October 29 Bible reading

Each day of the year I’ll post verses to read, with the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us, expressed through Jesus.

Please read the verses below, prayerfully consider them, and then my comments may be helpful after those moments.

October 29  Psalm 119:121-128  Philemon 1  Lamentations 2:7-22; 3:1-39

What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?

Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?

What should you do about that truth?

The poet believes that vindication will be found by following the guidance of God. He is looking for protection from the actions of evil people. May God grant us the discernment we need to understand the Scripture.

Onesimus has come to faith in Jesus after meeting Paul, who was being held as prisoner in Rome. Onesimus had been a slave to Philemon. It’s possible that he was a bond servant who was constrained to work off a debt. Onesimus had stolen from Philemon and fled Colosse, where Philemon had come to faith in Jesus and joined the church. Paul writes to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, forgiving his debt. This underscores the truth that followers of Jesus should treat other followers of Jesus as spiritual family regardless.

Jeremiah is weeping and sharing the sorrow of God at the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Their place of worship is no longer a place of love. In the midst of sorrow, Jeremiah remembers the faithful love of the Lord. He reminds us that it is good to wait patiently for the Lord.