TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 4:1-24
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. - Psalm 18:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
The classic book by J. R. R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, includes the character Eowyn, a woman from the land of Rohan who disguised herself as a male soldier in order to fight for her king. She faces the evil Nazgul, King of the Ringwraiths. Defending King Theoden, who is wounded and pinned down, Eowyn bravely moves between the Wraith and Theoden. The Nazgul laughs, warning the inexperienced soldier, “You fool! No man can slay the Lord of the Nazgul—die now!” Eowyn removes her helmet, shakes down her hair and declares, “I am no man!” She slays the evil Wraith with one lunge of her sword.

Our passage today features another brave woman who slays the commander of the Canaanite army. God's people were again enslaved by foreigners, this time as a consequence of their wickedness (vv. 1-3). After twenty years of oppression, the Israelites sought redemption from the Lord. God heard their cry and planned to grant His people victory through the leadership of Barak. Unwilling to go alone, Barak pleaded with Deborah to join him in battle. As a result of his wavering trust in the Lord, Barak forfeited his honor of capturing the opposing general (v. 9). Deborah was honored, but she was not the woman who would defeat Sisera. As we read on, we meet an obscure woman named Jael, a tent dweller living apart from the broader Israelite community. Her ingenuity seized the final victory (vv. 11, 17).

The Israelites defeat Jabin's army, with the exception of Sisera, the commander and last man standing, who flees on foot seeking refuge. We expect Sisera to find an ally in Heber's wife based on the friendly relations described in verse 17. Instead, Sisera runs himself into death's trap. Jael's curiously warm invitation to “come right in” builds suspense (v. 18). She covers him and offers him a sedative instead of the requested water. Jael quickly disposes of Sisera, proving to be the most clever and courageous warrior of all.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's passage, the Lord put His people in their situation as a consequence of their rebellion against Him (v. 2), and He gets them out. He is their sovereign deliverer who goes ahead of them in battle. He is not far off, but acts in the context of intimate relationship. When they cry out to Him, He responds. In the same way, God fights the battles in our lives. This week, pray through Psalm 18. As you cry out to our Heavenly Father, He will respond according to His unfailing love seen most brightly in Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 25:1-42
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. - Proverbs 20:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Living by the values of God's kingdom, rather than the world's, distinguishes Jesus' followers in a “dog-eat-dog world” where it's considered normal to “give people a taste of their own medicine.” Evaluating cultural values in light of Scripture demands wisdom, intention, and courage. In today's passage, Abigail is a keen interpreter of the conflicting values surrounding her. She encourages David not to succumb to temptation to lose sight of God's kingdom and purposes.

The author paints a stark contrast between Abigail and her husband, Nabal. He is arrogant and dishonorable in business dealings, whereas Abigail is intelligent and beautiful. Nabal foolishly ignores David's suggestion to corroborate his account with the servants, but Abigail wisely listens to their testimony. Nabal's response to David is pretentious and ungrateful, whereas Abigail bows before David in humility.

Abigail's wisdom is also distinguished from David's hasty imprudence (vv. 20-25). She points out that needless bloodshed would torment David's conscience and that his desire for revenge was ultimately self-interested (vv. 30-31). David should remember the Lord's covenant promises, to entrust himself into the Lord's care, and to live in light of His bigger story (vv. 26-31). Both Nabal and David embody folly. Nabal is short-sighted, insolent, and disreputable. David is short-fused. David felt insulted by Nabal and consequently lost sight of the Lord.

