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
One lesson here is that each generation is responsible for carrying on the faith. Jeremiah rebukes two sons and a grandson of the good king Josiah, for not carrying on his upright rule in caring for the oppressed and leading the people away from idolatry. We cannot be comlacent just because our parents were committed Christians. We will be held to account for our own response to Christ. Chapter 23 begins then with a rebuke of Judah's rulers as "shepherds" who should be caring for God's sheep. This is one of the backdrops to Jesus' teaching of himself as the good shepherd. As Jeremiah predicts, the LORD will bring his scattered (exiled) flock back to the land, place good shepherds (rulers) over them, and ultimately a davidic king who will act righteously and ensure his safety. The shock is his name: "The LORD our righteous saviour." God himself will come to shepherd his people as this king! As you read note what is said of the rulers.
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.