Jesus Is Good News

Daniel 2:1-24 and Revelation 2:1-11

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Daniel 2:1-24 and Revelation 2:1-11

The risen, glorious Lord Jesus tells John to write to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). Each letter starts with a description of Christ (drawn from chapter 1), followed by rebuke and encouragement, exhortation to listen, and a promise that points us to our glorious future (described in Revelation 21-22). Jesus wants Christians to “overcome” or be “victorious” (different translations of the same word) – but what does that mean? The world defines “victory” in all sorts of ways; for the Christian it means a life lived for Jesus, right to the end. The victorious life means hard work and perseverance. It means our greatest love is for Christ. It means being faithful during persecution and being opposed to false teaching. Use these first two letters to assess your life and your church. What message from the Spirit do we need to hear?

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
PRAY: Ask God for strength to carry out his will as revealed in these letters. Consider what warnings or encouragements you particularly need to hear.

Daniel 1 and Revelation 1

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Daniel 1 and Revelation 1

Here are three things that are yours in Jesus: suffering, the kingdom and patient endurance. We like the second one, but all three come together (Revelation 1:9). Revelation is given so that we can live with all three. It is written for people like Daniel and his friends, who like us are “exiles and strangers” (1 Peter 2:11) in this world, Christians who live by and live for “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Rev 1:9). John is given a vision to challenge and sustain believers, and it is first of all a vision of Jesus. Read verses 5-8 slowly, list each title and achievement of Christ, then consider how each one brings hope and encouragement. This Jesus holds the church in his hands.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
PRAY: As you reflect on the names (including those in verses 17-18) and their significance for you, make sure they lead you to praise God.

Leviticus 17 and 2 Timothy 3

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Leviticus 17 and 2 Timothy 3

“The life of the creature is in the blood” is the underlying rationale for many of the laws in Leviticus 17. It should be no surprise that, in most cultures in history, killing animals for food is closely connected to religious practices. Where does life come from? All life belongs to the living God and all his life is mediated to us through Jesus, the one Anointed with the fullness of the Spirit. So any religious practice that looks for life outside of Jesus Christ is an act of spiritual prostitution to demons (17:7). Eating the blood of animals was a symbolic attempt to find spiritual life from created things, rather than from the Creator through the death of his Son. Thus it was forbidden to everyone in the ancient church. Old and New Testaments alike warn people against all that would lead us away from Christ our Saviour. That is why Paul urges Timothy to stick with the Scriptures as the foundation of all Christian ministry (2 Tim. 3:15 – 4:2).

“For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.”
PRAY: Pray that we would never seek any kingdom, power or glory outside of Jesus.

Leviticus 16:2-24 and 2 Timothy 2:14-26

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Leviticus 16:2-24 and 2 Timothy 2:14-26

The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) is the literary centre of Leviticus, and indeed the whole Pentateuch (the 5 books of Moses). Sin is an unclean pollution that defiles more than people; this was a day when the tabernacle was purified. The tabernacle was a theological model of the heavens and the earth, so the Day of Atonement points to the work of Jesus whose blood will bring purification and the end of sin to all of creation (Hebrews 9:22-28). That future day is only possible because Christ Jesus is the perfect High Priest who entered heaven, the true Most Holy Place (Hebrews 9:11-14). Once every fifty years, when the High Priest came out of the Tent of Meeting, trumpet blasts announced the Year of Jubilee – a vision of all creation enjoying God’s eternal Rest.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
PRAY: Ask God to protect his church from the evil falsehoods that harm God’s people.

Leviticus 9 and 2 Timothy 1:15 – 2:13

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Leviticus 9 and 2 Timothy 1:15 – 2:13

How can Israel come near the God who dwells in their midst? The first seven chapters of Leviticus describe a number of offerings. The word means, literally, “near-bringings” because they show how the worshipper can be brought near to God. The three main offerings were the sin, burnt and fellowship offerings; they almost always appear in that order, as we see in Leviticus 9. The sin offering emphasised the cleansing power of the blood of the innocent substitute. The burnt offering – more literally the Ascension offering – focuses on a holy life wholly offered up to God (the animal was turned into smoke and rose to join God’s glory cloud over the tabernacle). The fellowship/peace offering was a meal with the LORD; this is the one that the worshipper could eat. Jesus our Great High Priest shed his blood on the cross; he ascended into heaven with a perfect, risen humanity. Through Christ we enjoy fellowship with God and can share Communion meals with him. Exodus ended with Moses excluded. Now in Lev. 9:23 Moses and Aaron can enter, God’s glory appears and the people shout with joy.

