READING:
One-year plan: Numbers 33-34, Mark 14:22-52
Two-year plan: Exodus 30, Matthew 24:3-14
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Numbers 33 summarizes what Moses was doing in the first part of this chapter: “At the Lord’s command, Moses wrote down the starting points for the stages of their journey; these are the stages listed by their starting points” (Num 33:2). Each of the following several verses begins with, “The traveled from . . . ,” and it gives direction for the people of God.
Sometimes this kind of reading seems tedious, but here’s what comes to mind for me today. I, like all of us, could put together a similar description of our journeys describing how God has led us through the years. I could, for example, write these words:
- My family traveled to Mason, OH, where I heard the gospel for the first time
- I traveled to Harrison, OH to begin my first pastorate even as I was working on my undergraduate degree in Oxford, OH
- I traveled to Fairfield, OH, where I served as pastor for 11 years
- I traveled to Louisville, KY, where I taught and served as dean for 16 years
I could continue this list, but I don’t have to add any information to show God’s gracious hand and protection in my life. He has led me along the way—and He has patiently, lovingly corrected me when I considered going in different directions. Our God is a good God.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What would your list include?
PRAYER: “Father, You are a gracious, leading God.”
MONDAY’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 35-36, Deuteronomy 1, Mark 14:53-15:15
Two-year plan: Exodus 31-32, Matthew 24:15-35