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, yor family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
More regulations on cleanliness. Perhaps those regarding houses hint to how the land itself could be defiled by Israel’s sin. They remind us that our ultimate destiny is a new creation filled with the glory of the Lord. It, as well as his people, will on that day be perfect, clean and fit for his presence. Chapter 15 deals with "discharges" from the sexual organs. They make people particularly unclean, contaminating much they touch. Although this may be because of the link between sex and the transmission of sin to each generation, this does not suggest the discharges themselves are somehow wrong. Rather, they are unfitting or unacceptable in the context of worship. Indeed, it is explicitly stated that these regulations are to protect the people so they “will not die” for “defiling” God’s “dwelling place” (15v31). In other words, if unclean people were to come to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices they would be destroyed. As we've seen again and again, the holy perfection of God’s presence and the imperfections of this world just cannot co-exist. As you read thank God that Christ has removed the need for such burdensom regulations so that we can worship freely and without fear.
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.