January 28

Exodus 5:22 – 7:25, Matthew 18:21 – 19:12, Psalm 23, Proverbs 5:22-23

PRAY: Lord, as I read Your Word today, open my eyes to see You. You want to be known. You have been so good to reveal Yourself to us. Thank You for drawing near to humanity throughout the centuries of time. Thank You for inviting me into Your presence even now.

READ: Chapter five of Exodus closes with Moses and the Hebrews being discouraged. Are you discouraged today? Sometimes it may appear the Lord has forgotten to act on our behalf, but we must wait for God’s timing. Chapter six opens with God telling Moses: “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh” (Exodus 6:1). God says, I have not forgotten my covenant promise, and the time has come for action. By the time the LORD rescues Jacob’s descendants, not only do the Hebrew people know it was the hand of the LORD, but all of Egypt knows that God is LORD (see Exodus 6:7, 7:5).

EDIFY: God desires to be known. Sometimes He reveals Himself through miraculous signs and wonders, as we will see with the Exodus. And other times He reveals Himself through our willingness to forgive someone who has offended us. In the New Testament reading, Jesus says our willingness to forgive is a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness from our Father in Heaven.

PRACTICE: Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22) Is there someone you need to forgive again?  If so, spend a few moments asking the Lord to help you let go of the debt. God has forgiven us beyond what we can comprehend. He is so good, He expects no less from us.