Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, yor family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
The various clans from the tribe of Levi are now numbered and given their respective tasks. The Levites were set-apart from the rest for looking after the things of worship at the tabernacle where God was present with the ark. Aaron's descendents were to serve as priests and the other clans were to assist in caring for the tabernacle itself (3v5). Two things strike home. The first are the various different roles God assigns. Likewise, he gifts different Christians for different roles within the church - whether as individuals or in teams. And as with the Levites, he decides what we do. So there should be no resentment at not having or being equipped for certain tasks we might prefer. Second, the Levites are said to be redeemed or purchased for God by the lambs that saved the lives of Israel's firstborn at the passover. In not serving in that way, the number of firstborn from wider Israel above the number of Levites therefore need to be bought back from the Lord (as it were). It's all "financially" exact, stressing God really did pay for the lives of the firstborn and that he is rightly owed their service. And its a foreshadowing of how through Christ's death we are purchased for God so that we might serve as a priesthood by offering our lives to him, and teaching others his ways. As you read note the different roles.
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.