Daily Bible Reading – October 2023, "God’s Saving Word: Justice and Peace"Sample

October 25

Introduction

The prophet Jeremiah lived during the latter part of the seventh century and the first part of the eighth century B.C. During his long ministry, he warned God's people of the catastrophe that would fall upon the nation because of their idolatry and sin. Today’s reading is often referred to as the “Temple Sermon.” Jeremiah is instructed to warn the people to change their ways in order to be spared God’s punishment. The reading concludes with a reference to Shiloh, a place of priestly power and a shrine to the LORD in the northern kingdom where the LORD no longer dwells (see Joshua 21:1, 2; 1 Samuel 1:3, 9) since the northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 721 B.C. because of the people’s disobedience.

Scripture Reading

Jeremiah 7:1‒15

Today’s Key Verse: Jeremiah 7:5

[The LORD says:] “Change the way you are living and stop doing the things you are doing. Be fair in your treatment of one another.”

Reflect

Today’s reading issues a warning about believing in those who speak deceitful words. The people thought the LORD’s Temple would keep them safe, but the LORD says that they have made the Temple “a hiding place for robbers” (verse 11). According to verses 5‒7, what behavioral changes need to take place for the people to be spared God’s punishment? According to verse 13, the LORD had spoken to the people “over and over again.” What does this convey about God’s concern for the people? In what ways might we discern God speaking to us “over and over again” today?

Pray

Lord God, teach me to listen each day for your voice and heed what you say. You are truly patient, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Whenever I stray from your teachings, thank you for continually reaching out to me in love and with forgiveness and drawing me back to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jeremiah 23:1‒8: Hope for the future.