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
It is a particular tragedy when God's people are shown up by the superior actions of those who don't know the Lord. So here. The sin of God's people this time is seen in their callous treatment of Hebrews, enslaved because of debt (Ex 21v2-11, Deut 15v12-18). After a decision to free them (most likely to save them from being captured as slaves by the Babylonians), they then change their minds on fear of losing what would benefit them, and so take them back as slaves again. This displayed both an uncaring attitude to fellow Jews, and a materialistic desire to trample on others for one's own gain. It's a challenge to how we treat fellow believers. In showing up the unfaithfulness of his people, God then uses the Rekabite's faithfulness to one of their forefather's instruction as an illustration of how the people should have been towards him as God. The point is that they - and we, should keep God's word. As you read consider your attitude to fellow Christians.
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.