Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: March 2 (Leviticus 23–24; Psalm 57; Luke 21)
Date: March 2, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode continues the journey through the Bible in a year, featuring a reading from Leviticus 23–24, Psalm 57, and Luke 21. The focus is on God’s appointed feasts, principles of justice and worship in Israel, a psalm of refuge and steadfast faith, and Jesus’s teaching about generosity, perseverance through persecution, and prophetic warnings concerning the end times.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Leviticus 23–24: The Appointed Feasts and Principles for Worship and Justice
(00:01 – 13:52)
- Appointed Feasts of the Lord:
- The Lord commands Moses to instruct Israel on observing holy convocations (festivals), beginning with the Sabbath and extending to annual feasts—Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles). Each celebration includes specific rituals, sacrifices, and rest from work.
- Quote (00:13): “These are the appointed feasts of the Lord that you shall proclaim as holy convocations. They are my appointed feasts.”
- Justice and Provision for the Poor:
- The importance of compassion and social justice is reinforced:
- Quote (09:22): “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge... You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner. I am the Lord your God.”
- The importance of compassion and social justice is reinforced:
- Sanctuary Rituals—Lamp and Bread:
- God instructs about maintaining continual light in the sanctuary and the weekly offering of twelve loaves of bread, signifying Israel’s ongoing covenant relationship with God (10:33).
- Principles of Justice and Blasphemy:
- The narrative of the blasphemer and the institution of proportional justice (“eye for eye… life for life”) underscores the seriousness of reverence for God and fairness in law.
- Quote (12:55): “Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death... fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth... You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native. For I am the Lord your God.”
2. Psalm 57: Prayer for Refuge and Praise During Hardship
(13:53 – 16:10)
- David’s Prayer for Mercy and Refuge:
- As David flees from Saul, the psalm is a profound plea for God’s protection amid danger and betrayal.
- Quote (14:05): “Be merciful to me, O God… For in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”
- Confidence in God’s Purpose and Love:
- David expresses unwavering faith in God’s steadfast love and sovereignty, even as he faces enemies.
- Quote (15:26): “My heart is steadfast, O God. I will sing and make melody… I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples… for your steadfast love is great to the heavens.”
3. Luke 21: Generosity, Endurance, and Signs of the End
(16:11 – 27:40)
- The Widow’s Offering:
- Jesus observes a poor widow giving two small copper coins—a striking act of sacrificial generosity compared to the wealthy.
- Quote (16:19): “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
- Prophecy about the Temple:
- Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the impermanence of even sacred structures.
- Quote (17:20): “The days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
- Warnings about the End Times and Encouragement to Persevere:
- Jesus warns of false messiahs, wars, natural calamities, and persecution of believers. Followers are encouraged not to fear, but to view adversity as opportunities to witness.
- Quote (19:06): “Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
- Quote (20:12): “By your endurance you will gain your lives.”
- Apocalyptic Signs and the Coming of the Son of Man:
- Jesus describes the signs that will precede his return—celestial phenomena, turmoil on earth, and the arrival of the Son of Man in glory.
- Quote (22:35): “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now, when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
- Call to Spiritual Alertness:
- Jesus concludes with a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to attentiveness and prayer.
- Quote (25:33): “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things... and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On God’s Statutes and Justice (Leviticus 23–24, 00:13–13:51):
- “It is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” (various, e.g., 06:25, 09:45)
- “You shall not do any work. For it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God.” (08:17)
- David’s Song of Trust (Psalm 57, 14:05–16:10):
- “For in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”
- “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth.” (15:56)
- Jesus’s Teaching on Endurance and the Future (Luke 21, 16:19–27:40):
- “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (24:59)
- “Watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down... But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things...” (25:15, 25:33)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Leviticus 23–24 (Feasts, Worship, Justice): 00:01–13:52
- Psalm 57 (Refuge and Praise): 13:53–16:10
- Luke 21 (Widow’s Offering, Prophecy, End Times): 16:11–27:40
Conclusion
This episode offers a journey through Israel's sacred rhythms of worship, a model of prayerful trust in adversity, and a sobering call from Jesus to generosity, vigilance, and faithful endurance. The readings underscore God’s faithfulness through covenant, worship, and coming redemption, inviting listeners to respond with steadfast devotion and hope.