BibleStudyTogether DailyReadings
A 2-Year Chronological & Thematic Journey through God's Word
with Daily Comments from Dr. Del Tackett.
May 31
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 517 (5/31) – Micah 6:1-7:13; Mark 15:25-32
It is hard not to see the mocking in Micah as a parallel to those who mocked Jesus. Some are confused by the passages in Matthew and Mark that say both the robbers reviled Jesus, whereas Luke details one rebuking the other and asking Jesus to remember him. If one ponders that Jesus was on the cross for about six hours, there is plenty of time for the second robber to have first joined in the mocking, but then, after witnessing Jesus while on the cross and hearing His words and seeing the darkness, became a believer enough to ask Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. There is no contradiction here.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 31
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 517 (5/31) – Micah 6:1-7:13; Mark 15:25-32
It is hard not to see the mocking in Micah as a parallel to those who mocked Jesus. Some are confused by the passages in Matthew and Mark that say both the robbers reviled Jesus, whereas Luke details one rebuking the other and asking Jesus to remember him. If one ponders that Jesus was on the cross for about six hours, there is plenty of time for the second robber to have first joined in the mocking, but then, after witnessing Jesus while on the cross and hearing His words and seeing the darkness, became a believer enough to ask Jesus to remember His when He came into His kingdom. There is no contradiction here.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 30
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 516 (5/30) – Micah 4:1-5:15; Luke 23:32-43
The video overview of Micah should help you as you read this passage. Prophetic language is always more challenging to interpret than historical narrative. The passage from Luke is certainly historical narrative. We are given the facts concerning the final hours of Jesus. Take time to ponder His compassion toward the thief dying next to Him. Jesus was paying the penalty for our sins and the consequence of that redemption struck me in the Micah passage: “And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest…” Oh, that we might have this vision of who we are and our great responsibility as God has us spread all over the land.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 29
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 515 (5/29) – Isaiah 34:1-35:10; Matthew 27:35-44
Some see the picture of judgment here as being global; some see it as the judgment upon Edom. Edom rejoiced over the downfall of Israel and came under God’s deep judgment. In 70 AD, they joined the Israelites in a revolt against Rome and were totally wiped out. Either way Isaiah 34 is interpreted, the weight of judgment is heavy. Phrases stick out like: “The Lord is enraged” and then the three “The Lord has a sword… a sacrifice… a day of vengeance.” But then in chapter 35 we are given hope for those who are the Lords. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” In the aftermath of all of the judgment, “And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness.” This is why we are to say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not!” These verses are needed in our times.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 28
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 514 (5/28) – Isaiah 33:1-24; John 19: 17-27
Today we have the verse that was instrumental in creating the three branches of judicial, legislative and executive: “The Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; He will save us.” What a contrast, to go from the statements and acts in Isaiah of the omnipotent King and Judge of the earth, to that very King hanging on a cruel Roman cross. And in deeper contrast, to hear the King issue a compassionate directive to John to take care of his mother. It is beyond our ability to understand the grief that was hers at that moment, and yet, just as today, in your life and mine, Jesus sees our circumstances and provides for us.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 27
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 513 (5/27) – Isaiah 32:1-20
We are given a prophetic view of the Messianic age in which righteousness and justice are upheld, eyes see and ears hear; here are noble people and there will be peace and quietness and trust. It seems to me that the phrase “until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high” points forward to Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the people of God. May we be part of moving our culture forward toward all of these things.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 25
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 511 (5/25) – Isaiah 29:1-30:7; Luke 23:26-31
There is much here today. It would be good to read it as a family and simply ask, “What struck you?” “Ariel” literally means “Lion of God'' but it is very similar to a word that means “burning altar”. It seems that God is referring to both, especially in: “you will be to me like an Ariel” where God is going to turn Jerusalem into an altar of sacrifice in His judgment upon them. Note how they “honored” God with their speech but their hearts were far from Him. I was struck by how relevant today the statement that the wicked can “by a word make a man out to be an offender”.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 24
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 510 (5/24) – Isaiah 26:1-27:13; Matthew 27:27-34; Mark 15:21-24
Again (picking up from yesterday), for example, the last word in 26:15 translated “land” and the word in 26:18 translated “earth” are the same Hebrew word. Same is true for 27:13 “land of Assyria” and “land of Egypt”. Translators have to rely upon context with this very common word and it is difficult to decide which to use. However, the nature of a Holy and Merciful God are clearly seen. This struck me: “If favor is shown to the wicked, he does not learn righteousness”. It made me think of the passage in Hebrews 12:4-11 regarding the discipline of the Lord and how it “produces a harvest of righteousness”.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 23
