Do you know what the second top-selling self-help book is?
It is “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, with an astounding 80 million copies sold worldwide.
After this are “You Can Heal Your Life” (50 million), “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” (26 million), and “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (Over 25 million).
All of that is interesting, but the top-selling self-help book is the Book of Proverbs, with hundreds of billions of copies sold worldwide.
The book of Proverbs was specifically written to help people live well and make wise decisions. Read the first six verses, and you will understand the purpose.
Proverbs 1: Verses 1 through 6 Verse 1 says: These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel,
Verses 2 through 6 read:
For gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity.
To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
It is tragic that so many millions rush to obtain a book of wise words from the latest guru but overlook the book about wise living from the wisest man who ever lived, Solomon.
They already have this book. It is nearly 3,000 years old and is in their Bible.
“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn?
and fools hate knowledge?”
There have been a few times in my life when I dug myself into a hole and then kept on digging. I’ll bet you have too. One pundit asked, what is the first thing you do when you dig yourself into a hole. The answer is: stop digging. I wish I had known that sooner.
Today’s proverb describes three kinds of people who do not stop digging. They keep on messing up and never repent. They are the simple, the scorners, and the fools. This text tells us how to identify them.
Number 1. The simple:
The simple are naive, impressionable people who are open to all kinds of influences, both good and bad.
Number 2. The scorers:
The texts asked, “ How long will scoffers delight in their scorn?” Scorners are those who treat wise counsel with contempt; nothing is sacred or serious to them. When God or righteousness comes up, their answer is always contempt.
Number 3. The fools:
Fools are those who senselessly refuse instruction. They are conceited and opinionated in their ignorance. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God.”’ (Psalms 14:1).
A simpleton, a scorner, and a fool.
I try to avoid being one of those three. It doesn’t end well for them.
Our Scripture for today is Proverbs 1:22. “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge?”
There have been a few times in my life when I dug myself into a hole and then kept on digging. I’ll bet you have too. One pundit asked, what is the first thing you do when you dig yourself into a hole. The answer is: stop digging. I wish I had known that sooner.
Today’s proverb tells us about three kinds of people who do not stop digging. They keep on messing up and never repent. They are: the simple, the scorners, and the fools. This text tells us how to identify them.
Number 1. The simple: The simple are naive, impressionable people who are open to all kinds of influences, both good and bad.
Number 2. The scorners: The texts asked, “ How long will scoffers delight in their scorn?” Scorners are those who treat wise counsel with contempt; nothing is sacred or serious to them. When God or righteousness comes up, their answer is always contempt.
Number 3. The fools: Fools are those who senselessly refuse instruction. They are conceited and opinionated in their ignorance. “The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God.”’ (Psalms 14:1).
A simpleton, a scorner, and a fool. I try avoiding being any of those three. It doesn’t end well for them.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
In today’s verse we are introduced to the “generous person.”
I love generous people. I am frustrated by cheap people.
Many folks do not consider themselves as either generous or non-generous. Those who do not consider themselves as generous ought to find a word other than “non-generous.”
How about these words instead: greedy, selfish, and cheap.
What is cheap?
Once my wife called the ladies at church to provide a meal for a funeral. She called one lady and tried to be easy on her and asked her to bring two loaves of bread. The ladies’ response was “Oh my, TWO loaves?” Another young family was going to a church party and were asked to bring potato chips, they stopped at the store, picked up two of the cheapest brands they could find. That is not frugal, that is cheap.
I remember teaching my son the difference between frugal and cheap on a date. If you drink water because Coke is too expensive, you are frugal. If you won’t let your date have a coke, you are cheap.
Let’s close with First John 3: verse 17,
“If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?”
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
To understand this proverb, look at the life of Christ. As the time of Jesus’ crucifixion drew near, Jesus headed to Jerusalem. Certainly to meet the cross. Tired from the long trip, “He sent messengers on ahead, who went into a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But the people there refused to welcome Him, because He was heading for Jerusalem.” (Luke 8:52-53)
This upset the apostles. James and John were ready to punch back. They asked Jesus, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (54).
