Day 64

Numbers 4:1–5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 10:26

IN OUR OLD Testament reading today, we continued with the law that would shape the culture of the newly minted Israel —particularly the care for the Tabernacle as well as purity in the camp to keep disease from spreading. In our New Testament reading, Jesus confirmed the view of the Pharisees that resurrection from the dead is indeed true, while denying the belief of the Sadducees that there is no bodily resurrection.

In our reading from Proverbs today, we found a simple yet challenging truth. We probably all know people at work who do as little as possible and complain the most. Perhaps we are one of those people. But this mind-set is not good. Go to your pantry and grab that little-used bottle of vinegar. Loosen the cap and take a nice long swallow. Likely, you’ll feel your teeth set on edge because of the overpowering sharpness. Or stand open-faced over a campfire, allowing the smoke to irritate your eyes. This, according to Wisdom’s counsel, is the kind of irritation a lazy worker is to their employer.

We must remember that everything we do and say in life, including in the workplace, is as an ambassador of the King we serve. Instead of being lazy, sharp, and irritating, we should strive to be conscientious and hardworking. Because the opposite of the proverb is also true. Such an employee is soothing and sweet. We can (and should) bring the Kingdom into everything we do and say today.

WORSHIP:

As your name deserves, O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory.