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
Jesus is not concerned with the pecking order mindset that comes from self-righteousness, where those who consider themselves first in meeting certain standards come first. Rather, he looks for the humility of the child that just gets on with things because asked. That's seen in his instructions on marriage. It's not enough to simply seek obedience to the Old Testament law as it was given due to people's hardness of heart. Rather, Jesus commands a more foundational commitment from those who are his, that flows from a readiness to accept what he says (19v12). Similarly, the rich ruler was concerned with feeling he had sufficiently obeyed the law, but had to be shown the deeper principle of being prepared to accept Christ's command and so give all for him (19v19). In his kingdom, those considered first in meticulous law obedience may find themselves actually last. Whereas those despised as last because sinful or insignificant, through repentance may actually find themselves first in displaying a greater faithfulness to the Lord Jesus. The parable of chapter 20 makes this point. Jesus does not treat people according to the degree of work they do, but grants his kingdom to all who are willing to serve him, no matter for how long. As you read note the attitudes Jesus commends.
Matthew 19:1-20:16
Matthew 19:1-20:16
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.