).

Day 262

Isaiah 47:1-49:7; Galatians 5:7-26; Psalm 109:1-20

The God who says, “I am the Lord, and there is no other”, also says, “I will not yield My glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11). The uniqueness of the Lord is directly related to the glory of the Lord. God is unique, the one true God. We are to give glory to Him alone. How do we glorify God? - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24-25). The way of the flesh brings judgment (Psalm 109:1-20). The way of the Spirit is the way of “inheriting the Kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21-24).

Day 263

Isaiah 49:8-51:16; Galatians 6:1-18; Proverbs 23:10-18

“The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” (Isaiah 51:11). “May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). Our boast is in the Lord who has ransomed us. We rejoice in Him. He has given us a new song of joy. We no longer sing the world’s song. Now, we are singing the Lord’s song. The world’s way is always there to pull us away from the Lord. We must “always be zealous for the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 23:17).

Day 264

Isaiah 51:17-54:17; Ephesians 1:1-23; Psalm 109:21-31

“’With everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,’ says the Lord your Redeemer” (Isaiah 54:8). “In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5). This loving kindness has its origin in the heart of the eternal God. It continues for all eternity as we are brought into our full enjoyment of “the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). It is to this everlasting love that we make our appeal when we call upon the Name of the Lord: “Out of the goodness of Your love, deliver me ... Help me, O Lord my God, save me in accordance with Your love” (Psalm 109:21,26).

Day 265

Isaiah 55:1-57:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 110:1-7

Following the promise of grace (Isaiah 55:7), we have this great declaration by the Lord, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9). God’s grace is so great that it will continue for all eternity (Ephesians 2:7). The God of grace will be triumphant over all His enemies (Psalm 110:2).

Day 266

Isaiah 57:14-59:21; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 111:1-10

“’Here am I,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 58:9). “Here am I”, says Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8). Our “Here am I” only has meaning within the context of God’s “Here am I.” It is because He is ‘the God who is there’ (Francis Schaeffer) that we can draw near to Him - “You did not wait for me to draw near to You ...” (Mission Praise, 969). When we come to Him with the prayer, “Here am I”, we come with a commitment to service: “Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). We are sent into the battle, but we have this encouraging Word from the Lord - He has gone ahead of us to prepare the way for us. “He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head” (Isaiah 59:17). Through this encouraging Word, we are “strengthened in the inner being” (Ephesians 3:16). - “His power ... is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). “He has shown His people the power of His works, giving them the lands of other nations” (Psalm 111:6). This is the victory of the Lord.

Day 267

Isaiah 60:1-62:12; Ephesians 4:1-16; Proverbs 23:19-28

The grace of God is very great and very precious. Through His grace, we are “called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord” (Isaiah 62:12). We are “urged ... to live a life worthy of this high calling” (Ephesians 4:1). Following “the right path” is always a matter of the heart. We must “keep our hearts on the right path” (Proverbs 23:19). This means giving attention to “truth ... wisdom, discipline and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).

Day 268

Isaiah 63:1-65:16; Ephesians 4:17-5:7; Psalm 112:1-10

The cry of God’s people: “Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down ... to make Your Name known to your enemies” (Isaiah 64:1). The promise of God’s blessing: “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me” (Isaiah 65:1). Those who have come to know God through Christ “must no longer live as the Gentiles do” (Ephesians 4:17). The way of fearing the Lord is the way of blessing. It is the way of “no fear”, the way of triumph (Psalm 112:1,8).

Day 269

Isaiah 65:17-66:24; Ephesians 5:8-33; Psalm 113:1-9

We are to “drink deeply” from the “overflowing abundance” of God (Isaiah 66:11). We are to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). This fullness of the Spirit leads to praise. “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 113:1,9). As “servants of the Lord”, we are called to praise His Name “both now and forevermore” (Psalm 113:1-2).

