Day 13 · January 13
A devotional for today
Today’s readings
- Old Testament: GENESIS 28:1-29:35
- New Testament: MATTHEW 9:18-38
- Psalm: PSALM 11:1-7
- Proverb: PROVERBS 3:11-12
Old Testament
Jacob flees, encounters God at Bethel, and receives covenant promises he did not earn. In Haran, his love for Rachel begins amid the tangled beginnings of a family through whom God will build Israel.
New Testament
Jesus raises a girl, heals a woman, opens blind eyes, and sends his disciples to pray for laborers because the harvest is plentiful. Compassion and mission flow together in the heart of Christ.
Psalm
The righteous find refuge in the Lord even when foundations seem shaken. God remains on his throne when earthly stability collapses.
Proverb
The Lord’s discipline is a sign of his love, not his rejection. Correction is one of the Father’s gifts to those he claims as his own.
Discover
Jesus is the ladder between heaven and earth in whom God comes near to undeserving people. He is also the compassionate Shepherd who sees crowds as helpless sheep and acts to save.
Reflect
God often meets us when we are tired, displaced, and exposed. Grace finds Jacob on the run and the crowds in their helplessness - proof that divine mercy moves toward need.
Fellowship
Why is Bethel such a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life?
What do Jesus’ miracles say about his compassion?
How does Psalm 11 steady a trembling heart?
How have you seen God’s loving discipline shape you?
Prayer
God of Bethel, meet me in my weakness and remind me of your faithful presence. Send me into your harvest with compassion like Christ’s.
Live
Pray for one worker in the harvest and ask God whether you need to be that worker for someone near you.