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
We come to an end of the laws that define the covenant agreement in which the people obey the LORD as their God, and the LORD holds them as his treasured possession whom he will exalt above other nations (26v16-19). As for the laws of this section: The needy are again very much in mind. Assets given against debt aren’t to be forcefully taken, nor kept if the person is poor and needs them for basic living. Likewise, poor hired workers are to be paid daily so they don’t go without (Jam 5v4-6). Family members are not to be held to account for each others’ sin. The alien, fatherless and widowed in particular are to be ensured justice, not impoverished, and left the remains after harvest for themselves. We should consider the equivalent today (Jam 1v27). Disputes are to be brought to the judges at court, the punishment to be proportional, and no-one lashed more than forty times to preserve their dignity (perhaps as one in God’s image). Animals are to be allowed to eat from the grain they work, which Paul applies to ministers being paid (1 Cor 9v9-10). And as descendents are critical to God's promises, widows are to marry their brother-in-law to ensure their first husband's line continues, and grabbing someone’s private parts is considered most serious. Finally, business is to be conducted honestly which moves the focus to agriculture when the land is possessed: Then, Israel are to blot out the Amalekites in punishment for Exodus 17v8-14. And at the first harvest (and possibly every subsequent feast of Weeks/Pentecost) the firstfruits are to be taken to the tabernacle at “the place” God chooses, where a liturgy of words is to be said reminding the people of God's faithfulness to his promises, and a tithe taken for the needy. Likewise, we need to remember and celebrate his faithfulness to us. As you read note the characteristics of God displayed in his laws.
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.