TODAY'S BIBLE READING

OLD TESTAMENT I
Numbers 30, 31
Numbers 30 highlights the importance of keeping vows and oaths made to God. If a man makes a vow or an oath, he must keep it. If a woman who is under the authority of a man (such as a father or husband) makes a vow or oath, it is binding unless the man nullifies it. However, if the man does not nullify the vow or oath, it remains binding. This chapter emphasizes the need for integrity and faithfulness in keeping promises made to God.

Numbers 31 describes the conquest of the Midianites by the Israelites. God commanded Moses to avenge the Israelites on the Midianites for leading them into idolatry and immorality. Moses sent 12,000 warriors, with Phinehas the priest as their leader, to attack the Midianites. The Israelites killed every man, including the five kings of Midian, and took the women, children, and livestock as plunder. Moses was angry with the soldiers for sparing the women and ordered them to kill every woman who had slept with a man, sparing only the virgins. The Israelites divided the spoils among themselves, giving a portion to the priests and to the Lord as an offering. This chapter shows the severity of God's judgment on those who lead his people into sin and the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God's commands.

OLD TESTAMENT II
Proverbs 26:13 - 27:27
Proverbs 26:13-16 warns against laziness and foolishness. The lazy person makes excuses to avoid work and will suffer the consequences, while the wise person is diligent and hardworking.

Proverbs 26:17-28 warns against gossip and slander. Just as a fire can quickly spread and destroy everything in its path, gossip can quickly destroy relationships and reputations. It's important to be careful with our words and to speak the truth in love.

Proverbs 27:1-6 reminds us that life is unpredictable and that we should not boast about tomorrow, as we do not know what the day may bring. We should also be willing to receive criticism and correction from others, as it can help us grow and improve.

Proverbs 27:7-10 emphasizes the importance of having good friendships and relationships. We should value the support and encouragement of those who are close to us, and we should also strive to be a good friend to others.

Proverbs 27:11-22 encourages us to be wise and discerning in our actions and decisions. We should seek counsel from wise people and be willing to listen to their advice. We should also be careful not to be too proud or arrogant, as this can lead to our downfall.

Proverbs 27:23-27 uses the example of a farmer tending to his fields to illustrate the importance of diligent work and careful management. Just as a farmer must carefully tend to his crops to ensure a good harvest, we must be diligent in our work and manage our resources wisely to be successful in life.

NEW TESTAMENT
Luke 3
Luke 3 begins with the introduction of John the Baptist, who was the prophesied forerunner of Jesus Christ. John was preaching and baptizing in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the coming Messiah.

Luke then provides a detailed genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage all the way back to Adam, the first man. This emphasizes that Jesus was not only a Jewish Messiah but also the Savior of all humanity.

Next, John the Baptist warns the religious leaders and the crowds of their need for repentance and baptism, and he calls them to bear fruit in keeping with their repentance. He reminds them that their Jewish heritage alone is not enough to save them, but they must also live out their faith through righteous deeds.

John the Baptist declares that he is not the Christ but is merely preparing the way for Him. He predicts that the coming Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, and He will judge the world.

Finally, Luke recounts Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, during which the Holy Spirit descends on Jesus, and a voice from heaven declares, "You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased."

Overall, Luke 3 emphasizes the importance of repentance, baptism, and bearing fruit as evidence of a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. It also highlights Jesus' divine identity as the Son of God and Savior of the world.