Today’s “Through-the-Bible Reading Plan” had me in Genesis 1 and 2 and in Luke 1. The Scripture that stood out in that reading was Genesis 1: 4 and Luke 1: 3. The Observation I made was of God’s work of separation. God takes great care and gives repetitive examples of making a distinction between what is good and what is bad, but also between what is good and what is not as good.
Jesus does this when he tells Martha “but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 42) Mary had chosen to listen to what Jesus said. Martha was busy doing other good things.
God continually asks us to prioritize what we’re doing. This is the purpose of keeping repentance and faith together. Repentance makes the distinction between the choices we have and aligns us with what is better. Faith gives us the power to follow up and follow through.
The Application for me to do this is spelled out in Luke 1: 3 where Luke confesses. “With this in mind …. I decided to write.” This is my first day revelation. I expect yours to be different and framed by what God is asking of you. For me, right before I started reading the Bible, I was challenged by a quote from the writer, Jodi Picoult. “You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”
We are not allowed to leave our days blank, to make no distinction between the light and the dark. We are not allowed to simply watch the days go by and call it God’s will, make it our excuse for not doing what we know to do. God makes these distinctions and it is incorporated into all of creation. God commands us to incorporate it into what we do.
My Prayer: Lord, let no day this year lie blank between us. For my part, I will strive to listen and write down what I hear you say. For your part, speak! Speak your Word clothed in fire, formed in grace, wrapped up in swaddling bands, and laid within my soul. In the most holy name – Jesus. Amen.