Reading With the People of God - #5 We Believe.Намуна

Memorization Challenge of the Month:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Reading with the People of God Primer:

The Psalms of the Holy Bible are so beautiful and poignant. The imagery the author uses today to express the blessings of God, following the obedience to walk in his ways, makes a lot of sense to believers, especially those who live in a more rural and agrarian society. Following the statutes of our loving Heavenly Father, a man stands to manage his household into blessings and prosperity. Even today, God’s plan and ways point the way to healthy family relationships in our complex and fast-paced world. What man would not want to foster an environment in his home where his wife may be described as a “fruitful vine” and his offspring as fresh, new olive shoots of potential around his table? We will not always be perfect at these roles, but as we are guided by the healthy fear of the Lord and love for his Word, the long arc of our walk with Jesus will lead us to rest and peace in Him.

We will see tribulation and discouragement, just as Israel has had to fight for its existence against oppression and hatred. But the Lord is righteous. Today’s reading in the OT lays out God’s Mercy Clause for the unintentional loss of life, allowing the establishment of cities of sanctuary. God’s Word distinguishes between his laws and statutes and the Ten Commandments he establishes in Deuteronomy 5.

The apostle Paul opens the book of Romans, establishing the bona fides of Jesus the Messiah and assuring the world that ALL are called to belong to Jesus Christ. All the people who love God are now called, forgiven, and redeemed by the work of Christ on the cross. We, Jews and Gentiles alike are now sent. Wherever we find ourselves, our testimony is the gospel message of Jesus Christ, crucified for the forgiveness of sins. Paul makes the stakes for humanity for those who reject Christ very clear. A slow read through the results of a depraved mind should energize our walk with the Lord. Blessings to you today and sing a new song to the Lord!

- Matt Harry, Ministering Elder, Cornerstone Community Church, Chowchilla.