March

The Old Testament readings in March come from Numbers and Deuteronomy. Much of the material here will be similar to what you have been reading in the second half of Exodus and Leviticus. Again, don't get bogged down. Read the material quickly, pausing to look more closely at regulations or laws that seem curious or noteworthy. For instance, you may find the material about the "Nazirite vow" in Num. 6 more interesting if you discover that Samson, the famous strong man of Israel, is a Nazirite (Judg. 13).

Numbers, which covers the time of the wilderness wanderings, shows us how far short the Israelites fall when it comes to being righteous and faithful. Notice how many times they complain, commit mutiny, and break the laws God has so recently given them. Even Aaron and Miriam are jealous of Moses and his position (ch. 12). There is judgment in this book: on foreign nations, on Israel, and even on Moses himself. This is a good reminder to us that God does not simply overlook sin and error; God does not allow the people of Israel (perhaps we should read "Christians" here!) to do as they please and to take the divine call lightly. But, as elsewhere in the Bible, mercy triumphs over judgment: God remains faithful to the covenant with this people.

The name Deuteronomy, which means "second Law," indicates that this book is a repetition and summary of the regulations God has given Israel. It is a kind of constitution for the nation in the Promised Land. The book pictures Israel at the edge of the Promised Land. The book pictures Israel at the edge of the Promised Land, where Moses in his old age calls upon the people to solemnly reaffirm the covenant. It is difficult to overemphasize the importance of this book. In the new Testament, for instance, Deuteronomy is quoted and alluded to frequently. It has even been said that this book is the spiritual foundation for the modern-day state of Israel.

You may note some special themes in Deuteronomy. A basic one is the emphasis on God's love and Israel's remarkable privilege in enjoying the covenant with the Lord God (4:32-40; 7:6-11). There is also the well-known statement of Israel's faith. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone" (6:4-9). This passage, called the "Shema," is still the central affirmation of Jewish worship today. Finally, observe the rminder that there are two ways to live life - one good and one evil - along with the appeal to "Choose life so that you and your descendants may live" (30:11-20).

In the New Testament this month, we will finish the book of Acts and read much of Romans. Acts centers on Paul and his missionary activities. Many accept the message of this "apostle to the Gentiles," but many others do not. For Jewish listeners, Paul's proclamation is provocative: Gentiles may join the church on an equal footing with Jews. Acceptance of the Jewish Law is not a prerequisite; faith in Christ alone is neccessary.

The plot line in Acts moves inexorably toward confrontation with the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem and conflict with the Roman governors. It is interesting to discover that the governors in Palestine are no more concerned with justice than was Pontius Pilate a generation earlier. You will enjoy the last two chapters especially, where we read about Paul's adventures on his way from Jerusalem to Rome. Try to picture his emotions while being transported on a small ship on a storm-tossed Mediterranean.

Chapter 28 is the last we hear about Paul's life. Tradition has it that he was released, made his way to Spain to proclaim the gospel there, and eventually returned to Rome. There, we are told, he was imprisoned and later beheaded, the customary mode of execution for Roman citizens.

Romans is Paul's most important letter, not only because of its well-rounded explanation of the gospel, but also because of the influence it has had on so many great leaders of the church at decisive points in Christian history. In the first eight chapters, Paul develops a clear line of argument. Starting with the universal sinfulness of all humanity - both Gentile (1:18-32) and Jew (2:1-3:8) - he concludes that salvation comes by faith alone (chs. 3-5).

Remember, however, that this does not mean that Christians do not need to do good works. It means only that we are not justified because of them. Rather, because we have been justified, we will live a righteous life. You will find a strong and compelling presentation of this in chapters 6-8. Read the last half of chapter 8 a number of times. You will find that it encourages you and gives you reason to rest secure in the midst of the various stresses that we all encounter in contemporary life.

From The Year of the Bible by James E. Davison