NUMBERS 36:Yesterday we heard about the boundaries for the nation of Israel, the 12 clan leaders appointed by the Lord, and about cities set aside for the Levites and cities of refuge— to protect from unjust prosecution of murder.

PSALM 48:This psalm praises God for Jerusalem and shows that Jerusalem is a reflection of God's glory. It is clear that more than the earthly Jerusalem is the topic. God has prepared a city for us!

ACTS 7a:Yesterday in chapter 6 we heard how grumbling in the ever-expanding group of believers in Jerusalem required that seven helpers (the first deacons) be appointed. (The word 'deacon' comes directly from a verb in Greek that means 'to serve'.) One of them, Stephen, became the object of controversy with the Greek-speaking Jews. Before the council, his face shone with radiance like that of an angel. The false witnesses made two accusations against Stephen, and today we hear his defence against the first of them.

NLT Translation notes:Acts 7:37 "Moses himself told the people of Israel, 'God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people.[That Prophet is Jesus!]42b 'Was it to me you were bringing sacrifices and offerings during those forty years in the wilderness, Israel?43 No, you carried your pagan gods—the shrine of Molech,the star of your god Rephan,and the images you made to worship them.[This is not to be taken literally. This is hyperbole which highlights that the people were not faithful to the tabernacle.]48 However, the Most High doesn't live in temples made by human hands. As [God said through a prophet,//the prophet says,]56 And he [said/told] to them, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!"

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.