Day 117..."Various laws...Shortest Psalm...Humility"

Deuteronomy 25 has laws of how to beat a man 40 times and no more, brother's should continue the family through marriage with disceased brother's widow, and some unbelievable details about wives fighting. We will read the lengthy 119 Psalm in two days (171 verses) and today is the shortest (2 verses). Though brief there is a great message..."For great is his steadfast love toward us,and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.Praise the Lord!" Jesus teaches the Sabbath is for "getting the ox out of the ditch." Jesus teaches about humility..."For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” The parable of the wedding feast makes the mission of the Kingdom clear...invite, invite, invite. If people do not come keep inviting...saints and sinners alike!

Day116.."Laws about divorce, general laws...A Psalm that changed my life...Jesus teaches knowing Him"

Jesus addresses the law of divorce in the Sermon on the Mount. He references the law of Moses about granting a certificate of divorce as a simple request. Jesus on the other hand calls for the institution of marriage to be honored than "divorce on demand." There are also some interesting laws. Like when you in the military you got a full year to spend with your wife the first year of marriage. There are tips on how and how not to collect a loan. Again, as acknowledged yesterday... with this many people particular laws were needed to keep a massive crowd in control.

The 116th Psalm means a great deal to me. The words written to change Israel...change my life. Just prior to my call into the ministry I was struggling with assurance and very fearful of even death. As an 18 year old, I read this Psalm at my Grandmother's house and tears (of joy) streamed down my face. I was moved to know the assurance of the Lord mightily that day. A few weeks later, I pushed aside my fears and entered the ministry. Now, 31 years later, the passage is still convincing..."The Lord preserves the simple;when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." Out of fear I have sought to be in the "land of the living" ever since.

Jesus teaches discipleship is more than what you know...but "knowing God" through Him. In one of the most straightforward teachings about this Jesus says...‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." As Jesus says in Matthew..."not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom. Thank God for the grace to enter through Jesus!

Day 115..."Various laws...God is our help and shield...Sabbath Trouble Again"

Deuteronomy speaks to some areas of uncleanliness that are rated at least PG13. As Wyley Murray said at our staff meeting today..."rules have to be place for 3 million people camping in the wilderness." This explanation works for me. The Psalmist uses intensifications to make a point..."He is their help and their shield" and "He will bless the house." Jesus teaches about repentance and then later a barren fig tree should not use up the ground. A woman with a disabling condition is healed after 18 years! What is noticed about this miracle? Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Jesus says..."an ox is led to drink on the Sabbath." The relationship with the religious people grows more adversarial. Jesus teaches of the faith of mustard seed. The Kingdom of Heaven is also compared to leaven hidden in flour causing the bread to rise. The qualities of the Kingdom of God are hidden until the time for the Kingdom to be seen through action. I suppose this would be like lighting a lamp for all to see eventually!

Day 114...Laws about possessions of others...Prince of Peace or Division?"

The reading today contains various laws about respecting lost possessions. There is great civility and even "neighborly" teaching of returning possessions, such as lost livestock, to the rightful owner. There are also strict teachings about virginity, divorce, marriage, and even wearing clothing. Some of the violations such as rape ends in death. The 114th Psalm teaches to even tremble in the presence of the Lord because of His awesome power..."Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water,the flint into a spring of water." Jesus teaches a parable about being prepared for when the Son of Man arrives. We do not know the day or hour. One of my favorite teachings appears in this parable..."Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." The more God blesses us the more that is required of us! Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" but He also causes division in Luke's teaching..."Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. " Jesus does bring peace to those who abide in Him. This division is caused by those who rebel against God. This text perhaps also provides insight to the divisions, wars, and strife in the name of world religions today.

