Daily Bible Reading, January 2023 - God’s Saving Word: Unity in Christ JesusChikamu

January 30

Introduction

Today’s reading is a continuation of Stephen’s defense before the Council, and it comprises the longest part of his speech. He recounts the story of Moses and the Israelites’ disobedience and their rejection of God.

Scripture Reading

Acts 7:23-43

Today’s Key Verse Acts 7:37

[Stephen said:] “Moses is the one who said to the people of Israel, ‘God will send you a prophet just as he sent me, and he will be one of your own people.’”

Reflect

Stephen recalls Israel’s disobedience and the people’s refusal to obey Moses. In Christian tradition, Jesus is regarded as a prophet like Moses (see Deuteronomy 18:15) who is rejected by his own people (Luke 4:28-30). Just as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, Jesus is regarded as the “new Moses” who liberates people from bondage to sin and death. What are your thoughts about these parallels between Moses and Jesus?

Pray

Holy Jesus, by freeing me from bondage to sin and death, you have given me the gift of eternal life. I thank and praise you for loving me so. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

And now, join us in praying for increased Bible distribution throughout the world. Almighty God, during the pandemic years, the Bible Society global network not only continued Bible distribution but increased it, even in places where persecution against Christians is strong. Despite the danger, distribution more than doubled in Iraq from 2020. In Laos, more than four times as many Bibles were distributed in 2021 than in the previous year. And in Uzbekistan, 10,000 more Bibles were distributed in 2021 than before the pandemic. Thank you, Lord, that through the generosity of Bible Society supporters, the Bible Society will be able to continue to share Bibles in these areas and beyond. To you, Lord God, be the glory! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 7:44—8:3: Stephen is put to death.