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
The wife of nobel character...Proverbs 31:12
The wife of nobel character...Proverbs 31:12
Understanding to grow in
It's a principle that remains: If we return to the Lord when we sin, he will return to us. And the Jews who heard Zechariah did - unlike their ancestors. What follows are visions declaring God's sovereignty over all nations and the judgments he will therefore bring on them for how they treated his people. There is also a promise of Jerusalem rebuilt and God dwelling there, ensuring its safety - and so the lack of need for walls. The surprise is that we are told those from the nations will there join the Jews as the people of God - as is the case when Jew and Gentile come to faith in Christ. What follows explains how this is possible. As the High Priest Joshua represented the people. Like them plucked out of their exile, he is plucked from the fire. And, although Satan is pictured in heaven accusing him, God cleanses and purifies him, seen in the removal of his filthy garment. We're told he and his associates are symbolic of things to come, so they point us to how God will deal with his people's sin in a "single day" (3v9), enabling them to then flourish in the land. But they also show that this will only be the case for those who then seek to obey God's commands. Just as Joshua is promised a role in God's temple and a place amongst the angelic beings, so those who obey out of faith in Christ have a role in the church and a place in heaven. It's quite a picture. As you read note how it should encourage us.
It's a principle that remains: If we return to the Lord when we sin, he will return to us. And the Jews who heard Zechariah did - unlike their ancestors. What follows are visions declaring God's sovereignty over all nations and the judgments he will therefore bring on them for how they treated his people. There is also a promise of Jerusalem rebuilt and God dwelling there, ensuring its safety - and so the lack of need for walls. The surprise is that we are told those from the nations will there join the Jews as the people of God - as is the case when Jew and Gentile come to faith in Christ. What follows explains how this is possible. As the High Priest Joshua represented the people. Like them plucked out of their exile, he is plucked from the fire. And, although Satan is pictured in heaven accusing him, God cleanses and purifies him, seen in the removal of his filthy garment. We're told he and his associates are symbolic of things to come, so they point us to how God will deal with his people's sin in a "single day" (3v9), enabling them to then flourish in the land. But they also show that this will only be the case for those who then seek to obey God's commands. Just as Joshua is promised a role in God's temple and a place amongst the angelic beings, so those who obey out of faith in Christ have a role in the church and a place in heaven. It's quite a picture. As you read note how it should encourage us.
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.