Day 113..."Unsolved Murder Mysteries....Hypocrisy, Hairs on the Head, Rich Toward God"

The 21rst chapter of Deuteronomy drew me in as I read about requirements for unsolved murder mysteries. How do you find the guilty party? The plan calls for measuring the distance of potential suspects, breaking the neck of a heifer, and declaring innocence of blood. How about marrying two wives and loving one and not the other? (We ask why some of the heroes of the Bible had more than one wife...this teaching in Deuteronomy sheds light in the instance of "one is loved and one is not.") Happiness and having more than one wife sounds like a chore! Not to mention disputes in birthright claiming. Would you say parenting is a little more conservative in Deuteronomy than today! The disrespecting of parents was not tolerated. Those who hang on a tree are cursed. Ironically, Jesus' death on the cross takes our curse for us! The Psalmist says that the Lord is to be praised..."Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! The Luke teaching warns against the leaven of the Pharisees...which is hypocrisy. Jesus says we are loved and says even the hairs on are head are numbered..."Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Various teachings from the Sermon on the Mount are contained in Luke's version. Particularly the teachings about the folly of worry. Jesus teaches, as in Matthew. to not store up treasures on earth but in Heaven..."for where your treasure is there your heart is also." The parable of the building of barns is not in the Sermon on the Mount but does echoe the theme of loving God first and even being rich toward God.

Day 112..."God's Strength Or Ours?...Do Not Be Afraid...Jesus Confront Critics"

When you face opposition stronger than you, do not fear them is the teaching of this chapter. God is the source of real strength. Is this not a teaching for all of life? Do we trust our own strength or God's? The images of houses, land, and wives is a call to hope in light of feeling overmatched. We will read this message again and again in the New Testament. The Psalmist rings out with the same message of hope in the face of adversaries..."He is not afraid of bad news;his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,until he looks in triumph on his adversaries." Jesus is also confronting hostilities today in the form of critics. Jesus teaches about "justice and love" in addition to tithing. I have heard people argue Jesus is saying tithing is not important because of this text. Read closely...the point is not neglecting tithing but rather the spirit in which we do all things. Justice and love are not to be neglected. Notice also how adversarial the religious people were...."As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things, lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say."

Day 111..."An Eye for an Eye...Fear or Respect...A Clean House"

Cities are established for those who accidently kill others....the distance away provides refuge. . Those who kill diliberately will not find refuge. Instead, they will be turned in and put to death. An "eye for an eye" is the law. Jesus will reference this teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. The Psalmist raises the topic the "fear of the Lord" makes one wise..."The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;all those who practice it have a good understanding." Is the meaning fear or respect? I believe it is respect and this is greater than the emotion of fear. Respect can also mean responding in love. Luke continues with teaching from The Sermon on the Mount. Luke writes portions of the Lord's Prayer along with teachings about a father caring for his children. Then there are two instances with the metphor of a house. A house cannot stand against itself...division does weaken. Another metaphor about a house is the clean house. Jesus' teaching of the clean house reminds us repentance must be accompanied with the right habits. The object is not just cleaning the house but furnishing the house with the right things. We have a better chance of change if we can be proactive...with good habits to replace the old ones. Reading through the Bible would be one such proactive step!

Day 110..."A New Prophet Will Rise Up...Melchizedic...Good Samaritan"

Moses writes of understandings for Levites and Priests. Those who practice sorcery are blasted. A new prophet is forecasted to rise up and lead Israel. In Psalms, Melchizedic is mentioned today as the high priest. He also appears in Genesis and the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 7:11 says Jesus atonement replaces the need of a Levitical High Priest System. Luke has two stories of high impact...the Good Samaritan and Mary and Martha. Both stories revolve around caring and have an obvious point. I pray that I not walk by the obvious people that need my help. In regard to Mary and Martha, I pray I am not too busy doing the Lord's Work that I fail to spend quality time with God.

Day 109...HAPPY THANKSGIVING "What shall a King be like?...Thankful for a harvest and workers"

Today, Deuteronomy has the requirements for a King. This is a pretty good list for leaders in general..."And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel." We will be reading, in the future, about these Kings and who lived up to these standands and who fell short.
I was especially looking for a passage about THANKSGIVING and the Psalmist, who is feeling persecuted, says with confidence..."Let them curse, but you will bless! They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad! May my accusers be clothed with dishonor; may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak! With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord;I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For he stands at the right hand of the needy,to save him from those who condemn his soul to death." We are to give thank in all seasons and all times. Luke's message regards one of the main purposes of the Church..."the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few." Seventy-two persons are sent out to the harvest field. The Disciples taste that God is present in power as the seventy-two return. Luke also points out that some of God's teaching baffles the intelligent but is understood by children. How about that! Jesus prays by thanking God for the simplicity of the Gospel.

