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
"It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb 10v31). We've started to see this is because of his holy purity that cannot tolerate sin. So he ends his instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai by giving the Sabbath as a sign of his covenant. By setting apart one day a week to rest and remember the LORD the people are forever reminded that they are to be set-apart in obedience to him. We must understand that the death penalty for breaking the Sabbath was because remembering the LORD was citical to the nation's survival. And what follows makes the point only too clearly. With Moses up the mountain the people forget him, breaking the first two commandments in fashioning false gods. Rather than confront this, Aaron spins it as true worship of God as some do with false religion today. But God is ready to destroy them all, only relenting when Moses intercedes - a shadow of how Christ stands in for us. Nevertheless, many still die in punishment. Indeed, the LORD declares that he will not accompany the people because he might end up totally destroying them. God can no more temper his justice than the sun can cool its heat. It is his nature to do what's right. So sinners must be punished. Thank God then, that Christ has enabled us to draw close and even be filled with his presence. As you read note the reasons why God doesn't destroy the people.
Exodus 31:12-33:6
Exodus 31:12-33:6
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.