I think there are examples in each of the chapters of today’s Bible reading that tell us how not live and then the best way to live. 2 Samuel 2 gives the account of needless, senseless slaughter of human lives seemingly without any point. Good example of how not to live. Ezekiel 11 is a vision the Lord gave Ezekiel of leaders of the people and the Lord said they “draw up blueprints for sin and think up new programs for evil in this city.” (The Message) Because of their wickedness judgment was coming upon them. Also not a good way to live.

John 12 is full of contrasts. First there is Mary who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, showing her love and gratitude for Jesus and anointing him for his burial. Judas on the other hand begrudged what she did because he would like to have had the money it would have brought if sold, so he would have more to embezzle. Mary chose the right way to live; Judas chose the wrong way. Crowds were coming to see Lazarus who Jesus had raised from the dead, and the chief priests were making plans to kill Lazarus because the miracle performed in his life was causing people to put their trust in Jesus. Then the people who had been with Jesus when Lazarus was called from the tomb started telling their eye-witness experience and many people believed in him. The Pharisees kind of threw up their hands in despair and said, “this is getting us nowhere.” A contrast of people who believe the truth and those who will not accept. “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence they still would not believe in him.” John 12:37.

1 Corinthians 13 sums up the good advice. We don’t have the full picture right now because now we only see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, or as The Message put it “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God see us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!” Then the following advice is given. We have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation. “Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”

Trust steadily in God. No matter what circumstances seem to be, no matter how many people disappoint us, no matter what situations come into our lives; trust steadily in God.

Hope unswervingly. Pastor Ben is bringing a series on hope that will explore that topic more thoroughly. But to be unswerving is to have a goal and to keep your eyes on that goal with the hope and faith that you will reach that goal.

Love extravagantly. What an awesome concept. To love extravagantly is to give yourself without reservation or any thought of what is in it for you. Love your wife/husband, your children, your neighbors, your coworkers, your fellowman and most of all your God extravagantly

What a way to live!!!!

Tomorrows Bibe Reading - 2 Samuel 3, 1 Corinthians 14, Ezekiel 12, John 13

God is good all the time,

Naomi Brinkman