Abigail embodies wisdom, much like Lady Wisdom and the wife of noble character in Proverbs (Proverbs 1-9; 31). She quickly acted to care for her household; she was creative, industrious, and bold; she was also humble and repentant on behalf of her foolish husband. Her wisdom shone when she reminded David that the Lord fights His battles and those of His people, so it is godly to surrender to His ways rather than pursue one's own. God spoke to David through Abigail, and in turn David praised God, seeing how He protects and avenges him (v. 39).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In what ways do you embody wisdom or folly in situations you are facing? Wisdom is cultivated in our hearts as we study God's Word and as we are transformed to become more like Christ daily. Consider studying Proverbs 1 through 9 and 31 and seek a fellow Christian to partner with you in pursuit of godly wisdom. Just as Abigail spoke wisdom into David's life, so the two of you can speak into each other's lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 20:1-22
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Christmas Truce of World War I is a famous peaceful moment. On the Western Front, on Christmas Eve of 1914, German and British soldiers unofficially ceased fighting and celebrated together. According to one letter by an unknown British soldier, Germans lit candles along the trenches and wished their enemies “a Happy Christmas, etc,” prompting the cease-fire. Perhaps the good news of Christmas Day compelled such an armistice. In our passage today, a woman with a wise word secured a similar truce for her entire city.

The conflict between King David and his subversive son, Absalom, was heightening. Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Sam. 15:6) and consequently, David fled Jerusalem (15:13-16). Absalom was later killed following a treacherous encounter with an oak tree (18:9). After mourning, David began to return to Jerusalem (19:8b-15). The faction of Israel rejoined the men of Judah to bring back David, but after crossing the Jordan, conflict arose between the two groups (19:39-43). This sets the stage for chapter 20.

The text is full of war, treason, turbulence, and drama. The death of Absalom was not the final threat to David's throne; the king was flanked by enemies at every side. Amasa, once the commander of Absalom's army (17:25), was restored as commander of David's army (19:13), but quickly proved to be a traitor and died by Joab's dagger.

With Amasa removed, Joab and his men pursued the “troublemaker,” Sheba (v. 1), who holed up in the city of Abel. Sheba was trapped like a gopher. As they proceeded to destroy Abel along with those inside, a wise woman judiciously interceded (vv. 15-16). The unnamed woman pleaded for peace based on the city's historic faithfulness (v. 19); she agreed to a solution which secured a truce (v. 21b), and persuaded the entire city to comply (v. 22). Twice the narrator commended her wisdom to propose an alternative to the existing circumstances (vv. 16, 22).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Psalms are prayerful songs that reflect the experiences and emotions of our ancestors in the faith. For example, feeling overwhelmed by surrounding enemies is a common theme, and so is God's sure deliverance. Perhaps you can identify people or circumstances threatening to destroy your life and faith. Or maybe you relate to other facets of the psalmists' words. Consider praying through the Psalms as you seek refuge and worship God. Learning to Pray through the Psalms by James W. Sire is a helpful resource.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice. - Psalm 11:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 2007 movie, Bella, José, chef of his brother Manny's restaurant, risks his job when he disappears from work, compelled by compassion for his pregnant co-worker who has been fired by Manny. In a tense confrontation with his brother, José chides Manny for selfish and dishonorable behavior toward his employees. Manny is motivated by José's honorable behavior and decidedly changes his ways.

In our passage today, Rizpah's radical love inspires righteousness in King David. After three years of famine, David sought the Lord and learned that the disaster is God's judgment for the wickedness of Saul against the Gibeonites, with whom Joshua made a peace treaty centuries earlier (v. 1; cf. Josh. 9:15). To make amends and save Israel from death, David pleaded with the Gibeonites. At their request, he handed over seven of Saul's descendants for execution: two sons of Rizpah (Saul's former concubine) and five grandsons.

According to the Mosaic Law, the corpse of someone put to death should not remain outside overnight (Deut. 21:22-23). Instead of observing this command, the bodies of the executed men were left outside, exposed to birds of prey and other predators from the beginning of barley harvest (late April or May) to early fall (vv. 9-10). David had expressed concern about the Lord's blessing and their inheritance, but he did not act accordingly when he neglected the Law and left the victims' bodies exposed. As God had instructed His people, disobeying the law desecrates the land the Lord gave as an inheritance to His people (Deut. 21:23).

