Bible in a Year Blog

2 Samuel 14:1-15:22 + John 18:1-24 + Psalm 119:97-112 + Proverbs 16:8-9
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Well..  this is a tough couple of chapters to read today!  On one hand we see David showing much grace to Absalom and meanwhile Absalom is plotting to rebel against his father and then does so!  At first glance it makes me wonder what on earth was David thinking?  Why did he bring Absalom back to Jerusalem?  But, I believe David was doing the right thing.  Absalom was his son.  David was trying to restore that relationship.  I think about this with people in my life who have maybe “stung” me in some way.  On the one hand I want to write them off – believing that they will sting me again.  And maybe they will…  but, I don’t think writing people off is healthy ultimately for me and I don’t think it is the right thing to do.  I think showing grace, forgiveness and compassion is the right thing to do.  I think David did this – and then he wisely got out of town when he realized Absalom was up to no good!  So, he didn’t completely let Absalom walk all over him.  He still used wisdom.  I don’t know…  this is a tough couple of chapters.  What do you think?  Did David do the right thing by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem?  Do you see any parallels in your life where someone has stung you – and then perhaps stung you again?  Was it still maybe the right thing to do to show them grace and forgiveness?  And maybe even to do so again?  Below is twentieth century Russian painter Marc Chagall’s “David and Absalom” from today’s readings in 2 Samuel 14:33 – “So Joab came to the king, and told him; and when he called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “Absalom” is at this link.

New Testament – Sad to see this parallel… David was betrayed by Absalom in today’s readings and Jesus was betrayed by Judas…  David kissed Absalom, his betrayer.  Judas kissed Jesus to betray Him.  Seems that betrayal has been a part of our human condition for maybe all time?  Well, since the Fall to be sure, which is pretty much all time for us humans…  (you’ll recall just after the Fall Cain murdered Abel – yet another betrayal… )  Do betrayals continue today?  Why do you think this is?  What can free us from betraying each other?  Or should I ask Whom can free us from betraying each other?  Below is the nineteenth century “The Judas Kiss” by French artist Gustave Dore:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “Jesus, Lord at Thy Death” is at this link and “Did Jesus take the Fifth Amendment?” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 119 verse 105 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Do you believe God’s Word, the Bible, is a lamp for your feet?  A light for your path?  To help put this in perspective – without God’s Word, the Bible, is it possible that we would have no lamp for our feet?   No light for our paths?  That we’d essentially be groping in the darkness without God’s Word, the Bible?

Verse 111 wow…  “Your decrees are my treasure; they are truly my heart’s delight.”  What is your treasure?  Where is your treasure?  Is God’s Word, the Bible, truly your heart’s delight?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16 verse 9 is one of those seemingly simple Proverbs, that I think has a lot more depth to it than first glance: “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”  Do you think this is true?  We make our plans – but God determines our steps.  Do you see this to be true in your own life?  Have you made plans before, but then seen your steps somehow be guided in perhaps a different direction – perhaps a more godly direction?  And then do you realize that it was God determining your steps?  I have experienced this in my life – thankfully.  I have made some interesting (i.e. bad) plans in my life in the past – and probably am still making some bad plans even today.  But, I am trying to pray regularly to God to “lead me.”  I want God to determine my steps – and truly, I want God to determine my plans as well.  But, if God’s plan is not immediately clear for my life, I do believe he gives wisdom to discern direction – and then ultimately I believe God will determine our steps.  Thank goodness!

Worship Video: Psalm 119:105 reminds me of the song “Thy Word is a Lamp,” sung here by Michael W. Smith & Amy Grant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

Is God’s Word a lamp unto your feet? Click here for the Light of the World!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

Prayer Point: Pray that the Bible is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Pray that you know that the Bible is the Word of God.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:   What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 14:1-15:22

As a shepherd, there is one thing that David knew, protect the sheep. As king of Israel standing as the chief shepherd to God’s people, was David protecting the sheep of God’s pasture by bringing Absalom back to Jerusalem? Mike, I am going in the opposite direction that you have taken regarding the restoration of Absalom. And my premise is this: You cannot make peace with someone who has war in their heart I don’t care what the relationship is or with whom.

Clearly Absalom continued holding a grudge against his father (Hindsight is always 20/20), and David was operating out of his emotions and sentiment grieving for Absalom, not based on a godly or biblical principal. In the pattern of sacrificial offerings, there is a clear outline of the way to godly reconciliation/forgiveness and it is not by presenting a “Fellowship” offering first. What is offered up first is the Whole Burnt offering, and then the Sin offering, after that the Thanksgiving and Fellowship offering can then be presented. The pattern for establishing intimacy with people can be found in how God directs us to establish intimacy/restoration with Him. There is no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood. Nothing like that was ever initiated by Absalom. Or if it was, then the “sacrifice” was one only in act and not heartfelt.

David’s relationship with Absalom was never broken David was always his father. What was broken or what needed to be established was their fellowship. Was there really ever any fellowship, true fellowship and intimacy with his children outside of Solomon?

Yesterday I spoke of the elephant being in the room and no one acknowledging it or speaking of it. What David did was to bring the elephant back into the room and that room was probably already crowded with a lot more of them all he did was increase the size of the heard.

Internal sores/abscesses must me lanced no matter how painful the procedure. When we leave them to fester inside the body, we cause more problems, possibly death, then if they were attended to. You can’t heal a would by saying its not there it must be attended too and that was not followed. Because Absalom could gather together an army of co-conspirators, including Bathsheba’ grandfather, shows how the internal wound festered inside the body of Israel.

If the son was to be brought back then the reason why he killed and ran should have been addressed with all the pain that would bring.

