Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 5

Today’s reading contains the second giving of the Ten Commandments. While many clamor today about the need to observe and keep the Decalogue, or at least 9 of the 10 Commandments, they should consider Moses’ introduction to the Covenant (all emphasis mine), “The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive.” So what do we learn? First, the law of the Sabbath was not given to anyone before Sinai – “The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers” (v 3a). This is why we have absolutely no mention of the Sabbath or any observance thereof by the Partriarchs (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or the entire nation of Israel pre-Sinai). Second, the Decalogue was not a law for anyone but Israel – “but with us, those who are here today, all of us who are alive” (v 3b). This is why we never see any Gentile nation rebuked or condemned for failing to observe the Sabbath (cf Amos 1-2). Finally, there is a stated reason for the observance of the Sabbath, to remember the days of slavery in Egypt – “And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt…therefore the Lord commanded you to keep the Sabbath day” (v 15). The law of Moses was nailed to the cross (Eph 2:14-16), and with it the Ten Commandments.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 3-7

The problems within the church at Corinth are further catalogued in today’s reading. In fact, there is a specific problem in each chapter as we continue through this book. In chapter 3 there is the problem of immaturity (vv 1-4); in chapter 4 there is the problem of pride (vv 6-7); in chapter 5 there is the problem of sexual immorality (v 1); in chapter 6 there is the problem of airing the church’s dirty laundry in the public courts of unbelievers (vv 1-6), and in chapter 7, Paul addresses their questions concerning marriage. One thing that should be remembered, especially in our increasingly polarized society, is that problems in a local congregation does not automatically exclude them from fellowship with the Lord or with ourselves. If problems are seen, we should strive to handle such in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves lest we also be tempted (Gal 6:1).

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 3-4

“Time is running out, I’ll give it one last shot.” Deuteronomy 3 contains an interesting exchange between Moses and the Lord, one that more parents should note. It seems the more Moses spoke to the people about Canaan, the more it “flung a craving on him.” With no more than two months before the entrance into the Promised Land was to commence, Moses is not only confronted with the penalty of his error, but also with the immediacy of his own death. In Deuteronomy 3:23-26, Moses pleads with the Lord to relent and allow him to enter the Promised Land. After all Moses had done in leading and pleading for the people, one would think God would be minded to change his mind, but one would be wrong. God’s response? “Enough of that! Speak no more to me of this matter.”  When parents tell their children “no” or to do some thing, they should not bear with their children’s relentless assault for them to change their minds. We need more parents who will say “Enough of that!”

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

Without question the Corinthian church was one of Paul’s favorites and most well loved. Paul’s work among the Corinthians was extensive and exhausting. At times these brethren remind me of spoiled children, never satisfied and running about after whomever they hear last. Perhaps it was this childlike character of the brethren that caused Paul to love them so, realizing their great potential despite their lack of maturity. From the outset, Paul admonished the Corinthians to be one heart and mind. Their childishness manifest itself in sectarianism, “I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos,” “I am of Cephas,” “I am of Christ.” Such would be remedied if all brethren would “speak the same thing,” being “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” It sounds somewhat redundant, but there is no cure for division like unity. That is, to speak as with one voice. For Paul, that one voice was Christ’s. Religious division is not cured by compromise or salved by the sacrifice of principle. Neither is it solved by separation. The only solution for religious division is to speak the same thing!

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 1-2

Deuteronomy begins with what might be called “Moses’ farewell discourse.” After leading Israel for 40 years, Moses is about to be separated from the people he loved so much. It is the fortieth year and the first day of the 11^th month. Moses had witnessed the death of every Israelite over the age of 20 at the time the wandering began. Very few who were present could remember the plagues, the Passover, the Red Sea crossing or Israel’s rebellion at Kadesh Barnea. Because this was a generation unfamiliar with their history, Moses recalls the history of why and how God had led them through the wilderness. He reminded them of their ancestors, who had forgotten how God “carried you as a man carries his son” (1:31). There also seems to be the sense that Moses is reminding them that they had done nothing to deserve this great inheritance they were about to receive. They were present only by God’s mercy and the “dumb luck” of being young enough to qualify. He also makes clarification concerning Joshua and Caleb, the only two “old guys” who remain. But all was not negative. Moses then moved to the conquests and victories given them by God as they journeyed to the place where they now stood, on the very precipice of a land flowing with milk and honey.

