Forgiveness

Philemon
I just noticed that I had to revise the last day of the reading plan to ensure that I indeed read the whole bible in the 9 months.  So today's reading included Esther 7-10, Proverbs 17, Philemon (the whole book), and Luke 20:9-26.  That's it!  We have finished the journey!
I would just like to comment briefly on Paul's letter to Philemon.  Paul requested that Philemon welcome back a runaway slave who had become a Christian while he was away from Philemon.  The outcome isn't clear, as we are only privy to Paul's request, not Philemon's response.  However, we know the right response - welcome back the one who wronged you with open arms, especially since Onesimus (the runaway slave) was repentant.  We must extend grace to those who have wronged us, just as Jesus did.  Even if they aren't requesting forgiveness, we should respond in grace and love.  This may have been a tough ask for Philemon, and for us, and we'll have to rely on God's strength to help us make that move.  Just remember though, it can be done!

Proverbs
Just a side note on Proverbs 17:17, which says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."  I never saw the connection between the two parts of the verse before, but now I have realized something.  When it says that a friend loves at all times, there should be a focus on the fact that a good friend is with you not only in the good times, but also in the bad.  Since a brother is "born for adversity" that means that the brother will be with you in troubled times, like a friend is.  I'm not sure why I didn't clue in to this before now, but there you go.  It pays to re-read your bible!

Once we were far away

Ephesians
 "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world."  That's Ephesians 2:12.  What a bleak picture that paints!  Without God in the world...
Fortunately, God didn't leave us in that predicament.  Verse 13 says "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ."  That is a good reminder for me to live in the truth that I am near to God.  That should change how I live; without hope, life is bleak.  With this hope in Christ, I can live every day in confidence and joy.

God's grace

Mark
Isn't the grace of God wonderful?  He is so long-suffering and patient.  Today's reading in Mark 14 drove that point home for me.  Jesus was nearing his crucifixion, and he spoke with his disciples.  He said that they would all fall away.  Even though Peter denied this, Jesus reaffirmed that indeed, they would deny him at a crucial moment.  For his whole ministry, Jesus drew these men to him and poured his spirit and words into them, likely knowing that they would desert him.  But God loved them so much that he gave them a chance to come back afterward.  And they certainly did, spreading the good news of Christ across the entire ancient world!
God loves us all and gives us all second chances. Take heart from the situation of the disciples, and if you've fallen away, decide now to recommit, and God will certainly bless you for that!

Righteousness

Key verse
Ezekiel 34:31 - "You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God," declares the Sovereign Lord.

 Ezekiel 33 says that God will judge us for our own sins, which in some ways is a relief, and in others not.  We can't rest on the laurels of our ancestors, but neither will we be punished for something we didn't do.  Our own righteousness or the righteous acts of our forefathers won't get us anywhere, but God's grace is sufficient for each one of us, wherever we are.  Let's rest in that!


For another view on Ezekiel 33, and its parallel in chapter 18, check out this link (click here).