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
Chapter 31 is hard reading. The destruction of the Midianites in Moab (there were others elsewhere) is because they led Israel into immorality and idolatry. However, God had already put 24,000 Israelites to death for this sin (Num 25), and promises that even Moses is about to die for his. So he is impartial, but regards justice as more important than human life. And he considers leading people away from him as particularly serious. Jesus taught it would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around one’s neck! (Lk 17v1-3). Killing the boys and sexually active women would have safeguarded Israel against being attacked or married into by Midianite men when the boys grew up. The girls were allowed to remain and marry the soldiers, so becoming part of the covenant people of God and sharing in their coming blessings. Chapter 32 records God's willingness to consider bold requests given in the right spirit. He agrees that the Reubenites, Danites and those from Manasseh can have the land to the east of the Jordan as long as they fight with the rest of the nation. We too must be ready to make sacrifices to serve alongside fellow believers in our spiritual battle, desiring nothing of our inheritance until we have played our part and God’s purposes are accomplished (Lk 9v23-27, 2 Tim 4v7-8). As you read note what is learnt about the LORD.
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.