Bible Wednesday 6/30: Political Idolatry

Studying this morning's four readings from the St. James Daily Devotional Guide (click to subscribe), I examined myself with these questions. Where is your self-examination leading today?

Psalms 146:1-10. Verses 3-5, as a Christian, what do I believe is more important than who controls the White House, Congress, and the courts (important as those are)? How should I therefore direct my thoughts and efforts?

Numbers 10:1-36. Verses 35 and 36, forms of prayer for the Israelites marching forth or halting march. What’s the mix of set prayers and free-form impromptu prayers with which I approach God—and why?

Acts 12:20-25. The wicked King Herod, acclaimed as a god, drops dead (see Psalms 146:3). How has politics begun to resemble a fanatical, idolatrous religion? What is my church doing about it? My role?

Mark 6:45-52. Jesus multiplies the loaves, walks on water, commands the weather, and the disciples still don’t get it. So—do I get it? How could anyone tell, just watching me live life for a few days?

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To go deeper, see interpretive notes by Bible scholar Patrick Reardon for many of this week's readings.