Moses sees the tribal leaders dedicate the tabernacle with their gifts and then prays about the shortness of life, while Paul stands before Felix and a governor puts off the most important decision of his life.
Numbers 7
📖 What are we reading?: The leaders of the 12 tribes bring offerings to the completed tabernacle (going back to the end of Exodus), and the chapter closes with Moses hearing the very voice of God.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He notices every gift brought to Him, and He speaks directly with His servant Moses.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? How are we blessing the people of God, and the places they gather to worship?
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Numbers, written by Moses around 1400 BC, takes its name from the censuses of Israel and tells the story of the people's 40 years in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.
Psalm 90
📖 What are we reading?: A Psalm of Moses, of whom we have read so much on our journey! The first 11 verses are rather downcast, but Moses turns around in verse 12 and prays for God's blessing.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is eternal, full of compassion and joy, while our lives on earth are fragile.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Remember how short life is, and make verse 14 your prayer today.
Looking for some extra info?
📝 A devotion on ashes and our mortality, from Psalm 90
📝 A devotion on eternal life, from Psalm 90
➡️ 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 24:1-27
📖 What are we reading?: Paul stands before Felix and witnesses strongly. Felix responds in fear yet puts off deciding Paul's fate. When his time in power ends, Felix leaves Paul in prison and is replaced by Festus.
✞ What does this passage say about God? His message can make even a powerful governor tremble, and He gives us every opportunity to respond.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Paul is not ashamed to be a Christ-follower - he admits it freely (verse 14), and strives to keep a clear conscience (verse 16). Can we say what Paul said in verse 16? And let's not put off making a decision for Christ, as Felix did.
Looking for some extra info?
📝 A devotion on striving for God, from Acts 24
➡️ 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 our dwelling place in every generation. Teach us to number our days, to bless Your people and Your house with open hands, and to strive for a clear conscience like Paul, so that we never put off following You. Amen.
If you’re enjoying this programme, please consider supporting Luke with a prayer, or a donation, here.
