One Year Bible - January 29
Scriptures to read:
My favorite book (besides the Bible of course) is J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The first time reading it, my stomach clenched, heart pounded, and I exclaimed “oh no!” during some dark chapters, like when the heroes went through the mines of Moria and Gandalf was lost to the Balrog, or when Frodo was captured by orcs and brought to the Tower of Cirith Ungol. (Sorry to sound nerdy to non-fans.) Having re-read it countless times over the years, I’m no longer nervous during the “oh no!” chapters because I know the glorious ending and can contentedly sigh “oh yes!” when done.
In the same way, today’s bible reading describes some dark events which can cause us to say, “oh no!”. In Luke 21, Jesus describes the coming end times, including earthquakes, famines, pestilence, great anguish and terror. He warns of persecution, imprisonment and death of his followers. Despite these “oh no” events for believers in the end times, Jesus says to “stand firm and you will win life” and promises that he will come in a cloud with power and great glory. Withstanding the dark times will bring the triumphant “oh yes” future of being with Jesus forever.
Genesis 38 depicts the uncomfortable story of Judah and Tamar, with Judah misleading, then mistaking his daughter-in-law as a prostitute. Reading this account makes one think “oh no, seriously?!” Yet amazingly, despite Judah’s sin and Tamar’s deception, they have the honor of being listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:3). Oh yes, God used flawed people and allowed a happy ending.
When I was going through a particularly dark “oh no!” chapter in my life, my stomach clenched, and heart ached. A wise friend reminded me that the chapter would end and there would be better chapters ahead with a triumphant ending. Trusting that God had the “oh yes” chapters and ending already written for me helped dispel the anxiety and indeed that chapter passed.
Ironically, a few days ago, I entered a new dark chapter unexpectedly. Again, my stomach is clenching, and my heart is aching. I know it’s easier said than done to say “Trust God” but that is what is sustaining me.
Psalm 29 proclaims the glory, splendor, power and holiness of our divine author, and promises that he gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace. Let’s persevere through the difficult “oh no” chapters, rejoice that he has written “oh yes” chapters and the triumphant ending. As his children, we look forward to being with him forever, where we can contentedly proclaim, “oh yes!”
Memory Verse: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. - Luke 21:33
Prayer: We ascribe to you, Lord, the glory due your name! Praise to you, almighty God, the author and finisher of our faith and of our lives. You are omniscient, knowing all things past, present and future. Forgive us for despairing when we are in difficult chapters of our lives. Remind us that we don’t need to know what’s going to happen, we just need to trust you because you know! Thank you for the strength you give us and for blessing us with your peace. Amen.
