December 16

Today's Reading

Micah. The prophecy in Chapter 5, that a Ruler with origins from the distant past would rise out of Bethlehem is followed by the words, "He will...lead His flock." Bethlehem was the town of shepherds and flocks, but this told of a Ruler who leads His flock. We know now what Micah foresaw. Also, one of my favorite verses is Micah 6:8: "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God."

Revelation. The 144,000 were 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. One interpretation is that they were literally Jews whom God raised up and protected to proclaim Jesus as Messiah during the Great Tribulation. The other thought is that the number is symbolic and this refers to all followers of Christ during the time. Either way, notice the great multitude of those who are to be martyred during those dark years.

Psalms. Can there be any doubt that God wants us to praise Him? He designed us to give worship and the He is to be the object. If we put our trust in anything else, we become like that which we worship.

Proverbs. This does not mean that we are to speak only in direct Bible quotes from now on. The Scripture itself contains various examples of preaching or teach by using Scripture and elaborating on it. This means that we are not to say that God said something which He didn't say. For instance, the Bible does not say, "God helps those who helps themselves."

What speaks to you today?