Day 108..."Remembrance and Feasts...Are Christians Wimps?...Do not look back!

Deuteronomy 17 is another chapter of remembrance. Remembering the passover is one of the hightlights. In addition to Passover observance, we read of instruction for the festivals of weeks and booths. There is a strong call for justice in this chapter..."Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you." The Psalmist says..."With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes." Valiance is used to demonstrate God gives us courage. Who says those who follow God are wimps!!!

James, John, and Peter observe the transfiguration. What a sight to see Jesus transfigured along with Elijah and Moses! Jesus healed a boy with an unclean spirit. In this Gospel of so many healing stories, I noticed the comment..."And all were astonished at the majesty of God."
The majesty of God is throughout the pages of our reading. In an interesting account, Luke describes Jesus rebuking His disciples for wanting revenge in the face of rejection. There is also a short teaching today about commitment... “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” In talking to farmers about this passage, you will plow crooked if you keep looking back. The vision of God is to look forward in trust and hope!

Day 107..."Every seven years forgive debt, set free...Let the redeemed say so!...Core Teaching"

Deuteronomy, chapter 15, speaks of forgiving debt after seven years. (Sabbatical Year) Can we imagine the global economy, if this were to happen today? There are words about Israel being a loaner and not a borrower and ruler not ruled. This chapter also encourages to show mercy for the poor and not hold grudges. The Psalmist says..." Let the redeemed of the Lord say so"...as I read this Psalm my mood was lifted with all the positive imagery of life, fruit, water, and blessedness. Luke writes of some of the core teaching of the Gospels...disciples must be ready for acceptance or rejection, God will provide (the feeding of the 5000) and there is always plenty instead of scarcity. Jesus speaks in a metaphor of paradox in losing life to find life. (relinquish control) He also states one must be willing to take up their cross.

Day 106..."Clean and unclean, Tithe, Benevolent Tithing, Jesus Heals"

Deuteronomy 14 contains tedious food requirements of clean and unclean animals. We observed some of this type of teaching regarding food in Leviticus. The tithe is to be honored and the chapter ends by calling for a special tithe. Every three years an additional tithe is to help the poor and marginalized...the Levite. The Psalmist again recalls Israel's history. (Ever considered some of these chapters as cliff notes for story of Israel) The Psalmist does inspire from the beginning of God's steadfast love enduring forever. "Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Jesus casts the demons out of a man into the swine. We see Luke's eye as a physician in healing stories...Jesus heals the woman who had been bleeding...only by the touch of His garment. Jesus heals a twelve year old daughter of Jairus. Physical healing is only one aspect of Jesus' healing power. In our attempt to live well and be well...only Jesus can make us whole!

Day 105..."Warnings against dreamers who lead to other gods...remembering the victories...parables"

Dreamers are a part of God's story. There is Joseph who did God's will through dreams and interpreting dreams. Deutoronomy 13 warns against false dreamers who lead to other gods. This entire chapter is a call to keep the first commandments and maintain fidelity with the Lord.
Psalm 105 is written to rally the troops! Previous victories of Israel are recalled as God delivered. Recalling God's faithfulness in the past is one of the ways we make it through difficult times.

Luke describes the parable of the sower with four outcomes like Matthew... one fell on the path, rock, thorns, and good soil. The good soil represents those who hear with a good and honest heart. The faithful one has the patience to produce a hundredfold. Luke describes the lampstand different than Matthew. Luke's message of the light will show who you really are. Luke's Gospel also makes a dramatic point about Jesus and His family...“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (This in response to His mothers and brothers who asked to see Him) Jesus is also involved a supernatural miracle of calming the storm. Having been through a couple of hurricanes this text means more to me than before. Even better...Jesus can calm the storms of life!

Day 104..."Do not leave right and wrong to opinion...The greater the forgiveness the greater the grace."

