Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 6-7
These two chapters contain some of the greatest admonitions in all the Bible. Chapter 6 contains the Rx for raising faithful children, namely, parents who diligently follow the commands of God (v 1-2, 17), and diligently teach the same to their children (vv 6-9). The parent who says, “I don’t want to force religion on my kids” has embarked on a course to send his offspring to hell. The word “teach” in verse 7 differs from “teach” in verse 1. The word in verse 7 is much more intense. In the KJV Bible I carried for more than 20 years, there was a margin note in verse 7, equating “teach” with “engrave.” What a picture! Every time I read this verse, I am reminded of three grave markers near the house where I grew up. These stone markers are legible from the road as one drives by. All three read, “UNKNOWN UNION SOLDIER.” It has been 150 years since the end of the American Civil War, and the engraving on these stones remains clear. When we engrave the word of God into the young hearts of our children, and teach them to do the same, the results will be seen for years and generations to come. Note also the change in the adjective from “your God” when addressing the parents to “our God” when speaking of the children. If we will live faithfully for God and teach our children the same, our God will become their God. The same may also be said of money, sports, etc. Which God/god do my children see me serve with the most diligence?
New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 8-11
1 Corinthians 8 continues some of the problems of Corinth. Namely, disregard for the sincere conscience of brethren. In keeping with the thoughts of yesterday’s reading, we must be mindful of the liberty of brethren in matters of conscience. Contrasting knowledge with love, Paul said that knowledge puffs up while love edifies. Paul is not here dismissing the need for knowledge, but wants the brethren to understand that knowledge without brotherly consideration is a potential pitfall for all involved. Verse 13 is one of the most beautiful statements of brotherly love in all of Scripture, as Paul affirms he would forgo his liberties, things he knew to be permissible, for the sake of the conscience of weak brethren. O that all brethren would so love one another! (cf John 13:34-35)
Leave a Reply