Rizpah, on the other hand, grieved her devastating loss and honored the seven men by protecting their bodies for months. She upheld human dignity in the face of dehumanizing circumstances. Rizpah acted righteously, and David was provoked by her honor. He took the victims' bodies and exhumed the bones of Saul and Jonathan in order to provide them with a proper burial in their ancestral tomb. Notice that only after the burial does the Lord answer his prayer on behalf of the land (v. 14b). God honors righteousness (Ps. 5:12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Rizpah did what loving mothers do for their children. She acted to ensure their protection and welfare, even after death. Biological, adoptive, as well as spiritual parents—like Paul was to Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2)—seek to care for their children to the best of their ability. One powerful way to do this is to pray regularly for them, to entrust them into the Lord's perfect care. One useful guide for praying for children, including spiritual children, is Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Parent.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 17:13-24
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me? - Psalm 22:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine visiting a region plagued by drought. Famine has ravaged the land and its people. You gaze into the eyes of malnourished children and starving families; the hopelessness, fear, and desperation are palpable; you lock eyes with death. Your attention is drawn to a frail woman, slowly gathering sticks, and her sickly son, standing nearby. This is the scene in today's passage.

In the time of Elijah the prophet, “the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land” (Luke 4:25). Deuteronomy 11:16-17 instructs that the Lord causes drought and famine in response to idolatry; this is the context of our passage (1 Kings 18:18). The Lord sustained His prophet Elijah throughout the famine. First, God placed him near a brook where ravens fed him daily. When the brook dried up, the Lord directed Elijah to the next source of sustenance.

A single-parent home during an economic crisis seems an unlikely place to find room and board, so it is easy to fathom the widow's surprise when the Lord commanded her to supply one of His prophets with food. It is equally astonishing for Elijah when he heard the Lord's plan considering the widow's welfare and her ethnicity, for she was not an Israelite. The absurd circumstances set the stage for God's glory to be revealed in His abundant provision. The Lord anchors hope in the torrent waters of despair: He brings plenty out of poverty (vv. 7-16), faith out of disbelief (vv. 18, 24), and even life from death (vv. 17-24).

In the beginning (v. , middle (v. 16), and end (v. 24) of our reading, the author weaves in the phrase, “the word of the Lord.” The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath magnifies the strong promise that God's word can be trusted (v. 16). In Zarephath, the land of Baal, god of rain and agriculture, a famine has seized the land, but the God of Israel triumphs in the life of an unsuspecting Canaanite woman (cf. Luke 4:14-30).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Upon the death of her only son, the widow cries out from the depths of severe pain (v. 18). Her question resounds with the raw emotion of feeling abandoned by God (cf. Psalm 22; Matt. 27:46). Has He given such great blessing only to snatch it away in a fury of suffering and loss? Perhaps you are asking the same question. May you find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign, He gives life, and He has won ultimate victory over suffering and death through Christ's death and resurrection.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 4:1-7
Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. - Psalm 111:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Twenty-seven million people are enslaved in the world today, including millions of children. In places such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Russia, Europe, South America, and even the United States, children are enslaved as child soldiers, involuntary servants, debt slaves, or in commercial sexual exploitation. Debt slaves are sold into work to pay their family's debt. They work ten to twelve hours per day to satisfy even small debts; they suffer sickness, injuries, and are deprived of education.

God worked powerfully through Elisha to rescue two children from debt slavery in our story today. Elisha was the successor of the prophet Elijah (cf. 2 Kings 2:9-15). Elisha's name means “God saves,” and throughout the stories of his life and ministry recorded in 1 and 2 Kings, God's redeeming power is clearly evident.

In our passage today, Elisha encountered a desperate widow whose deceased husband feared the Lord and was from the company of the prophets, which afforded her a connection with Elisha (v. 1). Commentators describe the company of the prophets as either a guild of professional prophets or an informal group of lay supporters of Elijah and Elisha.

