November 22

Ezekiel 44-45

People with royal titles, like anyone who has been given authority, can easily exceed their authority. God chooses royals to serve. Those who serve well secure a throne.

1 Peter 1

To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood (1:1-2). The idea that we are known and chosen by God tends to start silly arguments from people who try to make the Bible say something it does not say. It says you were chosen by God. It also says that you, me, and all the chosen are given the Holy Spirit, and even with that we’re often judgy and fussy, misbehaving like children in need of naps. We have the Spirit to guide us to understand God’s word, to give us faith, and to help us love one another. We have all that we need.

Psalm 119:17-32

Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. I’ve heard more than one person scoff at the Bible, and every time found they offered little wisdom to solve actual problems. They were smart on their career, but not in how the world actually works. Half-educated sources tend to give second-rate counsel.

Others we meet respect the idea of God but have nothing to show for their respect. It’s popular for celebrities and politicians to call themselves “civic” Christians, meaning that they like the society that Christianity births, but do not believe in Christ. Like Herod, they prefer entertainment to study. Civil Christianity is not Christianity—it has no real power.

I’ve found another group who turn God’s word into a lawbook, and they fancy themselves as His police force. Self-appointed marshals suck the joy out of life, practicing a form of Christianity but, like it’s civil cousin, without the power of the risen Christ. One may wonder how long before they learn that Jesus shows no mercy to those who show no mercy.

Another group consumes the Bible as hungrily as a six-year-old on a stack of pancakes. They apply its wisdom to their problems, give God credit for their prosperity, and praise the praiseworthy. The latter group seems quite a bit smaller than the others, but their confidence and kindness shouts Jesus’ name without shouting. It’s not hard to see why they have more of everything money can’t buy. Psalms 119 is their delight, written by their older brother.

Proverbs 28:8-10

Even his prayer is detestable… What an awful reality for the mocker.