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
Proverbs 29:17
Proverbs 29:17
Understanding to grow in
Continuing his holy ambition for reform, Hezekiah and the key people in Judah celebrate the Passover. Rather than wait another year, they chose to do it a month later when sufficient priests were consecrated (Num 9v9-11), and invite those in both kingdoms to join them. Their letter urges the people to return to God and not be unfaithful as others were, so that God would return to them and, in compassion, and move the captors to let their exiled family members return to the land (as Judah experienced in 28v9-15). Some scorned this, showing how deserved God’s judgement on Israel was. Others humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem, picturing the united kingdom that was destined to occur through Christ and began at Pentecost. The people then removed the items of false worship in and around Jerusalem and celebrated the Passover, with Hezekiah interceding for those who had not been able to purify themselves first as the law required (Num 9v12-13). It all shows that although regulations can be necessary to encourage right attitudes and reflect God’s holiness, it is more important that the worshipper sets "his heart on seeking God” and is ready to make effort to do so. Such faith finds forgiveness. What follows is much joy and praise, an extra seven days of celebration, and the destruction of items of false worship not only in Judah but Ephraim and Manasseh too. Hezekiah then ensured the ongoing work of the temple, with the people giving their tithes so the priests could do their work. There could not be higher praise for Hezekiah that that of 31v20-21. Throughout he is portrayed like a second Solomon. And the reader aspires to emulate him by doing what is "good, right and faithful before the LORD," obeying his commands and working wholeheartedly for his purposes. As you read note what attitudes to the LORD are displayed. 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.