This poor widow was on the verge of selling her sons into slavery to pay off family debts (v. 1). Elisha immediately sought to help her, taking what she had and depending on God to multiply it to pay her debts. The woman mentioned her inadequate means twice (v. 2b), but her brief comments pale in comparison to the lengthier account of God's lavish provision. Verses 3 through 6 explode with the theme of plenty. We see reflections of this story in Exodus 16, God's provision of manna and quail, and in John 6:1-13, which records Jesus feeding more than five thousand men, women, and children from a boy's five loaves of bread and two fish (cf. 2 Kings 4:42-44). In all these stories, God creates abundance out of scarcity; from insufficient resources, He supplies excess.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
No human created in the image of God should be enslaved. You can learn more about human slavery around the world and how you can combat it by visiting the Not For Sale Campaign at www.notforsalecampaign.org, the Polaris Project at www.polarisproject.org and International Justice Mission at www.ijm.org. There are many ways to become a modern day abolitionist of slavery like Elisha. Begin today through prayer, trusting that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 4:8-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? - Romans 8:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Great Sichuan Earthquake in China in May 2008 left many parents childless after some 7,000 schoolrooms collapsed in the quake. China's population control program introduced in 1979 requires citizens to comply with the “one child policy.” Pictures of grieving parents from the Sichuan Province pierced hearts worldwide as parents mourned the loss of the family's only child.

Recalling such painful bereavement helps us to identify with the woman in today's passage. Our text begins with a wealthy married woman with no children. The unnamed woman was from Shunem, located approximately three miles from Nazareth, and when Elisha was in town, she always shared godly hospitality with him because she knew he was a prophet of God.

Elisha was blessed and grateful for the woman's kindness, and asked her how he could return the blessing. She hesitated to give an answer, but Elisha was persistent and inquired a second time, “What can be done for her?” (vv. 13-14). Elisha's servant noted the unlikelihood of the Shunammite woman ever bearing children, and so Elisha promised her a son, a blessing from the Lord (cf. Ps. 127:3-5). The promised son is born—but some time in his early youth, he died (vv. 18-20). The Shunammite woman immediately displayed trust in God's power working through His servant, Elisha. She quickly left to seek his help (v. 22), hopeful yet ready to hold Elisha accountable for the promised child's life (v. 28).

The Shunammite woman has great character. She is hospitable, resourceful, and admirable (vv. 8-10); in crisis, she acts in integrity, intentionality, and decisiveness (vv. 20-30); she is fit, for her round-trip journey to find Elisha was nearly thirty miles (v. 25); and she is faith-filled and grateful (vv. 30-37).

In both yesterday's and today's texts, we obtain glimpses of God's salvation amid hopeless circumstances. God's blessings upon these two women through Elisha are abundant and full of life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God the Father knows the anguish of losing His only Son, for “He did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32). The Father and Son know the agony of separation (Matt. 27:46). Death is the ultimate hopelessness, but the story does not end here. Resurrection is the utmost hope, and Christ is the firstfruits of those who will follow in resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20). Today, rejoice afresh in the great news of the gospel: the last enemy has been conquered (1 Cor. 15:26).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Kings 22:1-20
Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. - James 1:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
The books of 1 and 2 Kings narrate the relationship between Yahweh and His people from the time of the united kingdom under Solomon, through the parallel history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, ending with a focus on the southern kingdom of Judah and its fall to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The kings are assessed throughout the books as those who did either evil or right in the eyes of the Lord. Our text today is set during the time of King Josiah, an extraordinarily important figure in the history of ancient Israel and Judah. Equally significant is that 2 Kings presents Josiah as the most righteous and repentant king of Judah (2 Kings 23:25).

In the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign (approximately 622 BC), when he was only 26 years old, a temple renovation project was in progress. The community collected a special designated offering in order to compensate the workers as well as buy the products needed for repairs. While rummaging through the relics in the temple, the high priest found the Book of the Law. The scroll found is commonly identified by scholars as a form of Deuteronomy.

