Daily Devotional
The Lord in the Midst
Israel wanted the land, but Moses feared a harder loss: that they might go on with gifts while the Lord Himself withdrew. A stiff-necked people can keep moving, keep speaking God’s name, keep outward religion, and yet be far from Him. Isaiah rebukes those who “make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.” The danger is not only open idolatry, but false worship joined to stubborn conduct.
Yet the Lord is merciful. After the broken tablets, He calls Moses up again; the covenant words are written again; the name of the Lord is proclaimed as merciful and just. As Origen says, “But Moses having again hewn tables of stone, God wrote the commandments a second time, and gave them to him;” Mercy does not abolish obedience; it restores it. Therefore Israel must tear down altars, cut down groves, and destroy images. What is contrary to God is not to be managed politely, but overthrown.
This same Lord reigns over all nations, as the psalm sings; and Justin declares that it is Christ “who was crucified.” His kingdom is not proved by ease, but by the obedience of those who hear Him. In Luke He blesses the poor, the hungry, the reviled; He commands love of enemies, mercy without hypocrisy, and a life built by doing His words. He searches thoughts, heals in the midst of hostile eyes, and warns that the tree is known by its fruit.
So let us not ask for religion without repentance, nor blessing without the Lord’s presence. Let us seek the face of the King by keeping His commandments, pulling down our idols, and enduring reproach for the Son of Man.
“But Moses having again hewn tables of stone, God wrote the commandments a second time, and gave them to him;”
— Origen, Against Celsus
“‘Tell ye among the nations, the Lord hath reigned from the wood,’ they have left, ‘Tell ye among the nations, the Lord hath reigned.’ Now no one of your people has ever been said to have reigned as God and Lord among the nations, with the exception of Him only who was crucified, of whom also the Holy Spirit affirms in the same Psalm that He was raised…”
— Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho
For Reflection & Discussion
What practice, possession, or companionship in your life must be cut down this week because it competes with Christ’s rule, and when will you put it away?
Whom will you bless, forgive, or do good to in obedience to Luke 6, especially if that person has wronged or excluded you?
What word of Christ have you been hearing without doing, and what concrete act of obedience will you complete before this day ends?
Start the One-Year Plan Today — Completely Free
Read or listen through the whole Bible in 365 days with audio that highlights every word, a progress calendar, streaks, friends — and a devotional like this one at the end of every day.