Bible Reading for February 23

Reading Through the Bible In a Year

with notes by Pastor Chuck Smith

Matthew 20:17-34

Notice how clearly Jesus spelled out what was going to happen to Him.  He told His followers about His trial, the mocking and scourging, His Crucifixion, and His Resurrection after three days.  And yet, they really didn't ge it; so when it came to pass, they were befuddled about the whole thing.

Sometimes we just hear what we want to hear, and everything lse goes in one ear and out the other.  But the Lord tells us what will be happening so that it won't be a surprise when it happens.  That is the purpose of prophecy.

Acts 27:27-44

Psalms 45

This is a beautiful song describing the Messiah and His bride, the church.  Part of this psalm is quoted in Hebrews chapter 1, referring to the fact that Jesus is so superior to the angels (Heb 1:8-9).  In verses 6 and 7 here in Psalm 45, God is talking to Jesus and calling Him "God."  This is the argument that the author of Hebrews uses to establish the deity of Christ.

The first part of this psalm declares the glory of the Messiah.  The second half of the psalm declares the beauty of His bride.  How amazing it is that it can be said of us that "the King will greatly desire your beauty" (v11).  The beauty He sees in us and desires is a beauty that result from His work in us.  Glorious indeed!

Leviticus 21-23