Day 270

Nahum 1:1-3:19; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 114:1-8

“Fulfil your vows” (Nahum 1:15). “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). In all the vows we have promised to keep, we must remember the strength of the Lord: “Be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). When we are trusting Him for strength, He will turn “the hard rock into springs of water” (Psalm 114:8).

Day 271

Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Philippians 1:1-26; Proverbs 23:29-24:14

“The Lord God is with you. He is mighty to save” (Zephaniah 3:17). The God of salvation is with us, not only here-and-now but for evermore - “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). As we are led on by the God whose purpose is “to save to the uttermost all who come to Him through Christ” (Hebrews 7:25), our lives will be “filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:4).

Day 272

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 1:27-2:11; Psalm 115:1-11

The true and living God must not be reduced to the level of man-made gods. The challenge goes out from God’s Word: “Where then are the gods you made for yourselves?” (Jeremiah 2:28). There is no comparison between God and the gods - “Our God is in heaven ... But their idols are ... made by the hands of men” (Psalm 115:3-4). The New Testament affirms the sovereignty of God by proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ: “God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name ...” (Philippians 2:9-11).

One Year Bible: Days 121-151

Day 121

Joshua 19:1-21:19; John 2:1-25; Psalm 54:1-7

What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: “Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth.” We must call upon Him with faith: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me” (Psalm 54:2,4).

Day 122

Joshua 21:20-22:34; John 3:1-21; Psalm 55:1-11

In all the social details of the division of the land, we must not lose sight of its spiritual basis (Joshua 21:43-45). The important thing is that God, and not man, receives the glory: “Do not rebel against the Lord or against us by building an altar for yourselves, other than the altar of the Lord your God” (Joshua 22:19). If God, and not man, is to be exalted, there must be new birth (John 3:3,5-7). To the man who is obsessed with his own problems - “My heart is in anguish within me ...” (Psalm 55:4-5), God gives us “the wings of a dove” (Psalm 55:6) - to rise to higher things.

Day 123

Joshua 23:1-24:33; John 3:22-36; Psalm 55:12-23

The concluding message, preached by Joshua, is a call for the people to exalt the Lord. They make a definite and public commitment to the Lord. The Christ-centredness of real commitment to the Lord is summed up in the words of John the Baptist: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). We must confess Christ and honour Him - “The One who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31). We must listen to what He says to us - “The One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (John 3:34). It will not be easy to live a life of true commitment to Christ. Nevertheless, we have God’s promise: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

Day 124

Judges 1:1-2:5; John 4:1-26; Proverbs 11:9-18

In John 4, we read about the overcoming of our enemies through the Gospel. “Jews do not associate with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). Jesus did associate with the Samaritan woman. The woman believed in Jesus. Many others believed in Him. By breaking down the barrier between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus was not minimizing the difference between the godly and the ungodly. He was emphasizing that “he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward” (Proverbs 11:18). As He spoke the Word of God’s love, many were brought to faith in Him (John 4:39). When the Gospel of God’s love reaches our hearts, we do not continue in sin, going our own way rather than the Lord’s way. We come in our sin to the Saviour. We receive His forgiveness. We begin a new life - “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Day 125

Judges 2:6-3:31; John 4:27-42; Psalm 56:1-13

“The Lord raised up judges who saved them out of the hands of these raiders” (Judges 2:16). “This man really is the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42). God sends His servants to revive His people. God sent His Son to redeem His people. Revival comes “by the Spirit of the Lord” (Judges 3:10). Redemption comes through the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. As we look to God for both redemption and revival, we say, “In God, I trust, I will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:4,11). 

Day 126

Judges 4:1-5:31; John 4:43-5:15; Psalm 57:1-6

“God sends His love and faithfulness” (Psalm 57:3).
When we’re reading a book like Judges, we must remember the faithful love of God. When we remember God’s faithful love, we will look beyond the events recorded in Judges. We will catch a glimpse of God’s presence and purpose. Whatever may be happening in our lives, let’s remember this: God is there, and He is fulfilling His purpose of “love and faithfulness.” In Jesus Christ, the love and faithfulness of God are seen more clearly than anywhere else. In His healing, we see Him declaring the “love and faithfulness” of God. Rejoicing in God’s faithful love, let us say, from our hearts, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:5).

