READING:
One-year plan: 2 Samuel 8-11, Luke 23:1-31
Two-year plan: Numbers 13:1-14:10, Mark 8:34-9:13
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Today’s another one of those days when it might be best to let the Word speak for itself with little commentary. The first part of today’s Old Testament reading speaks of David’s strong and ongoing victories; in fact, the text twice reads, “The Lord made David victorious wherever he went” (2 Sam 8:6, 14).
By chapter 11, however, the story takes a dramatic turn when David sees Bathsheba bathing: “David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her” (2 Sam 11:4). Adultery then turned to murder as David arranged for Uriah’s death. In the end, the text reads, “the Lord considered what David had done to be evil” (2 Sam 11:26). Victory after victory turns to tragedy and death because of sin.
It would do all of us well to remember that today’s powerful victory is no guarantee that tomorrow will not bring tragic defeat.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Have you ever been too comfortable in your victories?
PRAYER: “Remind me, God, that I need You every step of the way.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: 2 Samuel 12-14, Luke 23:32-24:12
Two-year plan: Numbers 14:11-45, Mark 9:14-29