This week we progress into two new books.  I hoped that you are encouraged by a sense of progress.  If you have been keeping up since January, keep up the good work!  If you have fallen way behind or are just getting started just jump in and start reading.

The last few chapters of Numbers continue with instructions on what Israel was to do after entering Canaan.  The name of the fifth book of the Bible, “Deuteronomy,” means “second law.”  It is a review of God’s laws for Israel before entering the land.  We might wonder why we should review the laws, since we just read them a few weeks ago.  But you must remember that for Israel it had been 40 years since God gave the law to Moses.  Before entering the land, they needed to be reminded of the importance of following God’s law.  Bible scholars have discovered that Deuteronomy is structured like an ancient treaty between a king and his subjects.  Such treaties typically included the following sections: a preamble, a historic prologue outlining the history of the kings interactions with his subjects, a general call for allegiance to the king, specific, detailed laws for the subjects,  and a list of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.  Our reading this week covers mainly the first three sections.

In Mark we read about Christ’s trial, crucifixion and resurrection.  Luke begins his gospel by telling us something about his writing process.  His words were inspired by the Holy Spirit, but that did not preclude some careful research.  Unlike Matthew and John, Luke was not an eyewitness to these events, so he interviewed those who had been there. This week’s reading in chapter 1 covers the angelic announcements of two miraculous births, of John born to Zacharias and Elizabeth and of Jesus born to Mary.  Mary’s song of praise, called the Magnificat, expresses her deep joy at God bringing the Messiah into the world through her.  Only Luke records these details surrounding Christ’s birth.

Thank you to all who have posted questions or comments.  Please continue to share your thoughts in the comments section so that others can benefit.

Written by Pastor Ken in CFC Bible Blog