Jesus could have crushed the town for their unkindness and mean spirit toward him. What DID he do? Verse 56 tells us, “He and His disciples went on to another village.”
Jesus showed great restraint. He knew that calmness begets calmness, and anger begets anger. The Samaritans started the unkindness, but Jesus did not use that as an excuse to hit back. He broke the cycle of anger. He demonstrated a gentle answer.
It is always up to the mature person, the person of character to break the cycle of anger, to change the tone.
Our Wise Proverb for today is Proverbs 9, and verse 8.
You need this proverb.
So do I.
This proverb is for those times when you find yourself having to deal with that person who just has to be right, no matter what! It should also warn us not to be that way ourselves.
Look at the verse:
“Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”
I really want us to understand this proverb, but there are two big questions we need to ask.
Number 1. What does it mean to rebuke? The essence of “to rebuke” as used in this verse, is not just to criticize or point out a fault, but to offer correction with the aim of promoting change and understanding. It involves saying something in the right spirit.
Number 2. What is a mocker? The word translated as “mockers” refers to someone who mocks, scorns, or derides others, often with a sense of contempt or disdain. The verse emphasizes the futility of correcting someone who is set in their ways of mockery and scorn.
This proverb speaks volumes about the nature of wisdom itself—it is not just knowing what to say, but also knowing when to say it, and perhaps more importantly, knowing whether to speak at all.
I’m Lonnie Davis And these are thoughts worth thinking.
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.”
In these words, we see a truth about human nature. It’s tempting to put off tasks, to delay duties, or to give in to the comfort of doing nothing. Proverbs teaches us that such habits lead to loss and lack. Just as a thief surprises his victim, poverty, too, can sneak up on those who are NOT vigilant.
This message is as relevant today as it was in the days of Solomon. Whether it’s tending to our jobs, managing our homes, or nurturing relationships, continuous effort is crucial. Laziness has a cost, often unseen until it’s too late.
Like when a burglar climbs through the window at night, we will be surprised, but poverty sneaks in on the one who wants “a little more sleep, a little more slumber.” Everyone needs rest, but for some, enough is never enough.
Since I was a young man I set a goal for myself to become a wise old man – someday. I know I have accomplished one of those goals. If you know me, you know which one. Here’s a hint, I have reached the age that when I go into an antique shop, I look around and say, “I remember these.”
So now, how do any of us reach the goal of being wise? There is one verse in the Bible that tells us where the start of wisdom begins.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom.”
The first step in becoming wise is to “fear the Lord.” But what does it mean to fear the Lord?
The original word “fear” in this verse means to hold God in the highest regard and honor His commands. Don’t be frightened of God. Don’t be scared of him. Honor and hold him up. Fear Him. Unless a man or woman can do that, then there is no wisdom.
Whether a professor, a preacher, a president, or anyone else, if there is no fear of the Lord in that person, there is no wisdom.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom.”
Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him. While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
When Jesus had said this, He spit on the ground, made some mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes. Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
May God bless this reading.
Out of the many lessons in this text, here are three for today.
Number 1. Don’t Judge everything by appearances. Verses 1 -3.
We’ve all been there. You see someone struggling and maybe make an assumption: they must be unlucky, unhealthy, or have done something wrong. John 9 throws a bucket of cold water on that way of thinking!
When Jesus encounters a man blind since birth, the disciples blurt out, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, to deserve this?” Wow! Instant judgment based on appearance. But Jesus says, “No! This is about God’s work being revealed.”
This is a wake-up call for us all.
We can’t know someone’s story by just looking. Maybe that grumpy guy at work is dealing with a tough situation at home. Maybe the classmate who seems carefree is battling anxiety. Let’s stop assuming and give others another chance.
Number 2. Time is Limited to Do Good (John 9:4)
Jesus reminds us, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.”
