For a couple years in high school I marched in the band. Band directors always impress me. Anyone who forms coherent lines out of flocks of teenagers possesses a bit of genius and a lot of determination. Bless them all for their efforts.

But as a teenager, I thought the band director oppressive. He forced me to carry my instrument a certain way, to go to an exact spot of the football field in line with everyone else, and even badgered me into walking heel-to-toe. Then do it all over and over. Dude, lighten up.

Enmeshed in my gaggle of pimply musicians, I failed to see the value of the discipline our band director enforced. But after weeks of practice under the late summer sun, a show emerged. Still only a small half-time performance, but a group of kids now moved in sync, blasting memorized music and thoroughly enjoying our new abilities—pulled out of us due to our director’s vision and discipline.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the value of discipline. God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. I tend to think of discipline as punishment, but that’s not the point here. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Discipline feels hard to bear, even unendurable at times. From my vantage point I cannot see the full picture of what lies beyond. But like my band director on his stand, the Lord knows the direction he wants me to move. I need to believe in the process, gain confidence as my director shifts me, and look forward the new show to come.

Hebrews 12 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Katrina Berban

It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

The writer of Hebrews shares this disturbing insight after teaching about those who receive the knowledge of the truth, then deliberately keep on sinning. Doing so, they trample the Son of God underfoot and insult the Spirit of grace. Now judgement and a raging fire that consumes the enemies of God awaits.

The writer does not speak here of those who wrestle with God, question the scriptures, and seek in halting ways. The Lord shows great patience for all of us in our journey with him, despite our failures along the path.

Rather, this bunch refutes former ideas of God, turning again and again to tear down the faith of those around them. No one is spared—parents, brothers, sisters, former friends—all targets for their sacrilegious posture and mockery.

Perhaps I’m too cavalier with those who profess the faith then turn apostate? Better to warn them than smile and let them go. God’s grace awaits. There’s still time to repent, turn back to Jesus and escape their dreadful fate.

Hebrews 10 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Jr Korpa

The Lord gave the nation of Israel a long list of laws to follow as they left Egypt for their new home. It helps to remember that good reasoning exists behind every rule, each placed to protect from harm and to provide for a better life.

God told Moses, Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow before it. I am the Lord your God.

Why this rule?

Venerating an idol diverts devotion from the Creator to the creation. A spiritual battle rages unseen around us, and our enemy delights in confusing religious affections. Rocks smoothed and scraped appear harmless, but behind them demons snicker as prayers bounce off.

Fervor of this type twists the worshiper into coaxing gifts or offering appeasements. Either way, getting what benefits them. But transactional worship fails to settle the heart. As the Lord said, you will eat, but you will not be satisfied.

The Lord desires us to know him, to savor a relationship that develops over years and lasts into eternity, a relationship that is rich, fulfilling, and growing ever deeper. We are made to enjoy the Lord.

A carved image stops all this cold. God wants to protect us from the dead end of transactional worship, and provide the peace of a life lived alongside the Lord.

Leviticus 26 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Mick Haupt

In the laws given to Moses, the Lord imposed an radical new practice. Every seven years the land was to lay at rest, no sowing or reaping, a Sabbath year. Then, after seven Sabbath periods (49 years), the nation celebrated a year of Jubilee. Here’s how the year started:

On the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land. Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It will be a jubilee for you.

What a wonderful morning waking up to trumpets proclaiming liberty throughout the land! The displaced returned to their family homesteads. Debts were settled and servants set free. A societal reset every fifty years.

An interesting idea for today. One mark of good government are systems where people can work off debt, set themselves free, and find good homes for themselves and their families. Be grateful when such structures are in place, and work to ensure they stay.

We can personally bless in jubilee-type ways. Perhaps it’s helping a co-worker succeed and advance, whether you benefit or not. Maybe it’s lending a hand to a neighbor, or serving in a disaster zone, or giving to good organizations caring for the needy.

Or perhaps it’s simply telling of the Jubilee we’ve experienced.

The good and gracious God created a system of liberty and rest for the children of Israel. The same good and gracious God sent his Son proclaiming liberty to all who respond. Accept his gift, tell others, and enjoy the jubilee.

Leviticus 25 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Fuu J