Contents Introduction 2 Luke 19 24 2 Corinthians 1 6 Deuteronomy 8 34 Revelation 1 9 Ezekiel 34 47 2 Kings 2 19 Luke 7 9 2 Kings 20 25 Lamentations 1 5 Meet your King (continued) Seeing God s face God binds himself to you It s all about Jesus Visions of hope Character and courage God revealed in human form The God who speaks Aftermath of war 8 16 29 46 62 70 86 102 110 Features SU article Bible-shaped mission 4 Spotlight on... Apocalyptic literature 44
How to use Daily Bread Right place, Way in right time dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonu mmy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. A day s note I have just come back from a holiday travelling around the coast of Ireland. Binoculars were trained on the seas around us as we waited to see what Minim might veniam, emerge quis from nostrud the deep exerci waters. tation And then, just when I was least expecting ullamcorper it, a suscipit pod of dolphins lobortis leapt nisl ut through aliquip the ex waves, ea dazzling me with their commodo agility and consequat. speed. It Duis was autem all a matter vel eum of being iriure in the right place at the right dolor time. in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, In this quarter s vel illum readings dolore I m struck by the times and places where Preparepeople Vero met eros God et in accumsan a fresh new et iusto way. There s odio dignissim the apostle qui John, who received blandit his praesent revelations luptatum of the zzril end delenit times on augue the island duis of Patmos (Revelation dolore te feugait 1:10). Then nulla there s facilisi. Ezekiel, who received God s prophecies by the Kebar River in exile (Ezekiel 1:1 3). Why did God turn up for both of Readthem Ullamcorper in these special et suscipit ways? Were lobortis they vulputate in a particular velit state of receptivity to esse God s nolestie appearing, consequat or just vel in the illum right sat place dolor at euismod the right time? tincidunt For other vel characters, eum iriure like dolor Moses in esse. in our Ut Deuteronomy laoreet readings, it was dolore more magna about aliquam recognising erat what volutpat. a place and time might signify in a spiritual sense. He saw the moment of entry into the Promised Land as something Ad minim much veniam, more significant; quis nostrud. as a Hendrerit pivotal moment in of decision and recommitment atsvulputate velit for God s esse nolestie people. at consequat. Exerci tation Both these ullamcorper types of suscipit moment lobortis the unexpected vulputate velit. and the foreseen need Respondus to be ready and alert for them. These Daily Bread notes are a bit like our spiritual Ut laoreet binoculars, dolore magna fine-tuning aliquam our erat focus volutpat. so that we can make sense of Wisi what enim God ad is revealing minim veniam. to us each Dolore day. eu So satasfeugiat. enjoy these readings, and may they Esse bring lestie you drerit fresh in sightings atsvul putate. of God this quarter! Bible in a year At consequat vel satillum dolore eutta feugiat nostrud exerci. Exerci tation Jenny ullamcorper Hyatt suscipit lobortis vulputate velit exercitation Editor et suscipit lobortis. Lizzie Evans Content Manager 2 2
How to use Daily Bread Prepare Read Respond Bible in a year Way in This page introduces both the notes and the writer. It sets the scene and tells you what you need to know to get into each series. A day s note The notes for each day include five key elements: Prepare, Read (the Bible passage for the day),, Respond and Bible in a year. These are intended to provide a helpful way of meeting God in his Word. yourself to meet with God and pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to understand and respond to what you read. the Bible passage, taking time to absorb and simply enjoy it. A verse or two from the Bible text is usually included on each page, but it s important to read the whole passage. the meaning of the passage, listening for what God may be saying to you. Before you read the comment, ask yourself: what s the main point of this passage? What is God showing me about himself or about my life? Is there a promise or a command, a warning or example to take special notice of? to what God has shown you in the passage in worship and pray for yourself and others. Decide how to share your discoveries with others. If your aim is to know God and his Word more deeply, why not follow this plan to read the whole Bible in one year? 3
