Read To Me Daily Semester 3Намуна

2KINGS 7-8:
Yesterday in 2nd Kings, we heard two more chapters containing fascinating miracles performed by Elisha. The story about Gahazi getting the gifts from Naaman, and the vision about the chariots of fire both have interesting spiritual significance to ponder. 

Starting at chapter 7 today, we rejoin the story where the Aramean army is surrounding Samaria. The famine is severe. The king has sent his executioner to kill Elisha. And then:

2Kings 7:32 NLT Elisha was sitting in his house with the elders of Israel when the king sent a messenger to summon him. But before the messenger arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “A murderer has sent a man to cut off my head. When he arrives, shut the door and keep him out. We will soon hear his master’s steps following him.”

33 GNT He had hardly finished saying this, when the king arrived and said, “It's the Lord who has brought this trouble on us! Why should I wait any longer for him to do something?”

PSALM 126:
Today’s poem is Psalm 126. Laughter, joy, and tears are in this often quoted psalm.

JOHN 12a:
In yesterday's reading in John 11, Jesus worked his biggest miracle so far in the story— the raising of Lazarus— and the Jewish leaders became even firmer in their plans to kill Him.

Let’s pray.
Lord Jesus, it is true what Martha, Mary, and even other people said: You could have prevented Lazarus from dying. You didn’t, because You said, “This will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory.” You knew what the Jewish council would decide, pushed on my Caiaphas’ highly ironic prophecy. Lord, it is indeed ‘better’ (as Caiaphas said without comprehending his own words) that You died to save us all— not just the Jewish people, but your death even now still brings all who believe together into one body. We who are scattered become united as the people of God. Lord, both Martha and You said that the Father always listens to You. We believe this, Lord. So now, when we pray using the phrase, “in Jesus’ name,” we are declaring that the things we pray for are for your glory and the furtherance of your kingdom. And we praise You that You and the Father listen to us as we pray.