Reading for today
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 16, 17, 18
New Testament: Luke 13
Thoughts from today’s reading
Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The principles that would govern anyone that was appointed King in Israel were given hundreds of years before the people actually requested for one. The King was to write out the law, read it daily, observe it and do it.
In the time of Moses we are introduced to the ministry of the priest, and from the time of King Saul we are introduced to the ministry of the king. When Christ came, he made us a nation of Kings and Priests.
In our position as Kings, we are to continue in the word as Jesus said, so that we may be His disciples. He also said we should make disciples of nations because it is the function of Kings to propagate a nation. We cannot effectively do the work He requires of us without an abundance of His word in us and our continually being immersed in it.
Luke 13:22-30. The narrow way can be interpreted as faith in God from one perspective. Jesus was talking to the Jews who felt that they could obtain the kingdom of God by their works of righteousness which was all based on the works of the flesh and not belief in God. This is why they told the Lord, but we ate with you and heard you teach in our streets. They relied on a physical knowledge to get into the kingdom. In contrast, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob never knew Christ physically, but they believed what God told them of Him. So also, anyone who believes what God says about Christ finds salvation.
Prayer
1. Lord, I ask for your wisdom to carry out the function of a King on the earth. You said we should go into all nations and make disciples. Give us strategies to reach, teach and establish your kingdom among the peoples of the earth.
2. Heavenly Father, I thank you that by faith in your word I accepted Jesus as my saviour. Thank you that I have been given access to your heavenly kingdom through Him. You who started a good work in me are faithful to complete it until the day of your return.