New Testament reading: Romans 15-16

A key phrase concludes this great book that also introduced it. This phrase is overlooked by most of the religious world, and is found in Romans 1:5 and 16:26… “obedience to the faith.” Tragically, (as we mentioned in Romans 4), many try to use Romans to teach salvation without any works of obedience. The obedience of faith is the common theme of salvation found throughout all of Scripture (including Romans). Hebrews 11 further illustrates this truth with statements such as, “By faith Abel offered,” By faith Noah…prepared an ark,” and, “By faith Abraham obeyed.” Not one of these men minimized or negated God’s grace through his obedience, but rather appropriated the grace of God extended to him through Divine command (law). Truly of these great men does Romans 15:4 speak, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 35-36

Numbers 35 notes the cities given to the Levites, who had no specific land or tribal inheritance in Canaan. However, this is not the same as saying they did not own property or enter into common labors as their brethren. Note how there was “common land” surrounding the city on each side “for their cattle, their herds, and for all their animals.” Also seen is the provision of the six cities of refuge. While the location and identification of these cities will not be brought to fruition until Canaan is conquered under Joshua’s leadership in Joshua 20-21, there is still somewhat to be learned of them from the text. First and foremost, I think it is important to remember that the cities of refuge did not protect those guilty of murder. Verses 22-25 are clear that one who flees to such a city would still be subject to examination by the congregation to determine guilt or innocence. Another thing we should note in these cities is their place as a picture of God’s plan to redeem through Jesus Christ. As the death of the death of the high priest released the man from the penalty of his error, so also did the death of Jesus, our high priest (Heb 7:26-27).

New Testament reading: Romans 13-14

Of note today is the permission given to civil government to practice capital punishment upon evil doers. Speaking of governing authorities, Paul wrote, “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not hear the sword in vain.” To bear or use the sword is a clear reference to capital punishment, that is, to execute or put to death those who do evil. Paul himself publicly affirmed the government’s right to practice such and declared himself as not only subject to it but also willing to have it practiced on him should he be found guilty of acts deserving such (Acts 25:11). There are numerous reasons why one might oppose capital punishment. For example, one might oppose it because he believes it is administered unfairly against the poor or against a specific segment of people. But Romans 13 removes any biblical argument against its practice. We might also note that timeliness in administering such is key to its effectiveness in deterring crime (cf Ecc 8:11).

Old Testament reading: Numbers 33-34

Numbers 33:1-49 reviews Israel’s journey beginning with the Exodus from Egypt. A most powerful statement concerning the Exodus in seen in Numbers 33:3-4. We know that Israel plundered the Egyptians on the night of the Passover (Ex 12:35-36) and that Egypt was glad to see them go (Psalm 105:38). But today’s text says “the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians.” After years of subjugation and persecution, Israel walked out with their heads held high and without an ounce of fear. Neither did they depart with pity as their processions passed every family in Egypt burying their dead (v 4). Finally, the plagues were a Divine judgment on all the gods of Egypt. The Egyptians had no god to which they could turn, as Jehovah had exposed them all as powerless (Ex 12:12, 18:9-11). What a mighty God we serve! Also seen is the command to completely rid Canaan of its idolatrous inhabitants. This command was not obeyed, thus bringing on Israel the wrath God had intended for the Canaanites. Don’t miss this point! Israel’s future punishments were a direct result of their disobedience on this point, for they intermingled with the Canaanites, and thus learned to practice their abominations. Had they rid themselves of the Canaanites, they would have been a people wholly separated to God. Dear Christian friend, rid yourself of ungodly companions!

New Testament reading: Romans 10-12

Today’s reading transitions from the theological (10-11) to the practical (12). I love Romans 12:1-2… “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This is exactly what we are doing in this series of daily readings – learning God’s will for our lives and (hopefully) making the appropriate transformations in accordance with the same. We also do well to note that serving God is a matter of the mind, and not one of emotion. God’s word transforms our lives by transforming our thinking.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 30-32

Chapter 31 begins with Israel in the early stages of driving out the inhabitants of Canaan. After Israel defeated the five kings of Midian, Moses instructs Israel on matters of war and the equitable division of plunder. Numbers 32 is a marvelous text concerning those who thought to settle east of the Jordan, which was already prepared for habitation by herdsmen, intending not to fight with their brethren. To these Moses gave a scathing rebuke, “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?”  Too many brethren today are content to sit by while others go to war, fighting the good fight of the faith. For example, how many “ordinary Christians” (if I may use that term accommodatively), that is, non-preachers, are on the front lines of fighting the moral decay so pervasive in our society? How many are leading the way in evangelizing the lost? If you are among them, I thank God for you and your efforts. But the truth is, most Christians are content to let the preacher do all the fighting against sin both in the church and out. If you are among this latter group, will you sit where you are while your brethren go to war?

