TODAY'S BIBLE READING

OLD TESTAMENT I
Numbers 32
Numbers 32 tells the story of the tribes of Reuben and Gad who had large herds of livestock and saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead was good for grazing. They approached Moses and requested to settle in this land instead of entering the Promised Land with the other tribes. Moses was initially hesitant and feared that this would discourage the other tribes from following God's plan, but eventually agreed to their request with the condition that they help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land first. The tribes of Reuben and Gad agreed and even offered to lead the charge in battle. Moses also allowed the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle in this land. This chapter illustrates the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as well as the need for obedience to God's plan even when it may not align with our personal desires.

OLD TESTAMENT II
Proverbs 28
Proverbs 28 is a collection of wise sayings that focus on the importance of integrity, honesty, and righteousness in one's personal and professional life. The chapter begins with a warning that those who live wickedly will eventually face judgment, but those who follow God's commands will be blessed.

Throughout the chapter, the author emphasizes the importance of honesty and fairness in business dealings, as well as the need for humility and repentance when mistakes are made. The chapter also highlights the danger of greed and the importance of contentment and generosity.

In the final verses, the author stresses the importance of seeking wisdom and living in obedience to God's commands, as these lead to a blessed and fulfilling life. The chapter concludes with a reminder that the righteous will ultimately triumph, while the wicked will perish.

NEW TESTAMENT
Luke 4:1-15
In Luke 4:1-15, Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting and temptation by the devil. During this time, Jesus is tempted in three ways: to turn stones into bread, to worship the devil in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world, and to test God by jumping off the pinnacle of the temple.

Jesus resists each temptation by using scripture to rebuke the devil. He declares that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. He rebukes Satan for tempting him to worship anyone but God and tells him that only God should be worshiped. Finally, he tells Satan that he shall not test the Lord his God.

After the devil leaves him, Jesus returns to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and begins his ministry. He preaches in the synagogues and gains fame throughout the region. In Nazareth, his hometown, he reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares that he is the fulfillment of the prophecy. However, the people reject him and try to kill him, but Jesus escapes unharmed.

The passage shows Jesus' obedience to God's plan, his reliance on scripture, and his power over the devil's temptations. It also foreshadows his rejection by the Jewish leaders and his eventual death on the cross.