Happy Saint David’s Day! I must admit, the day snuck up on me. But why not enjoy some Welsh rarebit and celebrate a holy day dedicated to the saint whose name I share?

St. David lived in Wales, grew to fame as a teacher among Celtic Christians, and helped found about 1200 monasteries. He died March 1, 589. Here’s his final words to a community of monks, men he mentored in the faith:

Brothers be ye constant. The yoke which with single mind ye have taken, bear ye to the end; and whatsoever ye have seen with me and heard, keep and fulfill.

David’s words remind me of another saint’s final charge to to a young protege. Paul wrote to Timothy, in his last letter before his death, words of promise and encouragement, including this mandate:

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

In other words, be ye constant.

This ancient saint’s death song echoes down fourteen hundred years, boosting my spirit on this day. Fulfill the work, keep the faith to the end, and ever be ye constant.

2 Timothy 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

For a couple years in high school I marched in the band. Band directors always impress me. Anyone who forms coherent lines out of flocks of teenagers possesses a bit of genius and a lot of determination. Bless them all for their efforts.

But as a teenager, I thought the band director oppressive. He forced me to carry my instrument a certain way, to go to an exact spot of the football field in line with everyone else, and even badgered me into walking heel-to-toe. Then do it all over and over. Dude, lighten up.

Enmeshed in my gaggle of pimply musicians, I failed to see the value of the discipline our band director enforced. But after weeks of practice under the late summer sun, a show emerged. Still only a small half-time performance, but a group of kids now moved in sync, blasting memorized music and thoroughly enjoying our new abilities—pulled out of us due to our director’s vision and discipline.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the value of discipline. God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. I tend to think of discipline as punishment, but that’s not the point here. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Discipline feels hard to bear, even unendurable at times. From my vantage point I cannot see the full picture of what lies beyond. But like my band director on his stand, the Lord knows the direction he wants me to move. I need to believe in the process, gain confidence as my director shifts me, and look forward the new show to come.

Hebrews 12 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Katrina Berban

It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The writer of Hebrews shares this disturbing insight after teaching about those who receive the knowledge of the truth, then deliberately keep on sinning. Doing so, they trample the Son of God underfoot and insult the Spirit of grace. Now judgement and a raging fire that consumes the enemies of God awaits.

The writer does not speak here of those who wrestle with God, question the scriptures, and seek in halting ways. The Lord shows great patience for all of us in our journey with him, despite our failures along the path.

Rather, this bunch refutes former ideas of God, turning again and again to tear down the faith of those around them. No one is spared—parents, brothers, sisters, former friends—all targets for their sacrilegious posture and mockery.

Perhaps I’m too cavalier with those who profess the faith then turn apostate? Better to warn them than smile and let them go. God’s grace awaits. There’s still time to repent, turn back to Jesus and escape their dreadful fate.

Hebrews 10 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jr Korpa

The Lord gave the nation of Israel a long list of laws to follow as they left Egypt for their new home. It helps to remember that good reasoning exists behind every rule, each placed to protect from harm and to provide for a better life.

God told Moses, Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow before it. I am the Lord your God.

Why this rule?

Venerating an idol diverts devotion from the Creator to the creation. A spiritual battle rages unseen around us, and our enemy delights in confusing religious affections. Rocks smoothed and scraped appear harmless, but behind them demons snicker as prayers bounce off.

Fervor of this type twists the worshiper into coaxing gifts or offering appeasements. Either way, getting what benefits them. But transactional worship fails to settle the heart. As the Lord said, you will eat, but you will not be satisfied.

The Lord desires us to know him, to savor a relationship that develops over years and lasts into eternity, a relationship that is rich, fulfilling, and growing ever deeper. We are made to enjoy the Lord.

A carved image stops all this cold. God wants to protect us from the dead end of transactional worship, and provide the peace of a life lived alongside the Lord.

Leviticus 26 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Mick Haupt