I had a revelation this month. Reading the Bible in a year can be so challenging because Leviticus and February hit at the same time. Reading these lists of laws can be monotonous, especially in the dark days of winter. But I was convicted this week by a verse in Nehemiah:
“So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard . . . And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law . . . And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground . . . And all the people went their way . . . to make great rejoicing.” (Neh. 8)
The Law was a gift to these ancient people. Cultures all around them were grasping for ideas for how they could possibly please their mysterious and unknowable gods, but the true God of the Israelites gave them a clear code. Follow these laws, and I will bless you.
Knowing what God desired was a blessing, a relief, a certain way forward. That’s why they rejoiced. This gave me hope, and maybe a renewed interest in the law.
Nevertheless, I’m glad we’re through Leviticus.
Helpful resource: March “Bible in a Year” reading plan
We’re moving on through Numbers this month, and a bit more action. Then, Deuteronomy, the end of the Pentateuch. The death of Moses and the beginning of life for the Israelites in Canaan. We’ll see God establishing his holy nation in these chapters, and we’ll be in Judges by the time the month is up.
Now that you’re 58 days in, you’ve probably developed a habit that has made Bible reading a regular part of your daily routine. That’s awesome! Are you sticking with it? What’s been challenging for you? What was it like reading the law with your kids? There’s some dicey stuff there. Did you skip any laws as you read? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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