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 509 (5/23) – Isaiah 24:1-25:12; Mark 15:16-20; Luke 22:63-65
There are two ways to read the Isaiah passage today: the Hebrew word translated as “earth” and “world” throughout the passage can be just as readily translated as “land”. This can bring one's mind to either a global prophecy or one that deals primarily with Israel. You may want to read it one way and then the other. The bottom line in all of this is that God’s judgment reaches from the lowest to the highest and it is thorough; and His grace is just as stunning. We see promises here that are given to those who find themselves now in Christ. Take time to worship Him and thank Him for His abundant mercy and grace to us through Christ.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 22
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 508 (5/22) – Isaiah 22:15-23:18; John 9:1-16
I was struck by the way the sovereignty and omnipotence of God was worded in that He would take a nation and “whirl you around and around and throw you like a ball…” How foolish is it for kings and authorities, cities and nations, rulers and powers, to think they can defy God and shake their fist in His face? Again, Jeffersons’ words return to me of trembling for our nation because God’s justice cannot sleep forever.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 21
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 507 (5/21) – Isaiah 21:1-22:14; Luke 23:13-25
We are reading through difficult passages together. The judgment of God that falls upon cities and nations of old for their sins is not often dwelt upon today. Yet, our reading through the Bible gives us cause to thankfully do so. Do not skim through these, for it is critical for us to know the holiness and righteousness of God in times where the passions of the heart are more important than notions of sin and abominations. The heart of man trends often toward the embracing of the unholy, just as the mob cries out for a murderer to be released and for the innocent Jesus to be crucified. Find time to discuss these things.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 20
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 506 (5/20) – Isaiah 19:1-20:6
It might be a good exercise to simply list the descriptions of Egypt as it is being judged by God. Here are a few: they tremble at the presence of the Lord; their hearts melt; they fight against each other; their leaders are deluded and foolish; etc. The prophecy concerning the presence of believers in Egypt is one that I know personally is looked at with joy by Christian Egyptians who see God’s grace in their nation in this very day.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 19
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 505 (5/19) – Isaiah 15:1-16:14
As we read through the judgment of one nation after another, it is hard not to continually turn our gaze upon the nations today. It is harder not to “tremble” for them. We are presented with the overwhelming power of God to humble even the mightiest nation, bringing it to its knees–bringing total and utter destruction for its unrighteousness before the Lord. We are learning here that, yes, God deals with us as individuals, but He also deals with man corporately. No corporate body is safe from the righteous judgment of God.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 18
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 504 (5/18) – Micah 2:1-3:12; Matthew 27:15-26
It caused a shiver in me when I read today of the judgment of God on evil because of unrighteous leaders, when there was “no answer from God”. Can you think of anything more disastrous than when God will no longer hear? I was also struck by the evil that arises from a mob, as we see when the crowd was stirred up to ask for Barabbas and to call for the crucifixion of Jesus. We suffer from this today. Not only in physical mobs, but also in the form of “i-mobs”.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 17
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 503 (5/17) – Isaiah 14:1-32; Mark 15:6-15
Paralleled today with the nations who did evil and the severe judgments that are consequently visited upon them by God, we have Rome handing Jesus over to be crucified, though Pilate found no fault in Him. The act of Pilate is not unusual, for rulers often act, not in righteousness, but in accord with their own benefit.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 16
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 502 (5/16) – Isaiah 13:1-22; John 18:28-40
The first twelve chapters of Isaiah were directed at the rebellion of Israel. The next eleven are directed at other nations who have also done evil. It should become apparent to us that God is not oblivious to nations. He cares about them and He blesses them and judges them based upon their righteousness or their evil. Many today say that God doesn’t care about nation states nor should we. One would be hard pressed to prove that from the Scriptures. Note the language here that is given regarding the judgment upon Babylon. It appears apocalyptic, yet it is valuable for us to put in its context so that we don’t misunderstand other portions of the Scripture when it is similarly used. The declaration by Jesus to Pilate was the key passage used to begin the Truth Project. “For this reason I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” What a great confession!
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 15
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 501 (5/15) – 2 Chronicles 31:1-21; Isaiah 18:1-7 Luke 23:1-12
Does a sense of peace come over you when you read of King Hezekiah doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord? Proverbs 29:2 aptly states: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.” When Jesus was brought to trial, he came before unrighteous rulers. Even so, this was God’s plan for the salvation of man. Many have pondered why Herod and Pilate became friends through this. I have my thoughts. What are yours?
