Word of God Communities

Path 1: New Testament and Psalms In John 12–13, Jesus enters Jerusalem as the true King, yet many fail to believe despite His signs. He foretells His death as the way of glorification and life. In the upper room, He washes His disciples’ feet, modeling humble service, and foretells His betrayal, commanding them to love one another as He has loved them.

Path 2: Old Testament Pentateuch/History In Exodus 32–34, Israel breaks covenant by worshiping the golden calf, yet Moses intercedes for them. God renews His covenant, proclaiming His character as merciful and just. Moses beholds God’s glory, and his shining face reveals the transforming power of God’s presence, a reminder that the covenant rests on God’s steadfast mercy rather than Israel’s faithfulness.

The Glory of Christ: Moses’ radiant face foreshadows the surpassing glory of Christ, who reveals the fullness of God’s glory in the new covenant. Just as Israel…

In Proverbs 6-7, Solomon warns against laziness, deceit, and adultery, urging diligence and moral integrity. Wisdom is portrayed as a protective guide, while folly, personified as a seductive woman, leads to destruction. These chapters continue to build upon emphasizing righteous living and the fear of the Lord to avoid ruin and honor God’s design.

In Exodus 30-31, God instructs Moses on the Tabernacle’s altar of incense, atonement offerings, and skilled artisans like Bezalel, filled with His Spirit. Sabbath observance is emphasized as a covenant sign. These chapters highlight God’s provision for worship and rest, reinforcing His holy presence among Israel, building on the priestly roles in Exodus 28-29.

The Sabbath. The Sabbath is a covenant sign, sanctifying Israel through rest and dedication to God. Both biblical law and natural law (nature itself) affirm rest as vital for the soul, restoring our focus on God’s holiness. By observing a rhythm of rest, we honor God’s design through trust in His provision and presence.

In John 9-11, Jesus heals a blind man, revealing his divine power, and faces growing hostility from the Pharisees. He teaches about being the good shepherd and raises Lazarus from the dead. These chapters emphasize Jesus’ authority over life and death, deepening faith in his messianic identity amid escalating opposition by the Jews.

The Good Shepherd In John 10:11-18, Jesus presents Himself as the good shepherd that lovingly leads and protects his flock, contrasting against the Jewish leaders we just saw in John 8-9, who lack spiritual insight and reject truth. Their blindness to God’s revelation leaves Israel directionless, while Jesus offers righteous guidance and sacrifice. We must trust his leadership, following his voice to live justly in God’s flock.

In Proverbs 3-5, Solomon extols the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom, promising peace and protection for the righteous. He warns against folly, immorality, and wicked paths, urging steadfast obedience. These chapters emphasize wisdom’s rewards and outline the disciplined life that honors God’s righteous design.

Wisdom and Folly Personified. In Proverbs 5:1-6, wisdom and folly are personified as women to vividly illustrate life's choices: wisdom as a faithful guide offering protection and life, folly as a seductive adulteress leading to ruin. This device makes abstract principles relational and memorable, urging us to pursue righteous wisdom and reject folly's deceptions for a just, God-honoring path.

In Exodus 28-29, God details the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons, symbolizing holiness and service, and outlines their consecration rituals. These chapters emphasize the sacred role of priests as mediators between God and Israel, reinforcing the covenant’s sanctity and God’s call for righteous worship, building on the Tabernacle’s design in Exodus 25-27.

In John 7-8, Jesus teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles, proclaiming himself the source of living water and light of the world. Facing skepticism and hostility, he forgives the adulterous woman and debates the Pharisees. These chapters highlight Jesus’ divine authority, growing opposition, and his call to truth and righteousness.

Light of the World.  In John 8:12, Jesus declares himself the light of the world on the last day of  the Feast of Tabernacles, when massive lampstands lit the temple. Following his bread of life claim in chapter 6, this reveals him as not only the sustainer, but the divine source of guidance and truth. We must follow his light, living righteously to reflect God’s glory amidst darkness.

In Job 38-40, God finally responds.  Speaking from a whirlwind, God confronts Job with His divine power and wisdom in creation. He challenges Job’s understanding, highlighting His sovereignty over all things. Job humbly acknowledges his limitations, and God continues, emphasizing His authority over all, preparing Job to trust His justice despite suffering.

In Exodus 21-22, God gives Israel laws on slavery, personal injury, property, and restitution, establishing His standard of justice and righteousness. These laws reflect God’s holy character, guiding Israel to live rightly as His covenant people.

Are these laws worth reading? Though these laws were for ancient Israel, their underlying principles—justice, responsibility, and restitution—apply today. For example, compensating for injury or stolen property teaches accountability and care, urging believers to act justly and love their neighbor.  Restitution, the act of making someone or something right when you sin, is a timeless principle we should be teaching our children.