Day 152

2 Samuel 18:1–19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15

AS WE CROSS the threshold of a new month, we find ourselves between life and death and much transition in the Scriptures.

In 2 Samuel, Absalom’s coup perpetrated against King David reached its zenith. The two armies fought a dramatic battle in the forest of Ephraim, and twenty thousand people lost their lives —including Absalom. Though David’s loyalists were overjoyed, David was heartbroken. His sadness demoralized those who had bravely fought to defend his kingdom, and Joab —David’s general —confronted him, telling him not to lose the hearts of his warriors.

In John’s Gospel, the agonizing Sabbath after Jesus’ death ended, and Mary Magdalene visited the temporary tomb where Jesus had been laid. The body wasn’t there. Racing back, she informed the disciples, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” (John 20:2).

Peter and John ran to the tomb, then departed once they’d corroborated Mary’s story. Mary lingered as she grieved a monumental loss in her life. Shortly after this, she saw a man who appeared to be the gardener and caretaker of the cemetery. “‘Sir,’ she said, ‘if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him’” (John 20:15).

And then Jesus called her by name. It’s beautiful that Jesus’ first recorded word after His resurrection was “Mary” (John 20:16). It’s also beautiful that Mary saw Jesus as a gardener, for our journey began in a garden five months ago as we stepped into this adventure through the Bible. In that garden, all was lost. But in this one, all was redeemed.

We also completed Psalm 119 today. It has taken us ten full days to move through this very long and interesting psalm. It is unique because it is broken into twenty-two sections —one for each letter in the Hebrew alphabet. And all of the ancient stanzas speak of the value of God’s Word. As we begin our sixth month together, reread Psalm 119 in its entirety, and allow it to remind you why you decided to take this journey this year.

MEDITATION:

Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue, LORD, so I have obeyed your commands.