A section of the Book of the Law (regarded as Deut. 31:14-29) was read to King Josiah. In response, he tore his robes as a sign of sorrow and mourning. Judah had been disobedient, and the reading curses rebelliousness with disaster (Deut. 31:27-29). Josiah wanted the Lord's message from the Book of the Law interpreted, so he sent the high priest and others to Huldah, the prophetess. Huldah's exposition contains two parts: a confirmation of disaster (vv. 16-17) and an exemption for Josiah (vv. 19-20). Surprisingly, though Josiah was found faithful, God did not relent against Josiah's kingdom, Judah. Nonetheless, Josiah remained faithful and initiated diligent religious reforms to eliminate idol worship and syncretism throughout Judah (2 Kings 23:1-28). The prophetess Huldah accurately described how Josiah's heart was humble and responsive before the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
James 1:22-25 invites us to be like King Josiah, readily obedient to the Lord's Word. As we see in Josiah's life, James also confirms that faithfulness to God brings blessing (v. 25). Are you humble and submissive to God's Word, allowing it to transform you by the power of the Spirit? Or do you find yourself resistant and rebellious, clinging to the idols in your life? Just as Josiah's temple renewal project uncovered the Book of the Law, let the Spirit excavate the depths of your heart through His powerful Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 1:29-31
The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! - Mark 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
We have been studying accounts of some women in the Old Testament whose stories are less well known. Now we turn our attention to women who have “small roles” in the Gospels. The culture—political, religious, and legal—of the first century was patriarchal and male-centered. Women were typically viewed as having significantly less value than men, and the societal place for women was confined to domestic roles of wife and mother. In this context, the respect, dignity, and empowerment that Jesus gives women throughout His ministry are all the more remarkable. Jesus heals and restores women; He includes them as His followers; and women become heralds of His life and participants in His church. Today we encounter one of the first women Jesus healed, Simon Peter's mother-in-law.

After teaching in the synagogue, Jesus and His disciples made their way to Simon Peter's family estate. They arrived to find Simon's mother-in-law in bed with a high fever. The brevity of verse 31 emphasizes the power of Jesus to restore this woman immediately. The authority of Jesus to heal is not some psychosomatic power of suggestion but a genuine miracle of divine intervention. Approximately thirty percent of Mark's Gospel recounts the miracles and healings of Jesus, demonstrating the inauguration of God's redemptive reign on earth (cf. Isaiah 61).

Simon Peter's mother-in-law, cured from her ailment, jumped out of bed and began to serve Jesus and His disciples. Some modern readers criticize this scene from a so-called “feminist” perspective: the poor woman is bedridden from a dangerous fever one minute and the next minute is expected to return to her “duty” of waiting on the men. Such a critique is misguided in at least two ways. First, it is incorrect to impose a contemporary standard for gender roles that was completely nonexistent in the first century. Even more importantly, Mark's emphasis is on Jesus' deep care and immediate attention to this sick woman. Jesus completely restored her; He did not oppress her. Her service was her loving response to the Christ who healed her.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Simon's mother-in-law exemplifies living in God's grace. What is your response to Jesus' love and ministry in your life? Is it grateful service in His kingdom or a guilt-ridden obligation to serve Him? Do you serve God in order to earn salvation or rather in response to it? Reflect today on your motives for serving God. Repent of ways you may have distorted the blessing of loving service to Him, ask God to help you live out of a grateful response to His love and grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 5:21-43
Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. - Mark 5:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
It is one of the most arresting photos ever on a magazine cover: a twelve-year-old Afghani girl, with piercing green eyes and a red shawl wrapped around her head, on the cover of the June 1985 National Geographic. Writer Martin Youssef asserts that her “courageous stare defies the poverty and desolate situation she has been thrown in.” Her face appears desperate, long-suffering, and bold—all qualities shared with the bleeding woman in our passage today.

As we begin this narrative, Mark's Gospel describes a large crowd pressed around Jesus (vv. 21, 24, 31). He was on His way to heal the daughter of the synagogue ruler Jairus, when He was distracted by a powerful touch. Jesus sought to identify the recipient of His healing, despite the disciples' foolish assessment (vv. 30-32).

