We continue with readings in the book of Judges this week. There are great heroes of Israel represented in the readings such as Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson, yet the book often details their failings as well. They were human beings with faults but God nevertheless used them to save Israel at these times in their history. It is sad though that Israel needed saving as they got into difficulties because they did evil serving other gods and neglected the covenant they had made with God. Judges seems to be a book showing that Israel was not really getting anywhere. What do you think?
In the New Testament we start off with Jesus' teaching on prayer when he gives the Lord's Prayer. Then he gives quite a lot of teaching with many of the great parables such as the parables of the Wedding Feast, the Shrewd Manager and one of my favorites the parable of the Lost Sheep (Ch 15). So many wonderful teachings interspersed with healings culminating in Jesus teaching about the coming Kingdom of God (Ch 17). Are there any parables, sayings or events here which stand out to you?
Psalm 20 this week is a beautiful psalm which prays blessing on others and affirms trust in God. I love the variety of the readings in the Bible!
7 Judges 5 Luke 11 Judges 6
8 Judges 7 Luke 12 Judges 8
9 Judges 9 Luke 13 Judges 10
10 Judges 11 Luke 14 Judges 12 Psalm 20
11 Judges 13 Luke 15 Judges 14
12 Judges 15 Luke 16 Judges 16
13 Judges 17 Luke 17 Judges 18
David, thank you for offering not just the monthly readings, but these peeks ahead that both ground us and whet our appetites for the stories to come!
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