If a man willfully sheds the blood of a person [and keeps the guilt of murder upon his conscience], he is fleeing to the pit (the grave) and hastening to his own destruction; let no man stop him! (Proverbs 28:17 AMP)

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== John:

2Sam14

Mike,

Agree with Ramona.

David might have wanted to restore the relationship, and may have thought by bringing Absalom back it “was the right thing to do”, but sending the boy to his room for two years is rather odd.

I agree that Absalom’s resentment festered, because He did not believe he did anything wrong. Maybe because he had rationalized the murder of his brother in his own mind. (How many acts in our own life do we rationalize? In our own mind or to God?)

2Sam14:32b
“…Now then, I want to see the king’s face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death.”

There was never any repentance or sorrow from Absalom over his brother’s murder. He came before not “David” nor his “father”, but the “king”. He bowed before the “king” which was a formality when approaching the “king”. The “king” kissed him and that was that – no words spoken (or at least recorded), and all was supposed to be restored????.

Although different circumstances, this portrayal of relationship between David and Absalom is a far cry from the story of the prodigal son. The father was embracing and rejoicing and the son was humble and repentant.

Men with big careers often have trouble with the fatherly role. Traits that make them good leaders do not translate to the family. David consulted the Lord in so many instances, but it is never (at least I think so) recorded that David went to God about his family.

John

======= Sue:

======= John:

John 18
Random notes:
1)David took the same path to Mount of Olives (2Sam15) – David betrayed by his counselor (friend – Ahithophel), takes the same path that Jesus did and went up to the Mount of Olives with his faithful band.
2) Jesus crossed the Kidron valley probably passing by the Kidron brook. This is the brook where the runoff of blood from temple sacrifices was directed. It was Passover week, and the brook was probably already red with some of the prepatory sacrifices to Passover. I wonder what Jesus thought as he passed the red (bloody) waters?
3) “Gethsemane” means “olive press”. Saw a film on Ancient Israel and the “press” has two parts. One is a large wheel like stone that is rolled over the olives in a circular basin to squeeze out juices. The second is a large conical stone that takes several men to place on the large bag of olives. The sheer weight of the stome pressed down on the olives, and the last bit of juices were squeezed out to flow into a cistern. Sounds a lot like the pressure on Jesus while He was in the Garden.
4) Jesus’ supreme power – I disagree with bob Deffingbaugh on the result of Jesus saying “I AM”. It is an exagerration, but Bob makes it seem like a “Three Stooges” pratfall kind of thing. I prefer John Macarhtur’s comments:
“Jesus wanted us to know Judas was there to show that Judas had no power. All Jesus had to do was say His name and they all went down. The other Gospels dwell on Jesus’ agony — on His knees on the ground in anguish. But not in John’s Gospel. Jesus is standing and the whole Roman army is on the ground.”….
“…An interesting Bible study is the study of the concept of the word of His power. God created the world by His word, and He said, “Let there be light…” (Gen. 1:3a). And when Christ comes in judgment at the end of the age, the Bible says, “And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword…” (Rev. 19:15a). It is the word of God that is powerful; it is the word of God that will judge and condemn men; and it is the word of God that is incisive. Jesus Christ is coming to judge (Mt. 13:37-43, 47-50; Ac. 10:42- 43; 17:30-31). So the Bible says He will judge by the word out of His mouth. And the mob tasted just a sample of His judgment power and they fell helpless at His feet. John is showing us that Jesus was no victim. This was the majestic Son of God displaying power.”
I also like this thought process:
“Jesus was born as a humble baby, yet heralded by angels. He was laid in a manger, yet announced by a star. He submitted to baptism, then heard the Divine voice of approval. He slept when He was exhausted, but awoke to calm the storm. Jesus wept at a grave, then called the dead to life. He submits to arresting troops, then declares His majesty and knocks them over. Jesus died on a cross, but in it He overcame sin and death and Satan.” – David Guzik
No wonder the large crowd was willing to let the disciples go as Jesus requested. They were probably greatly relieved that this person was willingly going to go with them back to Annas.
John

======= John:

John 18 (cont)
Random notes (cont)
5) Annas was the High priest from 6 AD to 15 AD. Ironic that he was High Priest when Jesus came to the temple, as a youth, and discussed scripture with the Priests. Do you think Annas came by the group during those three days, and had a different feeling toward Jesus?
“Annas was so powerful that when he was removed from office, seven of his successors were relatives: Five were his sons, one was his grandson, and Caiaphas was his son- in-law. So he may not have been high priest officially, but he was running the show.”
“Now, in order to be high priest, all that one had to do was kneel on the ground and kiss Rome’s hem, and come up with a lot of money. The office was bought….”
“…Evidently Annas was the biggest briber because he had the most money. He earned his money by being in charge of the Temple concessions. When he was removed from office in A.D. 15, he took control of the concessions in the Temple. Annas was the biggest cog in the ecclesiastical machine of Judaism. He was immensely rich and consequently could buy his way into all the important offices. So he remained the power behind the scene.”
“The Talmud says of Annas: “Woe to the house of Annas! Woe to their serpent’s hiss! They are High Priests; their sons are keepers of the treasury; their sons-in-law are guardians of the Temple; and their servants beat the people with staves.” – all quotes by John Macarthur
No wonder Annas was anxious to remove Jesus from the scene – Jesus had already disrupted his business in Temple at least once (probably twice).
6) Prophecy fulfilled??? (This I just ran across)
John 18:22
“When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.” NIV
“Here is a typical henchman looking for a promotion from Annas. Now, the Greek word for “struck…with the palm of his hand,” is “rhapisma”, and can also be translated, “struck with a stick.” Since it is evident that the Temple police carried sticks or clubs, it is more likely that he hit Jesus across the side of His face with a club. Again, this was not only unkind and ruthless, but illegal. Never was it legal for someone to strike a prisoner.” – John Macarthur – ibid
Strong’s lexicon has “rhapisma” as “a blow with a rod or staff or a scourge”
In Micah 5:1 it says:
Marshal your troops, O city of troops,
for a siege is laid against us.
They will strike Israel’s ruler
on the cheek with a rod.
While this was symbolically filled in every siege of Jerusalem. Perhaps it is literally fulfilled here with the True King and Lord of Israel.
Perhaps it is a stretch, but I thought I would throw it out there. the siege is the strangling of the city by the officials of the temple???? Like I said – it might be a stretch.
John

===== Reuben:

Awesome choice for worship video – this song helped light my path when I was a young Christian in the early 80s.
Reuben

2 Samuel 13:1-39 + John 17:1-26 + Psalm 119:81-96 + Proverbs 16:6-7
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways!  Amnon is David’s first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point.  Absalom is David’s third born son – but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David’s 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young.  You’ll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons’ behavior in this chapter.  David sinned sexually with Bathsheba – Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way.  David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah.  Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon.  Unfortunately we see a pattern of “like father, like sons…” in this chapter.  I don’t think this always has to be the case in our human condition – I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted.  But, I also do believe we need Jesus to save us from ourselves – in this regard of breaking the cycle/pattern of sin and in all regards.  Below is an illustration by Gerard Hoet from the year 1728 titled “Absalom’s Servants kill his brother Amnon at a Feast”:

Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “Tragedy in the Royal Family” is at this link.

New Testament – John 17 is such an amazing chapter… this is Jesus praying!  So powerful.  I honestly am at a loss for words on this chapter.  I could probably try to write something about each and every verse.  But, maybe what makes the most sense is for you to re-read this chapter again.  Do you see Jesus praying for you in this chapter?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings are extensive!  They’ve divided this chapter up into 3 commentaries, which shows the depth of what’s going on in this chapter.  I recommend you take a few minutes to check out each of these commentaries.  The first commentary titled “The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Part I” is at this link, “Part II” is at this link, and “Part III” is at this link.

Psalms – I am continuing to love our readings of Psalm 119!  This is an incredible Psalm…  I somehow am re-reminded of how amazing this Psalm is every 6 months that we read it in the One Year Bible.  I could write something on each verse.  For example, I love the imagery in verse 81 today – “I faint with longing for your salvation; but I have put my hope in your word.” I faint!  I long! I hope!  And Verse 83 – “I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them.”  I am shriveled!  I am exhausted!  I wait!  I cling!  I obey!   I love this Psalm…  Verse 95 is powerful: “Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your decrees.”  How can you quietly keep your mind on God’s decrees?  Will you make this a habit to quietly keep your mind on God’s decrees?  Would this be a good habit?

Proverbs – Proverbs 16 verse 7 is interesting today – “When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them.” Do you believe this to be true?  I do… And I think I’ve seen this in action in my own life very recently.  Sometimes I think we can get so worried about our perceived enemies or whatever else – when really all we should be focusing on is our relationship with God.  And this other stuff will work itself out.  It’s secondary.  Our relationship with God is primary.  Is this true in your life today?

YouTube:  Our readings in John today reminded me of the Sanctus Real song “Pray:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_J4I4gsvYA

When is the last time you prayed? Click here and Pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:1-3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you know our Father God, the only true God. Pray that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God’s Son whom He sent to save us. Pray and rejoice if you will have eternal life. Pray for those in your life that don’t yet know Jesus, that they will accept him as their Lord & Savior.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Has God ever given you peace with your “enemies”?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 13:1-39

Open rebuke is better than love that is hidden. [Prov. 28:23; Gal. 2:14.] (Proverbs 27:5 AMP)

I wonder if David spoke to his sons? I wonder if he shared with them his hopes for their lives, his fears, his missteps, his sins. We have big fat white elephants standing in the living room, yet no one acknowledges it while they take up space, pooping on the floor and eating up everything in sight. It is a common practice amongst families to ignore that which is troubleing be it behavior, past grudges and perceived wrongs. Why is it that we attempt to hide things that are out in the open? We ignore their presence then act with great big surprise when the consequences of our failure to acknowledge what is so visibly obvious standing in front of us, bares fruit.

I don’t know when the Fifth-first Psalm was written exactly but it does seem that David knew that his sin with Bathsheba not only called for death for both parties, but also was a blatant abuse of his power. David wrote that Psalm to be song in the Temple by the choir. Did David share with others his broken and contrite heart before he shared it with his family? Do we commit sin with our families all around us and fail to confess what we have done to them, while baring our hearts to others?

We wrongly think that what we do inside the cocoon of our family unit will not affect and effect our children, spouses and nieces and nephews, but in truth, our actions speak louder than our words. God didn’t have to put a “curse” on David because his sin, our sin, gives fruit to its own consequences. David’s actions with Bathsheba did not happen the instant he saw her bath on her own rooftop, it happened in his heart with other women at other times. And beside all that David had a multitude of wives there was no need to go after someone else’s. We don’t just roll out of bed one morning and commit adultery, or murder, or rape or steal. The sin has been going on in our hearts long before we put feet to our thought and turn them into actions.

You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. [I John 3:15.] [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures. You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world and breaking your marriage vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God. (James 4:2-4 AMP)

I am of the school that David knew who Bathsheba was because Uriah was one of his Thirty Men of Valor. Maybe he did not know who she was personally by sight, but he would have had to know that Uriah had a wife. In addition, Bathsheba’s father, Eliam, was also one of the Thirty. (2 Samuel 23:34, 39) and Eliam’s father was Ahithophel, David’s trusted advisor who when he gave counsel it was like the voice of God.

Can you imagine the reverberations throughout the palace, the gossip, and the cries of “hypocrite?” Those on the outside of the family may operate in forgiveness quicker than those in the family especially when unforgiveness is planted deep in the hearts of one’s children. The spiritual leader of my church has a teaching out on Video that makes this statement, “When we fail to forgive in such a way that we hold a grudge, we take upon ourselves the sin of the one we are holding a grudge against and then are doomed to repeat their mistake because we carry their sin.

Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it– (Hebrews 12:15 AMP)

David had Uriah killed, one of his Thirty men of Valor, the consequence: Absalom had his on brother killed.

What grudge is hidden in my heart? What elephant is taking up space soiling my relationship with God? Whose sin am I holding on too that if I don’t let go will propel me to commit that same sin but exponentially? Forgiveness is not about the one who sinned, forgiveness is about me giving no place to the devil in my heart. Forgiveness frees me from the sins of others.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Anka:

When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, “I would like my sister Tamar to come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand.”
I can’t help thinking about relationships as I read this.Didn’t David think it an odd request for Amnon to want to eat out of his sister’s hand?Didn’t Tamar think it improper for her to go into her step brother’s bedroom(since in those days the fact that they had the same father didn’t mean they couldn’t get married)…I got led to Christ by a brother who spent over two hours councelling me alone…he’d been with Christ for over 10years..I had so many questions to ask so we spent alot of time together.As time went on(after I became saved)he was certain because as he claimed,God had assured him I was to be his wife.Unfortunately for him,I had eyes only for Jesus and refused to consider any relationship.He took it very hard.I finally made up my mind to go to church since I realised I couldn’t fellowship with this guy anymore.My fellowship leader began closely monitoring my growth,came to my house alone to fellowship..and once even invited me to stop over at his place after an all night prayer meeting at 5 am!!I refused politely because honestly at the time I really think he meant it “that way”.
I was so hungry for God that I would spend hours with anyone who was ready to answer my many questions,most times these people were of the opposite sex.Now I go around discouraging people of the opposite sex from spending so much time together because it could be used by satan to bring up some dangerous situations.Sadly many people throw caution to the wind and end up being hurt or hurting others.I still get amazed now just how God had protected me then because in most cases the brothers were pretty sought after by the sisters and I was fresh out of the world(not a saint)yet I was so focused on Christ that I was blind to everything else.Sadly we hear of sexual sin in church even among pastors because little seemingly spiritual pursuits if not handled wisely can turn out to lead to a trap that not only affect those involved but also the world that watches from a safe distance outside the church…………..
May we be truly as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.God bless you all
Anka

====== Sue:

======= John:

Reinventing Jesus (book)
I picked up this book on the recommendation of a Christian apologist (defender of the faith). He is Catholic, so while we have a difference in doctrines, but in some areas I find his work useful.
The writers are from the same seminary as Bob Deffingbaugh and the book is very readable, but loaded with information. It is designed for the lay person that wants to learn about the areas below.
The book is an answer to skeptics, and the thought progression is as follows:
1) If Gospels written decades after Christ, how do we know that the writers got the story right?
IF SO
2) How do we know the Gospels/N. Testament were copied faithfully?
IF SO
3)How do we know the right documents were included in the Bible?
IF SO
4) What does this say about the earliest belief in Jesus?
IF DEITY
5) How do we know the thing wasn’t plagarized from other religions?
The easy answer for a believer is we believe the “above” points because of faith and divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. These men believe that to – but their book focuses on historical and social custom data to support their claims to all of the above.
A while back when a student in a Religion (college?) class dropped by, we discussed #1&2. I offered to give her a list of sources to research my claims – which ran counter to her beliefs about the Bible.
She never responded, and it would have been a pain to go through and google up all the documents I have read the last two years and compile a comprehensive list for her. In this 262 page book, I am familiar with most of their defenses of the five points, but there is over 60 pages of “end notes” listing all the sources – which is nice to have all in one place.
Finished half the book and I would say it deserves a place in a Christian’s personal library.
John

====== John:

John 17
Bob covered this so thouroughly in three part commentary – that I will pass on posting.
However, it is interesting to note the position regarding Judas. Not sure if National Geographic (promoter? of Gospel of Judas) understands:
John 17:12b
“…None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.” NIV
“…and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. KJV
“…and none of them was destroyed, except the son of the destruction, that the Writing may be fulfilled.” YLT
But then again I guess you would have to believe the Bible is the WORD of God.
“Our Lord did not lose Judas, because he never truly believed in Jesus as the Messiah. His departure was not an exception to the rule, but the fulfillment of prophecy (verse 12).” – bob Deffingbaugh
======================================================
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world.” NIV
“They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” NIV
“I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” NIV
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” NIV
In the quotes “gave” and “given” are from root word “didomi”. The definition list is too long to put here.
It means what we think it means in English usage. I just wanted to note these verses. Commentary is not necessary. Just food for thought.
John

======= John:

Proverbs 16:6
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
Even the word love in Hebrew connotes a love based on “faithfulness”.
Gal 3:6-7
“Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.” NIV
Earlier in Proverbs we saw the “fear of the Lord” (reverance) leads to (heavenly) wisdom.
So why are these two paired together?
Through “faith” (belief in God)sins are atoned for, and through reverance (true reverance implying faith) man can avoid evil in the first place.
Of course people wander. War with the flesh….David being a prime example in Old Testament.
John

======= Ted:

Mike, per your question of the day, I am the father of five that range in age from 21 to 15. While I would never call them my enemies I do encounter plenty of struggles between my will and theirs.
Last night was one of those moments with my 15 year old son. In the midst of our disagreement I sinned against him by losing my temper and getting so loud that I scared him.
I trembled after that incident because it seemed to come out of nowhere. I had actually had a good day prior to this encounter. How could I so easily let anger slip in?
I decided to write him a note of apology and asked for his forgiveness. I slipped the note under his bedroom door because he was asleep by then.
This morning I was still troubled over my sin. I confessed it to the Lord and asked for faith to believe that He had indeed forgiven me and cleansed me (1 John 1:9).
When my son got up from bed to get ready for school there was a predictable silence and what seemed like avoidance from him. I asked him if he read my note. He said he did and wanted to forgive me. He also apologized for his part in our disagreement.
Could this be the peace promised when we please God? Is my repentance of sin and reconciliation with my son pleasing to God? I think so. I’m amazed that such a horrible incident (in my mind at least) could be redeemed.
Ted

======= Terri:

Ramona, I used a couple of your sayings on my FB profile…Hope u don’t mind but I found them very intriguing and interesting…Our church is going thru a lot of problems right now, and forgiving others is part of the problem…thanks for the insight!!
Terri

======= Wendy:

I am reading a great book, “How To Forgive…When You Don’t Feel Like It” by June Hunt. It is so good it is hard to put down. What a great perspective on Forgiveness.
Wendy

2 Samuel 12:1-31 + John 16:1-33 + Psalm 119:65-80 + Proverbs 16:4-5
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We read a great parable from the prophet Nathan today to start the chapter!  Wow.  Convicting stuff for David…  You’ll note that David said in response to this parable in verse 6: “He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” Well, sure enough, David paid for the death of Uriah 4 times over through the future deaths of 4 of David’s sons:  the unnamed son who dies in this chapter, Amon dies in chapter 13, Absalom in chapter 18, and Adonijah in First Kings 2:25.  I read a commentary that said God forgave David of his sin, but God did not negate all the consequences of David’s sin.  Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of David being confronted by Nathan.  You can imagine Nathan saying verse 9 in this image: “Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites.”

Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “David and God (Nathan)” is at this link and “Real Repentance” is at this link and “The Death of David’s Son” is at this link.

New Testament – John chapter 16 is amazing today!  I love verse 8’s teaching from Jesus about the Holy Spirit: “And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”  One commentary on this verse and verse 9 today says:  “Apart from the Spirit’s convicting work, people can never see themselves as sinners.”  Wow.  This is powerful to reflect upon.  Did you ever have a time in your life that you did not see yourself as a sinner?  Was this time before you experienced the Holy Spirit?  Do you believe this to be true – that many in our world today cannot see themselves as sinners, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus?  This I think should demonstrate to us who is truly doing conversion work in our world – not us, but Jesus and the Spirit.  We cannot convert anyone on our own human power.  The Holy Spirit must enter the room…

Bible.org’s commentary on our John readings today titled “The Ministry of the Holy Spirit” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 119 verse 71 has an interesting take on suffering –  “The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles.”  Do you believe suffering can be good for you?  Can it teach you to pay attention to God?  Christianity Today magazine had a great article on Suffering a while back, which you can read at this link.  (Note that the article starts out with this provacative statement – “God loves you and has a difficult plan for your life.”) Also, I did find some reflections on Suffering & Grief on ChristianityToday.com that are worth reading at this link.

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 16 verse 5 today teaches us: “The LORD despises pride; be assured that the proud will be punished.”  This Proverb reminds me of a talk I recently heard by Jim Collins, author of Good to Great.  I am a huge fan of Jim Collins work and had the good fortune to hear him talk about his short book titled “Good to Great and the Social Sectors”, which I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who works in full time ministry or for a nonprofit – or even anyone who volunteers for either.  It’s only 42 pages long, but packed with incredible incredible insights.  (secular business insights – but great stuff)  Anyhow, Jim Collins wrapped up his talk with something that reminded me of this Proverb.  He said something along the lines of, “As we go about our work and move our nonprofits/ministries from good to great, let us never fall into the trap of thinking that we’ve arrived.  Let us not fall into the trap of ever thinking that we are great.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John reminded me of the classic hymn “Be Thou My Vision” sung here Celtic style:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiukM6WHQEQ

Do you have true Vision for your life? Click here for eternal Vision!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for peace in your life. Pray for more of Jesus in your life. Pray that when trouble comes to you in this world – and it will come – that you will take heart in knowing that Jesus overcame the world.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:   Have you ever fallen into the trap of thinking you are great?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

I have wandered off my main goal or purpose for reading through the Bible when I began the New Year. My goal is embodied in the New Living Translation of David’s son Solomon’s advice in the Book of Ecclesiastes 7:13, Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?

It is exciting to read about David and his victories, it is comforting to know that it is not so much the external behavior but the thoughts and intents of the heart that determine our relationship and thus our fellowship with God. But I should return, repent and go back to my first intent. Finding out how God does things and fall into line.

I am an application person; I’m always looking to see how to apply a discovered biblical principal to my life. How do I incorporate that principal that pattern into my life so that it becomes the very fiber of my being. But lately I find myself trying to pattern myself, modeling my behavior after these great people of faith that I have been reading about and noting those people who have failed miserably, like Saul and Eli. Yet today, while walking in the morning I realized that looking at Abraham, Moses, Israel/Jacob, David etc., was the wrong thing to do because each and every one is flawed.

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth telling them in his first letter to them,
PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). (1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP). We are only to follow, imitate look toward the great men and women of faith as long as they are following Christ. To do that we must know Christ, we must be familiar, up close and personal, with Him and not standing a far off garnering our information from what others say He is. If we do that then we are just like stalkers trying to force ourselves, our depraved lifestyles, our perverted way of thinking upon Him. We become “namedroppers” tying to give the appearance of instead of being truly what He has created us to be.

Come to think of it, the Old Testament gives us a clear picture of man’s failure of 1) redeeming himself, and 2) redeeming others. The Old Testament points out the failure of man to solve the sin problem leading us into the New Covenant redemption plan through Jesus Christ.

As famous as King David remains to this day, as wise as his son Solomon was, the Wisdom of Jesus surpasses them all. If I am my sights toward godly men then I am already setting myself up to sin. Sin means to miss the mark, as in archery, in both Hebrew and Greek. If I aim to model flawed men who have fallen short of the bulls eye then I too will set myself up to miss because I have set my mark far away from God’s bulls eye. I am thankful to be reading about David and his failures because it shows me that even the best of godly men and women are no match for the savior Jesus Christ. This revelation stokes my desire to know Him better and more intimately.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Sue:

Ramona:

Great insights! Good reminders and I appreciate your sharing.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In “Bible Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James M. Freeman, it says that “anciently not only lambs, but other animals were by many persons allowed to eat with them at their tables, and to lie with them in their beds. The Arabs of today keep pet lambs as we keep lap-dogs.”

I cannot help but wonder if the death of this child he had with Bathsheba did not influence how David failed to discipline his children.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yesterday someone, I think it was Kristie, remarked about Bathsheba’s complicity in the adultery, and I thought I would share from In “Bible Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James M. Freeman, about the “PROMENADE ON THE ROOF.”

“1. After his customary afternoon rest had been taken, David walked on the flat roof of his palace. In the cool of the evening the roofs of the houses are occupied by family groups who go there for air and exercise. In Daniel 4:29 we have an account of the walk of another king. Instead of walked ‘in’ the palace, the marginal reading is ‘upon’ the palace. It was on the roof that Nebuchadnezzar walked, and from there he obtained that view of his great city which lifted his heart with pride and made him forget God.
“2. The bath in which Bathsheba was washing was in the court-yard secluded from all ordinary observation, but yet visible from the palace roof.”

I don’t know if that clarifies it any better, but thought I would share it.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The significance of this is just mind-boggling. The Holy Spirit came and went with the Hebrew text; people were not “filled” with the Holy Spirit, and were not sealed, primarily because the promised Messiah had not yet come and the redemption of sins was more a covering with the blood of animals as a type of Christ.

But with the risen Christ, the Holy Spirit actually “indwells” believers. We have the benefit of God with us!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Holy Spirit will convict the world of:

I. sin
II. righteousness
III. judgment

(1) Sin:
~~~because men do not do not believe in me
(2) Righteousness:
~~~because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer
(3) Judgment:
~~~because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

(It (truly) is finished!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
he will guide you into all truth
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sue

====== John:

Holy Spirit

I want to follow up on Sue’s post. The work of the Holy Spirit is explained here in terms of what the Spirit will do regarding the “world”, and then what will he do for the “believer”. The convicting and condemning of the world all revolves around Christ.

John 16:8-11
“When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

THE WORLD
The key to understanding verse 8 is the Greek word translated “reprove” (elegch[ma]o). It has two meanings–condemn and convince. In the first sense it speaks of convicting with a view toward judgment or sentencing. It’s a courtroom term. The judge used it to declare guilt and pronounce judgment. The Holy Spirit reproves men by declaring them guilty. Men merit that condemnation because they have rejected Jesus Christ. Although it is the Holy Spirit who makes the declaration, His is not the One who carries out the condemnation. That responsibility belongs to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (John 5:27-29)….

…Elegch[ma]o can also mean “convince.” The Holy Spirit condemns men and He convinces them that they need Jesus Christ. The convincing ministry of the Holy Spirit precedes the condemning ministry–if we do not respond to convincing we will be condemned.

We are convinced by the Holy Spirit when we have a subjective realization of guilt. But why does the Holy Spirit want us to grasp the full realization of our sinfulness? Because an awareness of our sinfulness bring us to an understanding of our need for a Savior.

SIN
Note that “sin” is singular not plural in verse 9. Primarily the Holy Spirit doesn’t convict unbelievers of all the sins they’re ever committed. Rather He concentrates on convicting them of the sin of rejecting Jesus Christ, which is consistent with the Spirit’s ministry of revealing Christ.

RIGHTEOUSNESS
The Holy Spirit wants to show us the righteousness of Christ so we’ll understand our sinfulness….One ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convince people that Jesus is righteous. To do that the Spirit will use the Bible and the godly lives of Christians.

JUDGMENT
God has judged Satan and will judge the world as well. If Jesus Christ can judge the greatest sinner in the universe He can and will judge unbelievers. God crushed Satan at Calvary, and that judgment is the guarantee that others will be judged. The Holy Spirit reveals the folly of rejecting Christ.

–from THE WORLD down lifted from a John Macarthur sermon.

John

====== Romayne:

======= Colin:

Something I hadn’t seen before in 2 Samuel is the significance of Solomon. David sins by sleeping with Bathsheba, repents, and now sleeps with her ‘properly’. God honours this, by giving the blessing of a child who lives, by sending a positive message through Nathan (who had delivered the negative message before), and by choosing Solomon over David’s other sons to be the next king.

And yet… one of Solomon’s weaknesses, like his father’s, was women. How much did the circumstances of his birth have to do with this?

Colin

====== Dottie:

I can’t say that I have ever arrived at the place of thinking I am great and I hope I never do. What has stood out to me in the reading is something that was shared with me long ago when Iwas going through unimaginable suffering at the hands of others and that is I Kings 2:25. I learned through this verse that not only did God forgive David, I was to forgive those who were causing such suffering in my life. I was able to do that because I love God and I began to understand that maybe they got away with it from earthly standards, but God was not neglectful in of the consequences they had to pay. He is a just and righteous God. I hold fast to this now everytime I encounter someone who is suffering. I can share with them my experience and the hopr that Godhelped me grow in my heart for justice to be done and not be left wanting revenge. Prise His name!

Dottie

====== Mae:

======= John:

PAST,PRESENT, AND FUTURE
John 16:13
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” NIV
As Sue said and the text reads – The Holy Spirit will “guide you into all truth”. The sense here as before is a “complete” teaching.
Note how Jesus also reveals in a “complete” way through three chapters of John. Just another example of why one should not isolate verses but put everything written into context to discover the full meaning of message.
PAST
John 14:26
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
PRESENT
John 15:26
“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”
FUTURE
John 16:13b
“…He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
John

====== John:

The True Vine
I am going to take a mulligan here as I missed yesterday’s posting.
I agree with Sue (yesterday’s post) that these verses do not deal with unbeliever(s) when talking about not bearing fruit. This puts us at odds with Bob Deffingbaugh and John Macarthur.
I will explain my thinking below, and if I am right – it will explain much to Andrew B. and others who do not see a “munificent” flowing of the Holy Spirit in their lives, churches, etc.
======================================================
Once Judas left in chapter 13, Christ is speaking to “only” believers. He is comforting them, instructing them, and beginning to explain to them the gift of Grace that the Father will send them in the form of the Holy Spirit.
I believe that the “vine” instruction” is Jesus explaining what should be the response to that Grace.
John 15:1-2
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” NIV
Jesus is the “TRUE” vine. By implication there are false vine(s).
“Exactly what the Lord does to the unfruitful branch depends on how the Greek verb airo is translated. It can mean “takes away” as in the King James tradition (also translated that way in John 1:29). Then it would refer to the discipline of physical death (1 Cor. 11:30). However, the same word may mean “lifts up” (as in John 8:59). Then it would be the positive ministry of encouraging the fruitless branch by making it easier to get light and air, and hopefully, to bear fruit.”
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
The branches that are fruitful are pruned(purged,cleansed). Greek word is “kathairo” from which we get “catharsis”. This word is used outside of Biblical text by Greek farmers who wash grain and get the dirt and filth off of kernels. We are cleansed by the “WORD”. By being continuosly cleansed by the “WORD” believer will bear more fruit.
How does this happen? By remaining IN Him. That is our response to Grace. We are saved by believing IN Him, but we bear fruit by remaining IN Him. Being a disciple is a commitment.
If we do not remain IN Him, as a believer something happens, and it is best relayed by this commentary that also links up to David’s actions in our readings of Old Testament.
“Verse 6 has caused much difference of opinion. Some believe that the person described is a believer who falls into sin and is subsequently lost. Such an interpretation is in direct contradiction to the many verses of Scripture which teach that no true child of God will ever perish. Others believe that this person is a professor—one who pretends to be a Christian but who was never born again. Judas is often used as an illustration.
We believe that this person is a true believer because it is with true Christians that this section is concerned. The subject is not salvation but abiding and fruitbearing. But through carelessness and prayerlessness this believer gets out of touch with the Lord. As a result, he commits some sin, and his testimony is ruined. Through failure to abide in Christ, he is thrown out as a branch—not by Christ, but by other people. The branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, and they are burned. It is not God who does it, but people. What does this mean? It means that people scoff at this backslidden Christian. They drag his name in the mud. They throw his testimony as a Christian into the fire. This is well illustrated in the life of David. He was a true believer, but he became careless toward the Lord and committed the sins of adultery and murder. He caused the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. Even today, atheists ridicule the name of David (and of David’s God). They cast him, as it were, into the fire.”
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