Mark distinguishes one woman from among the masses (vv. 25-26). She suffered from chronic hemorrhaging, leaving her unable to participate in religious observance; she was destitute, having spent all her money on doctors to no avail; and her health continued to decline. Jesus' reputation offered a glimmer of hope, so she reached for Him. Jesus' persistent questioning beckoned her out of secrecy; she humbly and fearfully made herself known.

This woman is unnamed, insignificant, unclean, and ostracized, which makes Jesus' care for her all the more remarkable. His words and actions offered complete restoration. He called her “daughter,” and so re-established her in God's family, and He freed her from physical suffering.

Jairus received news of his daughter's death, but Jesus encouraged him not to forget the miracle just witnessed. The healing of the bleeding woman became an antidote for fear and inspiration for faith. The woman was hopeless and found hope in Jesus; she was sick and found healing. The bleeding woman's courage to come to Jesus defied her desolate situation. Her faith in the Great Physician healed her.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The woman and Jairus both wrestle with fear and both exhibit remarkable faith in Jesus. The journey of following Jesus is mixed with faith and frailty. Jesus delights when we come to Him, full of faith or burdened with fear. Are you experiencing fear or doubts? Perhaps the prayer of a loving, desperate father will hearten you: “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). Honestly share your thoughts and feelings with God; His Spirit will strengthen you to be faithful. Come to Jesus and be completely restored.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 6:14-29
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. - Leviticus 19:17-18
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Herodian Dynasty lasted from 40 bc until ad 100. Herod Antipas in today's text was one of the sons of Herod the Great (see Matthew 2). Herod Antipas ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 bc to ad 39. The ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist were concentrated in these regions, and both men were so popular among the people that King Herod knew of them (vv. 14, 20). The association between Herod and John the Baptist is the context of our text today.

An “acquaintance” formed between Herod and John when the Baptizer boldly criticized Herod regarding his incestuous marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. The Mosaic Law prohibited a man from marrying his brother's wife (Lev. 18:16; 20:21) unless the brother died (Deut. 25:5), which was not the case with Philip. Herodias despised John the Baptist for his rebuke. She cultivated her grudge into a vengeful monster, with the goal to have John destroyed. Herodias became overtaken with the desire to snuff out this annoyance.

The text presents Herod as curious about John (v. 20) and honorable to keep his promises (v. 26). His loyalty to his word transcended his interest in John, but Herod walked blindly into his wife's snare to behead the Baptizer. Like many prophets before him, John's audacity and commitment to the Lord's way cost him his life.

Our text today explains the death of John the Baptist, but it also points beyond this prophet. Notice the text begins and ends with Jesus. Herod reveals his misconceptions about Jesus' identity, which echo the disciples' confusion in Mark 8:27-29 (vv. 14-16). The story of John's execution also parallels the suffering and death of Christ. Like Herodias, the teachers of the law conspired to kill Jesus (vv. 19, 21). Like Herod, Pilate was conflicted about convicting Jesus to crucifixion, but in the end, satisfied the crowd (vv. 26-27). Unlike Jesus' disciples who abandon their Lord, though, John's disciples gave him a proper burial (v. 29).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Watering seeds of pain and resentment will grow roots of bitterness, bloom weeds of ill-will toward others, and produce thorns of destruction in our hearts and lives. If you are holding a grudge, God calls and empowers you to forgive (Matt. 6:12-15). We can forgive genuinely and love deeply, because we first have been forgiven and loved by God in Christ through His work on the cross. Today, pray for a spirit of forgiveness, release to God past and present offenses, and walk freely in the love of Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 7:24-30
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. - Romans 16:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
The original recipients of Mark's Gospel were Gentiles (non-Jews) who were persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ, a recently crucified Jewish carpenter and prophet whom they claimed had risen from the dead. In the face of suffering and ridicule, these early followers of Jesus were encouraged to remember that the good news of Jesus was not simply for Jews, who believed that He was the Messiah, but also for Gentiles. Recall how Peter explained the Gentile inclusion in Acts 15:7-11: God chose the Gentiles to hear the gospel and believe; He confirmed this by giving them the Holy Spirit; and all because “it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts 15:11). Imagine reading today's passage from the perspective of an original Gentile recipient!

