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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

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.

(157) 6 June : Proverbs 14v12 / Numbers 35-36/ Psalm 37v10-15

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
We've already seen that the Levites (of which the priests were a part) were not assigned a specific section of the land. Instead they are given forty eight towns dispersed amongst the tribal areas so that everyone could be taught God’s law and reminded of his presence. Likewise, every church needs preachers. So Paul commanded Titus to appoint elders in “every town” (Tit 1v5). Six of the Israelite towns were to be cities of refuge for those in danger of revenge for manslaughter. Even if an accident, they must live there until the high priest dies because all taking of life warrants a life in return (35v33, Gen 6v9). Once again the penalty depends on whether the sin is intentional or unintentional, and reflecting God’s concern for justice, guilt must be established by “the assembly” (probably of elders), and by more than one witness. The final judgement will also “expose the motives of men’s hearts” (1 Cor 4v5). Zelophehad’s daughters are mentioned again, bracketing chapters 27-36 as dealing with the inheritance. They inherited their father’s property because they had no brothers. To ensure in such circumstances that it is not transferred to another tribe if they marry, they may marry “anyone” within their father's clan. God ensures our inheritance will not be taken away either (1 Pet 1v3-4). He also sets limits on relationships. Despite the assumptions of our culture, we are not at liberty to just marry who we please (1 Cor 7v39). As you read note what attitudes are expected of God's people.

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.