8 January: Genesis 20-21, John 5:1-30, Psalm 8
Genesis 20-21
- "Once bitten twice shy" doesn't seem to work for Abraham here with his deceitful practice of claiming Sarah as a sister rather than as a wife. Nonetheless, God is "gracious" as both protects Sarah and does for her what he promised (21:1).
- One of the greatest moments of glory and joy comes on the heels of a tarnished episode of Abraham and Sarah conspiring to practice deceit. That's the grace of God in vivid detail!
John 5:1-30
- Jesus heals a man who has been an invalid for 38 years. The man has slid into a state of learned helplessness and self pity. Jesus cuts through all that with a simple question "Do you want to get well?"
- What have I learned to accept in my life that needs to be healed? Materialism, worldly reputation, thoughtlessness, laziness? Do I want to get to well? Really?
- Jesus can do it; he can heal. He can raise the dead with his voice. He indeed took me from dead in sins to alive in Christ!
Psalm 8
- Another great Psalm of glory and praise - no wonder it is a favorite hymn. No one is around right now, so I'll sing through it.