April 8th Bible in a Year Readings

Deuteronomy 32:28-52 + Luke 12:35-59 + Psalm 78:56-64 + Proverbs 12:24
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament - These words of Moses today in Deuteronomy chapter 32 verse 47 stood out to me - "These instructions are not mere words--they are your life!"   Wow.  Do we think this way about the Bible?  Are these mere words we read in the Bible?  Or are they our very life?

New Testament - In Luke chapter 12 verse 40, Jesus is speaking about his second coming at the end of the age - "You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."  But, this verse also always seems to speak to me about the end of my life here on earth as well.  One of 2 things will happen during our life that will bring our earthly life as we know it to an end - 1.  Jesus' second coming (which no one knows the day or hour) or 2. we will die.  I know it's not something we all want to think about... but someday our earthly bodies will die.  And I guess when I read verse 40 above, it makes me realize that not only do we not know the day or hour when Jesus' 2nd coming will be.  We also don't know the day or the hour of the end of our life either.  So...  this verse then speaks to me clearly - you must be ready all the time!  And, I don't view this as something to be anxious over.  But, I do think it's serious for us to consider.  I don't know about you - but sometimes I'm a procrastinator.  And when it comes to our faith in Jesus, there is no luxury of procrastination.  We must have faith in Jesus, be living for Jesus, and really, be willing to die for Jesus - today.  Now.  Not tomorrow.  Today.   Are you ready all the time?

Chapter 12 verse 48 is also a powerful teaching from Jesus for us today - "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given."  This is convicting...  think about it.  The more we begin to know about Jesus and God and the Bible, the more we essentially have been "given."  And when this holy knowledge has been given to us - much is required.  Much is expected.  Maybe in our past we were not aware of our sins.  Maybe we were not aware of sin at all really.  Today, if we have been blessed with the knowledge of living by Jesus' teachings, we should not be acting as we did in the past when we did not know any better.  Have you been given much?  Are you living up to what is required of you?

Bible.org's commentary on our Luke chapter 12 readings today titled "The Way to Wait" is at this link and commentary titled "The Consequences of Christ's Coming" is at this link.

Psalms - Psalm 78 verse 57 is a metaphor that I pray is never used upon any of us! :)  "They were as useless as a crooked bow."  Can you imagine a worse insult?  Well, yeah, I suppose there are worse.  But coming from a Psalmist, this is no good.  What does it mean to be a crooked bow?  What does it mean to be a straight bow?  How is your bow these days?  Crooked, and perhaps focused on things of this world?  (and thus basically useless)  Or straight, and focused on advancing the Kingdom of God in your life and the lives of others around you?  (and thus very useful)

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 12 verse 24 is great wisdom for each of us today - "Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave."   I do think each of us are called to be "leaders" in various aspects of our lives.  Leaders in the home.  Leaders at school.  Leaders at work.  Leaders at our church.  Even if maybe you don't think you are a "leader" per se - maybe you're not comfortable with public speaking or whatever - I think you're still a leader.  At the very least, we obviously have to lead our own lives. 

Worship Video:  Today's readings in Luke chapter 12 reminded me of the MercyMe song "All of Creation:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w

Are you singing with all of creation? Click here and sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."" Luke 12:39-40 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are ready for Jesus to return right this very moment. Pray that you will always stay ready for Jesus' return, and that you will not quench the Spirit by sinning. Pray earnestly, "Come Lord, Jesus, quickly come!"

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on our Proverb, in all of the areas you are called to be a leader in your life, are you working hard?  Or, by chance, are you being lazy in some areas?  Will you work hard and become a leader?  Will you work hard and walk the path of leadership? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Comments

[Ramona]

Deuteronomy 32:28-52
As The Song of Moses is completed in this reading, I’m amazed how God has given Israel a song to sing about themselves. It is not a song that focuses on their past history but a song that spells out their future. This Song is not a false prophecy given by a false god to a false leader, Moses; but a song that correctly tells of their turning away from God who is about to bring them into their Promise Land, and the consequences that will ensue.

I’m reminded of Jesus’ Words to Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Jesus told Peter less than twenty-four hours before it actually happened. God knows our beginning from our end.

Luke 12:35-59
The Girl and Boy Scouts have nothing on God, “Be Prepared,” did not start with them. Their preparedness is about doing the things necessary to take care of the body; Jesus’ preparedness is all about the spirit and soul.

39 "Know this: A homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would not permit the house to be broken into. 40 You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."

Psalm 78:56-64
As the Song of Moses ends with today’s Deuteronomy so too the 78th Psalm ends and continues mirroring the Song. But know time has past and Moses’ Song has gone from completely pointing to the future, to being partially fulfilled in the hearing of those in the Temple singing this Psalm. I wonder with all of God’s foretelling and foreknowledge and in the singing of Psalm 78 in the Temple did it ever occur to the singer and listener that they were singing about their own sad sorry fallen state? Am I singing the song of my own downfall refusing to pay attention to the words that speak about me?

Proverbs 12:24
I think I prefer the Amplified Bible’s translation of this verse,

24 The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor.

Grace and peace,
Ramona