Week 2 – Day 10 (Saturday)

Psalm 40:9-11 – Boldness

In Matthew 12:9-14, Jesus continues His earthly ministry, and it is obvious the Pharisees are threatened by His increasing popularity; they feel they are losing influence over the people. They begin a calculated plot to trap Jesus and discredit Him. The Pharisees publicly challenge Jesus when they see Him heal a man with a shrivelled hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees strictly interpret the Law as meaning no work is to be done on the Sabbath, not even to alleviate the suffering of another. Jesus’ response, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (vs. 11-12)

Jesus spoke boldly against the “status quo” of His day. Today’s psalm reflects that same boldness grounded in the certainty of Almighty God. Let phrases like “I proclaim," “I do not seal my lips," and “I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness" inspire you to speak boldly for the Lord today.