Bible-shaped mission In March 2013, Scripture Union was offered an amazing invitation. Would Scripture Union create some published resources for churches to use around a major TV production of the Bible? Terry Clutterham, Director of Ministry Development, shares with us through his diary entries how SU responded to this exciting challenge. March 2013: Intriguing. Anything that gets people and not just Christians engaging with the Bible nationally has got to be worth thinking about. This is SU s passion and expertise! So, The Bible TV series. Ten hours of TV drama on Channel 5. A huge success in the US, with 13.1 million total viewers watching the first episode, and 10.8 million the second. Due to air in the UK at the end of 2013 or maybe spring 2014. Definitely need to stay connected with this. May: A problem though. No access yet to the ten hours of TV, so I can t firmly commit SU to this. Suppose the series isn t faithful to the Bible? What if the image of God it portrays is not the God we actually believe in? How about if Jesus isn t central to the big story? On balance, better to engage with the conversations that will definitely take place in homes, schools, colleges, workplaces, supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, than to walk away. Even if there are things on screen we don t agree with, we can always send people back to the Bible to see for themselves what it says. June: A key emphasis for SU is reaching the unreached, so we focus our energies there. How can we equip Christians to take the amazing opportunities offered by the airing of the TV series? And how can we later equip church groups to use the DVD series to reach out to their 4
communities with God s Word? July: OK. Now we really need to get to work. A bit blindly, or maybe in faith. The first episode could air in four months time! Gather the A team : Jo Swinney, author, blogger, speaker, and editor of SU s Closer to God; John Grayston, SU s Theological Consultant. Develop the concept and outline of the content. Confirmation: This really is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed. We ll do a mobile app of creative ideas for connecting with the buzz around the series when it airs, and a book of interactive studies for use by churches later with the DVD series. August: As we get stuck in to the detailed work, Christian educational charity Damaris sends us timely encouragement: We can all be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as we help every person and every community group, of all faiths and none, to engage with The Bible series in whatever way is appropriate for them. More encouragements. An amazingly gifted and experienced group of authors is willing, at very short notice, to write key articles for the group-study e-book. Thank you, Lord. Great work, Jo. Jo Swinney starts to compile ideas for the app. Then, We re currently on the lookout for someone who could quickly build us a simple app for a very deadline-driven project and wondered if you would be interested. Word goes out to app developers, with more than a hint of urgency. So how many episodes will there be? There were ten one-hour episodes in the US, but it could air here as five lots of two hours. No clues yet from Channel 5. So how can we structure the material? September: Channel 5 insists that partners (such as SU) who create 5
resources provide them free of charge, if they use any of the official series logos and photos. Not what we expected. So where s the money coming from? The app becomes The Bible Bank, the e-book Walking with the Bible. October: Ongoing debate about what we can and can t publish using the logos and photos from the TV series. November: Both products appear online, just in time. December: Consolidated UK viewing figures for the first episode (including those watching on demand ) around 1.8 million a 7 per cent share of the viewing public. Not bad. By the beginning of the month, 78 per cent of the 1,407 Bible Bank downloads are from the UK, but it has been downloaded in an additional 54 countries as diverse as Iraq, Philippines, Bahrain, Cote d Ivoire, Vietnam and Mexico. Walking with the Bible has achieved 1,597 downloads by the same date. April 2015: The DVD set is now available from all good Christian bookshops, or online from eden.co.uk, and is ideal for use in church groups and as outreach into their local community. Invite Christians and non-christians, have a meal together, show an episode, and use the appropriate session outline from the Walking with the Bible e-book to get people talking and responding. The e-book contains ten studies to use with the DVD: http://www. scriptureunion.org.uk/thebibletvseries/ WalkingwithTheBibleeBook/3512946.id. And it s still free of charge! The mission continues. With you? 6
