Daily Bible Reading – July 2023, God’s Saving Word: Mercy and ForgivenessSample

July 27

Introduction

Today we will begin reading from the book of Jonah, a narrative that describes the adventures of a prophet who disobeyed God’s command. In today’s reading, God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, Israel’s deadly enemy, to tell its people they are doomed. Jonah, however, disobeys God and boards a ship bound for Spain. A storm ensues, and Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a large fish.

Scripture Reading

Jonah 1:1-17

Today’s Key Verse: Jonah 1:9b

Jonah said: “I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made land and sea.”

Reflect

Of all the places God could have sent Jonah, Nineveh may have been the hardest place for Jonah to go. Why did Jonah seek to avoid going to Nineveh? Have you ever chosen to avoid doing something you were told or expected to do? If so, what happened as a result? When a storm arose at sea, what did the sailors do and what caused them to promise to serve the LORD?

Pray

Lord God, creator of land and sea, give me an obedient heart, and teach me your ways. Order my steps this day so that all I do and say is in accord with your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jonah 2:1-10: Jonah prays from within the large fish.