One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Sunday March 20th

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Read Numbers 30:1-31:54

Vows are similar to promises, but in the Old Testament a vow was like a contract which one had to fulfill. How much more so if a vow was made to the Lord. Paul says something similar in the New Testament when he says, "Let your yes be yes and you no be no. Anything beyond that is of the devil." Because God takes our vows seriously, it is sometimes better not to make a vow. 

The first verses apply to a man's vows to the Lord, but this chapter also deals with vows woman have made if they are married or unmarried. Because in this day and culture a man had authority over a woman (i.e. patriarchal society), either the young woman's father or husband had to approve of their vow. 

Are you careful consider whether you can fulfill a promise before make it?

Regarding the Israelites conquest of the Midianites here are some helpful ideas from bible commentator David Guzik. These types of verses can be hard to digest, but his comments help put the whole story in context. 

 The Midianites were a nomadic people, at this time associated with the people of Moab. God commanded they be attacked in retribution for their seduction of Israel into sexual immorality and idolatry - Guzik

We are generally uncomfortable with the idea of vengeance because it doesn’t seem consistent with God’s love. Yet, in the right context, vengeance is something good that God is interested in. 

In this circumstance, Israel was in a unique place – with a special call to be an instrument of God’s vengeance. This is something no person should take upon themselves today, knowing that ancient Israel had this unique place in God’s plan.

So, when God-ordained instruments of authority (such as government) take vengeance on evildoers, we as Christians can be at peace, knowing that good has been done when vengeance has been executed.

Read Luke 4:1-30

As Jesus begins his public ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit immediately he is challenged to the core regarding his identity. Usually when the devil attacks us it has do with with our identity. When our identity is rooted in Christ, we are able to defeat the evil one easily. 

1. Jesus is tempted by the devil to use his powers before it was time. The devil tries to tempt Jesus with fleshy appetites, pride, and greed. But Jesus was ready to meet his schemes with the scriptures. Since Jesus knew the scripture since he was a teenager, he was easily able to confront the lies the devil was throwing at him. The devil is not done with Jesus yet. He will try and come at a more opportune time. 

2. Jesus quoted the prophecy from Isaiah concerning the nature and role of the Messiah in the synagogue, in his hometown of Nazareth. When he was done readng, he rolled back up the scroll and with eyes fastened on him he said, "Today these scriptures are fulfilled in your midst." 

When Jesus told him a prophet is not accepted in his hometown, they were ready to throw him off a cliff. So much for the hometown hero's welcome. 

People often make commitments to God that they never keep, or intend to keep. The book of Numbers reminds the people of Israel of the significance of an oath before God. Are there things you need to change in order to honor your commitments before God?

Jesus provides a pattern for resisting the temptation of Satan... knowing the Word of God! Do you know Scripture? Do you have it tucked away in your memory so that you can use it against the temptation of Satan? Begin to memorize Scripture today!

Read Psalm 63 (This is an AWESOME Psalm!)

Read Proverbs 11:20-21

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