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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.

(236) 24 August : Proverbs 16v7 / John 19v23-21v25 / Psalm 56v1-3

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
In numerous ways Jesus' death fulfils prophecies given hundreds of years previously. He himself pointed out that this was one of the proofs of his identity (5v37-40), showing he is the long awaited Messiah - God's anointed Saviour King. The detail also portrays him as a Passover lamb (Ex 12v46). This King works his victory by atoning for sin in his death, freeing his people from slavery to Satan and sin as Israel were freed from slavery to Pharoah and Egypt. In this context, the resurrection is not just further proof of who Jesus is, but of the sufficiency of his death. Peace and forgiveness from God has been made possible, and new life achieved that Jesus immediately dispenses as he gives the Holy Spirit (20v21-23). He is the downpayment of the resurrection life believers will experience at Christ's return. With the other signs, Jesus (and John by recording them) has given us quite enough in order to believe without seeing for ourselves. But the book ends with a focus on mission. Peter is reinstated in the way he was first called, and so is to continue his work as "fisher of men" but with the added concern of caring for his fellow disciples. And until Jesus returns these are to remain the concerns of his church too. As you read note the different reasons to believe Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of God" (as 20v31).
John 19:23-21:25

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.