100 Essential Readings through the Bible With over 75,000 series sales the Essential 100 Bible Reading Challenge has already encouraged hundreds of Christians to meet God every day through the Bible. With 100 carefully selected Bible passages, 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament, the E100 readings are designed to give a good understanding of the overall Bible story from Genesis to Revelation. Single book: 978 1 84427 566 3 6.99 5-pack also available: 978 1 84427 546 5 25.00 Single book: 978 184427 238 9 6.99 5-pack also available: 978 184427 239 6 25.00 Single book: 978 1 84427 584 7 9.99 Order from your local Christian bookshop Order from Scripture Union: 01908 856006 Order online www.scriptureunion.org.uk
Way in to Luke 19 24 As we begin a new quarter we continue our series in Luke, written by Melody Briggs. Writer Melody Briggs Melody is a PhD student in the field of Biblical Studies, Fellow in Bible and Christian Ministry at St John's College, Durham and a full-time mother of three. She lives and works in Durham. Meet your King In this countdown to Easter, we see Jesus establishing his kingdom. We follow him through the final pages of Luke s Gospel, as he enters the city of Jerusalem, institutes the terms of his covenant, prepares his disciples for the coming events, and faces his accusers. We see him submit to death and conquer it, and the whole story concludes with Jesus ascension, when he is enthroned as our King. Luke, right from the beginning, heralded Jesus as King. The angel Gabriel tells Mary that her baby will rule over an eternal kingdom, and Jesus is born in the same town as his ancestor, King David (Luke 1:32,33; 2:4 6). But Luke also shows that Jesus kingship is not like that of human rulers. Jesus uses his power to serve others. He saves his followers by allowing himself to die as a criminal. He disarms his enemies by relinquishing his own weapons and taking the full force of theirs. In this series, we look at the path Jesus takes to his eternal throne. We began (last issue) with the short section in Luke 19 in which Jesus enters Jerusalem, before moving on to the account of his death, resurrection and ascension in Luke 22 24. As you ponder these events, consider the implications of the divine Son laying down his life for humanity. Also consider the implications of being one of his subjects. What does it mean to follow this King? 8
Luke 22:39 62 When darkness reigns Wednesday 1 April Prepare Imagine walking in a place that is very dark no street lights, no lamps, not even any moon or starlight. What might be the consequences? Read Luke 22:39 62 The reign of darkness lures people to sin. It may turn friends into foes: Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss (v 47). It may cause friends to think only of themselves: Peter repeatedly denies that he knows Jesus, despite his earlier boast about loyalty (vs 57 60). When darkness reigns, the religious leaders who cannot defeat Jesus through open discussion seize him through brute force. Jesus knows that the darkness is coming, and he warns his disciples that they must pray or they will fall prey to temptation. They fall asleep instead. When temptation comes, they are indeed prey. Jesus, however, is about to take upon himself God s judgement against sin; he needs to pray against the temptation to not shoulder that judgement. By accepting it, he forges a path out of sin. When we are tempted, we need, like Jesus, to pray for strength to turn our back on it. It takes courage to say no to temptation. Yet even when we fall prey, we may be reconciled to God because Jesus took God s judgement against sin. Jesus provides us with light to live by, even in the midst of darkness. On reaching the place, [Jesus] said to them, Pray that you will not fall into temptation. Luke 22:40 (NIV) Respond The effects of succumbing to temptation may be compared to the effects of walking in darkness: we hurt ourselves, lose our way, and trip up others. What temptation are you facing? Ask God to help you walk away from it. Bible in a Year 9 Joshua 1 3; Psalm 37
