Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 92:12-15
The righteous thrive like a palm tree
and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon.
13 Planted in the house of the Lord,
they thrive in the courts of our God.
14 They will still bear fruit in old age,
healthy and green,
15 to declare, “The Lord is just;
he is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
Read the Entire Psalm
The Lord is Just. Everything that God does or does not do is just. He always acts with justice. This is comforting for those who have thrown themselves on his mercy. One day this will be terrifying for those who ignore his offer of mercy. God is always right. God is always sure and secure. His laws, his ways will never be overturned. Praise God because He is just.
SCRIPTURE READING:
Haggai 2:20-23 – Christian Standard Bible
Promise to Zerubbabel
20 The word of the Lord came to Haggai a second time on the twenty-fourth day of the month: 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah: I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. 22 I will overturn royal thrones and destroy the power of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overturn chariots and their riders. Horses and their riders will fall, each by his brother’s sword. 23 On that day”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies—“I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you.” This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies.
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Express thanksgiving to God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Join with others from River and pray for the war in Ukraine. Pray that it would end. Pray for those suffering.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
In C.S. Lewis’ fantasy book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lucy and Susan talk to their friends, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, about Aslan, the Great Lion and King of Narnia who symbolizes Christ in the story:
“Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” “That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or just silly.” “Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Based on our devotional study this week, how would you answer this question about Jesus: “Is He safe?” Take some time to meditate on the tension created by Jesus’ righteous judgment of evil and sin and His mercy. In what ways can we think of King Jesus as being safe? In what ways does He stand to challenge some of our common conceptions of safety? In what ways is He not safe for those who do not bow to Him?