21st. September. 2022.Daily Devotions.
5 ‘Take the finest flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using one fifth of an ephah for each loaf. 6 Arrange them in two piles, six in each pile, on the table of pure gold before the Lord. 7 By each pile put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be a food offering presented to the Lord. 8 This bread is to be set out before the Lord regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting covenant. Leviticus 24:5-8.
When someone wears a wedding ring, it shows that they have a distinctive relationship with another person. The ring is a constant reminder of a promise made, (as a lasting covenant) and it affects the behaviour and identity of both persons in the present and in the future.
In some ways, the visible symbol of bread at the centre of the tabernacle was like that: it was a symbol of the people’s life committed to the one true God. Though the book of Leviticus is not always easy to understand, it helps to know that the overall point of Leviticus is about God graciously providing a way for his beloved but flawed people to live in his presence, just as he lived in theirs. Not long after God sent manna, bread from heaven to his people in the wilderness (Exodus 16), God gave them these Levitical guidelines for holy living. In these ways the people could demonstrate their gratitude, awe, and worship of God. Twelve fresh loaves of bread were to be on display on a gold table in the holy tent of meeting as the “bread of the Presence” (Exodus 25:30)—a visible symbol that God was present with his people. The bread was a covenant reminder that God had rescued his people, set them free, and called them to live distinct lives of love for God and for their neighbours. J. Prins Vanderveen.
Lord and God, just as your people were reminded of your awesome, life-giving presence when they looked at the “bread of the Presence” in the place of worship, so may we remember your love and mercy. Amen.
Our hope is in you, O God, our help in every time of trouble; our strength in every moment of our temptation and our mercy in every hour of judgement. Amen. A Nigerian prayer (traditional)
Loving living God, help us today as we practise our love for our neighbour. Help us to see that all we are and do is embodied in your simple commands to love you and those around us. Give us your perspective of this wonderful planet and all its peoples, so no life is seen as less than another’s. By your gracious Spirit may the love of Christ Jesus be known, shown and grown. Amen.
Short prayer of gratitude to God
Thank you for the blessings you give to us of comfort, warmth and rest. Thank you for the beauty of nature, blue skies and smiles. Lord, thank you for the pleasure of conversation, intimacy and love, And for the sustenance of food, drink and water. Help me to notice and value these rich blessings in my life. May I feel full, whole and ready to give to those who have little. Amen.
Prayer for people facing poverty
God, thank you for the abundance of life, relationships, health, comfort, and wealth you have provided, and thank you that even in times of need, despair, and brokenness, you are there. Please, put your arms around children and families in extreme poverty so they feel comfort and hope; meet their needs both physically and spiritually. And, Lord, guide me so I can be your hands and feet pursuing justice for the poor and upholding the cause of the needy. Amen.