Daily Devotions from Confident.Faith

2 Samuel 06–08 David Attempts to Bring Up the Ark; David Brings Up the Ark; God Promises to Establish David’s Line; David Conquers Israel’s Enemies

Readings Psalm 85 Proverbs 30:1–33 John 20:19–31 Augsburg Confession XVII–XIX Feast Today we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The birth of St. John the Baptist was announced, by an angel, to his father, Zechariah. Initially unbelieving, Zechariah was struck mute until his son was born, but then proclaimed a hymn of praise, the Benedictus — which traditionally serves as the Gospel Canticle in the Church’s Service of Morning Prayer. John’s life is known from all four of the Gospels. Preaching and baptizing in the wilderness near the Jordan River, John prepared the way for the Christ. Upon seeing Jesus, John announced to the crowds: “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world!” Martyred by the Herodians, whose immoral lifestyle he denounced, John is remembered for his preaching which pointed to the coming Christ, the Lamb Who takes away the sins of the world.

* Psalm 71 * Judges 13:1–25 * Galatians 2:1–21 * Augsburg Confession, Conclusion

Readings Psalm 51 Psalm 12 Nehemiah 9:1–21 1 Timothy 5:17—6:2 Apology of the Augsburg Confession XIIB:16–24

Readings Psalm 133 Psalm 119:97–104 Nehemiah 7:1–4; 8:1–18 1 Timothy 5:1–16 Apology of the Augsburg Confession XIIB:1–14 Commemoration Today we commemorate Jonah. Called by God to preach in Nineveh, capital of Assyria, Jonah initially refused his call and attempted to flee. Whereas all are familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale, the Book of Jonah focuses more on God’s mercy, patience, and compassion. Christ Himself uses the story of Jonah and the whale in describing His own death, burial, and resurrection.