How do we navigate the crushing weight of grief and injustice? Today on Day 163, we reach two of the most emotionally raw, pivotal passages in all of Scripture. In 2 Samuel, the military victory over the rebellion is utterly swallowed up by a father's broken heart. We listen to King David weep uncontrollably in the gatehouse over the death of his rebellious son Absalom, paralyzing the nation until Joab forces him back to reality. We then watch a weary king navigate the complex, fragile process of reclaiming his fractured kingdom.

In the book of Acts, the hostility against the gospel boils over into the first execution of a Christian witness. As Stephen boldly concludes his sermon, his furious accusers grind their teeth, drag him outside the city walls, and stone him to death. Yet, even as the rocks fall, Stephen echoes the very heart of Jes ...