The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Leviticus 26-27, Numbers 1-2
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Leviticus 26-27, Numbers 1-2
The blessings given in response to obedience signify a kind of return to the garden, before the Fall into sin. The curses prophesized are exactly what happened to Israel. War, disease, and even cannibalism came because they refused to live in line with the covenant. They were taken into exile, scattered among the nations. However, God would keep the covenant, and he would return the people to the land and ultimately in Christ he would fulfill his covenant promises. The final chapter deals with vows concerning persons and property they had devoted to the Lord. The persons were not sacrificed like in the pagan religions but were to serve the Lord with their lives. These acts of special consecration were in addition to the laws that applied to everyone. It was a personal choice and came with its own set of regulations. The reason for these regulations was to ensure the people took their commitments to God seriously. There was to be no trifling with the holy God. If you commit something to him, you must follow through. Israel would later find ways around keeping their vows showing why this was so important for guarding their hearts. For Christians we are told to be careful in not making frivolous vows, and when we do make a vow, we are to keep it. Examples would be baptism and marriage vows. Leviticus opens with God outside the Tabernacle and God speaking to him from within. Numbers opens with Moses inside the Tabernacle and God is speaking to him. The Laws given to make access to God possible have worked! But they will not prove to be enough for sinful man to have lasting relationship with the holy God.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for Mayor Wu, Governor Kelly, and President Trump.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.