Daily Bible Reading Plan – 4/1

Daily Plan: esv-study-bible: http://joansoft.com/dailybible/dp/esv/esv-study-bible/2012-04-02.htm

This week we begin what is often referred to as Passion Week. A week where we remember the days leading from when Christ entered into Jerusalem and ultimately going to the Cross, being buried in a tomb, and then rising up from the grave forever victorious. Although, in our daily plan we are not reading this particular account this week nor looking at this journey in-depth, we know that from the beginning of creation it was that epic event which was and is the centerpoint of all time. As I was reading today’s scripture, I could not help but see how each passage identified with and related to Christ’s work on the Cross and through his resurrection.

Beginning with Psalm 92, we are exhorted to give thanks to the Lord and to praise His name for all that He has done. The finished work of Calvary provides for our complete atonement as prophesied throughout the Old Testament. It truly was a great work as all man kinds sin was abolished there for whoever would receive of Him. For no man, no matter how good or great, could ever pay the eternal price for disobedience against God on account of the sin in the hearts of men; but Jesus Christ, “who knew no sin became sin” for us so that through Him we may become righteous. As I read verses 12-15, how much more wonderful are these blessings of the righteous because I know that they are mine only through the work of Christ. Oh, Give Thanks to the Lord!

We continue reading about the construction of the early wilderness tabernacle in ch. 38. It is astounding how all these furnishings relate to Jesus and His passion. First, the building of the altar of sacrifice. Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice, was “the lamb slain before the foundation of the world”. The bronze basin was for washing ones hands from uncleanness and likewise the blood that Jesus shed “cleanses us from all sin”. The making of the court was to be that place where Gods people could come to praise Him. As the Psalmist said “I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter his court with praise”. And again the Psalmist said “Better is one day in your house, better is one day in your court, than a thousand elsewhere”. The court was the place to, through praise, enter into Gods presence. Jesus came, died and arose so that those who received Him can have that blessed assurance of entering into Gods presence one day with praise on our lips.

In Esther, what really spoke to me today was the pride in Haman. As the proverb goes “pride cometh before the fall”. For many, the reason not to receive the truth of Christ is pride. As with Haman, they may be well dined and exalted today but it will lead to their death. Life is found only in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul in referring to the sin of idolatry, references the table and cup of the Lord. This no doubt is in reference to the Lords last supper. Verse 21, is a most to the point statement as I have ever read: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” We cannot serve both God and the devil at the same time. We must make a choice, a decision. There is great power in decision-making. You see, the difference between the one who always wishes for something and the one who always achieves something is directly resulted from their decision-making abilities. When you’re always just sitting around trying to decide which one to choose or what to make of your life or should I go to school or not or should I start that new business or should I make that new trip or whatever it might be; wishing will never equate into doing until you make your decision. Like I said earlier there is great power in decision-making; for with it you will forge ahead into new possibilities and risks. But never attempting to make a decision in and for your life is ultimately a decision to be left behind every one else. The same is true regarding your spiritual destiny. You must decide who you will serve and in not making a decision, the decision will be made for you and you will be left behind. Jesus is the way, truth, and life. No man may cometh unto the Father but by Him.