It’s a call not to waste the time we’re given. Our time here is finite, a precious commodity we often take for granted. It is a series of fleeting moments and opportunities, each with an expiration date we can’t always see. It’s like catching a train; if you hesitate too long, you’ll miss it, and there’s no guarantee another one will come along. Take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, because they won’t always be available. Whether pursuing a dream, reconciling with a loved one, or stepping out in faith, now is the time. Don’t let fear or procrastination hold you back. Remember, the doors of opportunity don’t knock; they silently swing open, waiting for us to walk through. Don’t look back and wonder, What if?” Move forward with “What’s next?”
Number 3. Faith Requires Action (John 9:7):
“Then He told him, ‘Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
Imagine being told your blindness could be healed and your sight could be restored if you just washed in a pool. Sounds simple, right? The man, blind from birth, is healed after he acts on Jesus’ instructions. It should remind us that faith isn’t just about believing; it’s about doing. Taking that step, even when it feels uncertain or odd, is what faith in action looks like. It’s about trust, about moving your feet even when you can’t see the path ahead. Let’s not just believe; let’s act on our faith and watch as wonders unfold.
From such a long reading, we will read together, verses 27 through 32.
They did not understand that He was telling them about the Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”
As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
From the long reading today, I call to your attention four great lessons.
Lesson 1: Jesus is the Light: John 8:12
“Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
Sometimes, I am perplexed when I see so many people who publicly and proudly act in ways that are spiritually wrong. It should not be puzzling because unless one knows Jesus, then one does not know the light. Jesus is the standard. He is the light. Today people believe that standards are decided by the people. In World War II, the German leaders thought this way and it led to the holocaust. When our own country decides that right and wrong are not determined by God and the light of Jesus, then we too will be in darkness.
Lesson 2: The Truth will set you free. John 8:31 and 32
He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Let’s ask, how does the truth set us free?
On a spiritual level, truth sets us free from the bondage and punishment of sin.
On a personal level, it sets us free from self-deception. We often create narratives about ourselves that are not fully aligned with reality. Acknowledging the truth about ourselves, as uncomfortable as it may be, liberates us from the chains of these illusions. It allows us to grow, to change, and to live as we should.
Lesson 3: Jesus was always here. John 8:58
“Before Abraham was born, I am!”This is a direct claim to divinity and an affirmation of Jesus’ eternal existence.
Lesson 4: Jesus is the only way to be saved. John 8:24
“For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
It is only through Jesus that anyone can be saved.
[3] The scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them [4] and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”
[6] They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
[7] When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” [8] And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.
[9] When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.
May God bless the reading of his word.
In our reading, we find a powerful story that speaks to the very heart of the human condition. It begins with a woman caught in the act of adultery, brought before Jesus by a group of Pharisees and scribes. They were ready to condemn her, to stone her as the law demanded. But Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, offered a profound response.
“He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her,” Jesus declared.
With those words, he challenged the accusers to examine their own hearts and lives before daring to pass judgment on another. The impact of this statement was immediate and profound. As verse 9 tells us, “When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.”
We are all flawed, imperfect beings, and that true justice and righteousness can only be achieved when we approach one another with empathy, humility, and a willingness to forgive. Jesus did not condone the woman’s actions, but recognized that the real sin lay in the self-righteous condemnation of those who were quick to cast the first stone.
This story reminds us that we must look inward, acknowledge our own shortcomings, and extend the same compassion to others that we hope to receive ourselves. It is a call to break the cycle of judgment and retribution, and to embrace the power of forgiveness. In doing so, we not only find healing for ourselves, but we also create the possibility for true redemption and restoration in the lives of those around us.
The Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, “Where is He?” Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.”
Yet no one would speak publicly about Him for fear of the Jews. About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach.
May God bless the reading of this text.
In today’s reading, we find Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, having to choose between chasing public opinion or doing the right thing. Despite the risks, Jesus chooses the right moment to teach in the temple courts, underscoring a profound truth: doing what’s right outweighs the need to please everyone.
