Monday, January 3, 2022

The Daily Bible Readings for Monday, January 3, 2022

 

The Daily Bible Readings
Monday, January 3, 2022
Psalm 72; Job 42:10-17; Luke 8:16-21
with commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

Introduction & Summary

In today’s lectionary readings, our psalm is a glimpse of prophecy, Solomon praying for the Royal Son of God, the one who lives forever and the one to whom all kings will bow—the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In our reading in Job, Job ended up much better off than he was initially. He had considerably more than when he began his suffering, and even though God did not answer Job why he was allowed to suffer so terribly, in the end, Job had more blessings than any man or the face of the earth at that time. The application for Christians today is that God will bless those who endure to the end and that someday, God will reward us with unbelievable blessings that can not compare with what we have today (Rom 8:18, 28). Until then, we can not fully grasp the purpose of God, but we know that He will not allow us to suffer into eternity. One important thing is that Satan could not lay a finger on Job, nor can he on us. God will not allow this (Job 1:12; I John 4:4).

Our gospel reading is the parable of the lamp. This parable is about what we should do with the Word of God once we have received it. That is, it needs to be shared. Verse 18 tells us that as we gain a greater understanding of the Kingdom of God, we are more disposed—that is, our heart is more fertile—to receive the Word. If we have misunderstood the Word, then in sharing, the misunderstanding will be cleared away—as long as we hear with humility.

Our verse of the day turns the focus of Paul’s letter from the Christians of Crete to a discussion of the grace of God. The mention of the appearance of grace references Jesus Christ and His appearance on earth (John 1:14). The grace Jesus brought was responsible for “bringing salvation for all people.” In the past, talk of salvation was primarily focused on the Jews as God’s chosen people. However, with the coming of Jesus, the message of salvation was spreading to both Jews and Gentiles.

Today’s Verse of the Day:
Titus 2:11-12

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Salvation is available to everyone because of the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross (John 3:16–18). However, not all will be saved because some will reject the provision for forgiveness He offers and will bear the full penalty of their sins (John 3:36). Those who remain stubborn and refuse God’s grace will be excluded from salvation because they have chosen disobedience over obedience.

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
From the Psalter
Psalm 72
Prayers for the King

1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
     the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
     your afflicted ones with justice.

3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
     the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
     and save the children of the needy;
     may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure as long as the sun,
     as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
     like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
     and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

8 May he rule from sea to sea
     and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
     and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
      bring tribute to him.
   May the kings of Sheba and Seba
      present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
      and all nations serve him.

12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
      the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
      and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
      for precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live!
      May gold from Sheba be given him.
   May people ever pray for him
      and bless him all day long.
16 May grain abound throughout the land;
      on the tops of the hills may it sway.
   May the crops flourish like Lebanon
      and thrive like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
      may it continue as long as the sun.

   Then all nations will be blessed through him,
      and they will call him blessed.

18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
      who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
      may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
   Amen and Amen.

20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Commentary

David begins with a prayer for Solomon. (1) He passes into a prophecy of the glories of his reign, and of Christ's kingdom. (2-17) Praise to God. (18-20)

Verse 1: This psalm belongs to Solomon in part, but to Christ more fully and clearly. Solomon was both the king and the king's son, and his pious father desired that the wisdom of God might be in him, that his reign might be a remembrance of the kingdom of the Messiah. It is the prayer of a father for his child; a dying blessing. The best we can ask of God for our children is, that God would give them wisdom and grace to know and to do their duty.

