READING:
One-year plan: Numbers 9-11, Mark 8:1-30
Two-year plan: Exodus 1-18, Matthew 21:1-13
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The Israelites were to observe the Passover together, and the people did exactly as God required. Some men who were unclean because they had had contact with a corpse, though, did not want to miss this opportunity. They wanted to take part when the rest of the people did. What is most helpful to me in this text is Moses’ response to their question: he sought the Lord.
He did not reach some conclusion without seeking the Lord’s direction. Nor did he try to figure out an answer and then ask the Lord to bless it. He did not ignore the question, but nor did he overcomplicate the process to determine a response. Before he ever took a step toward a decision, he told the men, “Wait here until I hear what the Lord commands for you” (Num 9:8). Going to God was the first step, and waiting on Him for an answer before proceeding was next.
Most of us have something to learn here. Seeking God through prayer is not just a wise move; it is a primary way to discover wisdom to resolve an issue in the first place. “After-the-answer-is-determined” prayer is hardly wise at all.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you have a tendency to do first and pray later?
PRAYER: “God, continually turn my heart toward You, especially when I need wisdom.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 12-14, Mark 8:31-9:29
Two-year plan: Exodus 19:1-20:21, Matthew 21:14-27