Reading for today
Old Testament: Leviticus 4, 5, 6
New Testament: Mark 4
Thoughts from today’s reading
Leviticus 4. In these three chapters of Leviticus, we see a continuation of the instructions for the work to be done in the tabernacle. Chapter 4 addresses the sin offering and for every form of sacrifice for the sin offering something had to die and its blood was used as atonement for the sinner. This all points to the sacrifice of Jesus for us. The bottom line that all these chapters remind us of is that the wages of sin is death, but we thank God that his gift to us is life through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Mark 4:13-20. The parable of the sower teaches us that the word of God is like seed and our hearts are like the ground. We also see that the problem was never with the seed but always with the ground. Another parable in verse 26-29 tell us that the ground that receives seed yields a crop, how it happens cannot be explained, but the ground will always respond to the seed.
As long as our hearts are open to Gods word, the word will produce fruits in our lives. The key is to prepare our hearts by guarding it with diligence and blocking unproductive words and thoughts from getting in. We can also prepare it by removing those things that stifle the word of God, like unforgiveness, worries, jealousy, etc.
Prayer
1. Father we acknowledge that the wages of sin is death, but you have given us your free gift of righteousness and life through Jesus Christ. You said if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us of all unrighteousness. Thank you that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
2. Heavenly Father, I commit my heart to you for your word says out of my heart flows all the issues of life. I empty myself of all pride, unforgiveness, worries and cares of this world. I make room for your word and give it first place in my life.