Verses 2-17: This is a prophecy of the kingdom of Christ; many passages in it cannot be applied to the reign of Solomon. There were righteousness and peace at first in the administration of his government; but, before the end of his reign, there were troubles and unrighteousness. The kingdom here spoken of is to last as long as the sun, but Solomon's was soon at an end. Even the Jewish expositors understood it of the kingdom of the Messiah. Observe many great and precious promises here made, which were to have full accomplishment only in the kingdom of Christ. As far as his kingdom is set up, discord and contentions cease, in families, churches, and nations. The law of Christ, written in the heart, disposes men to be honest and just, and to render to all their due; it likewise disposes men to live in love, and so produces abundance of peace. Holiness and love shall be lasting in Christ's kingdom. Through all the changes of the world, and all the changes of life, Christ's kingdom will support itself. And he shall, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit, come down like rain upon the mown grass; not on that cut down, but that which is left growing, that it may spring again. His gospel has been, or shall be, preached to all nations. Though he needs not the services of any, yet he must be served with the best. Those that have the wealth of this world, must serve Christ with it, do good with it. Prayer shall be made through him, or for his sake; whatever we ask of the Father, should be in his name. Praises shall be offered to him: we are under the highest obligations to him. Christ only shall be feared throughout all generations. To the end of time, and to eternity, his name shall be praised. All nations shall call HIM blessed.

Verses 18-20: We are taught to bless God in Christ, for all he has done for us by him. David is earnest in prayer for the fulfillment of this prophecy and promise. It is sad to think how empty the earth is of the glory of God, how little service and honor he has from a world to which he is so bountiful. May we, like David, submit to Christ's authority, and partake of his righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives, praying for the spread of his gospel.


From the Books of Wisdom
Job 42:10-17
Job’s Family

42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

12 The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. 15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.

16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so Job died, an old man and full of years.

Commentary

Job's renewed prosperity.

In the beginning of this book we had Job's patience under his troubles, for an example; here, for our encouragement to follow that example, we have his happy end. His troubles began in Satan's malice, which God restrained; his restoration began in God's mercy, which Satan could not oppose. Mercy did not return when Job was disputing with his friends, but when he was praying for them. God is served and pleased with our warm devotions, not with our warm disputes. God doubled Job's possessions. We may lose much for the Lord, but we shall not lose any thing by him. Whether the Lord gives us health and temporal blessings or not, if we patiently suffer according to his will, in the end we shall be happy. Job's estate increased. The blessing of the Lord makes rich; it is he that gives us power to get wealth, and gives success in honest endeavors. The last days of a good man sometimes prove his best, his last works his best works, his last comforts his best comforts; for his path, like that of the morning light, shines more and more unto the perfect day.


From the Gospels
Luke 8:16-21
Jesus’ Family

8:16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.”

21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Commentary

The parable of the Lamp.

Christ's kingdom is spiritual, and not of this world. Christianity does not meddle with politics; it obliges all to do justly, but wordly dominion is not founded in grace. It does not encourage expectations of worldly advantages by religion. The rewards of Christ's disciples are of another nature. We mistake if we think that thoughts are hid, and thoughts are free. When he saw a great crop upon his ground, instead of thanking God for it, or rejoicing to be able to do more good, he afflicts himself. What shall I do now? The poorest beggar in the country could not have said a more anxious word. The more men have, the more perplexity they have with it. It was folly for him to think of making no other use of his plenty, than to indulge the flesh and gratify the sensual appetites, without any thought of doing good to others. Carnal worldlings are fools; and the day is coming when God will call them by their own name, and they will call themselves so. The death of such persons is miserable in itself, and terrible to them. Thy soul shall be required. He is loth to part with it; but God shall require it, shall require an account of it, require it as a guilty soul to be punished without delay. It is the folly of most men, to mind and pursue that which is for the body and for time only, more than that for the soul and eternity.



Today’s Lectionary Readings are selected from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, a three-year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2021 was Year B. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org. The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible.

The Morning Prayer for Monday, January 3, 2022

 

The Morning Prayer
Monday, January 3, 2022


The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’”
Isaiah 62:11, NIV


Lord our God, we thank you that we may go to meet you with open hearts, with jubilant faith, and with this joyful shout, “God's salvation is coming! Through Jesus Christ day is dawning on earth for all nations.” Stay with us and help us. Send us your Spirit to strengthen us, especially in times of trouble. Let all nations come before you. Let us tell all peoples, “Be comforted. The salvation of our God, who is also your God, is coming. In this salvation we will rejoice together forevermore to the glory of our God.” Amen.

