Week 12 Thursday
Exodus 31-32 shows both Spirit-filled craftsmanship and the people's backsliding, Psalm 56 teaches us to trust God without fear, and the early church models radical generosity in Acts 4.
Exodus 31-32
📖 What are we reading?: Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with the Spirit for the tabernacle's construction, the Sabbath is reinforced, and then the people fall into idolatry with the golden calf.
✞ What does this passage say about God? Just as there is beauty in holiness, so this passage implies a holiness in beauty - the consecration of these workmen and their work is an inspiration to all others who labour to the glory of God.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Moses' words in 32:31-32 show his deep love for his people, and foreshadow Christ's own sacrifice on our behalf.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Exodus, meaning "departure", was written by Moses around 1400 BC. It tells the thrilling story of Israel's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt - a picture of Christ setting us free from the prison of sin.
Psalm 56
📖 What are we reading?: David turns to God in trust while surrounded by enemies.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is the one in whom we can put our trust without fear, as verses 3-4 remind us.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Verse 3 is a must-know verse - write it in your heart and say it often. Verse 11 is also one to hold to. Notice how highly David values God's Word in this Psalm, fitting for us as we journey through the Bible together.
Looking for some extra info?
📝 A devotion on trusting God from Psalm 56:3-4.
➡️ The bigger picture: The Psalms is a collection of 150 poems and songs, written by David and others, expressing the full range of human emotion in response to God and to life.
Acts 4:32-37
📖 What are we reading?: The early believers share everything they have with one another, and Barnabas is introduced as an example of this generosity.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He forms a community marked by such grace that no one among them was in need.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Let's ask whether our own generosity looks anything like this - are we as ready to give as the early church was?
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Luke's second book outlines the ministry of the early church - though it could just as well be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit, as He guides and grows Jesus' small movement into something that changes the world.
A Prayer for the Day
🙏 Lord, thank You that You delight to fill ordinary people with Your Spirit for Your glory, that we can trust You without fear when afraid, and that Your grace makes us generous towards one another. Amen.
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