Jesus Wept

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus’ friends sent word that his friend Lazarus has died. Jesus knows that He will raise his friend from the dead. And yet, when He approaches His friend’s grave, Jesus wept. (John 11:35) The Jewish bystanders correctly observe that Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying in the first place. I’m…

The Gathered People of God

In today’s Bible reading* God promises a new day when the people of God are gathered from their exile. In God’s judgment and anger, He scattered His rebellious people, sending them far from their homes in Israel and Judah to an exile in Babylon in modern-day Iraq. But God says a day is coming when…

New, Never-Ending Mercies

Jeremiah laments over the desolated land in today’s Bible reading*. But in his sadness, he exclaims that God’s never-ending mercies are new every morning for His people. Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!I say, “The LORD is my…

As Sure as the Sun Rises

Today’s Bible reading* has a definitive statement concerning the promises of God: As sure as the sun rises, God will make good on His covenant with His people. You would more likely break God’s covenant with the day and night than break God’s covenant with His people. Wow! “This is what the LORD says: If…

Warnings for those Entrusted with the Care of God’s People

Today’s Bible reading* includes some very strong warnings for those entrusted with the care of God’s people. Specifically, Jeremiah is addressing the spiritual leaders people of Judah and Israel. Instead of leading God’s people to gather around the heart of God, these leaders are scattering God’s people. But God promises to bring His people back….