One Year Bible - January 28
Scriptures to read:
Luke 20:27-47; Genesis 37; Psalm 28
The specter of death weighs more heavily on our country than any time since World War II. What a gnawing fear we face, not knowing how or when we, or our loved ones, might contract COVID-19. For my family it also triggers the pain of losing our son Peter to suicide in 2008. The finality of death accompanied by waves of sadness seems to leave little room for recovery or hope.
Today’s readings speak directly to our fear and struggle with earthly death. In Luke 20, Jesus goes far beyond the question of eternal life by explaining some practical details of how resurrection will actually work. In Genesis 27 we see Jacob’s grief for the death of his son Joseph. God allowed Jacob to go through such pain, even though Joseph had not actually died, as part of His plan of salvation for his people. Then, in Psalm 28:1, David expresses the ultimate fear, that we might die without the protection of God or a relationship with Him.
Gigi and I shared David’s fear when Peter died. We lacked faith that resurrection and eternal life had enveloped Peter. Then, several years ago we received a strange phone call. Someone in Nebraska had bought a Bible on eBay that had the program of Peter’s memorial service in it. The chain of events taking that Bible to this man was amazing enough, but what came next was astonishing. He was a prophetic believer, and he assured us that Peter was in heaven. Despite our stubborn unbelief God used this man to give us hope and renewed strength. We learned that, with faith, death can truly lose its power to paralyze and distract us.
Memory Verse: Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands to your most holy sanctuary. - Psalm 28:2
Prayer: Father, thank you for surprising us with hope and joy amidst our confusion and pain. Help us to lean on one another for comfort and strength. Forgive our lack of faith and may we grow in love and dependence on you. Amen.