New Testament reading: Romans 7-9

Today’s text contains some of the most difficult and misunderstood discourse of the New Testament.  One thing that is critical in studying these difficult texts is this – when interpreting the Bible, or any other like document with difficult passages, the difficult must always be interpreted in light of the plain. In other words, whatever meaning or understanding one might assign to a difficult passage cannot contradict the more easily understood passages elsewhere. This is a tremendous problem, especially in Romans. Calvinists and Evangelicals think Romans is the “hub of the Bible,” and interpret everything else in the New Testament in light of their doctrines they think they’ve discovered in Romans, thus interpreting even what the Lord Himself taught in view of Paul’s writings. Paul’s writing should be interpreted in view of Jesus’ teaching, not the other way around. This will correct much of the error taught concerning predestination and grace that is so prevalent in present theology. Nothing one reads in Romans contradicts what is clear understood elsewhere in Scripture.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 27-29

Numbers 27 clarifies inheritance laws for those who die without a son, daughter, or brother to preserve the possession of the various families. The Israelites guarded their inheritance with great gravity, as their land inheritance could not be permanently sold (Lev 25:23; Num 36:7, cf 1 Ki 21:3). Chapters 28 and 29 give instructions regarding the various offerings to be made on a daily, weekly, monthly or other basis. This text provides what I believe to be further evidence that the Sabbath was not a day of worship for the Jews as the first day of the week is for Christians. In Numbers 28:18 and 25 we find the phrase “holy convocation.” This holy convocation refers to a gathering or assembly of the people. Note an assembly was to be made on the first and seventh days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of Unleavened Bread fell on the 15^th day of the first Jewish month and the seventh day fell on the 22^nd day of that same month. Just as our January 15 and 22 fall on various days each year, these dates also fell on various days, and do not refer to what we would call Sunday and Saturday. Jewish assemblies were ordered by a date on the calendar, not by the day of the week.

New Testament reading: Romans 4-6

Romans 4 begins with a discussion of Abraham’s faith. Many erroneously use Romans 4:3 as an example of salvation by faith only without any works of obedience – “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Problem: James, also an inspired writer, said that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac on the altar (James 2:21). James continued by declaring that Abraham’s faith was made perfect (complete) by his works of obedience (James 2:22). Finally, James quotes the same verse as Paul (Gen 15:6), concluding, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (James 2:23). Within the context, the law under discussion is the law of Moses. Paul is stressing to the Christians of Jewish descent how Abraham was saved apart from the works of the Mosaic Law.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 25-26

Numbers 25 gives the first account of Balaam’s treachery concerning Israel, though the source was not known until later when vengeance was taken upon the Midianites (Num 31:8, 16). What continues to astound me is Israel’s willingness and readiness to forsake God at every turn. One would think that a people who had been enslaved for generations and saw the mighty hand of God when He delivered them from Egyptian bondage would at least have an ounce of fidelity, but not Israel. They were chronic complainers: they complained about the food, water, Moses and Aaron, and God’s discipline upon Korah. God provided for their every need and answered many of their complaints with the ultimate punishment. Yet here we are in Moab and Israel is ready to play the harlot with Baal. One Israelite man was so brazen that he took a Midianite woman into his tent in the sight of the entire congregation. Outraged with righteous indignation, Phinehas took a javelin and executed them both, piercing them both through in a single thrust as they committed fornication. God commended him saying, “he was zealous with My zeal” (v 11).

