Rhythm of Life

Leviticus 25
Acts 23

Food for Life:

Leviticus 25
"...The land is to have a year of rest...Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God..." (25:5,17). Even the land was to rest. Every seven years there was to be a year of rest for the land when no crops were to be planted or harvested. This chapter also describes the Year of Jubilee, when every 50th year, land was returned to original owners (according to a detailed order), slaves or workers and families could be set free, debts forgiven.

God instructs regarding the rhythm of life, "because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants" (25:23). The people are reminded that whatever they have acquired of property, materially, and to include themselves - are not their own - everything was created by God, and for God. He designed everything and knows how best to care for all things.

He is the Potter and we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18). The earth belongs to the Lord and everything it contains (Psalm 24:1). We are told that in Jesus, we are God's children, God is not only our Creator but God is our Parent...God is the perfect Parent. Not like us who have imperfections, who sin, who don't always get everything right...human and finite. God knows what is best for everything created and for all those - everyone - made in God's Image - we are God's Image bearers. Wow.

"Lord, what security and trust we can have in the reality of Who You are and Whose we are! I pray we would but seek You. And seek Your ways related to everything of life. We don't have to worry and fret about what to do and which way to go, we can seek You, read Your Word for guidance, depend and rely on You for You know the way we should go. "There seems a way that is right to man, but in the end brings death" (Proverbs 14:12). Help us to rest in You and follow You. Thank You Lord."

Acts 23
"But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul" (23:16). Paul's nephew learned of the conspiracy Paul's enemies had to kill him. He went into the barracks to tell his Uncle, who sent him to the commander with the information. What a brave young man! God gave courage and boldness to this young one. This is a glimpse of why Jesus tells us that we must have 'faith as a child'...trusting, believing, and acting on faith.

"It is easy to overlook children, assuming that they aren't old enough to do much for the Lord. But a young boy played an important part in protecting Paul's life. God can use anyone, of any age, who is willing to yield to him. Jesus made it clear that children are important (Matthew 18:2-6). Give children the importance God gives them" (pg 2010, NIV Study Bible).

"Help us Lord to value those You value and to have this child-like faith that trusts You, believes You, and acts out of that trust and faith. Thank You Lord."