Daily Scripture Readings
Read along with us in community as we follow this daily scripture outline.
Sunday, September 13th:
Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:1-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35
Joseph’s story is quite Christ-like in nature; in fact, he is a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ. His brothers despise how much their father favors and loves him, so they seek to kill him. But their hatred does not overcome the will and providence of God. Even Joseph reminds them of this fact when they come to beg at his feet. Jesus teaches about this type of grace and love in the parable of the unmerciful servant. Yet this parable doesn’t end in redemption but in judgment because the servant refuses to extend the mercy he has received. Jesus teaches us to forgive without keeping count—not seven times, but seventy-seven times! Grace abounding. Yet when the servant is shown this type of grace, he uses his freedom to do evil to those who owe him instead. Let us remember God’s mercy and extend it to others to His glory. Amen!
Monday, September 14th:
Genesis 48:8-22; Psalm 133; Hebrews 11:23-29
We have trouble seeing clearly what God’s will is for us and others. It’s almost a form of spiritual blindness that can only be removed through God’s revelation. Joseph even assumed that his father Israel had followed the customary order of blessing, but instead Israel placed the right hand upon Ephraim instead of Manasseh, his firstborn. But God’s purposes do not always follow human expectations. Moses’s parents recognized his uniqueness and decided to hide him from the king’s edict. As Moses grew, he did not seek to use his position within Pharaoh’s family to his advantage but chose to identify with his brethren and suffer with God’s people. Those who seek glory will be humbled, and those who lower themselves will be glorified. May we be those who look to serve and not to be served, as Christ did to ransom the many.
Tuesday, September 15th:
Genesis 49:29-50:14; Psalm 133; Romans 14:13-15:2
Jacob’s burial reveals the honor given to the dead and the importance of grieving together as a family. Even after the long history of conflict and suffering among Jacob’s sons, they come together to mourn and bury their father. Paul calls Christians to a similar life of humility and mutual care: we are not to live merely for ourselves, but to consider how our actions affect the faith and conscience of our brothers and sisters. The strong are called to bear with the weak, seeking their good rather than insisting upon their own rights. The Christian life therefore moves beyond self-interest toward a love willing to carry another’s burdens. Just as Jacob’s sons were drawn together in their grief, Christ draws His people together into one body, where our freedom is governed by love and our strength is used for the good of others.
Wednesday, September 16th:
Genesis 50:22-26; Psalm 133; Mark 11:20-25
Joseph dies without seeing the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel the land, yet he dies in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promise. Faith does not require us to see the fulfillment before we trust the One who has promised. Jesus teaches His disciples this same kind of faith, calling them to believe that God hears their prayers and is able to do what seems impossible. Yet Jesus also connects this faith with forgiveness. We cannot cling to faith in God while refusing to extend the mercy we have received from Him. To trust God is also to entrust our grievances to Him rather than holding them against our brethren. Joseph trusted God’s promise even when its fulfillment lay beyond his own lifetime. May we likewise trust God’s promises, forgive as we have been forgiven, and live in the unity and peace of the brethren. Amen.
Thursday, September 17th:
Nahum 1:14-2:2; Psalm 145:1-8; 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
God’s judgment against Nineveh is not merely an act of destruction but a declaration that evil will not have the final word. Nahum announces the end of oppression and the restoration of God’s people. Paul then points us toward Christ, whose apparent weakness in crucifixion revealed the power of God in resurrection. These readings remind us that God’s power does not always appear as the world expects. He judges evil, restores His people, and accomplishes salvation through what appears weak. The cross reveals this most fully: Christ suffered and died, yet by that suffering God conquered sin and death. Therefore, we can trust God’s justice and mercy even when His work is hidden from our sight. Amen
Friday, September 18th:
Nahum 2:3-13; Psalm 145:1-8; 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Nineveh appears powerful and secure, yet Nahum declares that its violence and pride will come to an end.Paul likewise calls the Corinthians to examine themselves and to recognize that Christ is present among them. These readings challenge us to consider where our confidence truly rests. Human strength, wealth, reputation, and power cannot preserve us forever. Only the Lord endures. Christ Himself demonstrates this truth, for He was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God. The Christian therefore does not boast in outward strength but seeks to live faithfully in the power of Christ. Let us examine our hearts, turn from pride, and place our confidence in the gracious God whose kingdom cannot be shaken. Amen.
Saturday, September 19th:
Zephaniah 2:13-15; Psalm 145:1-8; Matthew 19:23-30
Nineveh’s destruction reveals the emptiness of worldly security. The great city that once seemed untouchable becomes desolate because its pride could not save it. Jesus gives us the same warning when He teaches that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Wealth and earthly security can easily become substitutes for trust in God. Jesus does not leave His disciples without hope: what is impossible for human beings is possible with God. The kingdom is not earned through our things or accolades but received through humble dependence upon God. When we surrender our confidence in ourselves and place it in Christ, we discover a treasure that cannot perish. The Lord alone is our security, and His mercy is greater than all that we leave behind to follow Him. Amen.