10 Thursday 2 April From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God. Luke 22:69 (NIV) Respond As you go through the day, be alert for opportunities to be an ambassador of peace and to speak truthfully to everyone you meet. The King on trial Prepare Have you ever got into a battle of words with someone? What were the consequences? Read Luke 22:63 23:25 Luke 22:63 23:25 Jesus undergoes four trials in this passage: before the Jewish Council, then Pilate, Herod, and finally the people. All four trials dishonour Jesus, in different ways. The religious leaders have Jesus beaten and reject his messianic claim. Pilate is amused that Jesus is King of the Jews, while Herod overtly mocks him for this title. The people shout their preference for a violent criminal, over Jesus peaceful kingship. During these trials, Jesus grows more and more silent. Before the Jewish Council, he tersely but clearly asserts his messianic status. So when he is condemned by them, it is for speaking the truth. In front of Pilate, he rather ambiguously affirms his kingship, while he falls completely silent in front of Herod and the people. Before these trials, Jesus voice dominated the Gospel of Luke. When questioned, he always won the battle of words. But here, he lays down this weapon, and silently submits to false accusations and injustice. He endures the blows of lies and injustice in order, ultimately, to defeat them. Jesus kingdom is not won through force. His power is displayed through peace and truth. To follow in the way of this King, we too must seek peace, speak truth, and even occasionally remain silent, depending on the circumstances. Bible in a Year Joshua 4,5; Romans 10
Prepare Luke 23:26 46 The death of the King It is Good Friday, the day on which Jesus died so that we might be forgiven. Think of a time when you forgave someone or someone forgave you. What was the result? Read Luke 23:26 46 Friday 3 April Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34a (NIV) Jesus is crucified as a criminal. Yet, ironically, the placard above his head proclaims that he is King of the Jews (v 38). Three groups of people in the story question this title: the religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, and a criminal. All three groups know that Jesus kingship is meant to bring salvation, and mock Jesus for not saving himself. But they do not understand salvation. Jesus salvation is not about self-preservation. It s about forgiveness. Jesus initial words on the cross are a cry for forgiveness, for everyone involved in his death. Only the second criminal recognises Jesus as King, and shows faith in Jesus ability to save. Jesus death and resurrection defeat the power Respond of sin, and hold out forgiveness as sin s antidote. We receive salvation because Jesus has forgiven us. His Spend some time salvation means embracing forgiveness as a way of confessing your sins life. But forgiveness is not easy. Forgiving someone and asking God if who has hurt you or acted unjustly towards you may there is anyone that he be a difficult path. Forgiveness does not equate to wants you to forgive. condoning sin, or allowing others to take advantage of you. Yet our calling is not to multiply sin, but to heal it. Sometimes forgiveness means naming the sin, and offering forgiveness, whatever the response. Bible in a Year 11 Joshua 6,7; Romans 11
12 Saturday 4 April All those who knew [Jesus], including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:49 (NIV) Respond What are you waiting on? What might it mean for you to be faithful to God during your period of waiting? Awaiting the King Prepare Today, we await the resurrection. How do you respond to waiting? How does it make you feel? Read Luke 23:47 56 Luke 23:47 56 Although Jesus was mocked during his crucifixion, the responses to his death are different. A Roman soldier declares him righteous and praises God (v 47). The people beat their breasts in sorrow (v 48). A member of the Jewish Council treats Jesus body with honour, removing it from the cross rather than leaving it hanging for all to see and scorn (vs 50 53). The ridicule by the soldiers gives way to praise; the derision of the crowd to mourning; and the vilification by the Jewish leaders to respect. The transformative power of Jesus death is evident in each response. Meanwhile, Jesus female disciples remain loyal. They watch Jesus death, follow Joseph to the tomb, and look to see how the body is laid out (vs 49,55). Then they get ready to play their role: they prepare spices for Jesus body and await the conclusion of the Sabbath. Watching, preparing, waiting. They too will experience transformation, but by an even more astounding event than Jesus death. At this point, they don t understand what is coming, but they remain faithful. They will play a role, but not the one that they expect. Faithfulness to Jesus is often like that. We can t see what is coming. All we can do is watch, prepare, and wait, trusting in God. Bible in a Year Joshua 8,9; Romans 12
