Week 6: Words that remain forever

This week's Bible reading is as follows:

*Sunday: Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23
*Monday: Exodus 23:14-25:40; Matthew 24:29-51; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 7:24-27
*Tuesday: Exodus 26:1-27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-11
*Wednesday: Exodus 28:1-43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:12-13
*Thursday: Exodus 29:1-30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26
*Friday: Exodus 30:11-31:18; Matthew 26:47-68; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 8:27-32
*Saturday: Exodus 32:1-33:23; Matthew 26:69-27:14; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 8:33-36

Our S.O.A.P. for this week is from Matthew 24:

Scripture: Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.

Observation
In Matthew 24, Jesus talks about the end-times, when he will return to earth for the 2nd time, to bring judgment on the people who oppose him, and to bring justice to the earth once and for all. Many of the things that are mentioned in Matthew 24 we find back in the book of Revelation, and that's a study in itself.

What struck me in this passage is that part of Matthew 24 and/or the book of Revelation actually talks about the disappearance of heaven and earth (like v29), but Jesus says something profound here in that regard, namely that His words will remain forever. The words that he has spoken and taught, will survive the judgment, and will remain forever.

No wonder that in the Old Testament, God the Father also puts so much emphasis on listening to his word, and obeying it. The scriptures for this week in Exodus, all talk about rules (words) that God gave to Moses, and Moses wrote it down so the people could live by it (Exodus 24:3-4). Those words of God and of Jesus will remain forever.

When we get to heaven, we will continue to hear those words. God has revealed himself to us through those words. By his words we know him, and we know his heart.

Application
What a great encouragement for us to read God's word on a daily basis. These words remain forever, and we better put some effort in to read them and learn from them. They show us God's heart for us. The words in Exodus in this week's reading are all about how God uses rules to protect his people. It shows his heart of justice, and his heart of mercy. If only we took it to heart and lived by it every day! That is where the Holy Spirit comes in to guide us and direct us.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, we thank you for your words who remain forever. Guide us through the Holy Spirit to take these words to heart and to live by them every day. Instill them in us, Lord. There is nothing more we desire than to really get to know you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have a great week!

In Him,

Dick