Our text takes place in the region of Tyre, which belonged to ancient Phoenicia. The most well-known Old Testament woman from Phoenicia is Jezebel, who turned King Ahab away from the God of Israel to worship Baal. A more positive representative of Phoenicia is the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24). Today's text reflects the tensions that existed in this border area between Tyre and Galilee.

This woman from Phoenicia embodies bold faith. Though Jesus retreated in privacy, hoping to go unnoticed, this desperate woman sought Him out “as soon as she heard about him” (v. 25). She knew Jesus had the power to heal her demon-possessed daughter, for His reputation had spread. She humbly entreated Jesus, but received a shocking answer (vv. 26-27). Though the word “first” implies that a time will come for the salvation of Gentiles, Jesus' initial answer did not satisfy the woman. Curiously, she called Jesus “Lord.” Some suggest this is simply a respectful form of address rather than a confession of His deity, but this seems inconsistent with the evaluation of her faith that Jesus pronounced. This woman had the gumption to rebut Jesus (v. 28), and in response to her “great faith” (Matt. 15:28), Jesus demonstrated that His saving power was not limited to Israel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus liberated the woman's daughter from demon-possession. Satan attempted to divert Jesus from His mission and destroy His creation, but Jesus' authority over Satan in healings, exorcism, and ultimately His resurrection, proves Jesus to be the Son of God. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of this world and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12). Prayerfully reflect on Ephesians 6:10-17, and pray for strength in Jesus and His power against the devil's schemes.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 12:41-44
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. - Mark 8:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
In November 1994, Rachel Saint died in Ecuador at the age of 80. She had lived with the Waodani people since 1959, sharing the gospel with those who had murdered her brother and four other missionaries three years earlier. Her life embodied the famous words of Mother Teresa: “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” The poor widow of today's passage also embodies these words.

Recall descriptions of the temple in Jerusalem. A Jewish man or woman would enter the temple complex by passing through a large plaza to ascend a massive stairway. The double gate straight ahead led to the outer court or Court of the Gentiles, where the blind and lame visited Jesus and where He drove out merchants (Matt 21:12-16). Gentiles could not continue, but Jews could advance into the Court of Women. This was as far as Jewish women could proceed in the temple. Here Anna prayed (Luke 2:37), and this is where Jesus sat as today's text begins (v. 41).

Jesus watched the crowd with particular attention to the worshippers on opposite ends of the socio-economic scale. He noticed a contrast between many rich people and one poor widow, between large monetary gifts and two small coins worth nearly nothing (v. 42).

Jesus drew the disciples' attention not to the actual amounts of the offerings, but rather to the percentage of the gifts in proportion to each person's resources (v. 43). Jesus commended the woman because she gave sacrificially and in great faith, trusting God to provide for her needs (v. 44).

Financially, legally, and culturally, the poor widow is insignificant, but spiritually she is a heroine. She demonstrated faithful discipleship through her stewardship of material possessions. She knew that all her resources were first of all God's resources and that He cared for her, so she could give a “small thing with great love” by trusting in God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it” (Ps. 24:1). All things belong to God and come under His Lordship. How do you steward His resources—the money, time, talents, and creation He has given you? Do you make decisions based on your relationship with Christ and His kingdom? Whether you are rich, somewhere in the middle, or poor, do you give sacrificially and generously to glorify God and share in His kingdom work locally and globally? Take time to prayerfully evaluate your stewardship of God's resources.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 7:11-17
When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her. - Luke 7:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Lina came to First Church she was alone, broken, and empty-handed. She and her toddler, Lucas, had recently escaped from domestic violence and were living in a YWCA shelter. Lina needed everything: healing, love, community, work, daycare, and food. First Church grafted her into their family. Some provided meals and daycare; one woman found Lina a job; and all encircled them in Christ's love. The fellowship at First Church showed the love of Christ exhibited in today's text.

