Numbers, as its name implies, starts with a census of the people. In this week's readings, we will continue from that census to hear God's call for his people to be holy before him (starting in chapter 5). God also gives more instructions on what his people are to do when they fall short of that command, starting with confession, but continuing with restitution.
The Gospel of John is a narrative of the life of Jesus. It is written by John the Son of Zebedee, a disciple of Jesus, the disciple whom Jesus loved, who is an eyewitness for Jesus’ entire earthly ministry. He is the only disciple to not forsake Jesus at the crucifixion. And he himself sees the empty tomb and believes. So, John testifies as an eyewitness. It's almost as if John's imagining it's a trial. Where there are witnesses, testifying. Jesus himself, testifying. People testing his claims. Where Jesus himself is under constant cross examination. It's not a real trial. Yet. That's still to come. But right from the start, John maps out his book like a long jury trial.
So far, in our Bible reading plan, we have completed three books of the Bible: Genesis, Job, and Exodus. This week we begin the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is one of my favorite, if not my favorite book of the Old Testament. Now, I will admit, compared to some other books it may seem dull.... Continue Reading →
This week we get to see God deal with Job’s three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as their false words about God have consequences that now stare them in the face. We also get to see God’s response to repentance as the book of Job concludes.
The book of Job does not leave us with an answer to the question of the problem of evil. Instead, it goes beyond the question, leaves it as a mystery, and confronts each of us with a call. The call to trust in the sovereignty and the character of God. While we may not understand His methods, His ways, or His timing we can trust God’s character. If the book of Job teaches you anything, let it be this, God knows what He is doing. Will we trust Him? Will we trust God even when we don’t know why?
We end last week with God calling Israel to his mountain and calling Moses to meet with him on the mountain, where he begins giving the Law to him, including what we know as the "Ten Commandments" in Exodus 20. God ends the chapter with a short passage summarizing how they are to worship him.... Continue Reading →
This week we get to see God deal with Job’s three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as their false words about God have consequences that now stare them in the face. We also get to see God’s response to repentance as the book of Job concludes.
If you’re a parent, you probably have asked as I have, “do my children hear my words?” And all of us who are or have been children, we’ve all probably said, “does anyone hear what I’m saying?” We ask those questions, often in exasperation, because we expect that our words will be heard and that... Continue Reading →
We are one month into our chronological Bible reading plan! So far, we have finished two books of the Bible, Job and Genesis, and we have read so much! We have seen the mighty power of God as He spoke and everything came to be. We have seen the fall of man as Adam and... Continue Reading →
Journeys in Discipleship 