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.
Understanding to grow in
Often someone has said they've felt unable to come to church because they are not living a Christian life. It betrays the assumption that Christ is only for the good. Of course they couldn't be more wrong. And that should reassure each of us every day, for who can claim to be without sin. The healinng of the paralysed man proves two key things: First, that people understood Jesus to be claiming to be divine. Second, that he really was, and so has God's authority to forgive sins. Levi's calling immeditaley shows us what that means. He has come for the spiritually sick, like the money swindling tax-collectors. And with forgiveness and a new start with God on offer, Levi shows his wisdom. He immediately follows Jesus and throws a party so that others might come to do the same. The discussion around fasting cements the point. God had always protrayed his covenant with is people as like a marriage covenant. So, Jesus is now the bridegroom come for his bride. But his bride includes any who are willing to respond, no matter how morally ugly. Moreover, the time when knowing God was bound up with the undergoing right rituals has also past. The new wine that celebrates this marriage is in the new wineskin of mere forgiveness of sins. As you read note how this encouorages.
Mark 2:1-22
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
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.