Bible Readings and Devotion for October 11 & 12, 2020

Here are the references for the readings.  Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

October 11

Luke 11:29-36

Galatians 2:1-10

Psalm 105

Ezra 8

October 12

Luke 11:37-44

Galatians 2:11-21

Psalm 106

Ezra 9

Devotion for October 11 & 12, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

The centerpiece of the Old Testament is the Covenant at Mt. Sinai.  This is the promise and agreement which God brought to the former Hebrew slaves as they were gathered at the Mt. Sinai. While at the Mountain God made this covenant and built the community with it.

As you read scripture you will see that the Old Testament leads up to or references back to this event at Sinai.  Psalm 105 is a brief summary of the history of Israel leading up to the Covenant at Sinai.  The Covenant had six main points. This follows the patter of such legal documents of the era, about 1250 BC in the eastern Mediterranean region.  Here is a summary of that covenant.

1. The Lord makes the Covenant.
2. The Lord reminds the people of the great things he has done for the people. In this case, he has rescued them from slavery in Egypt.
3. The Lord makes stipulations on how the people are to live out this agreement. The Ten Commandments are this powerful guide for the new life they will have as God’s people.
4. The people are to tell others about this by writing it down (the scriptures) and by teaching it to the next generation.
5. Creation itself will be a witness to this agreement/covenant. In non-Israelite contracts of the time they would have various gods and goddesses be the witnesses. Since there is only one, true God, the Lord’s creation will remind the people of this central agreement about their life and faith.
6. There will be blessings and curses related to this covenant. If the people receive the covenant and, with God’s help, strive to follow the commandments, then there will be blessings.  If they receive it and then disregard it or work against it, then there will be negative consequences.

As you read through the Old Testament keep this covenant in mind.  It will come up in some way over and over again.  When I learned about this framework about 20 years ago it transformed by understanding of God’s Holy Word.  I pray it will help you as well.

Prayer

God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.