READING:
One-year plan: Leviticus 7-9
Two-year plan: Nehemiah 13, Acts 16:1-15
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Today’s reading, a text about the people of God ordaining the priests as they begin their ministry, says nine timessomething like, the people did “as the Lord commanded.” One of the clearest statements isLeviticus 8:36: “So Aaron and his sons did everything the Lord had commanded through Moses.” They did all that God required, step-by-step and direction-by-direction. God thus sent His fire down, consumed the offerings they presented, and surrounded them by His glory. In turn, the people “shouted [for joy] and fell face down on the ground” (Lev. 9:24).That’s what should happen when we just walk with God: we rejoice in His presence.
It is indeed right for us to do everything the Lord commands us.
I wish I could say that these words described Aaron and his sons throughout their time of leadership – but we will learn differently in tomorrow’s reading. Knowing that tomorrow’s reading will describe Aaron’s sons’ choice to go against what the Lord commanded, I’m reminded of this truth today: today’s obedience and victory are no guarantee of the same tomorrow. Every day . . . every moment . . . every second, we must lean on the Lord.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is there any place in your life where you’re not doing everything God has commanded?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to be fully faithful to You today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Leviticus 10-13
Two-year plan: Esther 1-3, Acts 16:16-34
MEMORIZATION VERSE (Feb 1-15):
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
*portions first published in 2016