The Daily Lectionary for FRIDAY, January 4, 2019

Acts 7:49/Isaiah 66:1

The Daily Lectionary

FRIDAY, January 4, 2019

(Revised Common Lectionary Year C)

Psalm 72

Prayer for Guidance and Support for the King
Of Solomon.
1  Give the king your justice, O God,
     and your righteousness to a king’s son.
2  May he judge your people with righteousness,
     and your poor with justice.
3  May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,
     and the hills, in righteousness.
4  May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
     give deliverance to the needy,
     and crush the oppressor.

5  May he live while the sun endures,
     and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.
6  May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
     like showers that water the earth.
7  In his days may righteousness flourish
     and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

8  May he have dominion from sea to sea,
     and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9  May his foes bow down before him,
     and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles
     render him tribute,
   may the kings of Sheba and Seba
     bring gifts.
11 May all kings fall down before him,
     all nations give him service.

12 For he delivers the needy when they call,
     the poor and those who have no helper.
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,
     and saves the lives of the needy.
14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
     and precious is their blood in his sight.

15 Long may he live!
     May gold of Sheba be given to him.
   May prayer be made for him continually,
     and blessings invoked for him all day long.
16 May there be abundance of grain in the land;
     may it wave on the tops of the mountains;
     may its fruit be like Lebanon;
   and may people blossom in the cities
     like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever,
     his fame continue as long as the sun.
   May all nations be blessed in him;
     may they pronounce him happy.

18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
     who alone does wondrous things.
19 Blessed be his glorious name forever;
     may his glory fill the whole earth.
   Amen and Amen.

20 The prayers of David son of Jesse are ended.

Isaiah 6:1-5

A Vision of God in the Temple
6:1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

   “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
   the whole earth is full of his glory.”

4 The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Acts 7:44-53

7:44 “Our ancestors had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, as God directed when he spoke to Moses, ordering him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46 who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands; as the prophet says,

49 ‘Heaven is my throne,
     and the earth is my footstool.
   What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
     or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53 You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.”

Optional parts of the readings are set off in square brackets.

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year C. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2019, we will be in Year A. The year which ended at Advent 2018 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 on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.’

The Morning Prayer

Friday Morning Prayer

Lord on this day I am aware of the troubles and darkness in our world. Please come and lead me in prayers for my community, my nation and the world. You are the light that shines in the bleakest times, let your Kingdom be built on earth. May those who suffer be comforted, may those who are at war search for peace, and may those who are in pain find healing.

God, your word instructs us to be ready to give an answer for the faith that is within us. When that time comes, Lord, make us bold to proclaim that your love surpasses human knowledge. Let our answer be actions that mirror your love.

For the riches and fullness of our lives we praise You, O Lord. Your gift of life is precious, and even when surrounded by evils of all kinds, we acknowledge Your goodness to us. This goodness we have experienced in the unbounded mercy You showed us in Your dying and rising for us. We encounter it in the signs of Your presence and care in even the tiniest blessings of daily life. Forgive us our all too frequent failures to recognize Your gift of life in all its many facets. Forgive us for tarnishing the lives of others through thoughtless actions and the hurts we cause them. Instead, make us agents of Your enrichment of their lives and witnesses to Your salvation.

May Friday be a thoughtful day when Your Spirit leads my prayer. I trust each trouble small and wide, with faith into Your care. Let Friday always prompt my heart to stand upon the truth. Darkness has been overcome the Earth belongs to You.

Amen

Verse of the Day for FRIDAY, January 4, 2019

Micah 6:8 (NIV) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Read all of Micah 6

Listen to Micah 6

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - The Eleventh Day

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Eleventh 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 Eleventh Day of Christmas

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

Eleven Pipers Piping

According to catechism hidden meaning it means …

The Eleven Faithful Apostles. As we know there were 12 Apostles, or known as Disciples. One of them betrayed Jesus. That was Judas, he was the unfaithful one. 

1. Simon Peter
2. Andrew
3. James (the son of Zebedee)
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James (the son of Alphaeus)
10. Thaddaeus
11. Simon the Zealot

Un dia a la Vez - En la tormenta hay crecimiento

En la tormenta hay crecimiento

Cuando cruces las aguas, yo estaré contigo [...] Yo soy el Señor, tu Dios [...] tu salvador.

~ Isaías 43:2-3 (NVI)

Ayer te comentaba que un divorcio es algo que te marca para toda la vida y que solo el amor de Dios nos ayuda a superar la pérdida y comenzar una nueva vida.