Jesus and His followers encountered a funeral procession led by a grieving mother. Though surrounded by a large crowd, she was left alone, first by her husband, then by her only son. In the first century, women relied on men for their welfare; this woman was now destitute. Jesus was moved with deep compassion (cf. John 11:35); He was the full manifestation of God's love for the poor and vulnerable.

The setting is a funeral; the young man is in the coffin. In other words, the boy was dead. Jesus did not resuscitate the widow's son from a hospital “code blue.” Jesus raised the boy from the dead. The young man's resurrection was temporary, for he would face physical death again. This was only a foretaste of the future that Christ's resurrection secures for us—namely the permanent, bodily resurrection of all God's people (1 Cor. 15:20).

Among the miracles and healings of Jesus, the most powerful demonstration of the kingdom of God is resurrection. God alone creates life from death. The boy's resurrection is evidence that God's reign is present on earth in Jesus. The witnesses of the funeral miracle testify of God's presence in Christ (v. 16). Perhaps they saw in Jesus' actions a reflection of the prophet Elisha raising the Shunammite woman's son (2 Kings 4:8-37). Jesus Himself testified that He is the One who is to come and that resurrection is a sign of this (Luke 7:22; cf. Deut. 18:18). He also confirms that He is more than a prophet; He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16-17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God transforms us into Christ's image (2 Cor. 3:18) by shaping our hearts to be like His. The word from the original language of the New Testament that describes how Jesus felt toward the widow denotes that He was moved in His innermost being with measureless compassion (v. 13). Does your heart reflect Jesus' heart? Do you love and care for people like He does? Read through Luke 7:1-50. Carefully observe Jesus' love and care in each story, and ask God to shape your heart to be like Christ's.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 8:1-3; Luke 24:1-12
Jesus traveled about . . . The Twelve were with Him and also some women. - Luke 8:1-2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Luke records that early in Jesus' earthly ministry, women were already among His faithful followers. These women not only followed Jesus but were also His ministry partners, contributing their wealth for His ministry needs. They were whole-life disciples: giving their time, money, and their entire lives to Jesus.

Mary Magdalene is distinguished by her home city, Magdala. She was healed by Jesus, then joined Him in His mission. Joanna risked much to follow and support Jesus, since her husband worked for Herod Antipas (cf. Mark 6; Luke 23). In addition to “others,” also mentioned are Susanna and Mary (also known as “the other Mary” in Matthew 27-28), the mother of James the younger and Joseph. Some of the “others” are elsewhere named, such as the mother of James and John (Matt. 27:56), Salome (Mark 15:40), Jesus' mother and aunt, and Mary the wife of Clopas (John 19:25).

Women followed Jesus during His ministry in Galilee all the way to His death in Jerusalem. In contrast to the male disciples, who abandoned Jesus at the time of His arrest, all four Gospels report women near the cross when Jesus died. They courageously stayed with the Lord in the face of danger. All four Gospels also record women as the first to receive angelic account of Jesus' resurrection at the empty tomb. Women were the first evangelists of the good news that “He is risen!” Luke's Gospel begins and ends with women proclaiming Jesus (Luke 1-2; 24). This is remarkable considering that in the first century the testimony of women was inadmissible in legal contexts.

Notice the contrast between the women and Peter in Luke 24:9-12. Twice Luke states that the women told the apostles about the resurrection (vv. 9-10), whereas the text ends with Peter sharing no message, only musing to himself (v. 12). The role of women as disciples and witnesses of Jesus illustrates that the kingdom of God turns human social constructs on their heads and redefines what it means to be God's creation and His children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, reflect on the women in your life from your biological or spiritual families who are models of faith in Christ. How did they pass down their faith and inspire you to “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor. 9:24)? Thank God for these pillars of faith, and if possible, give them a note or phone call to let them know their spiritual impact. Also consider how you are leaving a legacy of your faith.