Week 7: Jesus’ Favorite Bible Verses

By the 2nd day of reading this week you will be halfway through the Bible! Congratulations! This week we dig into Jesus’ favorite Bible passages. The Gospels quote the book of Psalms and Isaiah more than any other books of the Old Testament.

Jesus quotes Psalm 118 saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” upon His entry into Jerusalem for the last time. A few days later on the cross He cries out Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  Keep your eyes and ears open for Jesus this week because each of these books whispers His name.

Psalms – Isaiah:   Themes

Psalm 89-150
The Psalms are a songbook for the people of God throughout history. But we usually forget that these poems are supposed to be sung. Psalm 98:1 says, “Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!” Psalm 105:2 tells us, “Sing praises to him; tell of his wondrous works.”

This wonderful songbook ends with a call to the whole world: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6)

Proverbs
In this book of wisdom, a father and mother sit down with their son and explain to him that a full and rich life begins with “the fear of the Lord” (1:7). They explain that wisdom is better than gold and that living a life of wisdom is like walking along a safe path that slowly draws you into mature fellowship with God. They warn him to stay away from the seductive and adulterous women, and the mother, specifically, teaches her son to look for the type of woman who fears the Lord.

Yet perhaps the best perspective to have on the book of Proverbs comes from Paul, in his book to the Corinthians. He reminds us that the wise man, the teacher of the law, and the philosopher must all look to the cross in order to find the summary of all true wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-20).

Ecclesiastes
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” So opens the book that shows us how a self-centered life in this world is completely vain and means nothing. Earthly pleasures – even pursuing wisdom and hard work – are all meaningless unless we “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecc. 12).

Song of Songs
This love song has often been interpreted throughout church history as a description of the love Christ has for His bride, the church. The concluding crescendo speaks of strength and faithfulness that comes from the best kind of love:

Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
(Song of Songs 8:6)

Isaiah 1-13
This book of prophecy begins with an accusation against God’s people. God had shepherded and provided for His people. But rather than responding in love and admiration, they ran from their Father. Oxen and donkeys know to love and serve their master. But Israel does not (Isaiah 1:3).

But God will not leave His people in their own sins. Somehow He will take soiled and obviously broken people, wash and clothe them, and make them new.

 

 


Encouraging Comments from B90 Readers

I am 14 years old and my family and I are taking the challenge of reading the Bible in 90 Days. I must say it has not been the easiest thing. Many times there are after school activities, etc. This has made me realize how we were doing things other than worshiping God, which is most important! I hope everyone taking this challenge is being made to think about the wonders of God because it really is making me.

WDAC listener – Lancaster, PA

 


Wow. Can you believe we are over 1/2 way. I don’t know about you but it seems a breeze now. I’ve got the wind at my back and it’s full sail ahead! My comment on today’s reading comes from Proverbs 30:7-9, “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” I need Him. He sustains me. He is my provider. My help comes from the Lord. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You. What extravagant love God has for those who trust in Him!

Jim Martenson – Michigan


B90 Insight of the Week

Jesus sang the Psalms and knew them by heart. He quoted them often. As you read this week, imagine what it would be like to sing the Psalms together with Jesus. Join with God’s people, pleading before the Father that we would be heard. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! Hear my voice” (Psalm 130:1).

And think of this as well – your Savior is never ashamed to sing with you. The book of Hebrews 2:11-12 tells us, “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.’” What are these words Jesus is singing with His true brothers and sisters? They are the words of Psalm 22:22.



The Bible in 90 Days

Reading the Bible in ninety days is easier than you thought!

Once you break it down into bite-sized pieces, what may have seemed to be a formidable challenge becomes doable and enjoyable. And this specially designed Bible will help you get the most out of your experience. Fulfill what for many Christians is a longstanding ambition: reading through the entire Bible!

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