Occasionally I read something in the Bible I find cringe-worthy. This assault on my modern sensibilities is one reason I read the Scriptures. I need the prod to my smug belief in up-to-date thinking.

But still, I had to pause and read several times David’s prayer against the enemies he felt surrounded him like lions, waiting for the right moment to pounce.

May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.

Like Al Capone in the Untouchables, David wanted them dead. A prayer for vengeance on his enemies, and their babies? Feels way out of bounds.

David prayed in his fear and frustration, just he prayed at times of expansive joy. He prayed honestly. David prayed fervently. He prayed with shameless audacity. David prayed and prayed.

I’m so glad David put his prayers to paper for me to consider today. Like David, I can express everything bubbling up from my soul to the Lord. I don’t need to wordsmith my prayers. Blurt them out rather than stuff them down.

I’m doubtful the Lord rained devastation on the children as David prayed. The Lord listens, but may not answer. But the good news is the Lord can handle whatever I bring before Him.

Psalm 17 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Andre Hunter

I sat stymied in the front seat of our taxi in Calcutta. Late in the evening we headed back to our hotel—me and my two sons. I handed the cab driver a card with the hotel name and address, a travel tip I learned years ago. But in the dark knot of chaotic streets he failed to locate the place. I spoke zero words in his local dialect, and he understood no English. My boys, both in their early 20’s, enjoyed the adventure. I wondered where we might sleep that night.

Finally, after stopping twice and asking other drivers for directions, we pulled up in front of the hotel. I realized once again the vital nature of communicating in the same language, a lesson I experience again and again on international trips.

The Holy Spirit blew up language barriers by rushing in and filling the disciples with unexpected power. Each began to voice a language unknown to them. As a crowd gathered, speakers of at least fifteen distinct languages heard a disciple declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! A powerful example of God’s ability to make himself known.

Everyone deserves to learn about God in their native language. The ceaseless work of Bible translators and the Jesus Film Project help provide this wonder for billions. Eugene Peterson translated The Message, which he described as an American version of the Bible.

When the speaker sounds like me I pay better attention. I have a feeling even the accents matched in that room long ago. The Holy Spirit provided the miracle for the benefit of the listeners, so the unique tone of each dialect seems appropriate. This miracle reveals God’s desire for every person to make their own informed decision about Jesus.

Now it’s our turn to make the wonders of God available to all peoples in their own specific language. Maybe artificial intelligence will help? But whatever tools come into our hands, like the disciples it’s up to us to speak of the wonders of God.

Acts 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Arindam Saha

I don’t think of God as impatient. As the creator and sustainer of the universe, it seems the world moves on his timetable. So, what makes God impatient?

The Israelites yo-yoed between embracing foreign gods (they whored after the Baals), and serving the Lord. In each situation of whoring, the Lord left them to reap the consequences of their promiscuity.

But the Lord always embraced these same people when they returned broken and penitent.

After one cycle the Israelites prayed, We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now. They ditched their foreign gods and searched out the Lord with humbleness and sincerity. As a result, the Lord became impatient over the misery of Israel.

What makes God impatient? The suffering of his people.

What a powerful image to contrast the view of God as aloof or uncaring. God’s ways are his ways, and I won’t pretend to explain them, but I find real pleasure in knowing that God grows dissatisfied when those who follow him languish in terrible circumstances.

We stagger carrying emotional and physical pains for ourselves and those we love. That agony is real. As you endure, remember to pray along with the Israelites: We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.

Pray and stir the impatience of God.

Judges 10 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Davide Cantelli

The book of Judges describes a nation sliding into chaos—In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

The phrase first pops up to describe a man who paid for a silver idol, which was then stolen by a group of armed raiders and placed at the center of their new city after they slaughtered the inhabitants of the old one. Thus, the founders of Dan laid an adulterous foundation for their new capitol.

Doing whatever seems right in my own eyes remains completely modern. Our society promotes a fierce determination to make ourselves into whatever we want. We promote ourselves and demand others celebrate our choices with us.

But as we see from Judges, this impetus lies deep among the roots of our hearts. Take what I want, place myself at the center, and make decisions best benefiting me. I nod to a higher power for a blessing, like one rubs a lucky charm. But I shy away from the living God who demands surrender.

It’s easy for me to view these Danites with superiority, but am I not tempted in the same way each and every day?

Watch your step. The allurement of living in whatever way seems right in our own eyes never fades. Neither does the suffering that eventually comes with it.

Judges 18 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Road Trip with Raj