READING FOR AUGUST 21, 2024: LEVITICUS 11, LUKE 12, PSALM 84 (Doodle through the Bible image)   

Remedy for touching or picking up dead unclean animals: “Whoever touches their carcasses becomes unclean until evening, and whoever picks up any of their carcasses shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening” (vs. 24-25). Why did God command these restrictions? No reason is given or needed other than this: “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy“ (vs. 40).                                                                                                               READING FOR AUGUST 21, 2024 CONTINUED: LUKE 12, PSALM 84                                                    LUKE 12 So many people came to see Jesus that they were trampling each other. At this height of popularity, Jesus warns about the leaven of the Pharisee, meaning their hypocrisy. Let’s all guard against this evil that so easily spreads. Know that all our words and thoughts will be public record one day. Notice the context of God knowing the number of our hairs and our great value compared to swallows: It’s that we don’t have to fear death. Surprised?  Notice also that God wants us to actively confess Jesus in front of others. But what if we would like to keep our beliefs private? Seems like Jesus then won’t vouch for us in Heaven. The context suggests that not trusting the Holy Spirit to confess Jesus in front of others is unforgiveable.  

Here is something we shouldn’t pray about: a bigger share of the inheritance. That’s greedy. Also greedy is a rich person seeking more. All he needs is his daily bread. Instead, downsize and give more money to the poor. Then focus upon kingdom of God priorities. That’s deferred income way better than any 401K. Speaking of the coming kingdom, we need to shift our focus to getting ready for heaven, not retirement. If we are serving Him when he comes or takes us home at our death, He will reward us with responsibility. If not? “Then the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect, and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the unbelievers” (vs. 46).  Of course, the Lord knows about our physical limitations. 

Are those words above motivating or disturbing? Truth is true regardless of our reaction. Unfortunately, Jesus says that not everyone in our families will always believe His truth. This sadly creates division. What can be done?  Eph. 6:4 says dads should instruct the kids; 1 Cor. 7:14 says believing spouses somehow sanctify their unbelieving spouse; and 1 Pet. 3:1 says wives can win their husbands to Jesus through their behavior. This is our most crucial mission field! Finally, Jesus tells us to judge. The context of this kind of judging seems to be a dispute between two parties that could be decided without going to court.

PSALM 84 Verses 1, 3, 5, and 8 all address God as Lord of Armies. HE WINS. He’s also called living, my King, my God, God of Jacob, residing in Zion, a shield, a sun, giver of grace, of glory, and all good things. Let’s reflect with the Psalmist on all that God is—each virtue.  Pray that we would yearn in our hearts for this many-dimensional God of the Bible, not a flat God of our own creation. He’s much greater than we’ve thought. That’s why OT Israel should obey all God’s commands His way. That’s why we should seek first the kingdom of God instead of our retirement recreation.  We won’t be sorry for walking with the Lord!  “He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity...Blessed is the person who trusts in You!”