Bible Readings and Devotion for August 20-23, 2020

 

Here are the references for the readings.  Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

 

August 20

Mark 15:21-32

Acts 28:1-16

Psalm 119:89-104

2 Kings 3

 

August 21

Mark 15:33-47

Acts 28:17-31

Psalm 119:129-176

2 Kings 4

 

August 22

Luke 3:1-6

Job 1:1-12

Psalm 118, 120, 121

2 Kings 5

 

August 23

Luke 3:7-22

Job 1:13-22

Psalms 122-126

2 Kings 6

 

Devotion for August 20-23, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

 

When we look at something, we often think we have seen all there is of it.  Often we miss something.  Some things are intentionally vague or work to disguise what is really shown.  One item which has become part of our culture has been that of the toys called, “Transformers.”  The promotional line for these toys is, “More than Meets the Eye.”  As seen in the image above, a Transformer toy can be either a vehicle or a fighting robot.  The vehicle is the form in which the robot hides.  That is when we are told that there is, “more than meets the eye.”  With a few pushes, pulls, and twists, the vehicle is transformed into a fighting robot.

Our reading from Luke 3 presents more than meets the eye.  While not a transformer toy, it does need some more explanation for improve understanding.  The core of this is what God the Father notes at the Baptism of Jesus.  Upon being baptized, God announces, “And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”” Luke 3:22b

The deeper thing, which is the “more than meets the eye,” is that God the Father is quoting Holy Scripture.  The first part is from Psalm 2:7b, which reads, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.”  This is a psalm used at the coronation of a king in the Family Line of David.  This psalm points to Jesus being announced as the new king in that long-promised family line.  This is the Messiah, the anointed king of Israel.

The second Bible verse noted is from Isaiah 42:1a, which reads, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him…” This is one of the four, “Servant Songs.”  These poems in Isaiah’s prophetic book point to a great servant who will honor the Lord and serve in God’s way.  Part of what these point to is Jesus Christ, the great a loving servant.

Together these teach us that Jesus is the Servant King.  We are shown that God the Father proclaims him as the Messiah, the King.  This was already announced at the conception and the later birth of Jesus, so this is a reaffirmation of a previously announced truth.

For us, we get to know, love, and server a very unique God and King.  Our king is one who is not about self, but about serving others.  Our king came not to lead armies to defeat other nations, but to give himself as a sacrifice for our sin.  In response to his action for us, we are invited to serve one another following the way of Jesus, the Servant King.  By God’s abundant grace we get to know, worship, and serve, the savior who is more than meets the eye.

 

Prayer

Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin. Grant that we who are reborn to new life in him may live in righteousness and holiness all our days, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.