In Luke chapter one God moved the final pieces into place. An elderly, infertile couple joyously got pregnant. A virgin girl understood, thanks to an angelic visitor, her role in delivering the Savior to the world.

Friends and neighbors shared their joy. The virgin girl’s fiancee strapped on the responsibility of a child uniquely not his own.

Then things settled down. Thirty-ish years later, God’s moves played out. Human history peaked as first John the Baptist, then Jesus of Nazareth, appeared to the public.

We use the phrase “this changes everything,” when promoting cell phones and vacations and tacos. But 2,000 years ago, these two young men, in marvelous, magnificent, and matchless ways, absolutely changed everything.

Week 10 of reading the Bible cover to cover

King Balak called upon the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites swarming on his border. Balak hoped to harm Israel, their women and children and fighting men. Balak attempted to manipulate his gods to work their magic.

But no magic materialized. Balaam, with the help of his ass (donkey) and an armed angel, instead blessed the children of Israel and cursed their enemies, Balak chief among them.

Not lacking determination, Balak tried again and again, but seven times Balaam blessed Israel. Like a fresh Pharaoh, Balak refused to see the true God working before his eyes, to the eventual demise of himself and his people.

Although long removed from this story, I see a bit of myself in Balak. I wonder, where might God be working around me that I refuse to see? What sin might be blinding me to a message from God directed to me? Might my desire to hold what I have keep me from seeing the goodness of the Lord right before me?

Lots to consider from this odd story about an angel, an ass and a king.

Numbers 22-25 in week 10 of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Stefano Zocca on Unsplash

If I had another kid, I’d name him Tychicus. Maybe only a middle name, but still. I love the guy.

Tychicus carried several letters for Paul, documents that later become the books of Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon & Titus. Tychicus epitomized “faithful.” Paul counted on Tychicus, for good reason.

I need people like Tychicus in my life, and I hope I prove resilient and faithful in the same way. I tend to forget how much I owe to faithful men and women like Tychicus, so I’m grateful for this reminder Paul places at the end of Colossians.

Do you have a Tychicus in your life? If so, shoot them a thank you via text or email or letter. Value them, because they value you.

(Photo is the last page of Colossians from the Codex Claromontanus).

Colossians 4 in week ten of reading the Bible cover to cover