Authors write books for different reasons. Some explain a difficult concept, others reveal a mystery, and still more just want to tell a good story. John, the author of the gospel bearing his name, accomplished all three.

John clearly stated the purpose of his book. After teasing his readers by letting us know that Jesus performed loads of other miracles not covered in his accounting, John wrote that his recorded stories are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

When I come across a person who is interested in knowing more about Jesus, or questioning the topic of religion, or doubting whether God exists at all, I encourage them to read the gospel of John. When I doubt my faith, I read the gospel of John. When I wonder where God is hiding, I read the gospel of John. When the world seems lost in darkness, I read of the light found in the gospel of John.

I find it helpful to pray before reading. Lord, show yourself as I read. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to the wonderful realities written here, and help me experience the amazing Savior found in these pages.

Whether it’s our first time through this marvelous book, or we pore over a well-thumbed text, may our Messiah, the Giver of Life, meet us afresh.

John 20 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Patrick Fore

A survivor, Daniel lived in exile far from his homeland. He experienced invasion, conquest, and the deaths of friends and family. As he endured his difficulties, Daniel prayed.

Daniel prayed for his fellow exiles. He also lifted up the ruined city of Jerusalem and its desolated sanctuary, now lying in ruins.

But the manner in which Daniel prayed intrigues me. He neither demanded his rights as a member of the chosen race, or scolded God for punishing so severely. Instead, Daniel appealed for mercy.

Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!

This seems the single necessary component for my prayers. I did nothing to inherit life, nor anything to deserve the Lord’s goodness. As much I I might believe in myself, or pout and stamp my feet, he’s under no obligation to respond to my requests.

But in his mercy, God might do so. So pray for mercy. Ask for grace. Request compassion. Make a habit of praying this ancient petition daily, even several times a day: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.

Pray from your heart. Pray often, pray for what you need, and pray for what you want. But most of all, pray for mercy from our gracious and forgiving God.

Daniel 9 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jacob Bentzinger

A glance at the world around me reveals God’s creativity. The sheer variety of plants, bushes and trees, unique to different zones, points to his inventiveness. Magnificent creatures fill the seas. Mountains rise to the heavens, framing our sunsets. The Creator holds an unlimited imagination.

God is especially creative when dealing with people.

Nebuchadnezzar, the all-powerful ruler of a vast empire, strutted his pride like a multi-billionaire sailing a new yacht. The Lord took offense and humbled Nebuchadnezzar by driving him to madness. Nebuchadnezzar lived in the fields and ate grass like an ox. It’s written the his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Nasty.

After seven years God restored Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity and crown. As an epitaph he wrote, Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Now that’s an understatement.

God remains innovative in his ability to humble those in positions of power, just as he chastens those of us with everyday swollen heads. God uses his creativity to turn pride into humility, and like Nebuchadnezzar, I can be thankful for such work in my life.

Daniel 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Skye Studios

I love running across phrases in common usage that find their roots in the Bible. One of those is feet of clay.

In a dream Daniel interpreted for King Nebuchadnezzar, a magnificent statue is seen with a head of gold, followed by silver, bronze, iron, and ending with feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. Daniel predicted that the glorious figure would eventually be smashed into pieces and blown to the winds.

In our day feet of clay refers to a weakness or character flaw, especially in people of prominence and power. Such a person may appear dominant and unstoppable, but they cannot support their splendor, and eventually come crashing down. An awe-inspiring statue smashed on the ground resonates as an analogy for powerful figures with substantial weaknesses.

We shouldn’t be surprised. We all have feet of clay, and some of us even imagine we possess heads of gold. I’m reminded that all who hold power do so only under the gaze of the Lord. The kingdom of God—the rock that smashed Nebuchadnezzar’s statue to pieces—continues to roll and doesn’t care whose toes get crushed in the process.

Daniel 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Matt Seymour