(107) 17 April : Proverbs 12v25 / Leviticus 24v10-25v55 / Psalm 27v1-6

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

Proverbs 12:25

Understanding to grow in

We see both the awesomeness and kindness of God here. It is fear of God that is to keep the Israelites from ruthlessness (25v43). This constraining reverence is no doubt instilled through the death penalty for blasphemy. But God's kindness fills the rest of the passage. It is seen in his restraining punishments so that they fit the crimes committed. And it is seen in his protecting the land he had gifted his people. The jubilee laws ensure that property owned by each tribe, clan and family is only ever sold temporarily and so ultimately kept as God had given it. This therefore put a limit on poverty and servitude. As for non-Israelite slaves, we should note that this passage does not justify enslaving people, but only allows the buying of those already made slaves. Of course it is hard to appreciate such laws. But these slaves might well have been better off when brought into the community of God's people. And elsewhere we see they were not second class, but allowed full rights as worshippers. As you read, consider how Christ's return will be like a Jubilee for us.
Leviticus 24:10-25:55

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.

Psalm 27:1-6

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here.