“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”
PRAY: Praise God for sins forgiven and peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Leviticus 8 and 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Leviticus 8 and 2 Timothy 1:1-14

At the end of Exodus, the LORD’s glory fills the tabernacle. There is a mini-Eden, a portable heaven, at the centre of the camp. But Moses cannot enter (Ex. 40:35). How can a sinful people meet with the holy God who dwells in their midst? This question is answered by Leviticus which first tells us of the offerings, then establishes the priesthood. Aaron is anointed as High Priest, for he will foreshadow The Anointed One, our Great High Priest Jesus. Both blood and anointing oil are sprinkled, splashed and poured everywhere. As a mortal sinner Aaron’s whole self must be cleansed by blood: the earlobe, thumb and big toe are the extremities that speak of the whole person purified. Then copious quantities of oil shows that the High Priest is filled to overflowing with the life of the Spirit. Truly, Jesus brings immortality and life to light (2 Tim. 1:10).

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
PRAY: Pray that your daily bread would be strength for your life in God’s holy priesthood.

Exodus 29:38 – 30:16 and 1 Timothy 6:11-21

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Exodus 29:38 – 30:16 and 1 Timothy 6:11-21

The morning and evening sacrifice of a lamb was a twice-daily participation in the Exodus-salvation of the past, and a preview of Jesus the Lamb of God who brings us near to his Father. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection the church is the consecrated temple of God, a holy priesthood, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. At this point, God gives instructions for the altar of incense to be built. The incense represents the prayers of the church ascending to heaven (Revelation 8:3-4). It was positioned in front of the curtain, at the centre of the triangle formed by the Ark of the Covenant (representing the Father’s throne), the Table of Bread (representing Christ our life) and the seven-branched candle (representing the mighty Spirit). In Hebrews 9:4 the altar is described as behind this curtain, perhaps because Jesus our High Priest has carried his people into the true Holy of Holies (Hebrews 10:19-22). Jesus is our Priest and Sacrifice. Through him, the praying church of God has been brought right into the life of our Triune God.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
PRAY: We pray as citizens of heaven! Rejoice and pour out your heart to our Father.

Exodus 22:21-27, 23:1-17 and 1 Timothy 6:1-10

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Exodus 22:21-27, 23:1-17 and 1 Timothy 6:1-10

After the adventure of the exodus, many people find the book of Exodus becomes rather boring after chapter 20. Why so many lists of laws and details of the tabernacle? The LORD rescued his people so that he might dwell with them. He is building a house for his glory, which is both the glorious tabernacle and a glorified people. These laws direct the people of Israel to become a people of glorious compassion, justice and mercy. Having experienced God’s compassion when they were slaves, these believers must show compassion to the vulnerable foreigners, widows and fatherless. They were saved by God’s just judgement of oppressive Egypt, so the ancient church must be a people of justice for all. Israel was not redeemed because of their goodness but because of God’s mercy, so they should be a people who show love and mercy even to their enemies. What a glorious vision for the church as the temple-dwelling of our Lord Jesus Christ!

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
PRAY: Consider how the instructions in 1 Timothy 6 are meant to bring honour to God’s name. Then consider, with prayer, how you should respond.

2 Kings 25:22-30 and 1 Timothy 5:17-25

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 25:22-30 and 1 Timothy 5:17-25

1 and 2 Kings had some great highs: Solomon, Elijah, Josiah. But on the whole it shows the weakness of humanity. It started with a weak king and chaos in Jerusalem. It ends with no king and chaos at Mizpah. Even when God graciously offers mercy and forgiveness, even when he is so patient that we might think he has forgotten his own commitment to justice, human nature means we go the wrong way. God told Abraham that his people would bring blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3). Now God’s people are exiled among the nations. Righteous Gedaliah is assassinated (see Jeremiah 40-43) and “all the people” end up in Egypt (v26). Is this how it ends? Has everything since the exodus from Egypt been in vain? The final verses offer a hint of hope. Jehoiachin is called “king of Judah” twice. He is honoured at the king’s table. From Jehoiachin the line of David has a future. One day the exile will end (Matthew 1:12-17).

“For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.”
PRAY: Give thanks that our hope lies in God’s power and glory, not our own!

