Rev. 14:6–7
14:6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!”
(NET Bible)Ps. 46
46:1 For the music director, by the Korahites; according to the alamoth style; a song.
God is our strong refuge;
he is truly our helper in times of trouble.
2For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes,
and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
3when its waves crash and foam,
and the mountains shake before the surging sea. (Selah)
4The river’s channels bring joy to the city of God,
the special, holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5God lives within it, it cannot be moved.
God rescues it at the break of dawn.
6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are overthrown.
God gives a shout, the earth dissolves.
7The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side.
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Selah)
8Come, Witness the exploits of the Lord,
who brings devastation to the earth.
9He brings an end to wars throughout the earth.
He shatters the bow and breaks the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God.
I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”
11The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side!
The God of Jacob is our stronghold! (Selah)
(NET Bible)Rom. 3:19–28
3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (although it is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed— 22namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed. 26This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith! 28For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law. (NET Bible)
John 8:31–36
8:31 Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33“We are descendants of Abraham,” they replied, “and have never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin. 35The slave does not remain in the family forever, but the son remains forever. 36So if the son sets you free, you will be really free. (NET Bible)
Regarding the statement in Gen. 24:22, that Eliezer had given Rebekah an earring and two bracelets, with a specification as to their weight, Luther makes this comment: “What is here told appears to reason to deal with carnal and worldly matters, and I myself wonder why Moses has so much to say concerning such trifling things and speaks so briefly concerning far more sublime matters. However, there is no doubt that the Holy Ghost wished that these things should be written for our instruction, for there is nothing small, nothing useless presented to us in Holy Scripture; but all things that were written, were written for our learning, Rom. 15:4. For God wishes to be recognized in all things, both small and great.” (54)
–Johann Michael Reu, Luther on the Scriptures
This daily Bible reading guide, Reading the Word of God, was conceived and prepared as a result of the ongoing discussions between representatives of three church bodies: Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). The following individuals have represented their church bodies and approved this introduction and the reading guide: LCC: President Robert Bugbee; NALC: Bishop John Bradosky, Revs. Mark Chavez, James Nestingen, and David Wendel; LCMS: Revs. Albert Collver, Joel Lehenbauer, John Pless, and Larry Vogel.