No sé cuál sea tu tormenta, ni cuál sea tu problema, ni qué clase de dolor estás sintiendo con esa situación que estás viviendo y que parece interminable. Lo que sí te puedo asegurar es que si en medio de lo que estás viviendo comprendes que Dios está contigo y no te levantas en su contra, la salida a esa situación estará más cercana.

Las pruebas nos dan crecimiento espiritual, desarrollan cada vez más nuestra fe y nos acercan más a Dios. Así que, no te rindas. Recuerda que hay promesas para ti. Aunque ahora no entiendas el porqué Dios te está llevando por esta situación, sí puedes descansar pensando que después de la tormenta viene la calma.

Un Día a la Vez Copyright © by Claudia Pinzón
Ayer te comentaba que un divorcio es algo que te marca para toda la vida y que solo el amor de Dios nos ayuda a superar la pérdida y comenzar una nueva vida.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - FAITH AND FEAR

FAITH AND FEAR

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

~ Mark 4:38-40 (NIV)

Storms often bring out our true spiritual condition. Jesus was in the boat but the disciples still feared for their lives. He chastised them for their fear and their little faith! Thus our greatest need is not for the storm to end but to be freed from fear and have faith in Him while the storm rages.

At an SSTS seminar in Central Asia, our translator looked at us at the close of our three-day session and commented, “Thank you for teaching us how to stand strong. God spoke to me a lot through this seminar. I was afraid to die but not anymore. I have peace to go and spread God’s Word.” She is now serving the Lord in a dangerous but strategic mission in her region.

A middle aged man in North Korea was arrested after the police found a Bible in his home. He was terribly beaten and certain he would die. A Christian friend said, “When he came to faith, he made the decision that one day he would die for Christ. Every Christian in North Korea has made that choice. Every Christian in the country has the spirit of martyrdom in him. If you lose that spirit for one second, you cannot carry the burden of being a follower of Jesus.”

A significant factor in dealing with fear—especially fear of dying—is realizing that we are already dead in Christ (Galatians 2:20). Former Open Doors colleague, Hector Tamez, says that this concept is clearly seen in the lives of Christians living in war zones of Latin America. The Christians, who were caught in the civil war between the government and Shining Path guerrillas in Peru, are a classic example for us. Here is how Hector expresses their commitment:

They know that they are going to be killed. And they say, “In order to be a Christian here, you have to recognize that you are already dead in Christ. Once you recognize this, then any day that passes by in your life is a gain.”

In some countries, surviving one day or one year means that you have one God-given day or year to testify not only with your words but with your deeds. Fear should not control your life! Christ should control your life!

RESPONSE: When storms come my way, I will let them help me assess my own spiritual condition. I will affirm God’s power to overcome fear and live by faith in Him.

PRAYER: Ask God to forgive you for your times of fearfulness and lack of faith. Pray that all members of the persecuted church would have faith in Jesus like these Peruvian believers.

Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

Men of the Bible - Cain and Abel

Cain and Abel

Cain

His work: As the first child of Adam and Eve, Cain chose farming as his profession.
His character: He failed to be generous and was quick to be defensive and outright violent.
His sorrow: Like his father, Adam, Cain discovered God's severe punishment for his sin.
His triumph: In spite of God's curse on Cain's livelihood, God also promised to protect the man from his enemies.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 4

Abel

His work: Cain's younger brother, Abel, was the keeper of flocks.
His character: He was willing to offer the best he had to the Lord.
His sorrow: Brutally murdered at the hand of his brother, Cain.
His triumph: "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Key Scriptures: Genesis 4

A Look at the Men

How could two brothers turn out so different?

Adam and Eve's first two children were boys. And, as siblings often do when they grow up, they chose different vocations.

Cain became an agriculturist. Working the soil, planting, and caring for his crops were his greatest delights. Cain's brother, Abel, became a herdsman. Tending, feeding, and protecting livestock became his occupation. Two good choices.

Both of these men knew God, introduced by parents who must have told them many stories of their own encounters with the Creator. Some of these accounts would have been painful recollections of Adam and Eve's sin and corresponding punishment. And others would have included God's mercy and grace—his loving pursuit of his wayward children, their remorse, their sacrifice and restoration to fellowship. The boys must have known these stories very well.

And so Adam and Eve's sons offered the results of their vocations to the Lord. Cain brought fruits, and his younger brother, Abel, brought animals to offer to God.

When one of Abel's flocks or herds delivered her firstborn, that animal was earmarked. This one belongs to the Lord, he thought to himself. It's the most prized and perfect.

But like a man reaching into his pocket for a little loose change to toss into the passing offering plate, Cain only brought "some of the fruits of the soil." This will have to be good enough, he reasoned. The premier crops he wanted to reserve for himself.