2 Kings 24:18 – 25:12 and 1 Timothy 5:1-16

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 24:18 – 25:12 and 1 Timothy 5:1-16

The destruction is complete. The army flees. The temple is burned. The city walls are torn down. Nebuchadnezzar took the gold 11 years before. Now even the bronze is broken down and carried off; the writer lingers on the details as if mourning their loss (25:13-17). It did not need to be this way. Jeremiah the prophet had been telling the people that the LORD wanted them to submit to Babylon rather than rebel. That way they could live (Jeremiah 27). The LORD had even sent Daniel and others into Babylon eleven years earlier so that those who followed would find a place to make their home. But God’s word was rejected. “So Judah went into captivity, away from her land” (v21). A rare reference to “the king’s garden” (25:4) makes us realise that here is a repeat of Genesis 3. Adam and Eve sinned and were exiled from the garden. Israel and Judah sinned and God “thrust them from his presence” (24:20). Will there ever be a way back?

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
PRAY: The Tempter wants us to forget that Christ is judge. Pray that we believe the truth.

2 Kings 23:36 – 24:17 and 1 Timothy 4

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 23:36 – 24:17 and 1 Timothy 4

The narrative lingered on Josiah’s eighteenth year as king. From 23:31 to 25:7 we rush through twenty-two years and four bad kings as Judah disintegrates under God’s judgement delivered by the Babylonians. How far we have fallen from the heights of Solomon’s reign. Solomon used to receive 666 talents of gold each year. Now taxes are raised to pay one talent of gold to Pharaoh Necho (23:35). Then Egypt fades away as the king of Babylon takes over the land once ruled by David’s son (compare 24:7 with 1 Kings 4:21). Ancient enemies are sent by God himself against his own people (24:2-3). Nebuchadnezzar is the seventh king to raid the temple in 1-2 Kings; God’s creation of Judah as his model-world has come to an end. King, people and temple-treasures are carried off into exile. God’s ancient warnings have come true. Does that mean his ancient promises might also one day come true? Read Deuteronomy 30:1-8.

“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”
PRAY: Ask the Spirit to give you a heart and mind that hates sin and grieves over it.

2 Kings 23:4-25 and 1 Timothy 3

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 23:4-25 and 1 Timothy 3

Josiah’s reforming zeal is impressive. Beginning at the temple and moving outwards the idolatry and false worship of previous generations is systematically and wonderfully destroyed. It feels like a reunification of Israel and Judah as Samaria and Bethel are cleansed and the Passover is celebrated. Verses 15-18 remind us of 1 Kings 13. It is 300 years since Jeroboam divided God’s people, built the golden calves and heard God’s warning. This long delay between prophecy and fulfilment shows us the unbelievable patience of God, as well as the trustworthiness of his promises. After a description of Josiah’s wholehearted devotion to the LORD, verses 26-27 come as a complete shock (read to v35). Obedience to the Law of God cannot turn away the LORD’s fierce anger against sin. 1 and 2 Kings have shown the importance of faithful kings, godly wisdom, truth-speaking prophets, God’s own temple, and now God’s own law. They have also shown that these things, good as they are, cannot save. They cannot deal with the weight of centuries of sin. We need a Saviour, a perfect king, a man of reforming zeal who can also deal with sin and judgement itself. We need Jesus.

“Give us this day our daily bread.”
PRAY: Bread gives us strength. What will we use it for? Pray for a heart that loves to obey.

2 Kings 22:1 – 23:3 and 1 Timothy 1:18 – 2:15

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 22:1 – 23:3 and 1 Timothy 1:18 – 2:15

King Edward VI, crowned at the age of nine, was often called a ‘Josiah’ by those who encouraged his reforms of the English church. The original Josiah was the eighth king described as doing right in the eyes of the LORD. He was crowned in his eighth year. He is therefore a ‘new creation’ king, a new start, a sign of new life. (The number 8 carries this symbolic meaning in the Bible.) He is already planning a restoration of the temple when the Book of the Law is found, having been ignored during King Forgetfulness’s reign. God’s word leads to true repentance – take note of the signs of true humility in verse 19. Josiah is told that God’s judgement cannot be prevented but he still renews the covenant and keeps pursuing reform. For Josiah, obedience to God was not a matter of self-interest but instead a commitment to the LORD himself. What about you?

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
PRAY: Ask God to inspire churches to raise children who will be ‘Josiahs’ of their time.

2 Kings 21:1-18 and 1 Timothy 1:1-17

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 21:1-18 and 1 Timothy 1:1-17

Centuries of God’s patience are coming to an end. The extreme wickedness of Manasseh means that judgement on Judah is now certain. The people are led into worse evil than the horrible nations who lived in Canaan before Joshua’s conquest. “Manasseh” means “forgetfulness”, so verse 9 reads “But the people did not listen. Forgetfulness led them astray…” Throughout the Bible, the church is told to listen and remember. When most Christians do not know their Old Testament stories, and are ignorant of heroes of the later church like Athanasius and Tyndale, we have a church ready to wander from the truth. A forgetful church will not spot the false teachers that Timothy was supposed to silence. God keeps speaking. Will we listen?