New Testament reading: Romans 1-3

Today’s text might be summed with the words of Romans 3:10, “There is none righteous, no not one,” or verse 23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Paul begins with the sins of Gentiles, who willingly suppressed the truth of God, denying even His very existence. Note how God’s existence and essence can be seen in nature, so that no man may be excused for his atheism (Rom 1:20). Consider also that God’s wrath is revealed against all unrighteousness – present tense. Also, this phrase indicates that God’s wrath occurs as a natural result of unrighteousness. God has set forth natural laws that do not require His direct intervention. When individuals or nations conduct themselves in accordance with the precepts of Scripture, there are natural blessings that follow. When individuals or nations turn their backs on God’s word, there is a natural curse upon those people. America’s embrace of divorce, abortion and homosexuality have been devastating to civility and society.

Old Testament reading: Numbers 22-24

To borrow the southern vernacular, today’s text gives the account of Balaam, “that feller what had the talkin’ mule.” When I think of Balaam, I tend to associate him with Israel because he conversed directly with God and blessed Israel four times. What I find when I read the text is that he is obviously not an Israelite. For example, Balaam is living near Moab when Balak calls for him to come and curse “a people who are coming from Egypt” (22:5). Balak obviously knows of Balaam and his work. Note also how Balaam has no knowledge of these people as he inquires of God concerning Balak’s request (22:10-12). Another interesting fact is that Balaam has some history of dealing with God before this account. Note how God appeared to Balaam and Balaam is unfazed by said appearance. Note also Balaam’s ease in conversing with God, as if this were not uncommon, and I tend to think it wasn’t. These facts, like the account of Jonah, show us that God still dealt directly with Gentiles after the establishment of Israel. He did not abandon them. Unfortunately, Balaam “loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15, cf Jude 11). So while he was not willing to curse Israel, he was willing to teach Balak the means by which he could put a stumbling block before Israel that they might overthrow themselves through idolatry and fornication (Rev 2:14). He would later pay for this treachery with his life (Num 31:8).

Our New Testament reading: Acts 25-28

In Romans 1:11-13, Paul expressed his desire and previous plans to visit Rome to strengthen the church and encourage them in their mutual faith. The ascension of Festus to the governorship set the wheels in motion for Paul to finally go to Rome, even as the Lord had promised (Acts 23:11). However, I don’t believe it was in Paul’s plans to go as a prisoner of the Roman government. God would grant Paul’s prayer, but we are reminded that sometimes God answers our prayers with “Yes, but in My way, not yours.” When one considers all the hardships Paul endured en route to Rome, it may have been difficult for Paul to see the eventual blessings of his journey (cf Phil 1:12-13, 4:22). Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner led to saints living in Caesar’s house. That Caesar was Nero!

Old Testament reading: Numbers 20-21

“But I did it that way before!” “Yes, but what were you told to do this time?” I can hear a parent or teacher having this conversation with some young person, and it seems to fit today’s reading as well. The heading in my Bible says “Moses’ Error at Kadesh.” I don’t think “error” is strong enough. Perhaps “sin” or “disobedience” would have been more accurate. Today’s text reminds us that even the greatest of men have feet of clay. Of all the times one might expect Moses to falter before God, this would not have been one of them. Moses had traveled this path before: the people had no water and began to complain (Ex 17:1ff). Moses was told to take his rod and speak to the rock in the sight of the people. Instead, Moses disobeyed God by smiting the rock as he had done before (Ex 17:6), rather than speaking to it as he had been commanded. This moment of weakness cost him entrance into the Promised Land. We would also mention that Aaron was also forbidden to enter Canaan on this account (v 12, 24). Lesson to be learned – The blessings of a lifetime of service can be forfeited in a moment’s time. The devil is always lurking, so be on guard!

New Testament reading: Acts 22-24

“And now why are you waiting? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). What is it about this text that makes it so difficult to understand? Most Evangelicals teach the exact opposite of what this text teaches concerning how to be saved. Tragically, most teach that one should call on the name of the Lord (e.g., sinner’s prayer), have their sins washed away, be baptized later (or not), then arise and go on one’s way. Such reveals a gross lack of understanding of what it means to call on the name of the Lord. Moreover, this doctrine causes Paul to teach a plan of salvation that contradicts the very one he himself said he obeyed. Finally, in Acts 2:21 Peter quoted Joel’s statement that “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Would Peter have concluded his sermon without telling his audience how to call on the name of the Lord? If not, what statement did Peter make later in Acts 2 regarding remission of sins and salvation? Like Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38 also teaches us how to call on the name of the Lord.