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
The spiritual concern that should mark God’s people is highlighted by Jabez’s prayer. Just as he was “more honourable” than his brothers, so we should seek to be set-apart by a godly concern. And God will hear us when we pray an equivalent prayer for him to bless, expand, be with and protect us or his church. The inclusion of Gentiles in the lists is not just a symptom of the people’s compromise in not remaining pure, but also a sign of God’s readiness for anyone to join his people - as if by adoption (4v18). Another noticeable detail is the stress on creativity (4v14, 21, 23), pointing to how ours is to be used in service of Christ and his church. The smaller population of a Simeonite clan is explained by one descendent having few children (4v27). Nevertheless, God’s hand is seen by them receiving their portion of Canaan, the LORD then “greatly increasing” their number, and them later settling in a particularly good part of land and “completely destroying” its inhabitants together with some Seirites and Amalekites (partially fulfilling Numbers 24v18-20). As with David and Christ, God often achieves much through those that seem the weakest. This should encourage the smaller church or struggling family. We are again urged to prayer by the note that the tribes on the east of the Jordan defeated their enemies because they “cried out” and so “trusted” God in battle. Nevertheless, despite being famous and brave warriors, those of the half-tribe of Mannasseh in particular became unfaithful, turning from God to the gods of the land, provoking judgment - a warning. Alongside the monarchy, Chronicles has a particular concern with the temple. And so, we then see a stress on the Levites, whose role was to serve at the temple. Alongside the focus on king David, this demonstrates the primacy not just of the rule of God, but of worshipping him. And both are made possible by Christ’s roles as king – who governs us by his word and Spirit, and priest – who makes us acceptable to God by his sacrifice and intercession. It is striking that people were “put in charge” of music at the temple (23v30, 25v1). We should not despise the focus on music and song in church life, nor the ascribing of people to give time to ensuring it is done well (Eph 5v19-20). The book of Revelation shows singing marks heaven itself. Aaron and his descendents were the priests and so in charge of offerings. The stress here is on the High Priest's role within the Most Holy Place, and so with the day of atonement in particular. The detail about the land allotted to the Levites note that they were provided for, just as we should provide for Christ’s ministers. As you read note why these details are included.
1 Chronicles 4-6
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.