One Year Bible - March 3
Scriptures to read:
Matthew 9:18-38; Leviticus 5-6; Proverbs 21
After years in the field of legislative advocacy, I retired with a special appreciation for the paradoxical nature of LAW. Because in theory, it guides us toward the perfect “human community” that God originally envisioned for us; but in reality, it shines a ruthless spotlight on our constant failure to achieve it. Hence the need for the sacrificial offerings of Leviticus 5-6, and our modern-day legal system which also revolves around recompense. But what might our human community look like, if the guilty were offered pardons in lieu of demands for sacrifice?
To find out, we need look no further than Matthew 9. Because Jesus, anticipating the ultimate Sin Offering, lets us glimpse a glorious human community where the blind can see, the sick are healed, demons are banished, and death is defeated. He even tells us how to achieve it, via His astounding assertion that healing comes NOT through Divine action alone - but through the instigating action of our faith.
In these passages we see the human community go from one that is WEAK (under constant condemnation by the law, and with recourse only through offerings) to one that is MIGHTY (with access to Divine healing power through faith). So the question becomes this: What healing miracles are we instigating through OUR faith? What anxieties are we conquering? What demons are we banishing? And what dead relationships are we resurrecting through the power at our disposal?
Today, my husband will turn 87; and 48 hours from now, we’re scheduled to become first-time grandparents! All this, in spite of epic and heart-breaking challenges in recent years that have often made both outcomes seem impossible. But instead, both now stand as living testaments to Matthew 9. And to a Messiah whose Ultimate Sacrifice has brought us from being mere supplicants bearing offerings – to being collaborators with God through faith!
Memory Verse: Whoever pursues righteousness and love - finds life, prosperity and honor. - Proverbs 21:21
Prayer: I thank you Lord for your divine power and thank you for also giving us that power through our faith. Forgive us when we doubt - even after we experience your goodness in our lives over and over again.
