The One Who Feeds Your Strongest Desires Is Your Master

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 8; Psalm 9; Proverbs 23; 1 Thessalonians 2

Leviticus 8:14–15
* Now that we have built everything and have all of the offering laws, it’s time to put it into action. Here Moses, as God’s representative, performs the rituals in order to establish Aaron and his sons as priests.

Psalm 9:1–4
* After reading the psalms of lament preceding Psalm 9, the overflow of thanks for God’s deliverance has more significance. Likewise, if we recognize our oppression by sin, our celebration of deliverance will be more boisterous.

Proverbs 23:1–8
* Of the 30 sayings mentioned in 22:20, sayings 6–18 are in chapter 23. Saying 6 (vv. 1–3) and saying 8 (vv. 6–8) both address receiving food, and in both cases—with the wealthy ruler and with the stingy man—it is wise not to eat too much. If you are controlled by your appetite, those who feed you have power over you.

1 Thessalonians 2:11–13
* Paul (and the other missionaries) told the Thessalonians how to live right with God, and the new believers responded in obedience to God. It is significant to distinguish between obedience to Paul (or any other authority) for Paul’s sake, and obedience to Paul’s (or any other teacher’s) teachings for the Lord’s sake.

Judgment Against Sin Is Certain, But So Is Mercy Towards Repentance

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 7; Psalms 7–8; Proverbs 22; 1 Thessalonians 1

Leviticus 7:37–38
* Chapter 7 concludes the discussion of the laws for offerings.

Psalm 7:8–13
* David laments being unjustly accused. His appeal to his righteousness here is not some absolute claim, but is specifically concerning the false accusation. Perhaps more notable, though, is his mention of repentance. David cries for justice against persecutors, but also calls for their repentance. He knows that judgment against sin is certain, but so is mercy towards the repentant.

Proverbs 22:1–6
* The fear of the LORD gives a right perspective on all areas of life, from reputation and wealth, to status and prejudice, from precaution, to humility, from consequences of actions, to the fruits of discipleship.

1 Thessalonians 1:4–10
* Paul’s confidence in the election of the Thessalonians is based on four elements—namely that the Gospel came to them in word, power, the Holy Spirit, and full conviction.

Pray and Walk and Speak the Gospel Clearly

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 6; Psalms 5–6; Proverbs 21; Colossians 4

Leviticus 6:8–9
* Beginning in 6:8, the LORD prescribes how the priests are to handle the various offerings, beginning with the “law of the burnt offering.” Each offering will be presented again in order.

Psalm 5:4–8
* Here we have a clear statement of the problem with sin; namely, it cannot stand in God’s presence. Notably, the basis for David’s confidence is God’s love and God’s righteousness (and not his own).

Proverbs 21:1–2
* Verse 1 acknowledges God’s sovereignty over kings’ hearts (and, therefore, over everyone else less than a king). Verse 2 indicates God’s judgment of hearts. In other words, the two verses unapologetically juxtapose divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Colossians 4:2–6
* Paul’s final exhortations (before the personal greetings) concern prayer and behavior among unbelievers. And in both cases, he is ultimately concerned with the clear presentation of the Gospel.

All Vengeance, All Judgment, All Understanding Belong to the LORD

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 5; Psalms 3–4; Proverbs 20; Colossians 3

Leviticus 5:14–16
* After offerings for unintentional sins, the Lord describes other sins requiring offering. Then come instructions for the guilt offering. These sins are generally more serious.

Psalm 4:6–8
* As you cry out to the LORD, remember the joy and peace that are found only by trusting in his care.

Proverbs 20:22–25
* All vengeance, all judgment, all understanding belong to the LORD.

Colossians 3:12–17
* Most of Colossians 3 talks about what to “put to death” (v. 5) and what to “put on” instead. This is what holding fast to Christ looks like.

Spiritual Growth and Maturity Come Only By Holding Fast to Christ

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 4; Psalms 1–2; Proverbs 19; Colossians 2

Leviticus 4:1–3
* Next, the Lord gives instructions to Moses for the sin offering. Chapter 4 deals specifically with sins committed unintentionally.

Psalm 2:7–12
* The end of Psalm 2 points to the fulfillment of a bunch of prophecies concerning the Messiah. See especially Gen 49:10; 2Sam 7:16; and Mark 1:11.

Proverbs 19:16–23
* This section of Proverbs 19 draws a picture of right living from the perspective of wisdom.

Colossians 2:16–23
* Spiritual growth and maturity come in one way—by holding fast to Christ. Trusting even partially in anything else, especially man-made religion, is a total rejection of Christ.