This passage invites us to reflect on the often-quoted wisdom, “You can’t please all the people all the time.” Jesus knew this well. He wasn’t swayed by the crowd’s expectations or the Pharisees’ demands. Instead, He focused on His mission, teaching God’s truths, even when it wasn’t the popular choice. This moment in Jesus’ ministry is a powerful reminder of the futility in trying to satisfy everyone’s expectations.
Trying to please everyone can lead us down a path where our values and convictions are compromised. This text reminds us that doing the right thing, though not always popular or easy, is what truly matters. It’s about aligning our actions with our faith, even when it goes against the grain.
We must remember that some people will always be dissatisfied or disagree with your actions, no matter how hard you try to accommodate everyone. Trying to please everyone is an unrealistic and unattainable goal.
So, as you move through your day, remember the lesson from Jesus’ actions. When faced with a choice between doing what’s right and doing what’s popular, choose the right. It may not win you the favor of everyone, but it will help you reach your real purpose in life. Reflect on this passage and see for yourself the truth about choosing integrity over popularity.
[2] However, the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near. [3] So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples there may see the works You are doing. [4] For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.” [5] For even His own brothers did not believe in Him. [6] Therefore Jesus told them, “Although your time is always at hand, My time has not yet come. [7] The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil. [8] Go up to the feast on your own. I am not going up to this feast, because My time has not yet come.”
May God bless the reading of his text.
The interesting conclusion to this text is that Jesus went to Jerusalem, but only when he knew the time was right. Note especially verse 6. Jesus tells His disciples, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always at hand.” This verse beautifully illustrates the divine wisdom in God’s timing, contrasting it with our often impatient desires. It’s a reminder that while we may crave immediate answers or solutions, God’s timing is perfect, unfolding precisely when it will yield the greatest good in our lives and the lives of others. This principle encourages us to trust in God’s schedule over our own, understanding that our eagerness must be tempered with patience. Reflect on this: the blessings you’re waiting for are being prepared in the perfect time frame—God’s. Embrace the wait, for in it lies growth, preparation, and the alignment of circumstances that only God can orchestrate.
One wise person wrote that God always answers prayer. Sometimes that answer is yes, and sometimes it is no, but both are answers. Here’s one more possibility. Sometimes the answer is “Yes, but not yet.”
No doubt, while living in the palace of Egypt, Moses prayed for the Hebrews to be freed from slavery. At 40, he tried to be that answer and killed an Egyptian. God looked at Moses and said, “Yes, but not yet.” Forty years later, God reached out to him and used him. He told Moses to tell the pharaoh, “Let my people go.” You know the rest of the story.
Great people learn to ask God, wait, and trust His timing.
Our Scripture reading for today is Matthew 17:24-27
[24] After they had arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the two drachmas?” [25] “Yes,” he answered. When Peter entered the house, Jesus preempted him. “What do you think, Simon?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” [26] “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared. [27] “But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.”
In our text, people asked Peter whether Jesus paid the temple tax. The Temple Tax was an annual tax that Jews paid for the upkeep of the temple. Obviously, Jesus had not been paying the tax. He explained why in verse 25 and 26, “What do you think, Peter?” He asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs and taxes: from their own sons, or from others?” “From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus declared.
In ancient times, it was customary for rulers to exempt their own family from taxes that were imposed on their subjects. Jesus uses this cultural norm to illustrate a heavenly principle: As the Son of God, He is the ultimate “son of the King” and thus technically exempt from the temple tax. However, to avoid being a stumbling block to others, Jesus tells Peter to pay the tax.
There is a great principle being taught here.
When my middle child was about three, her big sister wanted her to share some candy that she had. She took the problem to their mother. Her mother handled the problem by saying, “Jesus wants you to share.” Upon hearing this, the three-year-old left the room (hopefully to get that candy to share) and returned with her Bible. She laid the Bible before her mother and said, “Show me.”
We may smile when a 3-year-old does this but are sad when grown adults try the same thing.
Instead of such an attitude, here are three reasons why things are wrong.
