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
The final verse of the book highlights that the actions we read of today are not commendable. The wickedness of yesterday leads Israel to rise up against those who tolerated it. But casualties on both sides show that the other tribes were not without sin. All were being punished. And that led to the tribe of Benjamin almost being wiped out. In microcosm, it shows that the danger in Israel failing to love and obey God is that he hands them over to hostile peoples. Here, however, Benjamin is spared. Yet only by terrible means, as the remaining men are given wives left in another war, or women that they steal. The point is that without a king to mediate God's rule, sin leads to more sin, and will be called to account. As you read note the signs of judgment.Judges 20-21
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.