February 13

February 13
One Year Bible Readings:
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Matthew 27:32-66
Psalm 34:1-10
Proverbs 9:7-8
Supplemental Reading for The One Year Bible.
The following are excerpts from Mike’s One Year Bible Blog.

Matthew:
Today in Matthew chapter 27 verse 54 we read, just after Jesus’ death on the cross: “The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" Reflect on these words of the Roman officers and soldiers for a moment.
Q: Do you believe these words of the soldiers are true? If these words are true, what does this mean for our lives today? Are we really living our lives in such a way that reflects that these words are true? Or, is it possible, that sometimes we just say these words of the Roman soldiers, and then just go about our lives as business as usual? If Jesus truly is the Son of God, how then should we be living our lives this very day?

Psalm:
Psalm 34 verse 9 in the NIV reads: "Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing."
Q: What does fearing God mean to you?  Do you think that fearing God is a good or bad thing?  Why?  Do you think it is possible to both love God and fear God at the same time?  What do you think of when you hear the word "saints"?  Do you believe that you are a saint?  Do you want to be a saint?  Are you acting like a saint?  Do you believe that those who fear God lack nothing?  Why would this be?

Proverbs:
Proverbs chapter 9 verses 7 & 8 are fascinating to me: "Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don't bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more." I do believe this Proverb is true.  If anyone needs a definition of rebuke it is: "an act or expression of criticism and censure."  (and for that matter censure means - "harsh criticism or disapproval")  So, this Proverb teaches us that rebukes of a mocker or the wicked will bring a critical reply or even injury.  But that rebukes of the wise can bring love!  Powerful to consider!
Q: Do you ever rebuke anyone?  Part of me thinks that sometimes we can become so scared of what anyone else will think that we say absolutely nothing - even when perhaps we should rebuke someone.  When do you feel it is appropriate to rebuke someone?  Is it based on a relationship?  Is it based on if they ask your opinion on a matter?  Will you ever rebuke someone even if not asked an opinion on the matter?  Are you careful to not rebuke mockers or the wicked, but only to rebuke the wise?  How do you discern who is wise and able to receive a rebuke?  Conversely, have you ever been rebuked by someone else?  Have you ultimately loved that person for the rebuke?  Even if the rebuke stung at the time, were you ultimately appreciative of receiving the rebuke?

Copyright © 2004-2012 One Year Bible Blog

1 Comment


Michelle - February 13th, 2024 at 6:51pm

That is why I don't respond to social media people. They are probably paid to mock, to get clicks.