Thoughts on March 9 Bible Reading

March 9, 2018

Reading: Deuteronomy 14-16; Mark 13

It has been a while since I’ve provided thoughts on our Bible readings. I hope you are still meeting the Lord in His word each day. If you have gotten behind in the readings, I would encourage you not to give up. You can just pick up on the reading for today and go forward. As I have mentioned before, there is no crown in heaven for completing all the readings in the guide. My goal is to provide a place for you to meet God in His word each day.

Deuteronomy 15:11 (CSB)

¹¹For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘Open your hand willingly to your poor and needy brother in your land.’

Deuteronomy is the final book of the Law of Moses and is sometimes referred to as the Torah or the Pentateuch. In the book, Moses gives a series of speeches to the next generation of Israelites, teaching them the Law and calling them to be faithful to God and to the covenant. This was very important because the generation that came out of Egypt died in the wilderness because of their unfaithfulness to God and their lack of faith. This next generation was positioned just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land and would soon go in to begin possessing the land without Moses there to guide them.

From the reading today, we see Moses repeating several of the laws he first gave to Israel at Mt. Sinai. One thing that struck me today was Deuteronomy 11:15 (above). Throughout the Old Testament, we see that God has always been concerned for people that are poor and He has always expected His people to be generous to help those that are poor.

This is a challenge for Christians today to help those that are in need. Some of the political rhetoric today can cause Christians to be less concerned for the needs of the poor. Further, with many middle-class Christians residing in suburbs, American Christians can become blind to the poor all together. How is the Lord calling you to be a part of helping those in need? What will you do in response to God’s concern for those that are poor and His commands that His people help?

Mark 13:32–33 (CSB)

³²“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven nor the Son—but only the Father.

³³“Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.

In Mark 13, we read Jesus’ words from the Olivet Discourse. There He taught about future things while on the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple complex and Jerusalem. One of the things that stood out to me was the importance of being ready for the return of Jesus. He has promised to come again, and He will keep that promise. The verses above remind us that we do not know when He will return, but that the time will come suddenly and catch many people by surprise.

Are you ready for the return of Jesus? He is really coming, and He could come at any time. Even if He waits many years, we still do not know the time of our death—whether we will grow old or die suddenly. It is really important to be ready for His return. Do you know where you stand with God today? I would love to talk with you about that if you have questions.

Blessings!

Mac