March 19 Bible reading

March 19 Psalm 35:11-18 Luke 2:41-52 Numbers 7:66-89; 8; 9:1-14

Psalm 35:11-18

God, please be my defender, and I will thank You publicly. David laments the loss he feels. People that he cared for deeply are now laughing at his troubles. They falsely accuse him. They do him wrong despite his good deeds for them. Yet David returns to his commitment to praise Go in their public house of worship. His peace is found in the presence of God.

Luke 2:41-52

Joseph and Mary made an annual trip to Jerusalem, for the Passover celebration. 12-year-old Jesus stays at the Temple, after Passover, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. He describes the Temple as My “Father’s House”. Jesus respected the value of the place of worship and its teachers. Jesus held a high value on the house of worship and the Word of God, their Scriptures. We should learn from this. Jesus then “grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and all people.” We should desire to grow in these ways as well.

Numbers 7:66-89; 8; 9:1-14

In Numbers, leaders brought offerings for the dedication of the place of worship. When Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak to the Lord, he heard God talking to him. God placed value on a house of worship and the human experience of establishing it. God responded to their obedience by leading them, living among them, and speaking to them through Moses. God assigned Levites to ensure the sacred purpose of the house of worship. God placed value on lessons learned from Passover. We have a sacred purpose in worship and much to learn.

March 19 Psalm 35:11-18 Luke 2:41-52 Numbers 7:66-89; 8; 9:1-14

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?