Luke 24:1 12 The victory of the King Sunday 5 April Prepare On this Easter Sunday, praise God for the hope of resurrection in your life. Read Luke 24:1 12 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among the dead? It s resurrection day! The day when we celebrate the Luke 24:5 (NIV) victory of life over death. This victory caught Jesus followers completely off guard. Jesus had predicted his resurrection, of course (see Luke 18:31 33). But his followers simply could not understand. They had hoped that the Messiah would bring relief from oppressive human powers, emancipation of the Jewish nation, the influence of the Davidic crown. But relief from the ultimate sources of human enslavement, sin and death, is hard to conceive. The women are the first witnesses of this event. They see the empty tomb, hear the angels Respond message, and recall Jesus words. Then they hurry What you believe to tell others. At this point, none of the disciples have actually encountered the risen Jesus. The about your future empty tomb is a conundrum that only the angels should affect how you seem able to explain (vs 6,7). live in the present. What Jesus followers had hoped for was a Give thanks to God Messiah who would transform their context. What for your coming they got was a Messiah who transformed their very resurrection and its lives. Jesus resurrection transforms our human power to transform destiny. Jesus goes through death, and out the your daily life. other side, breaking the power of sin and death over human life. Our new destiny is life instead of death. Jesus resurrection shapes our present and contains our future. In that, our hope is certain. Bible in a Year 13 Joshua 10,11; Psalm 38
14 Monday 6 April Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? Luke 24:26 (NIV) Respond Re-read a passage of Scripture that pointed you to Jesus and give thanks to God for speaking to you through it. Walking with the King Prepare Think about your relationship with a good friend. How did you get to know that person? Read Luke 24:13 35 Luke 24:13 35 How do we get to know Jesus? The two disciples in this passage begin to understand and eventually recognise Jesus through two means: Scripture and a meal. Jesus explains his identity to them using the Old Testament. The exact passages discussed are not listed. They don t need to be: listing them would miss the point. Verse 27 says that Jesus used all the Scripture to explain the sufferings and glory of the Messiah. He shows the disciples how the whole Old Testament anticipates his life, death, resurrection and enthronement as the ascended King. This revelation makes the disciples hearts burn with excitement. But they still do not recognise their companion until they invite him into their home and share their meal with him. Notice in verse 30 that Jesus actions at this meal echo his actions at the Last Supper in Luke 22:19. Fellowship with the Lord of the covenant opens their eyes, and the Lord s Supper reveals who Jesus is. Like these two disciples, we may come to know Jesus better through the study of Scripture and through fellowship, both in the Lord s Supper and with other believers. The walk to Emmaus involved a three-person Bible study. Sharing a meal assumes more than one person. Walking with the King means walking in fellowship with him and with his people. Bible in a Year Joshua 12 15; Romans 13
Prepare Luke 24:36 53 When Jesus reigns List the different parts of your daily routine. How might Jesus reign over this routine? Read Luke 24:36 53 In these final verses of Luke, the disciples finally recognise and talk to Jesus as their risen Lord. What is the result? Joy and amazement (v 41), followed by worship (v 52). Meanwhile, Jesus makes a few points about the implications of his resurrection. First he proves to them that he is not a ghost. He lets them touch him, and eats some fish (vs 39,43). Then he helps them to understand how he, as Messiah, has fulfilled Old Testament Scripture. Next he gives them a job: to be witnesses to his salvation. He promises that the Father will send them power for this job (v 49). Then he sticks around and helps them to accomplish the job. Right? Actually, he ascends to heaven, to be seated, as Paul writes in Colossians 3:1, at the right hand of God. He assumes the throne set aside for the Son and reigns from there. Jesus ascension reveals his true identity: he is the King of heaven and earth. No wonder the disciples worship him (vs 52,53). Jesus enters his glory after first going through suffering, in order to reclaim the territory lost to sin and death. So he is in a position to help us on our journey through this same territory. He is our King, and he has blazed for us the trail to his kingdom. Tuesday 7 April While [Jesus] was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Luke 24:51 (NIV) Respond Take a few minutes to bow down in worship to Jesus, your King. Bible in a Year 15 Joshua 16 19; Romans 14