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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.

(318) 14 November : Proverbs 18v12 / 2 Samuel 23v8-24v25 / Psalm 74v1-3

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
Reading of David's mighty warriors causes us to consider what legacy we will leave for Christ. Their readiness to engage in great exploits for their king and do his will without question are a model. No doubt Jesus will have smaller things for most of us, but surely our devotion to him should be no less. The book ends, however, with more of David's failure. It is pride that leads him to count his men, showing a lack of acknowledment that it is God who had given him all he had. And in case we might think it unjust for God to send a plague on Israel because if it, 24v1 tells us the whole event was shaped to bring judgment on the nation for its own sins. God stops the plague just outside Jerusalem and instructs David to erect an altar there to make an offering for his sin. This will be the location of the temple where future sacrifices will be made (2 Chr 3v1). In case we had forgotten, we're reminded that God's holiness was always a threat to the people because he lived amongst them. Only when Christ offers himself to fully forgive and purify his people is this threat removed for those who are his. As you read note the qualities of David's men.
2 Samuel 23:8-24:25

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.