READING:
One-year plan: Numbers 31–32, Mark 13:28–14:21
Two-year plan: Exodus 29, Matthew 23:25–24:2
———
“Surely not I?” each disciple asked when Jesus announced that one would betray Him. They surely hoped Jesus’ answer would have been, “No, you are not the one”—but still their question implied a lack of trust in themselves. Indeed, though only Judas would betray Jesus to His captors, all the disciples would soon desert Him in fear (Mark 14:50).
The question of the disciples gives me pause every time I read it as I think about similar questions we church leaders might wonder, like:
- “Surely I would never turn my back on my faith, would I?”
- “Surely I’m not one who would fall morally, even if all the others do—am I?”
- “Surely I would not bring shame to the name of the Lord, would I?”
- “Surely I’ll never deny knowing Jesus, will I?”
Surely not. But, if “surely not” is ultimately accurate in our lives, that victory is dependent on the Lord. We remain faithful not because of our efforts alone, but because of His grace.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What are you doing to make sure you remain faithful to God?
PRAYER: “Father, surely stop me if I ever dare turn from You.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 33-34, Mark 14:22-52
Two-year plan: Exodus 30, Matthew 24:3-14