[NOTE: For those who are continuing the 1-year Bible reading plan we started on April 1, 2018, just go to the end of this entry and you will find the Day 326-Romans 8-11; Matthew 13 summary!]
Deuteronomy 13 records the vital importance of not worshiping false gods. Moses tells us even if a prophet or visionary offers miracles or visions as “proof” of the power of other gods, we are not to be tricked by this test. Moses said even if one’s closest loved ones offered the temptation to worship other gods, not to do it. In fact, in such situations, the response was to stone that relative to death. That’s how important it was not to worship false gods! The consequences seem so extreme to us, but once again we see how vital it was for the Israelites to remain faithful to the LORD and to follow only Him. This principle remains true for us. When we turn away from the LORD the consequence is always death–either spiritual or physical death, or both. That’s why it is vital for us to love and serve Him alone.
Deuteronomy 14 starts by reminding the Israelites of which animals were clean and unclean. Moses wanted them to keep their holiness in every area of their lives as of first and foremost importance. The second half of the chapter is devoted to instructions concerning the peoples’ tithes. They were instructed to bring their tithes to the place the LORD directed every third year. As we read the account, we find the people were told to celebrate and eat the tithes of grain and animals together, and to “remember” the Levites. Because the Levites were set apart to serve God, and weren’t given their own land, the rest of the tribes were to provide for them. This principle carries over throughout the history of God’s people and into the development of the early church as we read in the New Testament. While the Apostle Paul, tells us he served as a tentmaker, to pay his own way as he shared the gospel in various places, he also tells us existing churches supported him. He tells us Peter and the other apostles received support for their ministries from those they served. The principle is vital, because even though there is no group of “Levites” in our day, those who invest their lives full-time in serving Jesus, rely on those who don’t for support. This frees up full-time workers to advance the Kingdom of God in ways that would not be possible without that full-time focus.
Deuteronomy 15 restates the laws of canceling debts, releasing slaves, and the sacrifice of firstborn male animals. One of the statements that catches our eye is there ought to be no poor people among the Israelites. Moses tells the people as they obey God they will be blessed abundantly. Then they ought to show kindness to the poor. This principle carried throughout Israel’s history, although it was often abused. For example, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for making a public show of helping the poor. Yet, in Acts 3-4, we find Peter and John healed a lame beggar, giving the man something far better than “alms,” or financial offerings. In James 1, we’re told true religion before the Lord is found in helping widows and orphans in their distress. As Jesus’ followers, we are called to follow in the long line of God’s people who alleviate the poverty of others. We do this both by sharing the good news of Jesus, so people will not be spiritually poor, and by meeting the physical needs of those struggling with poverty. To share Jesus without meeting physical needs makes our “good news” seem shallow. To meet the physical needs of others, without telling them about Jesus is merely social welfare, and while helpful, leaves the people we “help” still condemned to an eternity without Jesus.
John 19 records the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. We read again of Pilate’s desire to release Jesus, but the Jews called for His death. They even said they had no king but Caesar. As Jesus endured the cross, John tells us, He made three statements from the cross. In all, the four gospels record seven “last words” of Jesus from the cross. John’s statements include: 1) Jesus telling John that Mary was his mother, and he her son. In this way Jesus ensured His mother would be cared for after He rose from the dead and returned to heaven. 2) Jesus said, “I thirst.” This is a statement any human being in Jesus’ situation would have made. We can scarcely imagine the pain Jesus must have gone through. The blood loss He experienced from being whipped, would have caused severe dehydration and thirst. Hanging on the cross would only have added to that thirst. 3) Jesus said, “It is finished.” The Greek word John used to record the statement does not mean, “It is over,” but rather “It is completed,” or “It is fulfilled.” Jesus’ death fulfilled or completed the purpose for which He came: to pay the penalty for human sin, and therefore to free us from sin and death! When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning, the affirmation of that completed work was accomplished. As Jesus’ followers, we can be sure our sin is forgiven and our hope for our future life with Him is real, because Jesus completed His work on the cross for us.
Day 326-Romans 8-11; Matthew 13
Romans 8 starts with some of the most reassuring words every written, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” No condemnation. So many around us condemn us. Often, we condemn ourselves. The devil is certainly ready to condemn us at any moment. But Paul wrote there is nocondemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. When we sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us of that sin, but the condemnation is gone, because Jesus bore it for us on the cross. Romans 8 goes on to offer the Holy Spirit’s presence, comfort and power, as well as to remind us that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Verse after verse Paul reminds and reassures us that because God is for us, no one can stand against us.
Romans 9-11 needs to be read as a unit. As we have mentioned before the chapter and verse divisions in the Bible were added long after the books were written. Paul reminds us in Romans 9-11 that God hasn’t given up on Israel. Israel is still God’s chosen people, but now God has added the Gentiles making it possible for all His children to be saved. Paul makes it clear that the Gentiles are not to gloat, because God has included them, and at the time the Jews are rejecting Jesus. Paul’s point is vital for us, because most who read this were Gentiles when we were saved. We must never forget God included us out of His great love for us, not because we deserved it. Paul made it clear early on that none are righteous not even one, and that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and salvation. From start to finish, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, the only reason we have any hope of salvation is Jesus. Jesus is the solution to the human problem of sin. He is both Savior and Lord, and calls us to live faithfully in that salvation, and obediently under His Lordship.
As we return to Matthew 13, we find Jesus telling parables to the crowds. He starts with the Parable of the Sower, or the Parable of the Soils. Matthew tells us why Jesus told parables: So the people wouldn’t understand. Jesus wanted people to come and receive Him with the right heart, and if their hearts were hard they wouldn’t understand. After telling a handful of parables, and explaining two of them, Jesus was rejected by the people in His hometown. Jesus told us that had always been the case: a prophet is not without honor except in his own country and among his own people. As we read and reflect on the parables, all of which are about the Kingdom of Heaven, we see Jesus was eager for people to be part of God’s Kingdom, but He also wanted them to know something of such great value comes only when we are willing to give up everything to receive it.