Old Testament reading: Leviticus 26-27
God’s book of holiness comes to a close with a summary of God’s promise to bless Israel if they continue in obedience to his word. Among these promises are rain at the appropriate time and amount (vital to successful farming), prevention of crop failure, the continuation of harvest from one crop to the next (26:3-5). God also promised the land to be free of evil beasts (e.g., wolves, bears, lions) that would prey on their animals in the night, disturbing both beast and man (26:6). Also there is the promise of peace from outside adversaries (26:6-8). Couple these with His earlier promises of extreme provision during the Sabbath years and Jubilee, and it makes one wonder how Israel could ever forsake God and serve idols. On the other hand, we are the recipients of even greater blessings and promises. Yet, we find our own faith waning and wavering at times. I often warn my audiences of being too quick to judge Israel’s unfaithfulness or too harsh in our condemnations, noting that if Israel could see what God has done for us, they might think the same things!
New Testament reading: Acts 1-2
“As I was saying…” Luke picks up right where he left off in his gospel account with the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus. In Acts 1 we see Jesus carried away to heaven in the clouds. An angel told the eleven that Jesus would return in the same manner as He left. John confirmed this in Revelation 1:7, “Behold, He comes with clouds.” Long before, Daniel foretold of Jesus’ ascension to heaven with clouds (7:13-14). Additionally, Daniel said it was at that time that Jesus would receive His kingdom, a kingdom that transcended all people, nations and languages. In Acts 2 we find the establishment of the church of Christ in fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32, Daniel 2:44, Isaiah 2:2-3 and Micah 4:1-2. The establishment of the church is the beginning of Christ’s kingdom when he began his reign in fulfillment of Daniel 7:13-14. Of great import is the fact that the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 was the inauguration of the last days. Anyone who disbelieves it must take it up with Peter (Acts 2:16-17). We have been living in the last days for nearly 2000 years (cf Heb 1:1-2).
Leave a Reply