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
Chapter 16 details the important "day of atonement" (known as Yom Kippur) in which the nation were purified and forgiven their sin from the previous year. Because of God’s presence over the atonement cover to the ark, this was the only time the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and even then needed incense to conceal the cover. The things of the tabernacle are cleansed from contamination so that the LORD could remain amongst them without destroying them (16v16-20). And the sins of the priests and people were atoned for and so removed. The whole drama showed that none in Israel could truly come close to God as they couldn’t enter the Most Holy Place. Moreover, the yearly need of these sacrifices stressed they could never fully deal with sin so that the worshipper’s conscience had no fear of the LORD. The once for all sacrifice of Christ was needed (Heb 9v6-10). Chapter 17 highlights worship must be only as God commands. It forbids sacrifices anywhere but the tabernacle because of Israel’s tendency to idolatry, and eating blood to underline that God had given it to “make atonement." The blood represents the life of the animal taken in the place of the sinner. This explains the New Testament focus on Christ’s blood. As you read note how the different rituals point to what Christ has done with our sin.
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.