Day 127

Judges 6:1-7:8a; John 5:16-30; Psalm 57:7-11

The source of Gideon’s spiritual strength lay in the Lord – “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). The source of Jesus’ strength lay in God the Father – “the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can only do what He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). When we realize the source of our spiritual strength, we are able to say, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast” (Psalm 57:7).

Day 128

Judges 7:8b-8:35; John 5:31-47; Proverbs 11:19-28

“No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals” (Judges 8:33). “John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light” (John 5:35) – “For a time”, but note their response to Jesus -”I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not accept Me” (John 5:43). “The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless” (Proverbs 11:20). How important it is not to settle for a superficial religion, which can be easily overthrown when Satan comes in with an unbelieving alternative which does not honour the Lord Jesus Christ. True faith honours Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Day 129

Judges 9:1-57; John 6:1-24; Psalm 58:1-11

“Surely there is a God who judges the earth” (Psalm 58:11). “God repaid the wickedness … ” (Judges 9:54).
The Holy God speaks to us of His judgment upon sinners. He speaks to us His Word of warning, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). In love, He is calling us to return to Him. He pleads with us, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). God’s Word of warning comes to us as part of His call to receive His gift of salvation through faith in Christ – “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3).
Two ways are set before us – the way of “those who shrink back and are destroyed” and the way of “those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:39). What does it mean to have faith in Christ and be saved by Him? To gain a clearer understanding of what faith in Christ as Saviour is, it may be helpful to note what it is not.
In John 6:14-15, we see two inadequate responses to Jesus Christ – “After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.”
* First, He’s described as “the Prophet.” A prophet is someone who brings a message from God. The prophets preach God’s Word. Is Jesus just the greatest of the prophets? – No! He’s much more than that. He doesn’t only preach God’s Word. He is God’s Word. He doesn’t only pass on God’s message to us. He is God’s Message. If Jesus was no more than the greatest prophet, He would still be leaving salvation in our own hands – “Here’s the way you should live. Do your best to follow my teaching.” That’s not Good News for sinners who need to receive forgiveness. That just reminds us of our failure to live up to the message that is preached to us. Thank God – Jesus is more than the greatest preacher who ever lived. He is God’s only Son. He’s our perfect Saviour.
* Second, He’s described as a “king.” Throughout history, there have been many kings. Some of them have been great kings. There have also been some terrible kings. Is Jesus just one of the kings – even the best king there’s ever been? If that’s all that He is, we’re again left with a problem. A king is someone we should look up to – some deserve more respect than others. We need more than someone to look up to. We need Someone who has come down to our level. An old hymn asks the question, “Who came down to earth from heaven?” It gives the Gospel answer – “Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
There have been many prophets. There have been many kings. There’s only one Saviour – “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). There is only one Man concerning whom God’s Word says, ‘Believe in Him and you will be saved” – it’s the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). If we want to be saved, we don’t go to the “prophets” and “kings” and say, “What can you do for me?” They can do nothing for us. Like us, they must look away from themselves to Jesus. Like us, they must pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Like us, they must come in faith to Jesus and receive salvation as God’s “free gift” (Romans 3:23-24; 6:23).

Day 130

Judges 10:1-11:40; John 6:25-29; Psalm 59:1-8

“Deliver me from my enemies” (Psalm 59:1).
The Psalmist had enemies. The people of Israel had enemies. Jesus had enemies. We have enemies. There will, however, be a Day of God’s judgment. There will be deliverance for the Lord’s people. No mercy will be shown to wicked traitors. The Lord will “laugh at them.” He will “scoff at all those nations” (Psalm 59:5,8).

