Daily Reading Week 25
Sunday
Nehemiah 10 (Scripture Focus Nehemiah 10:32-39)
Discover:
In Nehemiah 10 the people came together and recognized how important it was to support the worship and upkeep of the temple. This wasn’t just a nice gesture—it was part of following God’s law. They understood that the temple needed financial support to keep its services running smoothly, and they were willing to contribute to cover those everyday expenses.
They also had to rediscover the value of giving God the first and best of what they had—the “first fruits” of their harvest. Nehemiah wasn’t introducing something new here; he was simply bringing back a practice that had been part of their faith from the early days.
While the New Testament doesn’t require this exact practice, the heart behind it still matters today. Giving God the first part of our time, resources, and abilities is a timeless principle that reflects our trust and gratitude.
Once the people brought their tithes, the Levites gathered them and brought them to the temple. In the Old Testament, tithing—a tenth of one’s income—was the starting point for giving. In the New Testament, we’re encouraged to give in proportion to how God has blessed us, which should be at least as generous. Even the Levites gave a tenth of what they received to support the priests.
The big idea here is that God’s work should be supported by God’s people, and those who serve in ministry should be cared for. The people back then were committed to this, and they didn’t want to fall short in their support of temple worship. As followers of Christ today, we’re called to carry that same spirit of dedication and generosity in supporting God’s work.
Respond:
1. How do you currently contribute to the upkeep of your church or community?
2. What does it mean to you to be a part of a community that supports God's work?
3. In what ways can you ensure you are not neglecting the house of the Lord?
Monday
Exodus 30 (Scripture Focus Exodus 30:11-16)
Discover:
In Exodus 30:11–16, God instructed Moses to collect a half-shekel offering from every Israelite as a sign of atonement and belonging. This act of giving wasn’t about the amount—it was about the heart behind it. Everyone, regardless of wealth, gave the same, symbolizing that all stood equal before God. Giving, then and now, is a personal expression of worship. It reflects our trust in God, our gratitude for His provision, and our desire to participate in His work. When we give, we’re not just supporting a cause—we’re acknowledging that our lives belong to God. This passage also reminds us that everything we have is from Him. Our resources, opportunities, and even our breath are gifts from a generous God. Recognizing this shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. We begin to see our possessions not as things to cling to, but as tools to honor God and bless others. Incorporating giving into our lives as a regular act of worship helps keep our hearts aligned with God’s purposes. Whether it’s through tithing, supporting missions, or helping someone in need, consistent and intentional giving deepens our relationship with God. It’s not about how much we give, but about giving with a heart full of love and trust. As we grow in faith, may our generosity reflect the grace we’ve received and the God we serve.
Respond:
1. How does giving reflect your relationship with God?
2. What does it mean to you that everything you have is from God?
3. How can you incorporate giving as a regular act of worship in your life?
Tuesday
Malachi 3
Discover:
Because God’s people didn’t keep the covenant they had made with Him at Mount Sinai, He allowed them to be taken into exile. First, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, and then, about 140 years later, the southern kingdom of Judah fell to Babylon in 586 BC (2 Kings 17:7–23; 25:1–26). But God didn’t forget His promises. In 538 BC, a faithful remnant—mostly from Judah—returned to the Promised Land. Their mission was to renew their covenant with God, rebuild the temple, and wait in hope for the restoration of David’s kingdom (Ezra 1–2).
Unfortunately, the people struggled to live out their calling. Prophets like Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi spoke out about their spiritual decline. By Malachi’s time, things had gotten so bad that the people were even accused of robbing God. That might sound strange—how can anyone steal from the Creator of everything? But God had entrusted His people with resources and responsibilities. They were meant to give back a portion of what they had—tithes and offerings—to support the temple and the priests. When they withheld those gifts, they were essentially keeping what belonged to God (Malachi 3:6–9).
This ties into a bigger truth we saw in the eighth commandment: while we have the right to own things (Exodus 20:15), we’re also called to use what we have in ways that honor God. That means holding our possessions loosely and giving generously to support worship and the teaching of His Word (Numbers 18:8–32). When we neglect to support those who lead and teach in God’s name, we’re not just being stingy—we’re showing disregard for the covenant relationship we have with Him.
Even though we no longer have a temple or a priesthood in the same way, the principle still applies. God’s people are still called to support the work of His kingdom. Let’s be faithful stewards of what He’s given us and never be found guilty of withholding from the One who has given us everything.
Respond:
1. What fears or doubts do you have about tithing?
2. How can you trust God more with your finances?
3. What blessings have you experienced when you have been faithful in giving?
Wednesday
Genesis 14 (Scripture Focus Genesis 14:17-24)
Discover:
The priesthood of Israel, once confined to Aaron and the tribe of Levi, came to its fulfillment and conclusion with the coming of Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus opened the priesthood to all of God’s people (1 Peter 2:9–10). However, this did not eliminate the concept of a distinct, divinely appointed priesthood. Rather, it was transformed and elevated in the person of Jesus, who now serves eternally in the priestly order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7), reigning as our Great High Priest. This passage provides the only historical account of Melchizedek, and all subsequent biblical references to him draw theological meaning from this foundational moment.
Melchizedek stands out as a unique figure who held both kingly and priestly authority simultaneously—a combination not seen in Israel’s later kings. While figures like David occasionally performed priestly acts, none were formally appointed to both offices. Melchizedek, however, was a priest-king, fully embodying both roles in a way that foreshadowed Christ.
His name, meaning “king of righteousness,” and his title as king of Salem (peace), point to his role as a righteous ruler and a bearer of divine blessing. As king of Jerusalem, he prefigures the ultimate Priest-King—Jesus—who now reigns from the throne of David, bringing righteousness and peace to His people.
