READING:
One-year plan: Exodus 16-18, Matthew 20:17-21:11
Two-year plan: Genesis 31:33-34, Matthew 11:25-12:8
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Jesus told His disciples exactly what they were to do, including where they were to go (a village ahead of them), what they would find there (a donkey and colt), what they were to do (untie them and bring them to Him), and what they were to say if questioned (“the Lord has need of them”). What, then, did the disciples do? They “went and did just as Jesus directed them” (Matt 21:6). These men didn’t always do exactly what Jesus commanded, but they did so in this case.
I read those words, and I cannot help but evaluate my own life in light of other teachings of Jesus. For example, do I “do just as Jesus directed” when . . .
- He called us to “Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28)?
- He commanded us to make disciples of all the nations (Matt 28:18-20)?
- He called His followers to metaphorically gouge out our eye and cut off our hand if either causes us to sin (Matt 5:29-30)?
- He expected us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23)?
- He commanded us to be careful not to do our good works to be seen by others (Matt 6:1)?
Following Jesus is not always easy. No matter what He calls us to do, though, our responsibility is the same: do just as He directs us.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is there any area in your life where you are not doing just as Jesus directed?
PRAYER: “God, grant me grace to follow You without exception.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Exodus 19-21, Matthew 21:12-46
Two-year plan: Genesis 35:1-36:19, Matthew 12:9-21