February 1.

Readings: Exodus 7:1-8:32; Ps 18:7-12; Prov 3:33-35; Matt 21:12-27

Genesis
7:3-5. I wonder why, when God clearly knew that Pharaoh's heart was hard & would not change, He did not just go straight for the Passover. Perhaps this was for a display of His glory to show both Israel & Egypt that He is God. Perhaps there was opportunity for Pharaoh to change his heart?

Psalm
Looking at the beginning of this Psalm, from yesterday I note the order. There is evidently a lot of distress & turmoil taking place in the Psalmist's life & yet his priority is worship (1-3). It is not easy in the storm to do this & yet this is a recognition of the one who is able. In v6, the Psalmist calls to the Lord in his distress. Then we pick up in today's reading the result of that cry. It is a bugbear of mine how the word 'awesome' is overused in modern English language. It is a word which should almost be reserved for God alone. Here we see the awesome power of God but the most stunning thing to realise is that this is at our disposal when we cry out to Him.

Matthew
v12-16. Here is some clear instruction from Jesus about what should take place in the temple. He is clearly enraged by the 'business affairs' taking place, but is delighted by the children who are cheering! More cheering & less day to day (notices???) business please!
18-22. The point of the fig tree is that it represents Israel, who looked the part but was not fruit bearing. No one would have expected fruit on this tree, it wasn't the season, the tree is in full leaf first, then the fruit comes. But we are to be ready to preach the word in season & out of season (2 Tim 4:2). Sometimes we are called to minister to others at times when it is not convenient or we don't feel ready, but in these times God enables us.