The offering might have been good enough for Cain, but his brother had done better. So like the laggard in school who resented the one who prepared for the test and spoiled the curve, Cain became "very angry." This was compounded, of course, because the "teacher"—the Lord himself—looked with favor on Abel's offering but with disfavor on Cain's.

Cain plotted against his faithful and obedient brother. "Let's go out to the field," he told his younger sibling. And there he killed him.

In the moments that followed, Cain heard God pronounce a lifelong sentence on his life. But God also promised his protection on the man. For the remainder of his life, Cain must have wondered why God had not killed him after what he had done to Abel. Instead, his life sentence was to live with the memory of his sin, while never forgetting the mystery—and the bounty—of God's grace and mercy.

Reflect On: Genesis 4
Praise God: Because nothing escapes him. He knows the state of our hearts.
Offer Thanks: That God hasn’t left us in the dark, but speaks clearly to us about what he requires.
Confess: Any patterns of anger that make you more vulnerable to sin.
Ask God: To search your heart and free you from the root causes of your anger.

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from Men of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Men in Scripture by Ann Spangler and Robert Wolgemuth (Zondervan). © 2010 by Ann Spangler. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Enjoy the complete book by purchasing your own copy at the Bible Gateway Store. The book's title must be included when sharing the above content on social media.
How could two brothers turn out so different?

Girlfriends in God - The Solution to Restlessness, Part One

The Solution to Restlessness, Part One

Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Truly my soul finds rest in God. (Psalm 62:1, NIV)

Friend to Friend

Cammie is a children’s ministry director at her church. One day, as she was preparing for the lesson she would teach on Sunday morning, she had an idea for a fun illustration that would require a few props. She asked her four-year-old daughter to help.

“Hey, Taylor! Can you please bring me a few of the Fisher Price people from your dollhouse?”

This reply came from her preschooler who was sitting across the room…

“No, Mom. They just want to chill out. They’ve had a long day.”

So funny… yet so not funny.

My word, people! When our children’s toys need a break, you know that it’s time for you and me to hit the pause button.

And, truth be told, I live smack dab in the messy middle of this tension.

The Old Testament indicates that David lived in the messy middle of it too. The Bible says that the Lord made David take a break. Yes. He made him do it. Look: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3, emphasis mine)

I love the way Psalm 23 verse 3 is paraphrased in The Message, “True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.”

Yes. Please.

This is the desire of my heart. That I can catch my breath and be sent in the right direction by a loving God who knows what is best.

So, I – you – we have to be intentional. Life comes at us fast. If we are not careful, the dizzy pace at which we live can unwittingly become our weakness and demise.

I know you know this. I do too and yet somehow it still trips us up.

So what’s a woman to do?

Let’s keep it real here; we have obligations. We have families, jobs, friends, communities, and churches that need us. And though this will look different for each of us in the many seasons of life, our people depend on us a ton. They should. God tells us to put our faith into action (James 2). And we must. We must mobilize the hope we have in Christ. Serve. Show love. Feed the hungry. Minister to the widows and orphans. Yes. We must be women of action.

The Bible gives a clear and compelling teaching, however, about this life-pace topic that establishes our first call to action must be focused on the Lord himself! This get-with-Jesus business is the key to us experiencing the maximum abundance that God has in store for every believer.

What it all boils down to is this: God’s BEST requires REST.

So simple… Yet so complicated.

It was Augustine who wrote, “God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”

Let me take this one step further by breaking down what the Word of God shows us about this very thing. When we rest in the presence of God, He restores our souls. Rest is the central ingredient in the restoration we all desperately need. Just look at the first four letters of the word!

Today (and in part two of this devotion) we are going to break down R.E.S.T. as an acronym and take a walk through Scripture to see just how God’s best for you is fueled by this discipline.

R.E.S.T. {Reflect. Engage. Surrender. Trust}

It all begins with reflection. There are two parts to this: reflecting ON God and allowing the Spirit of God to work within us so that we become better reflections OF God.

REFLECT on GOD:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago I will meditate on all Your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12)

 “I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.” (Psalm 143:5-6)

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

REFLECT GOD:

“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your principles!” (Psalm 119:5, NLT)

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is Spirit.”(2 Corinthians 3:18)

Meaningful reflection leads to the soul rest we long for.

