READING:
One-year plan: Numbers 23-25, Mark 11:15-12:12
Two-year plan: Exodus 25:10-40, Matthew 22:34-46
———-
Today’s Old Testament story is of Balaam, whom Balak hired to curse the Israelites. Though the overall biblical picture of Balaam is not positive, his recurrent words throughout today’s episode are a reminder of the importance of speaking and doing what God commands:
- “I must speak only the message God puts in my mouth.” (Num 22:38—from yesterday’s reading)
- “Shouldn’t I say exactly what the Lord puts in my mouth?” (Num 23:12)
- “Whatever the Lord says, I must do.” (Num 23:26)
- “I could not go against the Lord’s command, to do anything good or bad of my own will? I will say whatever the Lord says.” (Num 24:13)
To do whatever the Lord says do, and to speak whatever the Lord says speak – that ought to be our commitment today.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is that your commitment this day?
PRAYER: “Father, may my actions and words please You today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 26-27, Mark 12:13-44
Two-year plan: Exodus 26-27, Matthew 23:1-11