For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Lev. 25
God desires our obedience, preferably without fear, doubt, or hesitation. I’m not talking about a legalistic kind of obedience, which means nothing to God. I’m talking about a complete trust. Paul called it the obedience of faith. We do what God asks us to do because we know He is God and fully believe that His ways are best. This is hard because God often asks us to do really difficult things; things that make little sense to our human minds. But the Bible shows us that when we obey in trust, He provides the means for us to do as He commands. Giving the land the full seventh year to rest doesn’t make sense from our human perspective. Yet God promised provision for obedience, to carry the people until the after Sabbath crop came in. Thus, if we trust, we will obey.
Ps. 32
“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!” (Ps. 32:1-2). If we have put our trust in Jesus, we are blessed! He has given us His Spirit, in whom there is no deceit, and picked up the impossible tab for our sin so that we own no debt. We are – not will be, not were, but ARE blessed! So why do we so often live like that isn’t true? Let us know and accept God’s blessing for us. “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” (Ps. 32:11).
Ecc. 8
In the midst of all the uncertainty of life, the Preacher makes a bold statement. Though it often appears to the contrary, the Preacher said, “…still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.” (Ecc. 8:12b). Fear God, be grateful for His gift of life, and enjoy what He graciously gives. He is the only firm foundation; the only certainty in life. Also, though we can know Him to a point, we can never fully understand His ways. So we simply need to rest in Him and trust. We need to, “Cease striving and know that [He is] God.” (Ps. 46:10a).