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
After his rejection by so many of his people, here Jesus predicts the judgment that it warrants - the destruction of Jerusalem that took place under the Roman General Titus in AD70. The detail of this chapter is much debated, but verses 1-23 seem to deal with the lead up to this destruction. The turmoil of v5-8 display how significant the event is, with the whole creation in a sort of labour, about to give birth to something new. The sort of events later recorded in Acts are also prophesied, promising persecution, but also the Holy Spirit's enabling. The "abomination that causes desolation" refers us back to Daniel 9v25-27, where an "anointed one" is killed and the events Jesus mentions are said to follow. The "abomination" may be the Roman standards that carried idolatrous images of Caesar and were carried into the temple. Whatever the case, Jesus' followers are told to flee to the mountains rather than stay in Judea, and not be taken in by those who claim to be the Messiah or a prophet. Indeed, in verses 24-27 Jesus is adamant that when he does return, there will be no doubt. This will happen at some point after AD70, with it as a stort of marker that it is on its way. Verse 24 may simply be a visual way of referring to impending judgment, but may imply literal cosmic events. Certainly, the returning on clouds should be thought of as literal, as Jesus literally ascended on clouds (Acts 1v9, 1 Thess 4v16-17). And his return will be the time that God's people in heaven or left on earth will be gathered in to populate the new creation. Jesus point in teaching all this seems to be to say that the events leading to AD70 after which he will at some point return, will happen within a generation. So, from that key date, every subsequent generation should live knowing the "summer" of salvation is in some sense "near." Jesus is clear he doesn't know the exact timing. But he wants us to "keep watch" to ensure we are ready. As you read consider whether you are.
Mark 13
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.