Day 131

Judges 12:1-13:25; John 6:60-7:13; Psalm 59:9-17

Judges tells us of Samson, a man of great strength. The Psalmist teaches us that true strength comes from the Lord. Samson’s true strength was God-given. Our true strength is God-given. True strength is more than physical strength. It’s spiritual strength. The Psalmist says to God, “O my Strength, I watch for You … I will sing of your strength … O my Strength, I sing praise to You” (Psalm 59:9,16-17). We receive this strength as we read the Word of the Lord. When Jesus asked His disciples if they were about to draw back from following Him, Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Day 132

Judges 14:1-15:20; John 7:14-44; Proverbs 11:29-12:7

True strength comes from the Spirit of the Lord – “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson) in power” (Judges 14:19); “Whoever believes in Me (Jesus), as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within him. By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive” (John 7:38-39). This strength is not only inner strength. It’s strength that’s to be used to benefit others – “he who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

Day 133

Judges 16:1-17:13; John 7:45-8:11; Psalm 60:1-4

Samson “killed many more when he died than while he lived” (Judges 16:30). The chief priests and Pharisees were anxious to bring Jesus in – to destroy Him. Little did they realize that His death was to be His greatest victory. Even when His people are at a very low ebb, God does not abandon them. His purpose is restoration – “for those who fear You, You have raised a banner” (Psalm 60:4). Jesus was brought low. He was raised again. We may be brought low. We will be raised again.

Day 134

Judges 18:1-19:30; John 8:12-30; Psalm 60:5-12

In Judges, we read of idolatry and adultery. Into this kind of situation comes the Lord’s warning – “if you do not believe that I am He, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24). There is much resistance to the Gospel. There will, however, be those who believe – “Even as He spoke, many believed in Him” (John 8:30). In a situation full of many temptations, we must learn to say, with the Psalmist, “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies” (Psalm 60:11-12). The problems are great. The Lord is greater. There are many difficulties. With the Lord on our side, we will be victorious – victors in Christ.

Day 135

Judges 20:1-21:25; John 8:31-59; Psalm 61:1-8

The Book of Judges ends on a very sad note: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit (or “everyone did what was right in his own eyes”)” (Judges 21:25). The sadness doesn’t come from the political situation – “no king”. It comes from the moral and spiritual situation – people doing as they pleased with respect for the authority of God and His Word. In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders refused to crown Jesus as King of their lives. When He spoke to them of the truth which could set them free, they said that they didn’t need to be set free (John 8:32-33). Persisting in their unbelief, they confronted Jesus: “Who do you think you are?” (John 8:53). Israel had times when there was “no king”. They had times when there was a king. We now have a King who is greater than all Israel’s kings. Jesus is the King of kings. He is “enthroned in God’s presence for ever” (Psalm 61:7).

Day 136

Ruth 1:1-2:23; John 9:1-34; Proverbs 12:8-17

Difficult situations can be turned around to glorify God (John 9:3). The story of Ruth is the story of mourning turned to rejoicing. In John 9, we have darkness turned into light, blindness to sight. This is the story of “amazing grace” – “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25). The story of Ruth is a story of blessing – “He who works his land will have abundant food” (Proverbs 12:11). The story of the blind man is the story of “a truthful witness giving honest testimony” (Proverbs 12:17).

Day 137

Ruth 3:1-4:22; John 9:35-10:21; Psalms 62:1-12

The book of Ruth ends by locating Ruth within the family tree of David, the shepherd-king. He, in his turn, forms part of the family tree of Christ, “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). David, the shepherd of Israel, pointed away from himself to Christ, “the Good Shepherd” who “lays down His life for the sheep … only to take it up again” (John 10:11,17). The words of David point us to Christ – “He alone is my Rock and my Salvation” (Psalm 62:2).

