We now begin doubling up on some portions of the Bible, while not reading other portions. For instance, today we read Genesis 36 and 37, and leave out Job and Isaiah. We do this to help balance out the bible sections that we are reading, as the Torah and History books are the larger than the Poetry and Prophets. I download the monthly reading schedule to my phone, so I always have a point of reference, and stick a copy on my refrigerator.
To download a copy of this month’s reading, click here.
We are in the week of Double Portion with a focus on Job and the Lord’s mercy and compassion. This Sunday, and next, will be devoted to this mystery of God’s workings and Job’s full recovery. We also will use Saturday, February 11th, at the Men’s INHERITANCE to apply this to our life and livelihoods. If you have extra time, Habakkuk is an excellent short version of Job, with only three chapters. It’s probably shorter because Habakkuk didn’t have any friends to help him.
Mark 8 – 14
Mark eight begins with the feeding of the Four Thousand, the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, Jesus predicting His death and resurrection and our call to take up our cross to follow Him. Transfiguration and arguments follow in chapter nine and marriage and divorce, the rich young ruler, a hundredfold return, and the greatness of serving. In chapter eleven, we begin the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Parables, testing, and Olivet discourse are in chapters twelve and thirteen. In chapter fourteen we find the anointing in Bethany, Last Supper, prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus’ arrest.
2 Corinthians 4 – 10
In chapter four, Paul shares the ministry we have received, and the glory of God seen in Jesus’ face. He encourages us to not look at the things that are seen (our light afflictions) but the things that are not seen. This is because what is seen is temporary and what is not seen is eternal. Chapter five speaks to our heavenly bodies and our aim to be pleasing to God in all things. Christ died for us all, that we who live should live no longer for ourselves. Reconciliation has been gained, God to man and man to God. In chapter six is the grace of God in ministry, the call to be holy. In chapter seven, Paul relates the effect that his writing, to address the sin in 1 Corinthians, affected him and how it affected them—Godly sorrow, to repentance, to salvation not to be regretted. Chapter eight begins two chapters of giving. The grace of the Macedonian church, completion of what has been started in the heart, with the promise of the grace of giving in all its aspects. Chapter ten is spiritual warfare; the war is in the mind. Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ is our charge.
Genesis 36 – 44
The families of Esau are listed in chapter thirty-six. Chapter thirty-seven begins Joseph’s trials. In chapter thirty-eight is the faith of Tamar (who is listed in the genealogy of Christ). Chapters thirty-nine through forty-one records Josephs trials, coming to peace with God, and bringing an answer of peace to Pharaoh. In chapters forty-two through forty-four are Joseph’s brothers coming, and his brothers being tested, all the way to Judah offering himself as slave for Benjamin in order not to break His father’s heart.
Job 36 – 40
In Chapters thirty-six and thirty-seven, Elihu continues bringing Job face to face with his hypocrisy in justifying himself rather than God. He exalts God and His majesty. He shows Job’s utter foolishness in demanding an audience with God for perceived injustice. In chapter thirty-eight, the Lord answers Job out of the whirlwind. Now Job will have to answer to God. In chapters forty-one through forty-two, Job is brought into repentance, the knowledge of truth, his senses, and escapes the hand of the devil who had taken Job captive to do his will (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Job prays for His friends and God restores double.
Isaiah 36 – 40
Isaiah thirty-five finished with one of the most powerful prophetic promises of restoration. Now chapter thirty-six begins with Sennacherib, king of Assyria coming to boast against Jerusalem. Isaiah helps Hezekiah hold his place in faith and trust in God. This intimidation escalates until, in chapter thirty-seven, Hezekiah calls on God, and Isaiah confirms Sennacherib’s destruction. An angel goes out and kills eighty-five thousand soldiers, and Sennacherib’s sons murder their father. In chapters thirty-eight through thirty-nine, Hezekiah is dying, but his prayers and tears extend his life for fifteen years. He foolishly shows the envoy of Babylon all his treasure. Chapter forty begins the call to comfort Jerusalem, the coming salvation, and the promise to those who wait on the Lord.
