March 11, 2021
Trust the Lord
The people of Israel continued to receive the Lord’s laws for worship and for everyday living. The list of clean and unclean animals reflected Israel’s distinctiveness among the nations.
The purpose of dedicating the first yield of the harvest was to learn to fear the Lord God always. Moses told them where to bring their tithe, and how to enjoy it as a blessing and reminder of the Lord’s provision.
Moses then discusses the concept of the sabbatical year. Any debts between fellow Israelites from the previous six years were released. The purpose of the sabbatical year was to help people recognize that the Lord provided all they needed and that they could afford to be generous. It was also a reminder that the Lord freed them from slavery in Egypt and they were not to keep each other indebted for more than six years.
These difficult verses concern a private conversation Jesus had with four of His disciples, the two sets of brothers in His inner circle. Peter, Andrew, James, and John wanted to know what signs to look for to show it was time for Jesus to return.
Rather than give them specifics, Jesus tells them some of the general signs to look for but doesn’t provide a detailed timeline. He is more focused on their witness of Him before spiritual and governmental leaders. He assures them that the Holy Spirit will provide them with the words to say at the proper time.
Instead of predicting dates for the end of the world, He asks His disciples to trust Him and be prepared to suffer for the sake of His name.
“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” - Mark 13:13
Make It Personal
- Do you trust God’s provision enough to tithe and be generous?
- Do you trust Jesus to provide the right words at the right time to enable you to be a faithful witness to those He puts into your path?
Learn More
Click here for more helpful resources on what tithing is and why it matters.