| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| February 28, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Numbers 24-27
Observation & Interpretation
These chapters record a number of things of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, including Balaam’s third and fourth oracles, Eleazar’s killing of an Israelite man and Midianite woman, a census of the new generation of people, the allotment of land to the daughters of Zelophahad and the commissioning of Joshua to succeed Moses as leader of Israel. One detail in the census narrative seemed particularly worthy of note, namely, that the total count of the people was less in the new census than in the original (601,730 vs. 603,550 in Num. 1). Quoting Moody, the BBC provides helpful insight:
Israel’s growth ceased for forty years. So it may be with us as churches, and so forth, if we are unbelieving.
God stifling the numeric increase of His people in this way showcases both His power to do so as well as the dreadful consequences of sin. It is a stark reminder that there will be no growth of any eternal benefit while we are or remain in opposition to God.
1 Corinthians 13
Observation & Interpretation
The Life Journal reading plan takes a sharp turn from Mark into Paul’s discourse on love in 1 Corinthians. It is a short but remarkable chapter, certainly worthy of continuous return to be refreshed in the Biblical understanding of love. Particularly striking in today’s reading was v. 3 in which Paul elucidates the lack of ultimate gain for those who live self-sacrificially apart from love. This brings conviction as I can too often functionally operate in duty and obedience as if these are ends in themselves rather than being properly rooted in love. We are to actively pursue righteousness through obedience to God’s Word, but the motivation must be rightfully grounded in love such that it reflects our Lord’s great love for us.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
