Read To Me Daily Semester 3ናሙና

JEREMIAH 5-6:
God, speaking through the prophets, frequently says how he feels about idolatry. He considers it just like the faithlessness of a wayward wife. At the same time, it is moving to me that Jeremiah could so clearly see what would happen— both how they will be attacked by armies from the north, and the anguish of the people later when his prophecies are fulfilled. 

PSALM 140:
Today’s poem, Psalm 140, is a prayer for anyone who fears the imminent attack of wicked enemies.

JOHN 18:28—19:27:
The chapter break between John 18 and 19 interrupts the story of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, so we will re-read some verses from chapter 18 today. Jesus has already told Pilate that he is a king, but his kingdom is not of this world. Then when Jesus said, “I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me.” Pilate then asked his famous rhetorical question, 

38 “And what is truth?”
Then Pilate went back outside to the people and said to them, “I cannot find any reason to condemn him.
39 But according to the custom you have, I always set free a prisoner for you during the Passover. Do you want me to set free for you the king of the Jews?”
40 They answered him with a shout, “No, not him! We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a bandit.)

Let’s pray.
Lord Jesus, how like humans! We prefer following a bandit over following You. Oh yes, we humans say we are deeply religious or spiritual, but we actually prefer following false gods— which in your eyes is like an unfaithful wife seeking out her lovers. Yet paradoxically, if other gods could speak, I don’t think they would complain of unfaithfulness! Lord, thank You for the way You so patiently seek us out, even though we are such rebels. How deeply You know us, Lord Jesus, as you said, “I know my sheep.” You are our shepherd who calls us by name. No wonder! Because Psalm 139 tells us that You knew us before we were born. All our days were already written in your book before the day of our birth. Not even our thoughts are hidden from you. Today Lord, we give ourselves to you and ask,
23 Examine me, O God, and know my mind;
test me, and discover my thoughts.
24 Find out if there is any evil in me
and guide me in the everlasting way.