The danger of no law or authority is that leaves everything too subjective. Deuteronomy 12 says it like this... “You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes" Israel had a greater need to follow God's law and not leave everything to independent judgement. Still today...sincerity is not enough. God's laws and ways are higher than our ways. (Psalms 139) Order is one of the greatest consequences of law. Chaos is the result of no law. The 104th Psalm is lofty..."You are clothed with splendor and majesty." God is Lord of all the earth, wind, and all of life. Trees, springs, and mountains are all a part of the loftiness. The clouds are as a chariot. Jesus allows a woman of questionable character wash His feet. When confronted as to why He let a sinner do this...He tells a parable that indicates the greater the sin the greater the grace and love. This is so true...great sinners proclaim the greatness of grace...and even the greatness of love. By the grace of God we are saved! We are kept in order by God's law and loved through grace.

Day 103..."A Choice of Blessing or Curse...Bless the Lord...Forgiveness"

Deuteronomy chapter 11 states it about as clear as you can. Follow God and your life will be blessed. Disobey God and your life will be cursed. Would this not be similar to Jesus' teaching on "by their fruits you will know them." The theme of "Bless the Lord" is clearly stated in the Psalm. One of my favorite passages for Holy Communion is found in Psalm 103..."as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." East and west never meet in a linear line. God forgives and forgets. The grace of God is gives us a new heart and new start. Jesus heals a Centurian's servant and later a widow's son. Jesus is also acknowledged as "the One" by John the Baptist's followers.

Day 102..."Circumcism of the Heart...Speed Dialing...Blind Leading the Blind"

John Wesley preached a famous sermon on the circumcism of the heart. Some of the thought for this concept is found in Deuteronomy 9..."And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn."

The Psalmist speaks of prayer in speed dialing fashion..."Do not hide your face from mein the day of my distress!Incline your ear to me;answer me speedily in the day when I call!" (Prayer is still quicker than the fastest speed dial!) Luke provides a version of the same thoughts as the Sermon on the Mount. The two differences in Luke's version I see are found in "blessed are the poor in spirit for they will laugh" and “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." I do not know for sure but perhaps this is the origin of... "the blind leading the blind" quote. Who would have guessed this is in the Bible?

Day 101..."A Recap...Keeping the Sabbath?"

Deuteronomy chapter nine provides another recap of history. At our Disciple Bible Study we debated whether Israel was a special people or just like everyone else. The insight here suggests they were not worthy of the promised land for they were a "stiff necked" people. "Not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart are you going in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that he may confirm the word that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." One might read this chapter and conclude Israel received the promised land by default...the other nations were worse. The integrity of a genuine relationship with God is on the mind of the Psalmist..."I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless." Of all the things the religious people of the day could focus on the presence of Jesus' miracles was chosen the topic of Sabbath. Ironically the Lord of the Sabbath was accused of violating the Sabbath. Would this not be absurd like telling Bill Gates the purpose of a computer? The disciples are named by Luke. How many can you name from memory? This might be a good diversion on day 101..learn the 12 Disciples.

Day 100!!!..."Make a Joyful Noise...Blessings...Change"

Deuteronomy 8 offers a great overview of the last 40 years. Notice how God used the wilderness to bring humility, dependency on God, and being faithful to the law. This is a beautiful chapter with the theme..."the journey is more important than the destination. The 100th Psalm is the most popular behind to the 23rd Psalm. Thanksgiving Day will be here in 10 days and I am preparing my annual list of 100 blessings. One of those blessings will be all those sharing this journey of a 365 Day Voyage Discovering God's Word. I think gratitude does change things..."Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise!Give thanks to him; bless his name!" Jesus eats with sinners and talks about fasting is unnecessary when He is physically with you. The very purpose of fasting is drawing nearer and more dependent on God. If Jesus is already with you, fasting is not necessary. New wine requires new wineskins. The old wineskins are not flexible enough. Change is sometimes necessary to breakthrough being stuck in meaningless traditions. Congratulations as this is day 100!