Day 138

1 Samuel 1:1-2:26; John 10:22-42; Psalms 63:1-11

“Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:13). They “sinned against the Lord” – “they did not listen to their father’s rebuke” (1 Samuel 2:25). God is calling us back from this way of living. He is showing us the better way – “the boy Samuel continued to grow … in favour with the Lord” (1 Samuel 2;26). It’s the way of listening to the Lord – “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). In Proverbs 29:1, there’s a very challenging word of warning: “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Such words of warning are also found in the New Testament.  Jesus said, “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 2:29). Our response to such words is not to attempt to give ‘the perfect answer’ to the question, “What is the blasphemy against the Spirit”? We are to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16).   John the Baptist warned his hearers to “flee from the coming wrath” (Luke 3:7). Once again, the goal is not to gain “a perfect understanding” of “the coming wrath.” We are to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8).  Hebrews 2:3 says “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” Here, the emphasis is on God’s great salvation. This is what changes us – “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14). Are there people who have hardened their hearts so much and so often that they have committed the sin of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit? The Word of God says that this can happen to any of us. It also says that there’s a better way of living. God’s way is beautifully summed up in the words of the chorus: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” We can harden our hearts when we persist in sinning against the Lord. We cannot soften our own hearts. We can only pray, “Soften my heart, Lord.” It’s His love which changes us. In Jesus’ day, there were people who refused to listen to Him – “the Jews picked up stones to stone Him” (John 10:31). Jesus shows us a better way -”My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). In Psalm 63: 11, there’s a word of warning – “the mouths of liars will be silenced.” Once again, there’s a better way – “rejoice in God.” Romans 3:4 says, “Let God be true, and every human being a liar.” What’s God saying to us here? – Don’t believe the devil’s lie. He tells us that we can live any way we like. That’s the way of book of Judges ends – “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). How can we be delivered from a life of “ungodliness and unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18)? – Paul gives us this great answer – “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Day 139

1 Samuel 2:27-4:22; John 11:1-44; Psalms 64:1-10

In the days of Samuel’s youth, “the word of the Lord was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1). Nevertheless, “the lamp of God had not yet gone out” (1 Samuel 3:3). God began to do a new work, with Samuel at the very heart of it. This new work was like a “resurrection”, out of the ashes came life – “Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out” (John 11:43-44). This is the kind of thing that God was doing in Samuel’s day: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle” (1 Samuel 3:11). The results of such a mighty work of God are described in Psalm 64:9-10: “All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what He has done. The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will glory in Him!”

Day 140

1 Samuel 5:1-7:17; John 11:45-12:11; Proverbs 12:18-27

In Samuel’s day, there was conflict between the god of the Philistines (Dagon) and the God of Israel. It was no contest – “there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord!” (1 Samuel 5:3-4). In Jesus’ day, there was conflict between the religion of the Jews and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Jewish religious leaders were concerned about their place and their nation. They didn’t see the most important thing – the glory of God. God was being glorified in the ministry of Jesus (John 11:47-48). “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19) – when the Philistines and the Pharisees have been silenced, “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

Day 141

1 Samuel 8:1-10:8; John 12:12-36; Psalm 65:1-13

Saul was an unworthy king. Jesus is the King who is altogether worthy – “Blessed is the King of Israel” (John 12:13). We are to bring “praise” to “God our Saviour”. We are to “shout for joy and sing” (Psalm 65:1,5,13). He is worthy of all praise, glory and honour. There is no other who can compare with Jesus, the King of kings.

Day 142

1 Samuel 10:9-12:25; John 12:37-13:17; Psalm 66:1-12

Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:5). Samuel prayed for the people (1 Samuel 12:23). Those who truly love will, like Jesus and Samuel, live to serve others. This life of service is to be combined with a life of worship. We are to “shout with joy to God.” We are to “sing the glory of His Name.” We are to “make His praise glorious” (Psalm 66:1-2). The two aspects of the godly life, the life which glorifies God, are summed up in the twofold commandment – love God and love your neighbour.

Day 143

1 Samuel 13:1-14:23; John 13:18-38; Psalm 66:13-20

We must never be proud, taking the grace and power of God for granted. We must learn from those who fell from the Lord: (a) Saul did “a foolish thing” – he did not keep the command which had been given to him by the Lord his God (1 Samuel 13:13); (b) Judas betrayed the Lord; (c) Peter denied the Lord. We must dedicate ourselves to the Lord – “I will … fulfill my vows to you — vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke” (Psalm 66:13-14).

