For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Ex. 30
The word, “perpetual” shows up a lot in the Old Testament laws and sacrificial systems. It shows up twice in this chapter – once to describe the burning of the incense before God and the other to describe the cleansing of the priests’ hands and feet on entering God’s presence. The word highlights to me the reason that we can’t save ourselves. As humans, we are made in the image of God, so we have the capacity to be good and do what is right. However, we are not God. Thus, we cannot be 100% good and right 100% of the time. We can’t do it perpetually, which is what righteousness requires.
John 9
Jesus told His disciples, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (Jn. 9:5). His statement sort of implies to me another scenario for after He left the world. He actually told us what that scenario is in His Sermon on the Mount. He said to His followers, “You are the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14a). So Jesus passed the proverbial torch to us, by means of the Holy Spirit, whom we receive when we believe on the name of Jesus Christ.
Interestingly, Jesus made His “You are the salt” and “You are the light” statements on the heels of saying, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matt. 5:11). In this final ‘beatitude’ Jesus changed from saying “those” to saying “you”. Which makes me think that His salt and light statements applied to the same group of people as that final beatitude. At the same time, however, I believe His salt and light statements apply to all true believers. And that tells me that all true believers suffer in this life on account of Jesus. While we may not be beaten or thrown into prison, we all have to deny ourselves and take up our cross. We all have to give up what is precious to us and share in Christ’s suffering.
Prov. 6
This Proverb mentions that a hungry man’s stealing bread, while it is still a sin, is not a despicable action. The Proverb mentions this to contrast this action, which still requires sevenfold repayment, with committing adultery. Both take what belongs to another. But the adultery incites jealousy, which has no mercy. The Proverb goes on to point out of the jealous man, “And he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will not accept any ransom, nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts.” (Pr. 6:34b-35).
This made me think of those who try to take what belongs to God. The Bible has no pleasant words for those who cause God’s children to stumble and who lead them astray. The Bible also says, “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deut. 4:24). Yes indeed – I see interfering with somebody’s relationship with God as akin to adultery. “He who would destroy himself does it.” (Pr. 6:32b).