Most striking, however, is Melchizedek’s act of generosity: he brings out bread and wine to bless Abram. In a time when such provisions were reserved for royalty, this gesture reveals a heart of abundant giving and care. This moment is not merely historical—it is deeply symbolic. Melchizedek’s generosity becomes a model for godly leadership, pointing us to the lavish grace of Christ. Jesus, the true Priest-King, offers Himself as the Bread of Life and the true Vine, generously nourishing His people with eternal sustenance. His priesthood is marked not only by authority and righteousness but by a self-giving love that continues to bless and sustain His people today.
Respond:
1. How do you acknowledge God's role in your achievements?
2. What does it mean to you to give back to God from what He has given you?
3. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity?
Thursday
Matthew 23 (Scripture Focus Matthew 23:23)
Discover:
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a movement called the Social Gospel emerged in America. Influenced by theological liberalism, it emphasized helping the poor and addressing social injustices—things like feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. While these are clearly good and important actions, the movement often downplayed the reality of sin and the deeper spiritual truths of Christianity. Understandably, many believers who held tightly to the core doctrines of the faith pushed back against this trend.
In their effort to avoid the pitfalls of the Social Gospel, some theological conservatives went too far in the other direction. They became so cautious about being associated with liberal theology that they nearly abandoned charitable works altogether. In doing so, they missed something vital.
This kind of overcorrection is a bit like what Jesus pointed out in Matthew 23:23–24. The religious leaders of His day were meticulous about tithing—even down to their herbs! But while they were busy counting out cumin seeds, they were neglecting the weightier matters of God’s law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It’s not that their tithing was wrong—it was actually commendable. But they lost sight of the bigger picture.
Helping others in meaningful ways often requires more from us than simply following rules. It might mean giving up time, comfort, or even risking our reputation to stand for what’s right. That’s the kind of faithfulness God calls us to.
Micah 6:8 puts it beautifully: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” And as Bishop Hilary of Poitiers once said, “God laughs at the superficial diligence of those who measure cucumbers.” In other words, let’s not get so caught up in the small stuff that we forget the heart of what God really wants from us.
Respond:
1. How do you balance the act of giving with living out justice and mercy?
2. What are some ways you can practice faithfulness in your daily life?
3. How can you ensure your giving reflects God's love and compassion?
Friday
2 Corinthians 9 (Scripture Focus 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
Discover:
When we study the Mosaic law and how it fits into the new covenant, one thing becomes clear: not everything from the old covenant still applies in the same way. For example, the sacrifices once made to atone for sin are no longer necessary—Jesus fulfilled their purpose completely through His death on the cross. But that doesn’t mean all of God’s commands have been set aside. The New Testament makes it clear that followers of Jesus are still called to live in ways that reflect God’s moral law. Stealing, for instance, didn’t suddenly become okay just because Jesus came.
Take the grain offering from Leviticus 2. While we don’t bring literal grain to the altar today, the heart behind that offering still matters. In Joel 2, God promises to restore Israel’s fruitfulness so they can once again bring their offerings. We’re living in that time of restoration now—God is gathering people from every nation into His family. And just like the Israelites brought the fruit of their labor to God, we’re called to do the same. Our giving is a way of honoring Him and supporting His work in the world.
Back then, the grain offering helped sustain worship and teaching at the tabernacle or temple. Today, our giving supports the church’s mission and helps care for those in need. That’s exactly what Paul was encouraging in 2 Corinthians 8–9. He was asking the Corinthian believers to contribute to a collection for the struggling church in Jerusalem. In 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, Paul really drives the point home: give generously, and you’ll experience the joy and blessing that comes with it.
God isn’t just after our money—He wants our hearts. Giving shouldn’t feel like prying open a clenched fist. Instead, it’s an opportunity to participate in something bigger than ourselves: the work of God’s kingdom. As Dr. John MacArthur puts it, “God loves a heart that is enthusiastically thrilled with the pleasure of giving.”
Respond:
1. How does generosity impact your relationship with God and others?
2. What are some ways you can give cheerfully and willingly?
3. How have you experienced God's provision in your life?
Saturday
Hebrews 13 (Scripture Focus Hebrews 13:15-16)
Discover:
Animal sacrifices—like bulls, goats, and lambs—are no longer part of Christian worship because Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled their purpose once and for all. That doesn’t mean Christians have no sacrifices to offer today however. In fact, we’re called to offer something even more personal: our praise, our good works, and our generosity. Hebrews 13:15–16 reminds us that praising God and sharing with others are sacrifices that still matter deeply to Him.
Doing good and sharing what we have has always been part of what it means to belong to God’s people. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to care for their fellow citizens who had fallen on hard times. Proverbs 14:21 even says that those who are generous to the poor are blessed. And this same heart for others carries right into the New Testament. James 1:27 tells us that true, pure religion includes caring for orphans and widows—people who were especially vulnerable in the first century. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:28, saying that one reason we work is so we can have something to share with those in need.
Scripture is full of encouragements to be generous and kind. The message is clear: real, living faith expresses itself in love and care for others. This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a core part of Christian life and ministry. And there are so many ways to live it out. Yes, financial giving is important—especially to support our churches and help fellow believers in need. Generosity goes beyond money though. Cooking a meal, offering childcare, helping with home repairs or yard work—these are all meaningful ways to “do good and share.”
Even if your budget is tight, your time and talents can be a beautiful offering to God. Most Christians understand this well, but for those who might need a reminder, John Calvin offers a strong word in his commentary on Hebrews 13:16: when we neglect to do good and share, we’re actually withholding from God something He values deeply.
Respond:
1. How can you make your life a continual offering of praise to God?
2. In what ways can you do good and share with others in your community?
3. How does living a life of worship impact your daily decisions and interactions?