Number 1. Some things are wrong because God said they are wrong. Adultery and murder are wrong. Period. Number 2. Some things are wrong because others think they are wrong. (Romans 14:20 and 21). Number 3. Some things are wrong because we think they are wrong. (Romans 14:23).
Don’t just say, “Show me,” but strive to do the right thing. Lonnie Davis
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”
May God bless the reading of his word.
Among the many wonderful lessons to be learned in these words, I call your attention to Jesus and the child.
Once, when my oldest girl was about ten and in the Girl Scouts, she wanted to sell cookies door-to-door. She walked around the neighborhood. Later, as we were driving around, I asked her if she had any luck. She said that only the kids were home. My response was, “The people weren’t home?” Out of the mouth of a child came words of wisdom: “Kids are people too,” she said.
In this text, Jesus is telling us the same thing. At that age, children were almost non-persons. Truly, they were to be seen and not heard. By taking a child into his arms, Jesus was saying that everyone is important in the kingdom. He is equating welcoming a child in His name to welcoming Him.
This teaches us the importance of embracing those who may seem unimportant by the world’s standards and recognizing the image of God in everyone. One area church around me is involved in trying to get its members into higher political positions. This is foolishness for a church mission. It’s fine to be a governor or a senator, but it should not matter to the church whether you are a governor or a bus driver.
In the kingdom, rich or poor, famous or obscure, are all the same. There is no earthly status that should matter to the Kingdom.
Our devotion for today is from Matthew 17:14–18. Let’s read it together.
When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.” Then Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
May God bless the reading of his word.
In the midst of this crowd, a desperate situation unfolds. The disciples are unable to heal a demon-possessed boy, leaving the scene fraught with tension. Jesus arrives, and his response is a piercing question: “O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long must I endure you?”
His words aren’t meant to criticize merely but to show us a deeper truth.
When we face trials and the limitations of our own abilities, do we turn to Jesus with unwavering trust?
Or do we harbor doubts, attempting to solve problems in our own strength? Perhaps prayers we do not offer or struggles we keep hidden are indicators of wavering faith.
Jesus’s presence here is an invitation to bring our burdens, big or small, to him. He longs for us to rely on his power, for in that reliance, our faith deepens and wonders unfold.
Our scripture today’s Devotional is Matthew 16:26-27. Listen as we read it.
Matthew 16:26-27 [26] What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.”
There are four great subjects or points, addressed in these two verses:
Point 1: Glory to God is Paramount. The verse says, “The Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory.”
One day, people will say of you, “Gone but not forgotten.” The Father never forgets us, no matter how many centuries pass. But if we do not live lives that give glory to God, then we miss the point of our existence. Jesus said to let our lights shine so others may glorify the Father. Even at the birth of Jesus, the angels in heaven said, “Glory to God in the highest.” {Luke 2:14). That is why we are here.
Point 2: Jesus claimed to be divine. It is amazing that some theologians now claim that Jesus never said he was divine. They are ignorant of the Bible’s teachings. In this verse and others, Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man.” That is not a reference to his humanity but rather a reference to the divine prophecy about him. Daniel 7:13–14 says, “The Son of Man is going to come.” Daniel teaches that the Son of Man is divine. Jesus is the Son of Man spoken of in prophecy.
Point 3: There will be a judgment day. The text says, “He will reward each person according to what they have done.” Accountability is not a popular thought, but the passage clearly states that a time of judgment is coming.
Point 4: “He will reward each person according to what they have done.” In a world where feelings seem to be all that matter, they do matter, but Bible believers need to remember that our actions also matter. Even some believers now echo the sentiment of feelings when they say, “What’s in your heart matters most,” but this is not true. Jesus said that we will be rewarded according to our deeds.
While God’s grace and mercy are vital, we mustn’t disregard the importance of what we do. Jesus emphasized this by saying, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). So, guard your heart and think righteously, but also make sure you do what is right. In our verse today, Jesus reminds us that deeds have consequences.
If you know Matthew 16:27, then you too are a theologian.
Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke this message quite frankly, and Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But Jesus, turning and looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Our reading provided three important lessons.
