The land rests and debts are cancelled in Leviticus 25, God judges the judges in Psalm 82, and a riot in Ephesus shows what happens when the gospel threatens people's idols.
Leviticus 25
📖 What are we reading?: Sabbath years are discussed here - the land itself was to be given a rest! Every 50 years was a "Year of Jubilee", although it seems unlikely that the Israelites carried this out consistently.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He cares about the land, the poor and the burdened, and He wants His people to live with fear of Him and trust in Him (verses 17-18).
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? These laws were in place to prevent greed and selfishness. Let's ask ourselves where we need to loosen our grip on what we own, and make room for rest and generosity.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Leviticus was revealed to Moses after the tabernacle was completed (around 1445 BC), and its theme is holiness and separation for God's people.
Psalm 82
📖 What are we reading?: A Psalm of judgement on unjust leaders, in which God is pictured as the Judge of judges.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He has a heart for justice and fairness. He may appoint people to leadership, but He still holds them responsible.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Leaders must care for the needy and avoid favouritism to the rich. Let's pray for our leaders today, and defend the weak in our own spheres of influence.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ 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 19:21-41
📖 What are we reading?: A great riot breaks out in Ephesus, as the apostles' work starts to impact a local cult. The Ephesians prefer to worship their idol instead of the true God, until the town clerk steps in and calms the crowd.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He protects His servants and His work, even in the middle of chaos, and He can use an unexpected voice (like the town clerk) to bring peace.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? We shouldn't be surprised when the world rejects Christ. When the gospel starts to cost people their comfort or their income, opposition often follows. Let's stay steady in the middle of it.
Looking for some extra info?
📝 A devotion on the town clerk at Ephesus, who quieted the crowd
➡️ 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, You are the righteous Judge who cares for the poor and the needy. Help us to hold our possessions loosely, to stand for justice, and to remain steady when the world pushes back against Your gospel. Amen.
If you’re enjoying this programme, please consider supporting Luke with a prayer, or a donation, here.
