Hebrews 3 - Day 198 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-3 Observation: The author continues to build his argument that Jesus is greater than everything. Application: At the time of the writing of Hebrews, there were many heresies about Jesus and his new cult that were being spread throughout the Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire. The author carefully builds his case and explains to his/her fellow Israelites that God's new plan is better than the old plan because Jesus is God. Do you remember playing jun, ken, po (rock, paper, scissors) as a child. There was alway one kid who would pull the "God" card/symbol - which always beat everything else. Jesus is God so he is superior to everything, especially Angels or Moses. Prayer: Lord, You are higher than my highest expectation. Hebrews 2 - Day 197 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-17 Observation: The author clearly explains why the Son of God came to earth as a human being. Application: Jesus, the Son of God, fully God and fully man, experienced it all so he could redeem us. I grew up watching a lot of movies and since becoming a follower of Jesus, my preferences have changed. However in my "before Christ" days, I enjoyed watching movies with Eddie Murphy, especially Coming To America. If you're not familiar with the movie, you can read the Wiki summary here. The story is similar to what Jesus did for us. In order to save us from the curse of Adam and Eve, Jesus came to earth as a human being and sacrificed himself to atone for the sins of the world. And that's why I'm convinced that God is real. Prayer: Alleluia! Jesus is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Hebrews 1 - Day 196 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4 Commentary: We live in a world where many people doubt that God can be known and where there are many conflicting philosophies and religious viewpoints. Even amongst professing Christians there are sometimes claims of further revelation that contradict or claim to go beyond Scripture. However, Hebrews leaves us in no doubt about the fact that God spoke decisively to Israel through the prophets and that he has fully and finally revealed his character and will by his Son (1–2). The OT revelation came at many times throughout Israel’s history and in various ways such as dreams, visions and angelic messages. But the ultimate revelation has come in these last days of human history, through Jesus Christ. The writer will go on to suggest that the OT was a preparation for, and the foundation of, this ultimate revelation (e.g. 8:5; 10:1). Indeed, God continues to speak through the OT Scriptures to Christians in a whole range of circumstances (e.g. 3:7–11; 12:5–6). However, to emphasize the finality of the revelation through Jesus Christ, the writer points to his surpassing greatness as the Son of God. Peterson, D. G. (1994). Hebrews. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1325). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press. Application: We exist because Jesus wanted us to exist. The universe and everything that has, presently is, and will be created is all because of Jesus. He deserves our undivided attention and devotion. Prayer: Lord, words fail to express my worship. Please listen to the cries of my heart. Numbers 36 - Day 195 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Numbers 36 Commentary: tribal retention of land inherited by daughters. In the law established in Numbers 27:1–11, Zelophehad’s daughters were given the right to inherit land since there was no male heir (the apocryphal book Tobit [6:13] shows an application of the law). A loophole was inadvertently created here which would have allowed for the transference of property to another tribe through marriage. Thus this codicil was added, restricting women who had inherited land from marrying outside their tribe so that the original tribal allotment would remain intact. Here it becomes clear that the preservation of family property holdings was one of the highest values in Israelite society. That is because the land was the gift of the covenant, so each family’s allotment was its share in the covenant. While land ownership was important in the rest of the ancient Near East, no other country had such strong religious overtones connected to the land. Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary: Old Testament (electronic ed., Nu 36:1–13). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. Application: The daughters of Zelophehad fulfilled their part of the arrangement and received their portion of the promised land because God is faithful. He gives us a lot of leeway but ultimately we still need to do our part. Prayer: Lord, thank You for being patient with me. Numbers 35 - Day 194 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Numbers 35:9-34 Observation: God instructs Moses to designate cities of refuge for His children when they enter the promised land. Application: In a world where you are expected to defend yourself and administer your own justice (an eye for an eye), God provides a revolutionary alternative for His people. God understands that accidents are a part of life so rather than a unfortunate mistake escalating into a violent feud, these cities of refuge broke the cycle of violence. God's plan has always been about reconciliation. Prayer: Lord, thank You for forgiving me of my sins. |
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