For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Lev. 21
When I read about all the things – even physical defects over which they had no control – that disqualified a priest from approaching God, I realize what a big deal God’s holiness is. He is perfect and we are not! And it makes me so grateful that we are no longer under the covenant of law and justice, but under that new covenant of mercy through Jesus Christ. I couldn’t come anywhere near God but for that. But now, by faith, I call Him, “Abba! Father!”, and He receives me by His grace. God, forgive me for taking both your holiness and your mercy for granted!
Ps. 26-27
In these Psalms, I once again see the great mercy of a holy God. “I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy…Do not hide your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger” (Ps. 27:6b…Ps. 27:9a). In spite of all my imperfections, I can come before God without fear of His turning me away for one reason only. “For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.” (Ps. 26:3). In other words, because of Jesus. He is God’s lovingkindness, or mercy, and He is God’s truth. I stand before God only because Christ abides in me.
Ecc. 4
What do we strive for in life? And to what end? All the things in life that we think have substance simply don’t. So what is good in life? Proper relationship. The Preacher saw the oppressed without a comforter and labor borne out of rivalry, and he called it all vanity. But he said, “Two are better than one” (Ecc. 4:9a). Why? Because in their labor, instead of rivalry, they have companionship. Also, they can give each other comfort and can stand together against oppression. God made us for Him and for each other. It is in that unity that we find substance.