Leviticus 26 sets out blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience, Psalm 83 shows God's people under attack but not forsaken, and in Acts 20 Paul gathers with believers on the first day of the week.
Leviticus 26
📖 What are we reading?: Blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Even so, the people are still able to confess and repent, and find redemption if they have strayed.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is faithful to bless His people, and He is merciful to those who return to Him.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? The consequences of sin are real, so let's take obedience seriously. And if we have strayed, the door to confession and restoration is still open.
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 83
📖 What are we reading?: A cry for help as nations gather to attack God's people. Some believe that the Six-Day War against Israel in 1967 was the fulfilment of this Psalm.
✞ What does this passage say about God? His chosen people will not be destroyed, and He wants the nations to see Him as the one true God (the last three verses are important).
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Note verse 3 - though we are cherished by God, we are also subject to attack from His enemies. Let's bring our troubles to Him in prayer, and long for others to come to know Him.
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 20:1-16
📖 What are we reading?: Paul travels on through Macedonia and Greece, encouraging the believers. In Troas he meets with the church, and a young man named Eutychus falls from a window during a long sermon. Another miracle from Paul brings comfort to the people.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He brings life out of tragedy, and He gives comfort to His people through His servants.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Verse 7 is one of the earliest historical references to the church meeting on Sunday instead of the Sabbath. Let's gather with God's people regularly, and let them encourage us.
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 for the mercy that welcomes us back when we stray. Keep us faithful to You, help us to gather with Your people and encourage one another, and let the nations come to know You. Amen.
If you’re enjoying this programme, please consider supporting Luke with a prayer, or a donation, here.
