Day 79 Bible Readings for March 21 – Luke 3: 4 (ESV)

Numbers 10 & 11, Luke 3: 1-22, Psalm 47

Luke 3: 4 (ESV)

“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

In verse 4 from Luke 3, we read about the prophecy of Isaiah the prophet which was for John the Baptist. John the Baptist preached about repentance and the forgiveness of sins. I think we can ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of any place within our life where there is sin and where we need to repent. Then we can become like John the Baptist in our own life, and pray to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to free us from our sin and help us to repent and live a better life. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us to prepare the way of the Lord every day in our heart and in our life, so we can be filled with Christ who is the “bread of life” and “living water”.

Day 78 Bible Readings – Luke 2: 49-50 (ESV)

Numbers 8 & 9, Luke 2: 41-52, Psalm 46

Luke 2: 49-50 (ESV)

“And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.”

In verses 49 and 50 from Luke 2, we read about Jesus’ answer to his parent when they were looking for him at the Feast of Passover in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph did not understand their son when he said to them that he must be in his Father’s house. I think it must have been easy for Mary and Joseph to forget that Christ was a special child. They had raised him for many years, and he probably acted like any other child of his age. Since they were good parents, they panicked when they couldn’t find their son and looked everywhere for him except in the Temple. I think it’s interesting that no one in the Temple even wondered where Jesus’ parents were since he was there for three (3) days. These verses also show that Jesus must have realized that he was special, and knew about the special circumstances of his birth. These verses reminded me again that everything in life of Jesus was miraculous, and that from his birth and through his childhood they were signs that he was indeed the son of God.

Day 77 Bible Readings – Luke 2: 35-36 (ESV)

Numbers 7, Luke 2: 21-40, Psalm 45: 10-17

Luke 2: 35-36 (ESV)

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

In verses 35 and 36 from Luke 2, we read about Simeon’s prophecy about Jesus and warning for Mary. Simeon tells Mary and Joseph that their son was destined to cause the rise and fall of many people in Israel, and would be opposed by many. Then Simeon warned Mary that not only would the soul of Jesus be pierced, but that Mary herself would be pierced through her soul as well. But then Simeon said it would all be worth it because her son would reveal the thought of many hearts. When I read this passage, it makes me wonder if Mary fully comprehended what would happen to her infant son when he grew up. Did Mary know at that moment that Christ would one day die. Did she realize that watching her son die would feel like a sword piercing her own heart as Simeon was prophesying.? Or, did she and Joseph smile and then ignore Simeon’s words. Mary and Joseph knew that their son was going to be extraordinary, but I don’t think that they knew how much their infant son would one day change the world by sacrificing himself for the sins of the world.

Day 76 Bible Readings – Numbers 6: 22-26 (ESV)

Numbers 5 & 6, Luke 2: 1-20, Psalm 45: 1-9

Numbers 6: 22-26 (ESV)

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

When I read verses 22 through 26 from Numbers 6, I started thinking of the song “The Blessing” by Elevation Worship. Kari Jobe said the lyrics of the song came from scripture, but they don’t mention the Bible reference. They added so much to these verses that my Bible calls “Aaron’s Blessing”. Aaron spoke the blessing, but the words of the blessing came directly from God. I love that God gave Moses the words to this blessing and that every time I hear and sing this song, I will remember these words came from God.

Enjoy Elevation Worship’s version of Aaron’s Blessing.