Day 99..."The Lord will Bless Faithfulness...The Awe of God...Awesome Events"

The reading from Deuteronomy 7 sounds "big picture" in nature. If you honor God, there will be blessings and blessingness. The images of mulitplying in number and blessings, fruit, no illness and calamity... sounds like Isaiah's writing of Zion. A beautiful and idealistic place of worshiping God alone. Is Canaan not viewed as another Garden of Eden (prior to the fall), the New Jerusalem, and the Kingdom of God? God does want our life to be blessed. He seeks us to live in covenant with Him and be faithful. Our disobedience does take away from the ideal. Psalm 99 regards God's holiness and awesomeness..."Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is He!" The awe of Jesus in seen through Luke today. Jesus invites His disciples to fish for men. After "no bites" all night...the disciples nets were filled and their boats started sinking from the weight of all the fish. Awe is also witnessed by the healing of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof. (see day 61) What an awesome event! The healing power of Jesus and the faith of the people to find a way to bring the man to Jesus!

Day 98..."Great Commandment...Jesus Ministry is Stated and Begins"

The Greatest Commandment?..."Love God with all your heart, soul, and might." This is the key to life says Edward Chandler. Who can argue that honoring God first is the greatest decision we ever make. This step sets in motion all other life priorities. We are to constantly remind our children to love God first. Place these laws (on your foreheads) where you will see them the text teaches. (Reminders to keep God first are necessary today) Long life is a possibility, when God is first. Why? Our stress is less and our worry is less. We live longer because we trust God. (Obviously, this is not to be taken literally in light of illness and tragedy) Those who worship God regularly live longer one study concludes. I agree! The Psalmist connects with Israel's journey..."He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel." Jesus begins his ministry by referencing Isaiah saying... He has come to preach good news to the poor, restore sight to the blind, heal the brokenhearted, and release the oppressed. He also begins many healing encounters, in which the Gospel of Luke (physician) is famous. In this text, Jesus heals everyone that comes to Him until sundown.

Day 97..."Ten Commandments...Keeping Them When Tempted"

Israel is about to proceed into the promised land. They hear again the teaching of the 10 Commandments. I noticed the two accounts of the 10 Commandments, as bookends of the exodus. The first time coming early following their time of captivity in Egypt. The second time coming 40 years later in preparation of entering the promised land. The keeping of the commandments is the hope of a fulfilled and lengthy time in the promised land. If we speak of the promised land as a metaphor, this is true today. When we honor the commandments, we can expect a life of purpose, order, and fulfillment of God's Will. Moses teaches the 10 Commandments and Jesus lives them when tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Faithfulness requires following God even when weak and tempted. Jesus' beginning His ministry in the desert is a good model for us today. We need not get discouraged when difficulty comes...there is a way through the wilderness...and we do come out stronger! The Psalmist describes the splendor of God..."The heavens proclaim his righteousness,and all the peoples see his glory."

Day 96..."Honor God...Sing!..Genealogy and Baptism "

Moses again teaches to honor God and life will be blessed...even extending life and blessings. He warns dishonor God and expect the opposite. Moses again speaks in the first person and states why he is not able to go to the promised land..."Furthermore, the Lord was angry with me because of you, and he swore that I should not cross the Jordan, and that I should not enter the good land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance." We are about to approach more the core of the law the Ten Commandments again. We read about Luke's account of Jesus' baptism and genealogy. Interesting to pair these together...both baptism and genealogy tell us who we are...and baptism Whose we are! Charlie Owens tells me he loves to read genealogy. The Psalmist inspires to sing..."Oh sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name;tell of his salvation from day to day." Phil Igney would love this beautiful Psalm overflowing with joy in song!

Day 95,,,"Moses asks but is refused...Joyful Noise...John Prepares the Way!"

Moses wrote in the first person in chapter 3 of Deuteronomy...“And I pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying, ‘O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours? Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ Can we imagine how disappointing this was to not finish the journey? The Lord instructed Moses not to enter the land. The Psalmist writes of making a joyful noise... "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!" Thank goodness singing is not just for professionals. Making a joyful noise is what I do when I sing. How about you? John the Baptist is the focus of today's Luke reading as he preaches baptism and repentence. Later...he is arrested. The role of John was to prepare the way for Jesus as reflected in the words of Isaiah.

Day 94..."God's faithfulness..Jesus amazing even as a Child!"