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
PRAY: God’s name (character) is revealed through the storyline of the Bible. Pray for a recovery of Bible literacy within the church, so that we know God and honour him.

2 Kings 20 Philippians 4:2-23

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 20 Philippians 4:2-23

2 Kings 20 records what happened before chapters 18-19 but is placed here to set the scene for the rest of the book. Hezekiah’s illness illustrates the spiritual illness that has come over all of Judah. The ‘death sentence’ of judgement against unbelieving Judah was given in 2 Kings 17:19 but Hezekiah prays and weeps. The LORD shows yet again that he is “gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and of great mercy” as he gives Hezekiah and Jerusalem more years of life (v6). Repentance gives longer life to Judah but the weight of centuries of sin means an end is still coming. Hezekiah, and Judah in the years that follow, is so quick to forget God and look for protection in the wrong places. (Hezekiah was trying to impress Babylon in order to form an alliance; Babylon was looking for loot.) Judah and David’s dynasty were going to die. But note the “third day” reference. We have a God who can raise the dead!

“For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.”
PRAY: The church in many parts of the world is very ill. Ask God to show his power by bringing new spiritual vitality, so that his kingdom is seen as the kingdom of life.

2 Kings 20 Philippians 4:2-23

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 19:20-36 Philippians 3:1 – 4:1

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 19:20-36 Philippians 3:1 – 4:1

“Daughter Jerusalem” is under threat from the Assyrian superpower. Isaiah’s message does what God’s word always does: gives a different perspective. The LORD, the Holy One of Israel, is sovereign over everything. Even Assyria’s other victories were planned long ago by God (v25). However, God’s sovereignty is no mere display of strength. There is a shape to his activity: he brings down the arrogant and raises the lowly (remember Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2). Sennacherib has exalted himself (v23) but the Angel of the LORD will cut down him and his army, just as the LORD cut down the Egyptians many centuries before (v35 has a ‘Passover’ feel to it). Paul also knows the shape of God’s sovereignty: those who humbly trust in Christ can look ahead to glorious resurrection. Now, the humble know the reality of suffering, self-denial and the weakness of our humble bodies. But our sovereign Lord Jesus Christ will turn all of this into future glory.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
PRAY: Are you tempted to boast? Does death bring despair? Pray through Philippians 3.

2 Kings 19:20-36 Philippians 3:1 – 4:1

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 19:1-19 Philippians 2:14-30

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 19:1-19 Philippians 2:14-30

How do we know if our confidence is truly placed in Jesus Christ? First, there is humility. Hezekiah and his officials tear their clothes, a way of saying “All our status, privilege and power is nothing. We have no strength of our own. God, only you can save.” Second, we turn to God’s Word for wisdom and instruction. Hezekiah sent his men to Isaiah, that great prophet who is first mentioned here. Third, there is a commitment to prayer. Prayer acknowledges the uniqueness and supremacy of the true God (v15-19). Prayer means coming to the living God, through his temple (Jesus), and spreading wide our problems before him. Fourth, true confidence in God leads to a desire to see the LORD honoured and glorified by everyone; notice the “so that” in verse 19. Do your prayers have God’s glory as their ultimate concern? Paul’s prayers did (Philippians 1:11). Paul, together with Timothy and Epaphroditus, are models of humble confidence in Christ.

“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” PRAY: Use these four ‘tests’ to examine your heart; then confess the sin that you find.

2 Kings 19:1-19 Philippians...

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0100

2 Kings 19:1-19 Philippians 2:14-30 How do we know if our confidence is truly placed in Jesus Christ? First, there is humility. Hezekiah and his officials tear their clothes, a way of saying “All our status, privilege and power is nothing. We have no strength of our own. God, only you can save.” Second, we turn to God’s Word for wisdom and instruction. Hezekiah sent his men to Isaiah, that great prophet who is first mentioned here. Third, there is a commitment to prayer. Prayer acknowledges the uniqueness and supremacy of the true God (v15-19). Prayer means coming to the living God, through his temple (Jesus), and spreading wide our problems before him. Fourth, true confidence in God leads to a desire to see the LORD honoured and glorified by everyone; notice the “so that” in verse 19. Do your prayers have God’s glory as their ultimate concern? Paul’s prayers did (Philippians 1:11). Paul, together with Timothy and Epaphroditus, are models of humble confidence in Christ. “And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” PRAY: Use these four ‘tests’ to examine your heart; then confess the sin that you find.