Through the Bible in one year - Day 58

Psalm 58:11

Mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous;

surely there is a God who judges on earth."

This is one of the Psalms that is hard to read aloud – but I can recognize the sentiment that went into this; things must really be going poorly. How do we respond when pure evil walks the earth? Would we not, like this psalmist ask for them to be wiped of the face of the earth; that no one after us might suffer through their actions? Yes, I expect we all might feel that way. There are times and places to this day where we might pray for God’s vengeance and cleansing power. In the end, we know that this will take place – or we can know that if we read and pray these scriptures.

Into this storm in Egypt, where the first born sons are under penalty of death Moses is born, and like the sons we read of yesterday, he too was not murdered, but secreted away. This life of Moses passes swiftly before our eyes – first he is born, then he is a child and soon he has murdered an Egyptian – and is under penalty of death yet again, so he flees, and marries and gives birth to a son. Whew, all in the space of a few verses. If his story begins in such a whirlwind, I am wondering what will come next.

It has been a relief to read of Hezekiah, these past few days. Here indeed is a man who has been faithful. This is what our reading in 2 Chronicles says today:

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered. (vs 20-21)

This was a funny beginning in Acts today. I went back to yesterday’s reading in case I had missed something, but no, it begins as if in the middle of a thought: And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy...This tale of winter sailing and shipwreck is something to imagine! Don’t worry folks; even though we shouldn’t have done this dangerous thing- we will be saved with our lives. Now the Centurion wishes to save Paul after the wreck and it could be in part because he is a dutiful fellow and wishes to fulfill his obligation, and it could in part be, because he has seen miraculous things.

OK, so this is a funny bit with the people on the Isle of Malta – either Paul is a murderer and will swell up and die...or oh wait he is a god. This unintended delay has Paul praying and saving the life of the chief’s father. The prisoners were well treated on account of Paul and everyone was sent away with full provisions and makes the remainder of the journey to Italy in safety. Again, I ask myself, what will tomorrow bring.

Today’s readings: Psalm 58, Exodus 1:22-2:22, 2 Chronicles 31, Acts 27-28:15