Daily Devotional for February 28, 2023

One of my all-time favorite Bible studies happens every Thursday at 11:00 in Dennis Hall.  They are one rough crew.

I can say through the years, I have made two mistakes with this group.

Twice, when we finished a book of the Bible, I told them to pick whatever book they wanted to study next. Neither one of these has been a shining moment in my memory.

Ray suggested we study Ecclesiastes.  And because everyone loves Ray, they voted for Ecclesiastes.

Just for the record, Ecclesiastes is the most depressing book in the Bible because it says, you are born, you work your fingers to the bone, and then you die.

Needless to say, I was not happy with Ray and even though I preach forgiveness, I decided Ray didn’t need to be forgiven.  I am certain God agreed.

The second time I messed up was another time when I offered to teach whatever book they wanted.

Kay suggested we study Isaiah.  And because everyone loves Kay, they voted for Isaiah.

Just for the record, Isaiah has sixty-six chapters which meant I would be teaching the same book of the Bible for sixty-six weeks.

Needless to say, I was not happy with Kay and even though I preach forgiveness, I decided Kay didn’t need to be forgiven.  I am certain God agrees.

Finally, after teaching the same book of the Bible for eternity, we are almost through Isaiah.  We’ve only got a few more weeks.

So, with fear and trepidation, I asked the class what book of the Bible they wanted to study next.

The only two that were not allowed to express their opinions or vote were Ray and Kay.  This was for obvious reasons.

Much to my relief and delight, the class chose to study Ezra.  We begin this new study on March 30.  I hope that you will be a part of it.

But now that I’ve had a few minutes to think through Ray and Kay’s terrible judgement, I think I may have been the one who got it wrong.

Paul told Timothy, “Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If Paul’s right, and I think he is, there was value in studying the depressing book of Ecclesiastes and spending the twenty-eight years we spent studying Isaiah.  I stand corrected.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for your book that guides, nurtures, instructs, and comforts me.  I pray your book helps me become the person you created me to be.  In Jesus’ name I pray.

If you are not in a Bible study, I pray you attend one.  It will change your life.  

It changed mine.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins