Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry Episode: March 2 (Leviticus 23–24; Psalm 57; Luke 21) Release Date: March 2, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring the wisdom of bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a profound journey through selected scriptures. The episode, released on March 2, 2025, delves into Leviticus chapters 23 and 24, Psalm 57, and Luke 21, offering a rich tapestry of Old Testament laws, heartfelt lamentations, and New Testament teachings. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 23–24

Key Themes:

• Appointed Feasts of the Lord: The episode begins with a detailed exploration of Leviticus 23, where the Lord instructs Moses on the various feasts that the Israelites are to observe. These feasts serve as holy convocations, times set apart for worship, rest, and remembrance of God's provisions and commandments.

• Sabbath Observance: Emphasis is placed on the importance of the Sabbath—a day of solemn rest on the seventh day. "Six days shall work be done. But on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation" (Leviticus 23:3).

• Passover and Unleavened Bread: The readings outline the procedures for Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Listeners are guided through the sacrificial offerings, including male lambs and grain offerings, symbolic of dedication and gratitude towards God.

• The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): The episode covers the counting of seven full weeks from the waving of the sheaf offering, culminating in the presentation of new grain offerings. "From the day after the Sabbath... you shall count 50 days to the day after the seventh Sabbath" (Leviticus 23:15).

• Atonement and Holiness: Leviticus 23:10–16 discusses the Day of Atonement, highlighting rituals intended to atone for the people's sins and maintain the sanctity of the community. "It shall be for you a time of holy convocation... to make atonement for you before the Lord your God" (Leviticus 23:27).

• Regulations for Purity and Justice: Moving into Leviticus 24, the episode addresses laws regarding blasphemy and personal injury, emphasizing divine justice. "Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin... whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death" (Leviticus 24:14-16).

Notable Quotes:

• "These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them." (Leviticus 23:4)

• "Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death." (Leviticus 24:16)

Psalms Reading: Psalm 57

Key Themes:

• Cry for Mercy: Psalm 57 is a heartfelt plea for God's mercy in times of distress. The psalmist seeks refuge in God's shadow, expressing unwavering trust despite facing formidable adversaries. "Be merciful to me, O God. Be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge" (Psalm 57:1).

• Confidence in God's Deliverance: The psalmist conveys steadfast faith in God's ability to save and protect, even when surrounded by enemies. "He will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness" (Psalm 57:10).

• Acknowledgment of God's Supremacy: There's a profound recognition of God's exalted position above the heavens, reinforcing the psalmist's trust in divine intervention. "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth" (Psalm 57:11).

• Praise and Thanksgiving: The psalm concludes with a declaration of trust and an invitation to sing praises, celebrating God's unwavering faithfulness. "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations" (Psalm 57:11).

Notable Quotes:

• "In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by." (Psalm 57:1)

• "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:11)

New Testament Reading: Luke 21

Key Themes:

• True Generosity: The episode highlights Jesus' teaching on generosity, contrasting the rich giving out of abundance with the poor widow's sacrificial offering. "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them" (Luke 21:3) underscores the value of heart over quantity in giving.

• Prophetic Teachings on Temple Destruction: Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple, urging listeners to recognize the signs and not be misled by false prophets. "As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down" (Luke 21:6).

• Signs of the End Times: Detailed descriptions of natural disasters, wars, and persecution feature prominently. Jesus warns of "great earthquakes," "famines," "pestilences," and "terror" as precursors to the end times (Luke 21:11).

• Call to Vigilance and Faithfulness: Emphasizing the importance of staying alert and maintaining faith, Jesus advises continuous prayer and readiness to stand before the Son of Man. "Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things" (Luke 21:36).

• Parable of the Fig Tree: Using the fig tree as a metaphor, Jesus teaches about recognizing the imminence of God's kingdom. "As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near" (Luke 21:29).

• Encouragement Amid Persecution: Jesus comforts his followers, assuring them that their endurance will lead to salvation despite facing hatred and persecution. "You will be hated by all for my name's sake, but not a hair of your head will perish" (Luke 21:17).

Notable Quotes:

• "But she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on." (Luke 21:3)

• "Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once." (Luke 21:8)

• "As you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near." (Luke 21:31)

Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" intricately weaves together the Old Testament laws, the Psalms' deep emotional resonance, and the New Testament's prophetic teachings. Listeners are invited to reflect on the continuity of divine instruction—from the meticulous observance of feasts and sacrifices in Leviticus to the personal trust expressed in Psalm 57, culminating in Jesus' profound insights on generosity, vigilance, and the unfolding of God's kingdom in Luke 21.

By interspersing notable quotes with precise timestamps, the episode ensures that listeners can engage deeply with the scriptures, fostering a richer understanding of their spiritual journey. Whether revisiting familiar passages or encountering them anew, this episode serves as a beacon of faith, urging believers to remain steadfast, compassionate, and ever-watchful in their walk with God.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• "These are the appointed feasts of the Lord..." (Leviticus 23:4)
• "Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin..." (Leviticus 24:16)
• "In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge..." (Psalm 57:1)
• "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens..." (Psalm 57:11)
• "This poor widow has put in more than all of them." (Luke 21:3)
• "As soon as they come out in leaf..." (Luke 21:29)
• "You will be hated by all for my name's sake..." (Luke 21:17)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the March 2 episode, offering listeners a meaningful reflection on the scriptures read and their applications in daily life. Whether seeking personal growth or deeper theological understanding, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of the Bible’s timeless teachings.