Monday: Deuteronomy 12—The Place  Six times in Deuteronomy 12, Moses used the phrase, “the place the Lord your God will choose” (verses, 5, 11, 14, 18, 21, 26). “The place” was a specific city that was to be determined after they possessed the land. This is where God would put His name, where He would dwell (verse 5). Sacrifices, vows, and tithes could only be offered at this particular place. The annual feasts must be held in this place. Verse 6 speaks of rejoicing in the gatherings in the place that He chose. King David, 400 years later, established this place as Jerusalem. It didn’t matter how far Jerusalem was from your residence, at least 3 times per year, families, children, singles, everyone would come to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts. The people would parade up to Jerusalem singing and rejoicing. Fifteen Psalms, commonly referred to as the Psalms of Ascent (120-134), were written for them to enjoy on their journey. Psalm 133, in particular, expresses these pleasant an...

Monday: Numbers 32—Choosing the 2nd Best  The people of Israel had been in the wilderness for 42 years. They were making final preparations to enter the promised land. Exciting times! This “good land” was described as a land “flowing with milk and honey,” a land of “fountains and springs, wheat and barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive trees,” a land “in which you will lack nothing.” The tribes of Reuben and Gad, however, had found some good grazing land on the west side of the Jordan for their cattle. This was good enough for them. They asked Moses if they could just settle where they were and let the other tribes have their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. Moses was reluctant but eventually agreed. What these tribes settled for was far less than what God prepared for them. It was good, but it was not the best. In like manner, God prepares a path for us, gives us strength and grace for the journey, encourages us with divine promises, and walks with us every st...

Monday: Luke 15—Joy in Heaven  What fills heaven with joy? What makes angels happy? In Luke 15, Jesus told us three stories to describe the emotional explosion that occurs in heaven when one sinner repents. He told these stories in response to the protest of the religious leaders as they watched a crowd of “sinners” come to Him. “He receives and eats with sinners,” they grumbled. The first story emphasizes the effort the Savior puts into searching for and finding a lost sinner and the tender affection He expressed as He carried the sinner home. Once home an exuberant celebration broke out. Verse 10 tells us that even the angels join these celebrations. The third story emphasizes the patience of the father, as He waited for the prodigal son to return home, confessing his sins. Even as the son was a long way off, the Father ran to him and hugged him with affection. The result was a family celebration with music and dancing. What the grumbling, religious protestors failed to realize...

Monday: Numbers 6—The Nazarite Vow In Numbers 6, there are instructions for one to take a voluntary and personal vow before God. This vow was called the Nazarite vow, a vow of holy separation to God and His service. One taking the vow was 1) to abstain from wine and any product of the grape, 2) to not allow their hair to be cut, and 3) to avoid contact with a corpse. Both Samson and Samuel were dedicated by their parents to be Nazarites from birth (Judges 13:5; 1 Samuel 1:11). Samson’s uncut hair became his strength to defeat the enemies of Israel. Samuel’s vow allowed him to serve as a high priest, even though he was not a descendant of Aaron. Although the literal vow is not a Christian practice, the significance of each part relates to a holy, Christian consecration. When our hearts are touched by Christ, we may vow to abstain from certain earthly pleasures and luxuries that distract us from living for the Lord, just as a Nazarite would abstain from wine and grape products. Uncut h...