Verse of the Day for Monday, January 3, 2022

 

Verse of the Day
Monday, January 3, 2022


Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Salvation is available to everyone because of the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross (John 3:16–18). However, not all will be saved because some will reject the provision for forgiveness He offers and will bear the full penalty of their sins (John 3:36). Those who remain stubborn and refuse God’s grace will be excluded from salvation because they have chosen disobedience over obedience.

Read all of Titus Chapter 2

Listen to Titus Chapter 2


Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Our Daily Bread — When Love Never Ends

 

When Love Never Ends

The Lord watches over all who love him. Psalm 145:20

READ Psalm 145:8–20

“Whenever my grandfather took me to the beach,” Sandra reminisced, “he always took off his watch and put it away. One day I asked him why.”

“He smiled and replied, ‘Because I want you to know how important my moments with you are to me. I just want to be with you and let time go by.’ ”

I heard Sandra share that recollection at her grandfather’s funeral. It was one of her favorite memories of their life together. As I reflected on how valued it makes us feel when others take time for us, it brought to mind Scripture’s words on God’s loving care.

God always makes time for us. David prayed in Psalm 145, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near” (vv. 16–18).

God’s goodness and thoughtful attention sustain our lives each moment, providing us with air to breathe and food to eat. Because He is rich in love, the Creator of all things mercifully crafts even the most intricate details of our existence.

God’s love is so deep and unending that in His kindness and mercy He’s even opened the way to eternal life and joy in His presence, as if to say, “I love you so much, I just want to be with you forever, and let time go by.”

By James Banks

REFLECT & PRAY


How does your availability to others reflect God’s faithful love for them? In what ways can you follow His example by making time for others today?

Father, thank You for Your perfect love. Please help me to praise You for it and to share it with others today.

Read God Is Love.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Psalm 145 is the last of David’s psalms and introduces the hymns of praise (Pss. 146–150) that fittingly complete the book. This psalm specifically praises God for His generosity and goodness toward His people. One special feature is the many different words it uses for “praise”: “exalt” (v. 1); “extol” (v. 2); “commends” and “tell” (v. 4); “speak” and “meditate” (v. 5); “proclaim” (v. 6); “celebrate” and “joyfully sing” (v. 7). Verse 8 extols God for being “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” For some, these phrases seem contrary to the God of wrath often depicted in the Old Testament. But He’s always been the God of justice and mercy! We see the phrase “gracious and compassionate” attributed to Him throughout the Old Testament (Exodus 34:6; 2 Chronicles 30:9; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2).

Alyson Kieda

The Twelve Days of Christmas - The Tenth Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Tenth Day

The 12 days of Christmas are the 12 days that separate Christmas Day on December 25 and ends on January 5, with the next day being Epiphany, which is celebrated January 6. Depending on the church, January 6 may mark Christ’s baptism (in the Catholic tradition), or it may mark the day that the wise men (or the Magi) visited Jesus with their gifts.

The Day of Epiphany is when the church celebrates the revelation of Christ as the light of the world and recalls the journey of the Magi. Magi means wise men.

From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During that era someone wrote ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas‘ as a kind of secret catechism that could be sung in public without risk of persecution. The song has two levels of interpretation: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality.

Some beliefs believe that the day after Christmas started the 12 Days of Christmas. You also hear some people think its the 12 days that lead up to Christmas. But reality, it starts on December 25, that is the first day.



The Tenth Day of Christmas


The carol says On The Tenth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave To Me...


Ten Lords A-Leaping

According to catechism hidden meaning it means …


The Ten Commandments
  1. “You shall have no other gods before me”
  2.  “You shall not make for yourself an image.”
  3. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”
  4.  “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
  5.  “Honor your father and your mother.”
  6.   “You shall not murder.”
  7.  “You shall not commit adultery.”
  8.  “You shall not steal.”
  9.  “You shall not give false testimony.”
  10.  “You shall not covet.”


The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are a set of commandments which the Bible describes as having been given to the Israelites by God at biblical Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments are listed twice in the Hebrew Bible, first at Exodus 20:1–17, and then at Deuteronomy 5:4–21. Both versions state that God inscribed them on two stone tablets, which he gave to Moses. According to New Testament writers, the Ten Commandments are clearly attributed to Moses (Mark 7:10, see also John 7:19).