On Monday, Feb 22, Reformed Christians remember the adjournment of the Westminster Assembly in 1649.  This collegium of august theologians produced the Westminster Confession and Larger and Shorter Catechisms – documents that profoundly shaped the course of British and American Christianity.  This Assembly held one thousand one hundred and sixty three sessions over a period of five years, six months, and twenty-two days. They were known for their solemn fasts and long hours of prayer.

Notes for the Week

Walking by Faith: A key theme in the Mark readings for this week is faith. We see this explicitly in Jesus’ jibe for his’ disciples lack of faith during a storm (Mark 4:40), in his commendation of the sick woman who approached him. (Mark 5:34), and in his marveling at the lack of faith of the people of Nazareth (Mark 6:6). Implicitly, the concept of faith undergirds the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) and the parable of the growing seed (Mark 4:26-29) In the words of the book of Hebrews, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb. 1:11). Simply put, faith is putting our trust in the Lord for all things, and receiving the good that come from God’s hand.

Faith in God’s Leading: One arena of faith is in following the leading of the Lord. Our God is continually on the move. In this week’s Numbers reading, we see detailed instructions for how to pack up and move the tabernacle. In chapter 9, we learn about the cloud of God’s glory that rested above the tabernacle: “whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, this Israelites set out; whenever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.” Similarly, Jesus was continually on the move in his ministry, preaching not only in Israel but also in the pagan cities of the Decapolis.

Faith in God’s Provision: Another arena of faith lies in trusting in God’s provision. We see this in the stories of God’s provision of Manna and Quail to Israel wandering in the desert. In Numbers 11:23, God challenges Israel to trust in His provision, asking, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”  In Mark, the feeding of the five thousand is another instance when Jesus shows reliance upon God’s provision.

May we be challenged this week to increase our faith in Christ’s leading and providing for us.

Readings for the Week:

Sunday February 21

Old Testament: Numbers 1-3

New Testament: Mark 3 

Monday February 22

Old Testament: Numbers 4-6

New Testament: Mark 4:1-20

Tuesday February 23

Old Testament: Numbers 7-8

New Testament: Mark 4:21-41

Wednesday February 24

Old Testament: Numbers 9-11

New Testament: Mark 5:1-20

Thursday February 25

Old Testament: Numbers 12-14

New Testament: Mark 5:21-43

Friday February 26

Old Testament: Numbers 15-16

New Testament: Mark 6:1-29

Saturday February 27

Old Testament: Numbers 17-19

New Testament: Mark 6:30-56