One statement struck me as I think of Israel was stuck in the wilderness fourty years...."These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.”' Was this the first classic case of..."it is not the destination but the journey that is most important!" Can the wilderness also be a metaphor for learning to trust God? The Psalmist also says it another way..."For the Lord will not forsake his people;he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous,and all the upright in heart will follow it." The Luke reading makes more sense having just read about the custom of "turtle doves and pigeons" in the Leviticus. There is great anticipation about Jesus! Simeon and Anna build the anticipation! Jesus does a disappearing act on His parents. This is not bad parenting...rather people traveled enmasse and it is possible for Joseph and Mary to not notice for a while. Obviously, even as a child, Jesus is amazing in His teaching and with a greater purpose !

Day 93..."Deuteronomy...Lofty Vision...The Story of the Birth of Jesus"

Deuteronomy opens with themes we left in Numbers. There is anticipation to inherit Canaan... a lack of trust in God...and some faithful like Joshua. There is the lofty opening that unites a grander vision for Israel..."The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven. May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you!" The 93rd Psalm agrees with the lofty vision..."The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting." Luke's account of Jesus' birth is riveting! How eloquent Luke writes. Is there any other Scripture so inspiring? Is there any passage with such good news! Such joy! Such hope! Mary ponders all in her heart. So should we!

Day 92..."Death Penalty...Marriage of Female Heirs...Leaping for Joy!"

Numbers closes with rules about what consitutes the death penalty and what does not...notice how two witnesses are required. Is this not consistent with modern day trials? Chapter 36 closes with rules for female Heirs. "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." The Psalmist has a vision of fruitfulness and growth..."They are planted in the house of the Lord;they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age;they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." Mary and Elizabeth share in the expectation of children...Elizabeth's child (John) jumped in the womb. Zechariah was speechless because of a lack of belief. Later his voice is restored. John the Baptist is born and stays in the wilderness until the time of his ministry.

Day 91..."Moving toward Canaan...Continuing Psalms...Beginning Luke"

Canaan is near! Numbers recounts the journey for Israel in much detail. The boundaries of Canaan are also set. The forty years of wandering are nearing completion in anticipation of entering Caanan. According to Psalms 91, the Lord will protect us and we can trust Him...
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.” The Gospel of Luke is addressed to Theophilus. His name also appears in the introduction of the Book of Acts. Luke penned both Books. Matthew begins with genealogy...Mark with baptism...Luke with amazing birth stories. Zachariah and Elizabeth, both advanced in years, will be the parents for John the Baptist. The angel foretells of Mary conceiving through the Holy Spirit...and Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever! Nothing is impossible for God! More tomorrow.

Day 90..."Moses and War on Median...One of my favorite passages...Ending of Mark"

The reading today regards vengeance and war on the Midians. The plundering is difficult to understand. Reuban and Gilead settle in Gad. This is done to stop the anger of the Lord. Joshua and Caleb are again commended. Psalm 90 holds one of my top ten passages..."For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past,or as a watch in the night." Our notion of time is earthly...forever is the Lord's. A thousand years is but a day to God. Awesome!
Mark's ending is debated. Some versions tell of surviving snakes bites...others do not. Do not look for me ever to test snakes at Cokesbury! I hate snakes!

Day 89..."Men and Women and Vows...Jesus rises from the Dead!"

As we draw toward the close of Numbers, there is obviously a double standard for men and vows and women and vows. Today's culture tells us it is important to be a good listener. Could we argue it was more important then? Wow...consider the difference of listening and not listening as recorded in Numbers? The Psalmist says..."I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” God's steadfast love is forever! Heaven is the fulfillment of God's steadfast love. The Gospel of Mark records the resurrection story! Jesus gives us hope over death, evil, and the future!

Day 88..."Instructions for Offerings...Jesus Offers Himself"

Numbers devotes Thursday's reading to specifics of various offerings....daily offerings, sabbath offerings, monthly offerings, passover offerings, feasts offerings, atonement...in addition to the vow, freewill, burnt, grain, drink, and peace offerings. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice to suffer and die for our sins. The centurian proclaims after all the sarcasm of His Lordship..."surely this was the Son of God." The Psalmist says something I had never noticed before..."Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" In the darkness of sin, despair, or discouragement the wonder of God is missed. How easy we forget righteousness in the land of forgetfulness. What a thought for a sermon? "The Land of Forgetfulness."