Skip to main content

February 20 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 51

We're winding down our reading of Numbers.  We haven't even read about a number in a while, right?  Instead, we're making final preparations to enter the land God has promised.  

DAILY READINGS

Numbers 33-34 & Psalm 51

DAILY NOTES

Numbers 33
  • Most of the chapter outlines the journey the Israelites have taken.  The text says that the people were "under the hand" of Moses and Aaron.
  • Moses has recorded "their starting points, stage by stage."  
  • The people were arranged in a military fashion.  That has set them up for the conquest of Canaan.
  • Verse 52 makes it clear that what is before the Israelites is a holy war. 
Numbers 34
  • This chapter is written in two parts.  The first outlines the boundaries of Canaan.  The second section indicates the leaders of all the tribes.
Psalm 51
  • This is a familiar psalm to a lot of people.  It is commonly read and referred to on Ash Wednesday as it deals with personal sin, forgiveness and reconciliation.
  • Notice the "To the leader" note.

Image result for Mr. Belvedere

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Did you ever watch Mr. Belvedere?  I won't recap the entire sitcom other than mention he was an English butler to a suburban family.  Each episode ended the same, Mr. Belvedere would sit at his desk and journal the day's events.  As a kid I always looked forward to that part of the show because I wanted to know what he thought was important and how he brought everything to close.

The Israelites did some journaling, too.  Moses recorded every place the Israelites camped.  Of course, we've been reading an account of the people's activities.  

Journaling is a beneficial spiritual discipline.  I recommend it to you.  You don't have to write novels each day--you may not even write each day.  The question I get asked about journaling is, "What do I write?"  Well, write the big events of your day, or write about the small things you don't want to forget.  Write how you felt, what you were thinking and/or why you want to remember what you're writing.  You can write down when a prayer gets answered or when you have a theological/biblical question.  There's no one right way of doing it.

It's something you can use to remember your walk with God.  Just as we're able to gleam faith lessons from the Israelites journey, we can do the same thing when we pay attention to ours, too.

Stay blessed...john

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

March 29 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 88 Now that Israel has one king, it's a good time to consider the role of Israel's messiah.  Check out today's Bible Project video that explains how Jesus fits the narrative of messiah. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 4-8 & Psalm 88 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 4-5 The murder of Ishbaal, Saul's surviving son, prompts all the people to anoint David king over the entire kingdom. Notice that over the last several chapters, David does not approve of these political murders. The first act of David, as the narrative is concerned, is to stand against the Jebusites.  These are the people Joshua did not drive away (Joshua 15:63).  As a result of their conquest, David makes Jerusalem the capital of the kingdom.   David continues to rise in stature and respect. 2 Samuel 6 After establishing Jerusalem as the capital, David's next effort is to bring the ark to the capital.  It is the nation's most sacred object and it belongs in the nation's capital. I

February 26 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 57 Today's Bible Project video centers on what the Bible means when it speaks of the heart.   DAILY READINGS Deuteronomy 13-14 & Psalm 57 DAILY NOTES Deuteronomy 13 Any prophet or "dreamer of dreams" lead you away from God to other gods, he is to be put to death.  That person has, among other things, spoken "treason" or "falsehood" against God. The same thing should happen to "anyone" who tempts you in secret to follow another God, even if that anyone is a family member.   Notice that you're not even to show them "pity or compassion" or even try to protect them.   The text (Verse 13) says to watch for scoundrels--literally, sons of decadence.  If they are found to be leading people away from God, they are to be put to do as well, and all those of their town that followed them. Deuteronomy 14 The Isrealites were to remain a distinctive people.  They were not to follow the customs or practices o

April 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 101 The great prophet Elijah leaves the scene (He'll appear again later.  Do you remember where?).  Elisha takes his place and immediately begins to act as prophet among the people.   DAILY READINGS 2 Kings 1-3 & Psalm 101 DAILY NOTES 2 Kings 1 King Ahaziah is injured and he wants to know if he'll live.  He seeks input from the prophets of Baal-zebub.  Elijah finds out and interrupts Ahaziah's men from going to the prophets.   Notice that Elijah, that hairy man, is divinely protected by the captain and his men.   Ahazia never hears from the prophets.  Elijah speaks directly to him to tell him that he will surely die. 2 Kings 2 Where did the idea of a whirlwind come from?  Did anyone expect that Elijah would be taken "to heaven by a whirlwind"?  Everyone seems to know that today Elijah will be gone. Elisha's command to the band of prophets seems to indicate his sense of loss but also a vigor within himself; he is standing up to