Bible Reading: Genesis 23 | Matthew 23 | Psalm 23

Devotional for January 31, 2025
Reading: Genesis 23 | Matthew 23 | Psalm 23
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Genesis 23

Genesis 23 marks the end of the Abrahamic narrative with the death of Sarah, his wife. Sarah’s death allows Abraham to purchase land in Hebron, thus setting up a marker – a landmark of possession that his people will inherit the land of Canaan just as God had promised to him. Hebron will later become the capital of Israel before it is moved to Jerusalem. One thematic item to note in this chapter: just as Abraham purchased the land for a burial place and marker for his people, the Lord Jesus Christ, through his death, purchased land for his people. Our eternal inheritance was secured through the work and death of the Savior. The hope of God’s people of old was the land of Canaan. That pictured the eternal hope that we have been given through Christ. That hope is a better country, one that is being prepared for God’s people. It is a place where the eye has not seen, or ear heard what God has in store for those who love him.

Matthew 23

Matthew 23 is known as the “seven woes given by Christ to the religious leaders of his day. In this chapter, we have Christ exercising his prophetic office as he preaches woe to them. The term “woe” is strong. It conveys much more than a mere warning but one of impending doom. The seven woes can be labeled as follows:

The First Woe: The shut door. The meaning is aimed at those leaders who would mislead the people, preventing them from entering the kingdom of God.

The Second Woe: Trapped converts. In this woe, Jesus warns those religious leaders about making converts like themselves and thus burdening them.

The Third Woe: Binding Oaths. In this woe, Jesus warns the leaders about superstitious vows and promises.

The Fourth Woe: Neglecting the Weightier Matters of the Law: The religious leaders forsake the essential aspects of the law (justice, mercy, faithfulness) while holding to other things.

The Fifth Woe: Outside Cleanliness. Inside Filth: The leaders were concerned with outward purity while their hearts were far from God.

The Sixth Woe: Whitewashed Tombs. The religious leaders looked good on the outside, but their hearts were rotten bones, dead to the things of the Lord.

The Seventh Woe: A Dreadful Family Trait: The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were no different than those men who killed the prophets of old. In their attempt to conspire to kill Jesus, they are behaving like the murderous line before them that killed the prophets of God.

Though applied to the religious leaders, each of these woes should be applied to our lives today. Each of us possesses a tendency toward hypocrisy. That hypocrisy can mislead our families and friends. It can lead to superstitious behavior and an outward formality while there is no substance within. Therefore, all of us must guard our hearts against hypocritical living. If we fail to do that, we are no different than those Jesus pronounced judgment upon in his day.

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is the most well-known of the Psalms. It is often used by many in various circumstances. The regenerate and unregenerate alike have used it, though it is written for those who can genuinely say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” The Psalm has two stanzas.

23:1-3

The first stanza begins with a declaration: The Lord is my shepherd. For that to be true, we must have come to a place in our lives where we acknowledge our sins and need a Savior, the Good Shepherd of the Sheep. For the Lord Jesus Christ to be your shepherd, you must belong to him. The following few verses give the benefits that flow from his shepherding care. First, we shall not lack any good thing. That doesn’t mean we will receive everything we want. It does mean that the Good Shepherd will care for our needs, the most important of them is the comfort that comes from knowing he will lead us to our heavenly rest. Second, he gives rest to our souls. The Savior invites all who are weary to come to him. Whatever the circumstance, we will only find true rest from this Shepherd. Third, he brings peace to our souls. That is the imagery penned by David in 23:3. In a world of chaos, only the Savior can bring peace to us. We benefit from his peace-giving ways each Lord’s Day when he calls us out of that life of chaos to worship him.

23:4-6

Sometimes, the Good Shepherd leads us through difficult seasons. Sometimes, he leads us through the valley of the shadow of death. Yet, he is with us in those times. We are never alone. He is with us as he leads us through our difficulties. He also reminds us of his care and protection. His rod (protection) and staff (care) are there to see, and we draw strength from it. We have visible signs to help us through Christian life. We have them in the Sacraments of the church. He also leads us to our heavenly rest by pursuing us daily and faithfully. Therefore, we can be confident that we will arrive at our heavenly rest.