April 20

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR APRIL 20, 2026: ISAIAH 57, 1 CORINTHIANS 12, PSALM 33:13-22 

ISAIAH 57 Isaiah mentions that the righteous people have perished, but this turns out not to be bad for them. They have left sinful Judah and are at rest in a peaceful state after life.  The unrighteous who remain don’t understand this and don’t think about what could be learned from this situation. They instead mock the righteous and prostitute themselves with false gods. They participated in pagan worship among the great trees, ravines, and high places.  They even offered their children as sacrifices to a false god, as God explicitly forbade them to do:“Anyone from the sons of Israel or from the strangers residing in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech, shall certainly be put to death” (Lev. 20:2).  Some, Including Wade Von Kleeck at Yorktown Methodist, have likened this practice to abortion today or even placing our work at a higher priority than our children. Verses 8-10 double down on the image of Judah being an adulter- ous wife to their loving husband the Lord, just as they were portrayed in the book of Hosea. 

Verses 11-19 remind us that we are in danger of mistaking God’s patience and forbearance as permission to continue in sin. Yes, God possesses these qualities, and yes those who make good use of these qualities to turn from their sin will be saved: “Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance. (Rom. 2:4). There is truly no time like today to repent with a contrite heart (vs. 15) to receive His peace and healing (vs. 19).  How wonderful are God mercies to us. 

Keep in mind, though, the consequences of ignoring His mercy (vs. 20-21). This current period of forbearance will not last forever for us or our loved ones: “Because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous 

1 CORINTHIANS 12 Chapter 12 begins a long discussion about spiritual gifts that will conclude in Chapter 14. There seems to be a discussion among the Corinthians about whether there is a hierarchy to the spiritual gifts. Is one more important than any other? Paul emphasizes three things about Spiritual Gifts:

  • Spiritual Gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the good of the community.
  • The Holy Spirit has distributed the gifts as the Spirit determined.
  • Everyone who has faith in Christ has been given Spiritual Gifts.

Paul lists the spiritual gifts of wisdom, knowledge, healing, performing miracles, prophecy, interpretation, and faith (verses 9-10.) The addition of faith to the list states that all who have confessed Jesus as their Savior have been given spiritual gifts 

VERSES 12-26 – Paul uses the metaphor of the Body of Christ to emphasize the inter-connectedness of the Church and the Spiritual Gifts. Just as the body needs all its members arms, legs, head, organs, etc.), the Church needs every member to function as followers of

READINGS FOR APRIL 20, 2026: 1 CORINTHIANS 12, PSALM 33:12-22

Christ. Paul reminds us in Christ we are united together. He uses the cultural distinctions of his day (Jews/Greeks – free/slave) to state these don’t matter in God’s reign through Christ. What distinctions might our culture use that we need to overcome? judgment of God, who will repay each person according to his deeds (Rom 2:5-6).  Seek the Lord today.

 In verses 15-17, Paul uses the body metaphor to address persons who believe their gifts are not important. In verses 21-24, Paul uses the metaphor for those who may think that their gift is better than others. The important thing to remember is that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to every member of the Body of Christ. We are called to use them. Honestly, we do not need everyone to prophecy. We don’t need everyone to speak in tongues—just like we don’t need everyone to play the piano, or sing in the choir. We need you to use the gifts you have been given so that the love of Christ can be shared to the world.

The chapter ends with a hierarchy of roles and uses of spiritual gifts. Paul started the chapter stating that all gifts are necessary but now ends with what appears to be an ordering of either importance or sequence of God’s appointing. The entire list Includes apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, forms of assistance, administration, speaking in tongues. The last verse anticipates Paul discussion around love (agape) in the next Chapter. “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way. (1 Cor.12:31).

PSALM 33:13-22 Today’s reading is the conclusion of a praise hymn. It begins with an eight-verse section that contains a continuation of the words of praise to God. It ends with a three-verse conclusion that offers a response to praise. King David, the writer of the psalm, calls upon the people of Israel to praise God. The psalm affirms that God blesses the nation that places their faith in God. Those who fear God have been granted God’s blessings. The psalm then warns nations about misplaced pride. Those who think that the size of their army will bring them safety are mistaken. Those who place their trust in the number of horses sent into battle are not safe. 

We currently live in a nation that has the largest military the world has ever seen. And while it is necessary for a nation to have the ability to defend itself, the psalmist tells us that our safety will come from something larger than our military. When we are in awe of God, we can rely on God’s provision. When we trust in God’s unfailing love, we can trust in his grace alone for protection. We can pray that God will keep us alive when in darkness comes and will restore us once the troubles have past.