Reading for today
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 31, 32, 33
New Testament: Luke 18
Thoughts from today’s reading
Deuteronomy 33:8-11. As Moses gives his final blessings to the children of Israel, we see the blessing on the tribe of Levi. It says they did not regard their father, mother, brothers or children above the word God had commanded. Therefore they were able to act as priests of God and teach His judgements to Israel.
This reminds me of what Jesus said, that you must hate father, mother, brothers and spouses compared to Him in order to be His disciple.
Luke 18:1-8. According to the laws that were given in the Old Testament, no one was to prevent justice being given to a widow, not even a wicked judge. Deuteronomy 27:19 says, ‘Cursed is the one who perverts the justice due the stranger, the fatherless, and widow.’
This widow must have gone to the judge on the basis of this word and that is why she was so persistent knowing that God wanted her to have her justice.
If we see what God has said concerning us, we must keep declaring it, daily taking action on the basis of that word until it comes to pass, that is faith in action.
Prayer
1. Lord, I will always place you as the priority in my life and trust you to direct me the right way in all things. As I put you first, I realise that your word says I should honour my mother and father. As I put you first, I realise that your word says to love my neighbour as myself. As I put you first, I realise that you have instructed me to serve wherever I am as unto the Lord. If I put anything else before you, I realise that I create more problems for myself and for others too.
2. Lord Jesus, you revealed unto us from this parable of the widow that when we have a word from you, we must be persistent to act on it until it comes to pass. Thank you for strength and resilience that your grace gives me to keep going until I see a manifestation of what you have promised.