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
Understanding to grow in
The Christian is to live with a constant eye on Christ's return. That's the theme here. 21v5-38 is much dicussed. Verses 5-24 seem to predict the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple that took place in AD70. This was hugely significant in showing that God had removed his special favour from Israel because of her rejection of his Son. Verse 24 then spans the church age when Jerusalem will be dominated by non-Jews (Gentiles). Verses 25-28 describe Christ's return at the end of that period. The point is that as these various events take place (v5-24 within a generation) they mark the drawing close of the end, nudging people from then on to ensure they are ready. The Lord's Supper has a similar focus. It also looks to the coming kingdom of God, reminding believers of what Jesus has done so they can access it, and keeping them reliant upon him. It is in this context that Jesus urged his disciples to serve one-another, expressing the kind of rule they will share in the kingdom. Tragically, Judas is too short-sighted to live accordingly - and Peter too, initially. As your read note the difference the return of Christ should make.
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.