March 17 Bible reading

March 17  Proverbs 7:6-20  Luke 2:1-20  Numbers 5:11-31; 6

Proverbs 7:6-20

God provides us with direction and a warning against illicit affairs. God is not ignorant of human experiences. Our Creator has the wisdom we need. Our Creator has a right to speak to how we live. Sexual sin brings painful consequences.

Luke 2:1-20

Jesus, our Savior, the Messiah, the Lord, was born in Bethlehem as promised. There are several miraculous aspects of His birth recognized by many eyewitnesses. The shepherds saw exactly what the angels predicted. God’s people could choose to take a Nazarite vow, setting aside their life for the purpose of God. This allowed them to identify God’s call on their life, describe it to others, and live for that purpose. We should take note of the significance of prophecy fulfilled. God is involved in the birth of Jesus. Too many supernatural factors here for it to be a magic trick. What does this say to you about Jesus?

Numbers 5:11-31; 6

God’s design includes a married couple’s lifelong commitment to giving faithful love to each other. It can be a reflection of God’s faithful love that is patient and kind, as we see throughout Scripture. God intended marital sexual expression of love to be a sacred act of giving pleasure in a safe healthy context. God gave His people a clear idea of the consequences for illicit affairs. Nazarite vows included setting aside your life for the purpose of God. Anyone who wants to serve in Christian leadership must consider the truths revealed here. In Numbers 6:24-26, we see a beautiful blessing that could be given from the priests to the people, which God promised to honor.

March 17  Proverbs 7:6-20  Luke 2:1-20  Numbers 5:11-31; 6

Please read the suggested passages, prayerfully consider them, and the questions below. My comments here may be helpful after those moments. The suggested daily reading is for the purpose of reading through the whole Bible within a year.

Reading the Bible is helpful in taking the next steps to follow Jesus. It may not be easy and yet it can be rewarding. Digging into Scripture alongside people you know is a life-giving way to pursue answers together. We discover the love that God has for us has been expressed through Jesus.

• What’s the plain simple truth of the verses you read?
• Based on today’s reading, what is one thing God is saying to you?
• What should you do about that truth?