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 14
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 500 (5/14) – 2 Chronicles 30:1-27; Psalms 134:1-3; Mark 15:2-5; Matthew 27:11-14
Oh, that we might have leaders today who would call the nation back to God as did Hezekiah! Yet, we have a Remnant in the land. Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to grant us repentance. Join us at noon eastern today to pray together. Notice there were some who scorned and mocked this message, just as they did to Jesus, and just as we will have today. Trust in the Lord and rest in Him.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 13
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 499 (5/13) – 2 Chronicles 29:1-36
Our reading today should be a refreshment to us, for we finally find a king who “does what is right in the sight of the Lord”. Would there not be a refreshment to our land if all of our authorities would simply humble themselves before the Lord? Would there not be a sigh of rejoicing if righteousness reigned from our families to the sphere of labor to the state? Let it begin with each of us today. May we follow the example of Hezekiah and cleanse what we can cleanse and restore what we can restore and then worship Him.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 12
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 498 (5/12) – Isaiah 4:1-5:30
Today we have one of the iconic passages from Isaiah: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” In the midst of this rebellion, God calls forth enemies to invade the land whose “arrows are sharp” and “their roaring is like a lion” and “none can rescue”. It is beneficial for us to read of God’s judgment. It should bring wisdom and repentance, else “behold, darkness and distress”.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 11
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 497 (5/11) – Isaiah 3:1-4:1; Mark 15:1; Matthew 27:1-10
To ponder today: “...they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it.” To discuss: “My people–infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them.” The prophecies of Jeremiah concerning the thirty pieces of silver were delivered 600 years before they happened. Take some time today to dwell on the omniscience and omnipresence of God. He knows all and He is present everywhere in time and space.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 10
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 496 (5/10) – Isaiah 1:21-2:22; John 18:25-27; Luke 22:66-71
The last verses in Isaiah today struck me: “Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” This follows the statement describing that the Lord will rise “to terrify the earth”. The testimony of Jesus during His trial that He was the Messiah is clear. They were incensed at this, but man will not be haughty when He comes as Judge.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 9
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 495 (5/9) – 2 Kings 17:24-41; Isaiah 1:1-20; Luke 22:54-62
There is much today for a good discussion. What does God think about a people who “fear Him” and worship Him at the appointed times, but also follow the gods of the world around them? What attributes are revealed in God when He says: “Come let us reason together”? What was going on in Peter’s mind and heart when he said “I do not know him.”.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 8
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 494 (5/8) – Isaiah 28:1-29; 2 Kings 18:9-12; Matthew 26:69-75
This struck me today: when the message of God’s judgment is finally understood, it will be “sheer terror” (Isaiah 28:19). That makes me shudder. It seems hard to believe that any person or culture would continue in their rebellion, knowing the consequences, yet we read that Israel and Judah persisted: “...we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter” (vs 15). Sadness upon sadness.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 7
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 493 (5/7) – Hosea 14:1-9; 2 Kings 17:3-23; Mark 14:66-72
The passage in 2 Kings gives us an incredible, yet deeply saddening, summary of God’s final judgment upon Israel and its fall to the Assyrian Empire. It would be a good discussion to ask if there are any parallels between what brought Israel to its end and our world today. I see many. It is a sad thing when a people are so greatly blessed by the Lord yet they still reject Him. Peter denied Jesus, yes, but he quickly repented of it and was filled with remorse. Oh, that we might act with such deep repentance.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 6
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 492 (5/6) – Hosea 12:1-13:16
When I read these sad verses today about the horrible, yet just judgment that was coming upon Israel and Judah because of their turning away from God, I was reminded of the quote that is carved in the Jefferson Memorial: “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever…” May God grant us repentance before then.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 5
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 491 (5/5) – Hosea 10:1-11:12
This verse stood out to me today because it seemed so relevant to us in our times: “Because you have trusted in your own way and in the multitude of your warriors, therefore the tumult of war shall arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be destroyed…” Yet, we are reminded again of the “steadfast love” of God. How gracious and good He has been to us!
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 4
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 490 (5/4) – Hosea 8:1-9:17; Mark 14:53-65
What struck you today? For me, it was this: “They consecrated themselves to the thing of shame, and became detestable like the thing they loved” and “My God will reject them because they have not listened to Him…” And then we have the illegal trial of Jesus, false witnesses, and Jesus declaring the truth about Himself… but the high priest rejected Him and they condemned Him to death. God will take this travesty of justice and turn it into glory!
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 3
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 489 (5/3) – Hosea 6:1-7:16; Matthew 26:57-68
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” God spoke this to Israel and Judah in the midst of their deep rebellion against Him, yet it could be spoken to us today. This is worth personal meditation. If someone were to observe our lives, would our walk, other than church attendance (sacrifice and burnt offerings) be any different than the rest of the world? Or would our walk be filled with steadfast love and the knowledge of God?
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 2
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 488 (5/2) – Hosea 4:1-5:15; John 18:12-24
What struck me today, despite all the similarities to our own culture (swearing, lying, stealing, murder, adultery…), was the judgment upon those “who move the landmark”. Upon them, God says, He will “pour out my wrath like water”. It would be a profitable discussion for your family today to talk about what God meant by this and apply it to our lives in our times. This is important to do, for we do not want to be as Peter, who from fear of the world, denied Jesus.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
May 1
Dr. Tackett's Daily Comment
Day 487 (5/1) – Hosea 2:2-3:5; Philemon 1:8-25
Our passage is heartbreaking, for it mirrors our own culture today. It should also be a reminder to each of us, personally, that it is easy to fall into the same trap. We act like those who worship God, but our hearts can grow more fond of the things of the world or its ways and thinking. In Hosea’s day, the people still did the feasts, the new moons, the Sabbaths; in our day it might be doing church on Sunday, singing songs, hearing the sermon, putting money in the plate. Today is a day to check our heart before the Lord. Just as Philemon was being called to go against the grain of culture and maybe his own emotions, so, too, are we. (Watch the Philemon overview video.).
SCROLL DOWN TO READ PREVIOUS DAILY COMMENTS.
Monthly List of BibleStudyTogether Readings
Access Previous Months' Readings