Today let this truth sink in deep: when you reflect on God, you better reflect God.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, You are awesome and strong and gracious and kind. Your goodness knows no end. When I think about the ways You’ve brought hope, healing, and joy to my life I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Please help me to know you more – and to show you more – as I seek to find my rest in You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Grab your journal or a piece of paper and list:

• 3 works of God’s creation that you are grateful for
• 3 ways God has provided for you in the past
• 3 principles that God has called you to reflect in spite of your current challenges

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith’s book, I Want It ALL.

If you struggle with a restless heart, this is for you! Girlfriends in God cofounder Gwen Smith is hosting a FREE online Bible Study, a PSALM ADVENTURE, Part 2, beginning January 14th. We’ve gotten countless messages asking how you can know what God says about forgiveness, healing, fear, depression, finances, relationships and hope. You want to know and trust God more, and learn how to connect your personal struggles to His promises.

That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in Part 2 our PSALM ADVENTURE because we’re going right to the source of all grace and truth: the Bible. Join Gwen for this four-week study. LEARN MORE and REGISTER TODAY by visiting GwenSmith.net/PsalmAdventure.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God

www.girlfriendsingod.com

Cammie is a children’s ministry director at her church. One day, as she was preparing for the lesson she would teach on Sunday morning, she had an idea for a fun illustration that would require a few props.

LHM Daily Devotions - WALKING ON EGGSHELLS

"WALKING ON EGGSHELLS"

Jan. 4, 2019

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

~ Matthew 2:3 (ESV)

"And all Jerusalem with him." It makes sense that Herod would be troubled by news of a rival king, even a baby. But why would the people of Jerusalem be troubled along with him?

Anyone who has ever lived with someone like Herod could tell you the answer. They were probably afraid of what Herod might do in his rage.

Herod was a violent and unpredictable man. He even put to death some of his own sons and their mother, his favorite wife. Later, when he himself was dying, Herod had the leading men of the country imprisoned and gave orders that they should be killed as soon as he himself died, in order that there would be genuine mourning at his death. A man who would do things like that might do anything! No one in Jerusalem wanted to be around when Herod got upset.

How much better it is for us, who belong to the real King! We don't have to walk on eggshells around Jesus, or be afraid that He will do terrible things to us in His anger. Our King came to have mercy on us and to give His life for His people.

Our God is the opposite of abusive—He loves us, is patient with us, and calls us back to Him in faith and repentance, time after time after time. Even the weakest and most fragile people can come to Jesus without fear, knowing that He will welcome them and treat them with compassion; as Isaiah says, "He will not cry aloud or lift up His voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench" (Isaiah 42:2-3). Even little children are welcomed by Him.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, draw me close to You, trusting in Your compassion and mercy. Amen.

The Coming King REFLECTION QUESTIONS!

• Who is a person who always made you feel welcome and loved? Describe him or her.

• Have you ever had to live or work with someone of unpredictable temper? How did you cope?

• What does it mean to you, knowing that Christ is gentle and patient?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Who is a person who always made you feel welcome and loved? Describe him or her.

Devocional del CPTLN de 04 de Enero de 2019 -

ALIMENTO DIARIO

Pisando cáscaras de huevo

04 de Enero de 2019

Cuando el rey Herodes oyó esto se turbó, y toda Jerusalén con él.

~ Mateo 2:3 (RVC)

"Y toda Jerusalén con él." Tiene sentido que Herodes se preocupe por las noticias de un rey rival, aun cuando sea un recién nacido. ¿Pero por qué se turbaría toda la gente de Jerusalén junto con él?

Cualquiera que haya vivido alguna vez con alguien como Herodes podría darnos la respuesta: probablemente, porque tenían miedo de lo que Herodes podía hacer en su ira.

Herodes era un hombre violento e impredecible. Hasta había matado a algunos de sus propios hijos y a su esposa favorita. Más tarde, cuando él mismo estaba muriendo, hizo encarcelar a los principales hombres del país y ordenó que fueran asesinados tan pronto como él muriera, así en su muerte habría un luto verdadero. Un hombre que hacía cosas así era capaz de hacer cualquier cosa. ¡Nadie en Jerusalén quería estar cerca cuando se enojaba!

¡Qué diferente es para nosotros, que pertenecemos al Rey verdadero! Alrededor de Jesús no tenemos que andar como si estuviéramos pisando cáscaras de huevo, o con miedo de que en su enojo nos haga cosas terribles. Nuestro Rey vino a tener misericordia de nosotros y a dar su vida por su pueblo.

Nuestro Dios es lo opuesto al abuso: nos ama, es paciente con nosotros y nos llama a Él con fe y arrepentimiento una y otra vez. Incluso las personas más débiles y frágiles pueden acudir a Jesús sin miedo, sabiendo que él los recibirá y los tratará con compasión. Como dice Isaías: "No gritará ni levantará la voz; no se hará oír en las calles. No hará pedazos la caña quebrada, ni apagará la mecha humeante" (Isaías 42:2-3). Hasta los niños pequeños son bienvenidos por él.

