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 problem with the unfaithful in Israel, is that they weren’t prepared to humbly tremble at God’s word (66v2). And so, despite God holding out his hand to them through the prophets, they continued to provoke him. This remains true of so many within and outside the church. But there is much promise here for those who are faithful. They will enjoy a new creation in which all that stemmed from the curse will be no more, and a flourishing Jerusalem. (The reference to childbirth and death is most likely how those things in this age will seem when we look back on them from the perspective of being immortal). In what follows God summarises Israel’s entire future in a few paragraphs (66v1-24): Those who engage in idolatry and unclean acts will meet their end, whilst those from the faithful will proclaim God’s glory to the nations, who will then come to Jerusalem bringing Israelites with them as an offering to the LORD. And so God will have ensured not only that the “name” and so reputation of Israel will endure forever before him in this remnant, but those from all mankind will forever bow before him. This is all an astonishing fit with the church age, in which repentant Jews became the first Christians and took the gospel to the nations. As you read note what is promised to those who honour the Lord.
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.