"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - Day 10 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Genesis 25,26, Matt. 9:1-17)
BLESSED OF THE LORD
“You are now the blessed of the Lord.” (Genesis 26:29b ESV)
Abimelek, king of the Philistines, had at one time told Isaac to “go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” (26:16) During the interim, Abimelek notices how God has prospered His people. So he sets out to make a peace treaty with Isaac.
“You are now the blessed of the Lord.” Who are THE blessed of the Lord? We find some answers in the reading from St. Matthew chapter 9.
● A PARALYZED MAN WALKS
2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”....6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. (Matt. 9:1-7)
● A WOMAN IS HEALED
22 “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well."
● A GIRL IS RESTORED TO LIFE
24 “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” .... 25 He took her by the hand, and the girl arose.
● TWO BLIND MEN ARE GIVEN SIGHT
“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened.
● A DEMON-OPPRESSED MAN IS FREED
32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke.
THE blessed by the Lord are those whom Jesus has touched with His power, His presence and His healing. The greatest healing is the one recorded in verse 2, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matt. 9:2)
Heavenly Father, in the lessons for today I see Your powerful hand of blessing through Jesus. Help me to see Your blessings in my life too. But, above all, remind me that the greatest blessing is the healing of my soul with Your words, “Your sins are forgiven.” Thank You for making me part of THE blessed of the Lord. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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