Day 144

1 Samuel 14:24-15:35; John 14:1-31; Proverbs 12:28-13:9

“To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me … Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching” (John 14:21,23). “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality” (Proverbs 12:28). God is looking for an obedient people. This is the way of blessing – “The light of the righteous shines brightly” (Proverbs 13:9).

Day 145

1 Samuel 16:1-17:37; John 15:1-16:4; Psalm 67:1-7

David was able to face Goliath with confidence in God – “The Lord will deliver me” (1 Samuel 17:37). Saul, then, said to him, “Go, and the Lord be with you” (1 Samuel 17:38). Jesus’ disciples were able to go forward in their mission with confidence in God, since Jesus had said to them, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16). With the Psalmist, we must learn to affirm our faith in God as the One who will give the blessing both to us and through us: “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him” (Psalm 67:7). However great the task may be, God is greater. There is no ‘Goliath’ too strong for the Lord, as He makes His “salvation known among all nations” (Psalm 67:2).

Day 146

1 Samuel 17:38-18:30; John 16:5-17:5; Psalm 68:1-6

At the heart of David’s triumph over Goliath, there is this great testimony: “it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47). When we face ‘Goliaths’ in our own experience, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered … may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God” (Psalm 68:1,3).

Day 147

1 Samuel 19:1-20:42; John 17:6-26; Psalm 68:7-14

In the story of David and Jonathan, we have a great picture of human friendship. In Jesus’ prayer (John 17), we learn so much about our friendship with God. When we have been with God in the place of prayer, as Jesus was, we are empowered for service: “The Lord announced the Word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it” (Psalm 68:11).

Day 148

1 Samuel 21:1-23:29; John 18:1-24; Proverbs 13:10-19

David was delivered from his pursuer, Saul. David became the king of Israel. Jesus was delivered into the hands of His enemies. Following His resurrection, Jesus was declared to be the King of kings. “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Proverbs 13:14). There is a way that leads from death to life. Jesus leads us in this way. He went to death for us. He rose to life for us.

Day 149

1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 18:25-40; Psalm 68:15-20

“The Lord … has appointed David leader over Israel” (1 Samuel 25:30). Christ’s Kingship is far greater than David’s – “My Kingdom is not of this world … My Kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36). Our God reigns (Psalm 68:16). His reign is seen in His work of salvation: “Praise be to the Lord our God … Our God is a God who saves …” (Psalm 68:19-20).

Day 150

1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 19:1-27; Psalm 68:21-27

To be “the King of the Jews” was a great honour. David recognized this when he said, “But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:11). Pilate didn’t. He sent Jesus “to the cross” with this “notice … Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews” (John 19:19). Psalm 68:24 speaks of “the procession of our God and king into the sanctuary.” When we understand the divine Kingship in the light of the Cross, we see Jesus, “carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull …” (John 19:17). This is the inner sanctuary, the Holy of holies – Jesus Christ, “the King of the Jews”, going to the Cross for a world of lost sinners.

Day 151

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 19:28-20:9; Psalm 68:28-35

The contrast between the death of Saul, the first king of the Jews, and Jesus, the true King of the Jews, is striking. Saul’s death was a tragedy. Jesus’ death was a triumph. The contrast is the difference between a man who said, “it is enough” (Saul had had enough of life, and he wanted to live no longer) and the Man who said, “It is finished” (Jesus completed all that the Father had given Him to do). 1 Samuel ends with a burial (1 Samuel 31:13). John’s Gospel goes beyond a burial to a resurrection. Psalm 68:35 – “You, God, are awesome in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people.” Those who meet God at the inner sanctuary – the Cross of Jesus Christ – discover the power and strength of the Christ who is no longer dead, the Christ who has risen from the dead.