TODAY'S BIBLE READING

MAY 31

OLD TESTAMENT I
Deuteronomy 10:12 - 11:32
In Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32, Moses reminds the Israelites of their covenant with God and the importance of keeping His commandments. He urges them to fear the Lord and to love Him with all their hearts and souls, and to serve Him faithfully. Moses emphasizes the uniqueness of God and His power and reminds the Israelites of the great miracles He performed for them in delivering them from Egypt and providing for them in the wilderness. He exhorts them to obey God's commandments and to teach them to their children, so that they may live long in the land that God has promised them. Moses also warns them of the consequences of disobedience, including famine, drought, and defeat in battle. Finally, he encourages them to choose life by obeying God and holding fast to His commands.

OLD TESTAMENT II
Song of Solomon 1:1 - 2:7
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic book in the Old Testament that celebrates the love and intimacy between a man and a woman. The opening verses introduce the main characters, the Shulamite woman and her lover, who is referred to as the "beloved." The Shulamite declares her love for the beloved and praises his physical appearance.

In the following verses, the beloved responds to the Shulamite's declarations of love and compliments her beauty. He compares her to a mare and a flock of sheep, which suggests that she is strong and graceful. He also expresses his desire to be close to her and compares her to a lily among thorns.

The Shulamite responds by inviting the beloved to come and join her in a garden of spices, where they can enjoy each other's company and express their love. She refers to him as her king and expresses her longing to be with him forever.

The passage concludes with the beloved proclaiming his love for the Shulamite and declaring that she is his dove, his perfect one. He invites her to come away with him to the mountains and the hills, where they can enjoy each other's love in a secluded and private place. Overall, the Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty and power of love and the intimate connection between two people who are deeply in love.

NEW TESTAMENT
Luke 9:18-36
In Luke 9:18-36, Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is, and they answer with a variety of responses. Jesus then asks who they think he is, and Peter answers that he is the Christ of God. Jesus tells them to keep this revelation quiet, and he goes on to predict his death and resurrection. He also teaches his disciples about self-denial and taking up one's cross to follow him.

Later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray, and he is transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus about his impending death in Jerusalem. A voice from heaven confirms Jesus as God's Son, telling the disciples to listen to him. They return to the other disciples, and Jesus heals a boy possessed by a demon.

The passage emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Christ, the Son of God, and the importance of following him even to the point of self-sacrifice. It also highlights the revelation of Jesus' glory and the voice of God affirming his divine identity.