Day 23 Bible Readings – Matthew 16: 4 (ESV)

Genesis 45 & 46, Matthew 16, Psalm 17: 13-15

Matthew 16: 4 (ESV)

“An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.”

In verse 4 in Matthew 16, we see Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and Sadducees when they asked for a sign from heaven. Jesus told them there will be no sign except the sign of Jonah. In the Bible commentaries I read, they outlined the similarities between the story of Jonah and the coming crucifixion and resurrection of Chrit. Jesus agreed to be crucified to pay in advance for the sins of humanity, just like Jonah sacrificed himself to saved others. Jesus died on the cross and after three days he was resurrected, just like Jonah who was swallowed by a great fish and was vomited out by the fish after 3 days. Jesus preached for people to repent, It makes me wonder if the Pharisees and Sadducees got the reference to Jonah and what would happen to Jesus. Did the disciples who seemed to know the Old Testament very well understand the Jonah reference as well? I don’t think anyone got the Jonah reference because the disciples never mentioned it in any of the Gospels or even the Book of Acts. But I love how Jesus mentioned it and no one seemed to have caught on as far we know.

Day 22 Bible Readings – Matthew 15: 10-11 (ESV)

Genesis 43 & 44, Matthew 15: 10-39, Psalm 17: 6-12

Matthew 15: 10-11 (ESV)

“And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

In verses 10 and 11 from Matthew 15, we see Jesus’ response to the Pharisees who questioned him about why his disciples did not wash their hands before they ate food. Jesus tells the people that eating with unclean hands is not what defiles. Jesus says what defiles a person is what comes out of their mouth. In this specific context where the Pharisees were asking about ceremonial cleanliness with food, Jesus said ceremonial cleanliness does not matter if a person has unclean heart. We have seen examples in our society about people who profess to be religious and strong people of faith, only to find out later that they were doing evil things and hiding behind the façade of their belief and religion. I think these verses also show that God truly knows what is in our hearts. We cannot hide from him. We might pretend to be good, and other people will believe us but we cannot hide what is in our hearts from God. And with God’s justice, the truth about our unclear hearts will eventually come out and we will be judged by the world and by God.

Day 21 Bible Readings – Matthew 14: 28-31 (ESV)

Genesis 41 & 42, Matthew 14: 22-36, Matthew 15: 1-9, Psalm 17: 1-5

Matthew 14: 28-31 (ESV)

“And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Verses 28 through 31 from Matthew 14 shows us the story of what happened to Peter when he saw Jesus walking on water. Peter had such faith in Christ that he tried to walk on water when Jesus commanded him. But his faith was shaken by the wind, and he began to sink. Jesus saved him when Peter cried out, but he scolded Peter and told him about his lack of faith. I can so relate to Peter’s experience of having faith to do amazing things, but then letting little things get to me and doubting God again.

When I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to move states without a job, I did it on my faith and history of God always leading me to the best paths in life. I kept hearing from Holy Spirit that I would get a job in six months. In the second month after having very little luck trying to get a job interview, I panicked and descended into a deep depression for a week. I doubted God and his direction for my life and felt so sorry for myself. But God did not give up on me, and Holy Spirit kept telling me to not give up faith in God. To make a long story short, I got a job offer and started exactly six months after I moved, just like God had promised. It wasn’t the best paying job, but it was an easy job, and a year later I got a huge bonus and paid off all my debts. God had once again set me on the right path, even though it did not seem like it at the time. God is always faithful to those who believe in him, if we do not give up faith and trust in God’s timing and his plan for our life.

Day 20 Bible Readings – Psalm 16: 11 (ESV)

Genesis 40, Matthew 14: 1-21, Psalm 16

Psalm 16: 11 (ESV)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

In verse 11 from Psalm 16, David tells us that God makes known to him the path of life. David tells us that in God’s presence there is fullness of job and at God’s right hand there will pleasure forevermore. I have found in my life that if I follow the path of life that God has laid out for me, my life works so much better and I experience joy because somehow things come easier to me. I can also honestly say that with God in my life, my life has also become more pleasurable. And of course, I look forward to being with God when I pass from this life to the next for eternity.