Bible Reading: 1/11 to 1/17
Path 1: New Testament and Psalms
In Psalms 52-54, we return to David’s Psalms as he contrasts arrogant self-reliance with humble trust in the Lord. Those who deny God and boast in power are exposed as fools, while the righteous find refuge in God’s steadfast love. These psalms affirm that deliverance and stability come from acknowledging God’s rule rather than rejecting it.
The Folly of Godless Confidence: Psalm 53 exposes unbelief not as ignorance but as a moral rebellion. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God,’” describing both people and societies that suppress divine authority to justify their own sin and corruption. Scripture calls God’s people to resist this by ordering their thought, worship, and public life around God’s revealed truth.
Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History
In Numbers 15-17, the Lord restores covenant order after rebellion by reaffirming His law, clarifying authority, and confirming the priesthood. Tassels remind Israel to obey from the heart, while Korah’s rebellion reveals the danger of rejecting God’s appointments. Aaron’s budding staff testifies that God preserves life through His chosen mediator.
Path 3: Old Testament Wisdom/Prophecy
In Isaiah 4-6, judgment gives way to hope as God promises a purified remnant and a renewed Zion. Isaiah’s vision of the Lord enthroned reveals overwhelming holiness and human uncleanness. In the famous vision, Isaiah acknowledges his retched state before a holy God and is commissioned to speak God’s word through the touching of a coal to his lips.
Here I am Lord: Isaiah utters the phrase that all believers should be praying they have the faith to voice: ‘Here I am. Send me.’ God’s holiness does not paralyze His servant but prepares him for faithful proclamation. When God asks, ‘Who will go?’ in your life, pray that you have the obedience, courage, and submission to God’s sovereign call that Isaiah exemplifies here.