Lesson 1. The importance of divine perspective over human reasoning. In life, we often interpret circumstances through a human lens, preferring comfort and immediate gratification. However, our text today serves as a powerful reminder that God’s perspective surpasses our limited understanding. Jesus, God’s Son, freely accepts pain, showing a way that appears illogical from a human perspective. However, this verse reminds us to find a higher perspective, trusting in God’s wisdom even when it opposes our desires.
Lesson 2. The risk of unintentionally obstructing God’s plan. Our story describes a frightening moment when Peter, in his desire to defend Jesus, obstructs God’s work. This serves as a cautionary story for all. Our intentions, however excellent, may occasionally unknowingly obstruct God’s plans. We must strive for understanding, aligning our choices with God’s plan, and ensuring that we do not become obstructions to the path He has chosen for ourselves and others.
Lesson 3. The call to set our minds on divine, not earthly, things. The powerful discussion between Jesus and Peter leads us to a deep realization that the core of discipleship is found in overcoming our earthly preoccupations and embracing divine pursuits.
Jesus’ rebuke to Peter is more than just a correction; it is a call for all believers to change their focus from the temporary to the eternal, from human concerns to God’s infinite plans.
This scripture invites us to go beyond the immediate and commonplace to connect our ideas, desires, and actions with the everlasting principles and values of the Kingdom. By doing this, we fill our lives with purpose and significance that goes beyond the temporal and brings us closer to God.
Today for our Devotional I have written about the time that Jesus asks his disciples whether they knew who he really is. The Scripture is Matthew 16:13-20:
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. [19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” [20] Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
This reading is filled with many great teachings, but for today I call to your attention only two.
The Great Question In verse 15, Jesus asks His disciples a critical question: “Who do you say I am?” This moment is more than just curiosity; it’s a test of conviction in the midst of misunderstanding. Recognizing Jesus’ true identity was not only advantageous to the disciples but also necessary. Their path would be filled with persecution, trials, and even execution. Only a strong, unchanging awareness of Jesus as the Son of God could anchor them and make every sacrifice worthwhile. This insight turns hardships into victories, proving that knowing Jesus is the foundation of strong faith.
The Promise of the Coming Church. In verse 18, Jesus declares, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” To understand what Jesus is saying, we must know what the word Hades means. Hades is not what we think of as hell where wicked people go. It is a word that refers to death, the abode of the dead, or the grave. Here, Jesus assures his disciples that even though they will kill him, his kingdom, the church will come to fulfillment. It’s remarkable that the church which was so important to Jesus is not deemed to be irrelevant.
Our Devotional today is about Jesus healing a blind man. We begin today with a reading of Mark 8:22-26
[22] When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. [23] So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked. [24] The man looked up and said, “I can see the people, but they look like trees walking around.” [25] Once again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and when he opened them his sight was restored, and he could see everything clearly. [26] Jesus sent him home and said, “Do not go back into the village.”
From today’s reading there are three great lessons:
Jesus can help us in ways we do not expect. He placed his hands on the blind man’s eyes and asked, “Can you see anything?” When the man said that he could not see clearly, Jesus touched him a second time. Seeing this I wondered why Jesus needed to touch him twice. Did he fail with his first touch? The answer is no, he didn’t fail. Jesus chose a different way to heal that we might not have expected. Jesus The second touching was a part of the process he chose. With the second touch Jesus was demonstrating that He could heal any way he wanted. We should never box God in. Ask what we want and leave it to God to decide how.
Jesus meets us where we are. In verses 22 and 23, the blind man came to Jesus, not Jesus going to him. Jesus led the blind man out of the village, showing that He is willing to meet us in our unique circumstances and walk with us through the healing process.
Healing can be a gradual process. Sometimes we expect God to work according to our schedule and in the ways we expect. The blind man’s sight was not restored instantly; similarly, our spiritual growth and healing may occur in stages as we continue to seek Jesus.
This story is more than just about a blind man who was made to see; it is the story of how Jesus can help us in ways we might never expect. Lonnie Davis
