Today’s Bible Reading

November 30

Old Testament I
2 Chronicles 30
2 Chronicles 30 describes the reign of King Hezekiah and his efforts to restore the worship of God in Judah. Hezekiah sends out a proclamation throughout all Israel and Judah, inviting them to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover.

Many people respond to the invitation and come to Jerusalem, despite the fact that they are unclean and have not prepared themselves according to the law. Hezekiah prays to God on behalf of the people, asking for forgiveness and mercy.

The people then celebrate the Passover, which is extended for an additional seven days due to the large number of people who have come to Jerusalem. The priests and Levites are praised for their service in preparing the Temple and conducting the Passover.

After the celebration, the people destroy the idols and high places throughout Judah and Israel, demonstrating their commitment to the worship of God. Hezekiah's leadership and devotion to God are praised, and the people rejoice in their renewed commitment to the Lord.

Old Testament II
Ezekiel 46
Ezekiel 46 describes the regulations for the prince's entrance into the temple and his offerings. The chapter begins with a description of the prince's gate, which is always to be shut except when the prince comes in or goes out. The prince is to enter the temple through this gate and stand by the gatepost while the priests offer his burnt offering and peace offerings. He is to worship at the threshold of the gate and then depart.

The chapter then describes the offerings that the prince is to make on the Sabbath day and the new moon day. On the Sabbath day, he is to offer six lambs and a ram, while on the new moon day, he is to offer a bull, six lambs, and a ram. He is also to provide a grain offering and a drink offering with each sacrifice.

The chapter concludes with a description of the chambers for the priests and their duties in the temple. The priests are to keep the charge of the altar and offer the sacrifices of the people. They are also to keep the charge of the gate and prevent anyone from entering the temple who is unclean. The chapter ends with a description of the outer court and its measurements.

New Testament
1 John 1
First John chapter 1 is the beginning of a letter written by the apostle John to a group of believers. In this chapter, John emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with one another.

John starts by declaring that he and the other apostles had firsthand experience with Jesus Christ, who is the eternal Word of life. He notes that the purpose of sharing this experience is so that others may also have fellowship with God and with the apostles.

John then speaks about the nature of God, who is light and in whom there is no darkness at all. He emphasizes that if we claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, we are lying and not practicing the truth. However, if we walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

John acknowledges that we all sin, but encourages us to confess our sins to God. If we do, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In conclusion, John emphasizes that the message he and the other apostles have proclaimed is not based on human wisdom, but on the very Word of life they have experienced. He encourages his readers to pursue fellowship with God and with one another, and to walk in the light as God is in the light.