Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 14-15

The Bible was not divided into chapters until 1227. Some chapter divisions are obviously bad, others questionable. Deuteronomy 14 begins with two verses that may well belong in the previous chapter. I tend toward the view that the warning against improper mourning should be included with the previous text on the extermination of apostates. The text immediately following makes reference to clean and unclean meat and does not seem to reflect the tenor of the previous admonition. Thinking of these opening verses, I am reminded of the deaths of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3. These two sons of Aaron were struck dead for disobeying God. Aaron and his remaining sons were commanded not to mourn the deaths of the disobedient, but rather mourn the lack of obedience that brought the wrath of God among the people (v 6). This illustrates the extreme reverence in which God and His holiness must be held. I love the opening of chapter 15 regarding the release of debt in the 7^th year and the associated promises, particularly verse 6, “For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you.” Chapter 15 also reminds us of our financial obligations to God as well as the poor. I find verse 11 intriguing. In spite of the incredible blessings of God, it is said, “the poor will never cease from the land.” Thus, they were to be generous to their brother, their poor and their needy. Jesus also said, “the poor are always with you” (Matt 26:11).

New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 6-10 

Chapter 6 begins with two verses that cannot be reconciled with Calvinism and its error concerning God’s grace. Calvinism teaches that God’s grace is irresistible, yet one could never draw that conclusion by reading 2 Corinthians 6:1. Moreover, verse 2 is descriptive of the Christian Age, or dispensation of the gospel.  We live in the age of salvation, and the grace of this salvation is available to all men.  This grace may be rejected or received according to the exercise of free will. The end of verse 2, which is not a part of the quote of Isaiah 49:8, is an explanation to the Corinthians that they were living in the day prophesied by Isaiah. It was the day wherein the grace of God was revealed in its fullness, bringing to all men the opportunity to be saved.

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 12-13

“You shall seek the place where the Lord your God chooses.” The heading preceding Deuteronomy 12 in my Bible says “A Prescribed Place of Worship.” Man has never been at liberty to worship God according to his own dictates or conscience (cf Heb 11:4). As Israel prepares to enter Canaan, God commands the utter destruction of all things pertaining to the inhabitant’s idolatry. A complete removal of every vestige of idolatry was commanded to prevent the inquiry into and temptation to imitate idolatrous practices (v 30). Six times in this chapter we find the phrase, “the place where the Lord chooses.”  We should note that worship is always conducted by Divine prescription. In Israel’s case, by place, priesthood, offering and day.  In the New Testament, worship is still mandated by Divine prescription and authority (John 4:23-24, Col 3:17). We might also add that God has chosen the place where He is to be worshiped today. It is not a physical location, as was the discussion Jesus had with the Samaritan woman (John 4:20-21), but rather a spiritual location of God’s choosing. One must be a kingdom resident to worship and serve God acceptably – “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb 12:28). The kingdom is the church (Matt 16:18-19; Col 1:13).

New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 1-5

2 Corinthians, at least the opening pages, is quite a contrast from Paul’s earlier epistle to these brethren. This second epistle begins with an exaltation of God as “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (1:3). One of the beauties of God’s comfort is its usefulness in the hands of those who love God – “that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (1:4). One aspect of Divine comfort is the assurance of deliverance from evil. Deliverance does not always mean God gets us “out of a tight.” It does mean God promises to take care of us and give us strength to endure as we keep our eyes focused on Jesus (Heb 12:1-4). Finally, consider Paul’s statement of faith in God who had delivered in time past, delivers in the present, and will deliver in the future (1:10). Our God delivers!

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 10-11

Deuteronomy 10 declares the essence of God’s laws: “What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways and to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and his statutes which I command you today for your good?” (10:12-13). These words may sound familiar, as a similar statement appears in Micah 6:8. But Moses’ statement is far richer than Micah’s. Note how Moses equates God’s commandments with our good, just as he did in Deuteronomy 6:24-25. Some have a distorted view of God, that He “doesn’t want us to have any fun.” They think God’s rules are restrictive to the point of being punitive. But God’s commands are for our good. As the all-knowing and perfect Father, He knows what is best for His children, the apex of His creation.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

Moving from his extended treatment of spiritual gifts, Paul shifts his thoughts to the resurrection. But before beginning his treatise on the resurrection, Paul begins with the gospel. What is the gospel? Some say it is the good news, but that is merely a definition of the word; it is not the substance. According to Paul, the gospel consists of four primary facts: 1) Jesus died for our sins, just as the Scriptures (Old Testament) said He would; 2) Jesus was buried, (just as He promised His disciples in Matthew 12:40); 3) Jesus rose from the dead the third day, again according to the Scriptures (Ps 16:9-11) and His own testimony (John 2:19-21); and 4) Jesus’ resurrection was affirmed by so many so many witnesses so as to be undeniable (cf Acts 1:2-3). There can be no gospel, no good news, if Jesus had not died for our sins and was resurrected as He said. In fact, if these things were not so, I would not wish for a resurrection from the dead. If Jesus has not paid the price for my sins, I shall be perfectly content to return to the dust from whence I came, never to see the light of life again. But I thank God for 1 Corinthians 15:20 – “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 8-9

Deuteronomy 8 contains a beautiful statement from God concerning the wilderness wandering, as well as a stern warning. God said the wilderness wandering was a test to see what was in the heart of Israel, whether or not they would obey (v 2). He allowed them to be hungry so he could feed them (v 3). He did not permit their clothes or shoes to wear out (v 4). Later in chapter 8, Israel was warned not to become puffed up at their newfound wealth, as if they actually had anything to do with it (vv 11-20). Verses 11-20 may be summed from a text in yesterday’s New Testament reading: “And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7). Chapter 9 is a review of past rebellions and Moses’ great intercession for the people. Moses’ love for Israel reminds me of Paul’s for Corinth. Some folks are rebellious and stubborn, yet we can’t help but love them.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 12-14

This is the landmark text on the distribution (12:1-11), purpose (12:13-31), duration (13) and exercise of spiritual gifts (14). This includes chapter 13, which must not be wrenched from its context. Also, it seems no one in the charismatic movement has ever read 1 Corinthians 14. Everything we see them do is the exact opposite of what Paul taught. Consider the following from chapter 14: In verses 6-19, there is the admonition to speak so as to be understood, lest there be confusion among the hearers. Is this what we see practiced today? No. In verses 20-25, we find that tongues are not a sign for believers, but for unbelievers. But where do we see this practiced? In their assemblies among believers! Also in this text, Paul says that prophesying is for believers, yet when was the last time we saw such in practice? In verses 26-40, we find that no more than two or three are to speak, and each in turn (not at the same time), and let one interpret. Is this the practice we see on TV, online, or in their assemblies? To ask is to answer. Verse 34 commands women to be silent in the assemblies. Is this the practice of charismatics today? Hardly. Finally, verse 40 says all things are to be done decently and in order, yet chaos is the order of the day.

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)

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.