Read and Receive

Daily Reading: Mark 12

Scripture Focus:  Have you not read this Scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?”(Mark 12.10)

Devotional Thought: Jesus' debate with the Pharisees and lawyers culminated in his arrest and execution.  HIs detractors were particularly offended by Jesus' story of the landowner and murderous tenants.

Consider two things...

• Think about Jesus’ question, “Have you not read this scripture?”  The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law surely had, for they were Bible scholars.  But had they paid attention to it?  If they had read the scriptures with an open mind and hungry heart (instead of thinking that they had all the answers!) they would have recognized Jesus, for the Scripture pointed to him.  We need to ask ourselves this same question.  Are we reading the Bible?  The Bible contains truth to follow and trouble to flee!  We do ourselves a disservice – and we endanger our very souls – when we neglect the Word of God.  Ignorance leads to disobedience.  Disobedience leads to death!

• Jesus, though rejected by the powers of this age, has been sent from heaven to be the capstone of all creation.  Those who fancy themselves to be in charge, despise and denigrate Jesus.  They try to force him from public discourse.  But, he is truly the Lord!  He has conquered death and disease, sin and suffering, bondage and burdens.  He has delivered you from judgment and brought you into the kingdom of light!  Rejoice!  Jesus has risen from the dead, and he is Lord!

Read the Word and receive the Lord!

Prayer: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands."  Amen.  (Psalm 63.1-4)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 21.1-7

1 O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

2 You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

3 For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.

5 His glory is great through your salvation; splendor and majesty you bestow on him.

6 For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.