Thursday, August 1

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2019


"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement for the Scriptures we might have hope.... May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:4-6,13)


Today's readings contained so many encouraging nuggets, ranging from Hezekiah's temple reforms to the encouragement of the Psalm and Proverbs. Each day, as we read through the Bible, I attempt to weave a theme through the four readings, though these themes sometimes break down into two or three subthemes. Today, however, the theme of personal commitment to loving and seeking God jumped out, along with the communal overflow of blessing that emerges from shared personal commitment.

In 2 Chronicles, we find a wide array of kings, some of whom seek God and others who appear morally directionless. At the high points of 2 Chronicles, we find a glimpse of the hopefulness that God intended for the people: that "you will be My people, and I will be your God." Yet, these high points represent just moments in a history riddled with disarray, largely due to leaders' lack of direction. Nonetheless, Hezekiah pulls the people together to celebrate and worship God, which led to the prosperity of Hezekiah's kingdom.

Looking at the Old Testament examples, we might grow discouraged that we lack national, state, or city leaders with that same commitment to seeking God. Yet, the Old Testament actually flips the script: the people of God don't need positional power; rather, they will find power in the hope of new life. The community of Christ-followers would actually gain strength from bottom-up commitment. Peter describes this shared leadership in 1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." He writes these words to those who, in that contemporary society, had little political or social power. Yet, in Christ, they had everything required: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." (2 Peter 1:3,4)

How does that personal commitment lead to flourishing? We discover the fullness of life through knowing God through Jesus Christ. As Romans 15:4 explains, believers find hope through "endurance and the encouragement for the Scriptures." Endurance, perseverance, and standing firm: the New Testament always refers to these traits positively, but acknowledges that their source cannot come from within. Rather, endurance and perseverance come from experiencing God's presence through the Holy Spirit and following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:16-24; Hebrews 12:1-3).

As we each persevere, we then may find unity. While we may have connections with a smallish group based on shared affinities, the Church gains its unity from each believer's relationship with God, our Father and King. Under His mantle, we become a family, identified not by our affinities or backgrounds, but rather by our belonging to the family. That unity then becomes powerful and complete, strengthening us to stay faithful and glorify God together.

How could you grow in your personal commitment today? What are your hopes for greater unity among the family of Christ-followers? May He bring strength and unity under His authority, through the encouragement of the Scriptures and the power of the Holy Spirit.


Lord God, thank You for making it possible for us to follow You. Thank You for the encouragement of Your Word and the power to endure through the Holy Spirit. Strengthen us today to bring honor and glory to You, both individually and as Your family. Help us to subsume our rights under the greater good, so that all may be built up and become mature, reflecting Your Son's image. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


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