Good morning. Today is Thursday, July 2nd!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— John 5:46

Have you ever heard of the term “Pentateuch”?

Pentateuch comes from two Greek words: pente, meaning “five,” and teuchos, meaning “scroll” or “book.” So it literally means “the five books.”

The Jewish people have a different name for these books. They call them the Torah, a Hebrew word meaning “instruction” or “teaching.”

But why give the first five books of the Bible their own name?

Because they were never meant to be five random books sitting next to each other. They’re one continuous story, and each book naturally picks up where the last one left off.

Jesus even treated them as one collection. After His resurrection, He said,

“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Luke 24:44)

When Jesus said “the Law of Moses,” He was referring to these first five books. He even went a step further in John 5:46:

“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.”

In other words, Jesus said these books were ultimately pointing to Him.

Now look at how they fit together.

Genesis lays the foundation. It answers questions like: Who is God? Why did He create us? Why is the world so broken? It introduces creation, the fall, sin, and God’s covenant with Abraham.

Then comes Exodus. God has a chosen people, but they’re slaves in Egypt. So the question becomes, How will God rescue them? Exodus answers that with Moses, the Passover, the Red Sea, the Ten Commandments, and the tabernacle.

But rescuing Israel creates another question.

Now that God is living among His people, how can sinful people live with a holy God?

That’s why Leviticus comes next. The sacrifices, priests, and laws aren’t random. They’re teaching Israel how to worship God, how serious sin is, and why atonement is necessary.

Then comes Numbers.

God has created a people, rescued them, and taught them how to live.

Now comes the test.

Will they actually trust Him?

Sadly, much of Numbers is the story of Israel choosing fear instead of faith.

Finally, Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell message. A new generation is about to enter the Promised Land, so Moses reminds them of everything God has done and calls them to remain faithful.

See the pattern?

Every book answers the question left by the one before it. That’s why the Pentateuch has its own name. 

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, thank You for Your Word.

Confession: Forgive me for overlooking the difficult parts of Scripture.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Your plan of salvation.

Supplication: Help me understand Your Word and see Jesus more clearly.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God