TOPIC: The Letter of the Law and the Spirit of the Law
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me understanding and illumination as I ponder on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: MARK 2: 23-3:6
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 6th January 2023 MESSAGE
The Pharisees were very keen to keep the letter of the Law, but Jesus Christ was much more concerned with the spirit of the Law. The Law instructed farmers to leave some standing grains in their fields for the benefit of those in need (Leviticus 19:9-10). By picking the ears of corn to eat in these verses, the disciples of Jesus Christ were doing what the Law allowed.
However, as one Yoruba proverb says, ‘the throat does not know Sunday’; and these disciples were trying to satisfy their hunger on the Sabbath. Using a biblical example which the Pharisees could not contradict, Jesus Christ explained that what they did was perfectly legitimate (vs.25-26).
These teachers of the Law evidently failed to understand what Jesus said about the purpose of the Law and His own authority in vs.27-28. The healing in the synagogue on a Sabbath explained it in an unmistakable manner (3:5). Out of their concern for the letter of the Law, their reaction was a deliberate plan to break both the letter and the spirit of the Law (v.6; Exodus 20:13)!
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, please help us as your Church today to care more about the spirit rather than the letter of the Law, through Jesus Christ who is the fulfilment of the Law.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 43:2
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Genesis 9, Psalms 8.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Fri, 06-Jan-2023
PRAYER FOCUS
EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it propers, you too will prosper. – Jeremiah 29:7
THANK GOD FOR:
· Providing schools, teachers and plans to ensure our children in Nigeria are not left in ignorance .
► The plan to ensure a smooth transition from primary school to a future where our children can remain independent fending for themselves in the future.
PRAY FOR:
► The Federal, State and Local government in Nigeria to give the needed attention to Nigeria education and schools.
► Wisdom to address the issues of falling standards, examination malpractice and proliferation of unapproved schools
► Proper attention to be given to various institutions to avoid prolonged strike in our schools
► Righteousness to be established as God helps our SUCF Students in institution of higher learning.
PRAY AGAINST:
► Using unqualified people to head the education system not stem in Nigeria.
► All unholy acts of cultism, examination malpractice, sexual harassment, extortions and other social vices in our schools.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 6th January 2023. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
Salvation Prayer
Have you ever made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
If not, pray this prayer and start a new life in Christ.
Dear God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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