Day 81

Numbers 33:40–35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 11:23

OUR READING FROM Numbers today completed the recap of the locations the Israelites camped throughout their wilderness journey. Next, we turned to future preparations, as the people settled in conquered land and waited for the time they would again move toward the Promised Land.

Tribal leaders were appointed to help distribute the land grants that would be bestowed on the tribes. The priestly class of Levites would not inherit land but would reside within the communities, caring for the spiritual health of the people. Therefore, Levitical towns would be established. Cities of refuge were also to be established, so that those who accidentally caused the death of another, without malice or forethought, had a place to flee.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus continued to do exactly what He said He came to do. In the process, He continued to call together His disciples, while simultaneously gaining the chagrin and ire of the religious leaders for claiming to forgive sins. He also associated with sinners —another no-no.

Of course, Jesus was less interested in becoming accepted by the religious leaders and more interested in healing the brokenhearted and setting the captives free. It was becoming clear that Jesus’ detractors were not going to be able to control or manage Him. He was becoming a bit of a problem.

In Psalms, we encountered one of David’s most beautiful songs of worship. The words are a remarkable illustration of the way God cares for the entire earth, and all that is in it:

You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so.

We can find such comfort in Psalm 65, and it is worth the time to slowly read and meditate on today. We can always come back to this psalm when the world feels as if it’s spinning out of control beneath our feet.

WORSHIP:

You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth.