Every Day with Jesus: Treasure for the Heart

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Christian confidence is established through faith, which Scripture describes as, ‘confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’ (Heb.

But His being led by the Spirit does not lead to an easy life, and Jesus soon after finds Himself in the wilderness, where He is tempted by the devil. We cannot imagine fully what was going on in Jesus’ mind when he hears news that Lazarus is ill and close to death. You may have heard the idea of ‘marginal gains’, often used when it comes to sporting endeavour, where a 1% improvement over a competitor can bring success. Scripture gives us rich examples along this line, some of which we’ll explore over the next fortnight. One moment you’re expected to pay back a sum – large or small – and the next, you’re given a reprieve.Most people see the word ‘ruler’ and can think of leaders who rule poorly, especially in parts of the world where the rulers more concerned with keeping power than serving their people. Perhaps it began with the 2007 financial crash when we suddenly realised that it is possible to lose everything we have in an instant. This is a favourite phrase in the Bible, for it hints at a mystery of which we’ll never fully plumb the depths.

Other reminders of our perishable bodies arise regularly: indigestion; weariness; things just not working right or as well as they used to. Each day has its own theme: the page suggests a short Bible reading, gives a devotional explanation (about 300 words), makes suggestions for further Bible readings on the same subject, and includes a short prayer. At this critical moment in world history, there is an opportunity for spiritual renewal to answer culture’s longings and crisis. The understanding that Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and not a series of laws is especially important when we come to interpreting today’s verse.Mary’s act of worship was lavish; in contrast to Judas’ comment, which was based in personal greed (vv4–6). Watching demands paying attention to what’s happening around us, together with the influences at play within. Cicero, a Roman philosopher, said of crucifixion: "Far be the very name of a cross not only from the bodies of Roman citizens, but from their imaginations, eyes and ears. In the first chapter of 1 Samuel we read of a woman, desperate for a child, who finds the favour of God, and gives back to the Lord what He has graciously given to her – a son.