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
Everyone longs for rest. But the greatest rest is from the struggle with sin and the hardships of life. The Sabbath pointed to this. The rest from work looked to the rest of walking with God in Eden (Gen 2v2-3, 3v8). Here Jesus is clear that this rest is found with him as "Lord of the Sabbath" - the one in whom it is truly found and who governs how it is kept. We therefore see the disciples walking with him and enjoying God's creation. And we see Jesus stressing how appropriate it is on the Sabbath of all days to give life in healing. In what follows we then see, again, his ability to overcome sickness and Satan's works, as he commissions his disciples to spread the good news. As you read note the different ways rest is found in Jesus.
Mark 2:23-3:34
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.