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, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
This section recounts a sort of mopping up of what remained undone before David's rule was properly established. The turning away of all but Judah to follow Sheba shows how fickle people can be. It's not sufficient to confess faith in God's king, only to turn away when things get hard or something entices. That's false faith. What God looks for is an allegiance to Christ that never wavers, come what may. As before, we should remember the deaths come in judgment, but are not necessarily carried out in the right manner. The need for atonement because of Saul's sin towards the Gibeonites shows that God's justice for sin must be satisfied, even if it takes years. He cannot just forgive and forget unless it's penalty is paid. It should make us thankful that he sent Christ to make satisfaction for ours, so that we can be confident that we have been rescued from his final justice. As you read note how justice is being done.
2 Samuel 20-21
2 Samuel 20-21
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.