ORACIÓN: Querido Señor Jesús, acércame a ti confiando en tu compasión y misericordia. Amén.

PREGUNTAS DE REFLEXIÓN:

• ¿Has vivido o trabajado con alguien de temperamento impredecible? ¿Cómo te fue?

• ¿Qué significa para ti saber que Cristo es compasivo y paciente?

© Copyright 2018 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones. Que a través de estos devocionales, la Palabra de Dios te refresque en tu diario caminar.
¿Has vivido o trabajado con alguien de temperamento impredecible? ¿Cómo te fue?

Lời Sống Hằng Ngày - Bước Đi Trong Sự Sáng

Bước Đi Trong Sự Sáng

Đọc: Hê-bơ-rơ 12:18–24 | Đọc Kinh Thánh suốt năm: Sáng thế ký 10–12; Ma-thi-ơ 4

Download MP3

Trong Ngài có sự sống, sự sống là ánh sáng cho loài người. Giăng 1:4

Khi mặt trăng lặn đi, bóng tối bao trùm ngôi làng của chúng tôi nằm trong cánh rừng. Tia chớp xoẹt ngang bầu trời, theo sau là mưa gió và sấm chớp. Giật mình tỉnh giấc và đầy lo sợ, vì lúc ấy còn nhỏ nên tôi thường tưởng tượng đủ loại yêu quái gớm ghiếc đang chực chờ vồ lấy tôi! Tuy nhiên, khi bình minh đến, tiếng sấm chớp biến mất, mặt trời mọc lên, và cuộc sống lại thanh bình khi chim chóc hót mừng véo von trong ánh bình minh. Bóng tối kinh hãi của màn đêm tương phản rõ rệt với niềm hân hoan của bình minh.

Tác giả sách Hê-bơ-rơ nhắc lại lúc dân Y-sơ-ra-ên ở tại núi Si-na-i: bóng tối và bão tố làm họ ẩn trốn trong run sợ (Xuất. 20:18–19). Đối với họ, sự hiện diện của Chúa khiến họ cảm thấy như tối tăm và kinh hãi, dù là lúc Ngài ban món quà luật pháp đầy yêu thương. Lý do là vì dân Y-sơ-ra-ên, một dân tộc tội lỗi, không thể sống đúng theo các tiêu chuẩn của Chúa. Tội lỗi khiến họ bước đi trong bóng tối và sợ sệt (Hê. 12:18–21).

Nhưng Chúa là sự sáng; trong Ngài không có bất cứ bóng tối nào (I Gi. 1:5). Trong Hê-bơ-rơ 12, núi Si-na-i tượng trưng cho sự thánh khiết của Chúa và đời sống cũ không vâng phục của chúng ta, trong khi đó vẻ đẹp của núi Si-ôn tượng trưng cho ân điển của Chúa và đời sống mới của tín hữu trong Chúa Jêsus, “Đấng Trung Gian của giao ước mới” (c.22–24).

Hễ ai theo Chúa Jêsus thì “sẽ không đi trong bóng tối, nhưng có ánh sáng của sự sống” (Gi. 8:12). Nhờ Ngài, chúng ta có thể từ bỏ đời sống tối tăm trước kia và vui mừng bước đi trong ánh sáng và vẻ đẹp của vương quốc Ngài.

Lạy Chúa Jêsus, cảm ơn Ngài đã đem con từ chỗ tối tăm đến nơi ánh sáng diệu kỳ của Ngài. Xin giúp con tránh xa bóng tối và tiếp tục bước đi trong ánh sáng hướng về cõi đời đời.

Nếu bạn đã tin nhận Chúa Jêsus thì đời sống bạn đã thay đổi thế nào kể từ khi Ngài ngự vào lòng bạn? Bạn muốn tăng trưởng đức tin trong những lĩnh vực nào?

bởi Lawrence Darmani

© 2018 Lời Sống Hằng Ngày
Khi mặt trăng lặn đi, bóng tối bao trùm ngôi làng của chúng tôi nằm trong cánh rừng. Tia chớp xoẹt ngang bầu trời, theo sau là mưa gió và sấm chớp. Giật mình tỉnh giấc và đầy lo sợ, vì lúc ấy còn nhỏ nên tôi thường tưởng tượng đủ loại yêu quái gớm ghiếc đang chực chờ vồ lấy tôi!