Prayer for Sunday: Heavenly Lord, this is the Lord's Day, a day for worship, a day to reset and refocus on that which is most important: living all of life for Your great glory. We do not come because we are worthy, but because You have made us worthy in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We do not come for our own benefit, or just to receive a blessing, though we certainly will, but we come because You are worthy of all our thanks, praise, and acclaim. Grant that in all things today, our hearts will be drawn to you, the Great Miracle Maker and the Author of our salvation. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Scripture Reading for Sunday: Exodus 4-6
Scripture Reflection for Sunday: Today's journey "Through the Bible" visits Exodus 4-6.
In Exodus 4, we are reminded that those who would lead God’s people must be faithful in their home life. Moses’ failure to circumcise his son nearly cost him his life. David resolved to walk within his house with integrity of heart (Ps. 101:2), but his adultery tore his family apart. Why is it dangerous when leaders neglect to be faithful in marriage and parenting?
In Exodus 5, we see that servants of God should not assume that obedience will bring them a life of ease and quick success. The kingdom of darkness never rages so fiercely as when the Word invades the world. God’s servants face stiff opposition from the enemy and sometimes from the visible church; they may even find their own hearts rising up against God. But Christ will build His church, and even the rage of Satan will result in His praise.
In Genesis 6, we see that redemption requires a faithful prophet to speak God’s words, a righteous priest to sacrifice and intercede, and a powerful king to deliver the enslaved. Moses, Aaron, and their family were inadequate to truly redeem God’s people, for they were stained by sin. Though mere men are instruments of God’s blessings, Christ is the only Mediator of the covenant of grace—the sufficient Prophet, Priest, and King. Trust Him for salvation, and trust Him alone.
Daily Teaching (Catechism) for Sunday:
(10.1) In God’s appointed and acceptable time, he is pleased to call effectually, by his Word and Spirit, those he has predestined to life. He calls them out of their natural state of sin and death to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ. He enlightens their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God. He takes away their heart of stone and gives them a heart of flesh. He renews their wills and by his almighty power turns them to good and effectually draws them to Jesus Christ. Yet he does all this in such a way that they come completely freely, since they are made willing by his grace (Romans 8:30; Romans 11:7; Ephesians 1:10, 11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; Ephesians 2:1–6; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:17, 18; Ezekiel 36:26; Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:27; Ephesians 1:19; Psalm 110:3; Song of Solomon 1:4).
May God help you to grow in Christ today,
