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 31:16
The wife of nobel character...Proverbs 31:16
Understanding to grow in
It is comforting to know that in the end all wrongs will be righted, the humble exalted and the exalted humbled. Zechariah ends with a picture of the nations attacking Jerusalem again, just as Babylon had leading to the exile. But this time, God destroys the attackers. In that context we are told his people will then look on the Lord who they will have pierced, and by God's Spirit mourn over that with supplication. This was in some way fulfilled at Pentecost as Jews were "cut to the heart" to realise they had crucified their Messiah. But Revelation 1v7 sees further fulfilment when Christ returns in judgment and the whole world mourns. The prophecy seems to compact this all into one "day." We are told that David's line and Jerusalem's inhabitants will be cleansed and so no longer go after idols. This is the work of renewal the Holy Spirit grants now, but as a foretaste for our complete renewal through death and resurrection. Strikingly, the LORD then speaks of his shepherd being struck, sheep scattered, and only the symbolic third of his people being refined, whilst the rest come under judgment. Jesus referred this to his death (Matt 26v31). But chapter 14 then seems to jump again to his return. In a highly figurative way it looks forward to the nations laying seige to Jerusalem (perhaps symbolising persecution of the church), only for the Lord to come with his angels, cause Jerusalem to be the source of life to the world, and then reign over the whole earth as king, receiving the worship of those from the nations who have survived his judgment. Surely this is a picture of how Christians of Jewish and non-Jewish descent will one day inherit and enjoy the new earth. As you read note what comfort this would bring God's people.
It is comforting to know that in the end all wrongs will be righted, the humble exalted and the exalted humbled. Zechariah ends with a picture of the nations attacking Jerusalem again, just as Babylon had leading to the exile. But this time, God destroys the attackers. In that context we are told his people will then look on the Lord who they will have pierced, and by God's Spirit mourn over that with supplication. This was in some way fulfilled at Pentecost as Jews were "cut to the heart" to realise they had crucified their Messiah. But Revelation 1v7 sees further fulfilment when Christ returns in judgment and the whole world mourns. The prophecy seems to compact this all into one "day." We are told that David's line and Jerusalem's inhabitants will be cleansed and so no longer go after idols. This is the work of renewal the Holy Spirit grants now, but as a foretaste for our complete renewal through death and resurrection. Strikingly, the LORD then speaks of his shepherd being struck, sheep scattered, and only the symbolic third of his people being refined, whilst the rest come under judgment. Jesus referred this to his death (Matt 26v31). But chapter 14 then seems to jump again to his return. In a highly figurative way it looks forward to the nations laying seige to Jerusalem (perhaps symbolising persecution of the church), only for the Lord to come with his angels, cause Jerusalem to be the source of life to the world, and then reign over the whole earth as king, receiving the worship of those from the nations who have survived his judgment. Surely this is a picture of how Christians of Jewish and non-Jewish descent will one day inherit and enjoy the new earth. As you read note what comfort this would bring God's people.
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.