#TheoThursday is an “almost-weekly” post that examines how the Bible shapes all aspects of life, including leadership. I will share my personal applications from the week’s readings, and maybe make a few comedic musings (THAT is in the Bible!?). I hope some will join me in this pursuit. To learn more, download the CCC Life app and click the “Bible Savvy” tab at the bottom of the homepage.
This week’s reading 9/21-27: Jeremiah chapters 14-19 , Matthew chapter 12, Proverbs 8
My top application as a leader: I am reminded from the CCC app linked above that “Jeremiah’s job as a prophet is to speak on behalf of God, and give God’s perspective on current situations and call people to respond in a way that fits with the way God sees things.” Therefore, it must have taken serious courage for him to speak God’s message to the people of Judah in Chapters 14-17. My job, therefore, is to be courageous and speak the truth in love.
My top application as a husband/father: The section in Jeremiah 17:19-27 about “keeping the Sabbath holy,” is challenging on all fronts. Sarah needs me to be rested, and so do the kids. Too often lately I have been jet-lagged, worn out, and tired. This equates to me being grumpy, and no one wins when I am grumpy, myself especially. I need to keep the Sabbath Day Holy.
Who should read these chapters? Perhaps the skeptical: Matthew 12:15-21.
What was funny or surprising about what you read? Many people think only of Jesus as the loving God/man he was and is. He can also talk a little “trash” like when the Pharisees were challenging him in Matthew 12. I suspect the question in verse 3 is meant to be rhetorical. After all, shouldn’t the religious leaders know Scripture? The “haven’t you read” question made me chuckle on one hand, and also challenged me on the other. Like Jesus, I need to do good always (which happened to be what we talked about at the dinner table when reading this passage Tuesday night). Doing good matters, even on the Sabbath. As I told the boys, if our neighbor needs my help during the Sabbath, I need to get off my butt and help them!
Do you find reading the Bible intimidating? Or, do you have no idea where to even begin? If so, I would encourage you to check-out the The Bible Project, which utilizes cartoons (CARTOONS!) to explain the contents of the Bible.