So Jesus is speaking to believers, encouraging them to remain in Him, and bear fruit. If they do not there spiritual life will “wither” up and be discarded by the “world”. There will be no effective testimony, no fruit, and no “flowing” of the Holy Spirit. To get back in the “ABIDE IN HIM” state, is simple – pray, ask forgiveness, not for sins (they were all forgiven on Cross), but forgiveness for grieving the Trinity, acknowledging the “sins”, and ask to be restored to “fellowship status” with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Do it with the “right” heart and you will be restored. Then you will begin to bear fruit.
John

2 Samuel 9:1-11:27 + John 15:1-27 + Psalm 119:49-64 + Proverbs 16:1-3
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Interesting set of readings today in Second Samuel.  We start off with David showing kindness to Saul’s crippled grandson Mephibosheth and we end with David committing adultery, ordering the murder of one of his warriors, and making God very unhappy.  What happened to change the course of events like this??  I think this is something that each one of us should take heed of – even when things are going very well in our walk with God, things can suddenly go the wrong direction if we are not vigilant in fleeing from sin and temptation.  David was obviously tempted when he saw Bathsheba from his rooftop.  He should have left that temptation there, and fled from it immediately – but instead he gave into it.  He asked about Bathsheba (entertaining temptation…) and invited her over and then committed adultery.  Then… things got worse.  That’s how sin goes.  Once we let it start to run our life it can quickly start to ruin our life.  David thought he could trick Uriah into thinking Uriah got his wife pregnant – but Uriah in chapter 11 was behaving much more honorably than the king!  He would not sleep with his own wife when he knew other warriors were sleeping on the battlefields.  Uriah acted honorably.  David did not.  David allowed sin to run the show.  Below is a powerful painting by James Tissot showing the moment on the rooftop where David allowed temptation to take over…

Again – back to our lives – have you ever seen a pattern of sin running the show in your life?  I know I have in the past.  It’s a dangerous pattern to see taking place in our lives.  It can lead to all kinds of pain and suffering for ourselves and those around us.  If you are perhaps even in the midst of sin running the show in your life now, there is hope.  There is confession and repentance.  David does give us this example in Psalm 51.  Psalm 51 David wrote after the events in chapter 11 took place with Bathsheba & Uriah.   Psalm 51 is a powerful Psalm of confession and repentance.  You may be at the point where you need to pray this Psalm to God now.  I think each of us does well when we pray this Psalm to God regularly.  We certainly may not be at the point where David was in chapter 11 – but, we likely have sin to confess to God – even right now.  Click here if you’d like to pray Psalm 51 now. 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings titled “David and Bathsheba” is at this link and “David and Uriah” is at this link.

New Testament – Today we read one of my favorite chapters in the Bible – John 15. I cannot tell you how much this chapter means to me and I hope to you as well. John 15 takes place just after the Last Supper, the night before Jesus dies on the cross, so this is one of Jesus’ last teachings to the disciples – and to you and me. It is so beautiful. My quick personal story on this chapter is that I have only preached verbally once – and it was when I was in Bulgaria several years ago on a short-term mission trip. Our team ended up going to a small Roma church – and I mean small – in a village outside of the capital city of Sofia. As we drove up to the village where the church was located I saw rows and rows of grape vines in and around the village. I knew I would be preaching that evening – each person on our team took a turn every night. And initially I was planning to preach from a Psalm – but, when I saw the vineyards I quickly decided to preach from John 15, and it turned out to be so beautiful. I literally ended up outside of the church – all of us could not fit in the tiny 1 room church – under some grape vines preaching from John 15. God showed up. I cannot even remember what I said, but God moved. I pray that as you read John 15 today God moves for you as well. John 15 is something special. (John 16 & 17 are something special as well. . .)

Today in John 15 verses 12 & 13 we read these words of Jesus’ – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Why would Jesus give us such a command as this? Why would Jesus give this command the night before he died on the cross? How did Jesus show his love for us? Do you agree that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for his friends? Did Jesus do this for you and me? If we are to love each other as Jesus loved us, how do we do this? When we look at Jesus’ life and how he lived it, what might we be able to model in our lives? When we look at Jesus laying down his life for us, how might we be able to “lay down our life” for our friends? Do you love others as Jesus loved you?  Below is a moving painting by Spanish Baroque era painter Francisco de Zurbaran from the year 1635 titled “Agnus Dei”:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “Abiding in Christ” is at this link and “The Christian and the World” is at this link.

Psalms – Wow.  I love Psalm 119 verse 54 today – “Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage.”  What a beautiful metaphor – God’s principles being the music of our lives through all our years as we are on our pilgrimage.  Great stuff!  How might God’s principles actually become the music of your life?  Do you think you’d need to be reading God’s Word frequently to tune into his frequency?  (did you catch that – frequently & frequency? 🙂   I commend you for reading the Bible each day this year as we go through the One Year Bible.  I pray you’ll continue to read the Bible daily in all of your years to come.  I pray God’s principles are and will be the music of your life.

 

 

Verse 59 today is a great verse for each of us to consider – “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.”  Have you ever reached a mid-life or maybe even a quarter-life crisis where you pondered the direction of your life?  Do you like the direction your life is heading now?  Do you want to change that direction?  Will you turn to follow God’s way?  God’s Truth?  God’s life for you?  Do you believe that God’s plans for you are so much bigger than any plans of your own that you could dream up on your own?

 

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 16 verse 3 is so very wise for each of us – “Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.”  When it comes to plans for our lives, let us not model the behavior in this image below…

Worship Video: Based on the painting above titled “Agnus Dei,” here’s the song sung by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBmFwBSGb0

Do you know our Agnus Dei? Click here and meet the Lamb of God!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Spirit of Truth – the Holy Spirit – within you, through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you will love Jesus and keep his commands. Pray that you are rejoicing because the Holy Spirit lives with you and is in you today!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on today’s Proverb, do you commit your work to God?  Do you pray about your work and pray that it will be pleasing to God?  Do you pray for others at your work?  Do you pray for specific projects and meetings?  Do you commit your work to God each and every day?  If you do so, do you think your plans will succeed?   Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Luch:

Puzzling story this story of david and bathsheba. I just heard of a colleague pastor who was super Mr Charismatic in his personality and a spiritual dynamo to say the least, but he was always kept people who asked him ‘hard questions’ at a distance. Long story short, he committed adulterly with one of his staff and now he has shattered the stability of his family, lost the confidence of his wife, and he and his family have chosen to leave the city where they were pastoring and gone into another vocation other than pastoral ministry. Like David, I don’t think this happened in his life because of a one shot deal but because of a lifestyle of self protection that is now costing him big time. Everyone loses when someone crosses the ‘line’. No matter how much David was forgiven, and he was forgiven, he also paid a huge cost. Let’s make sure we are about dispensing the lavish grace of God to those who bring sin upon themselves. We see this in how Jesus forgave a woman who had crossed those same lines, but let’s also not forget the people who are hurt by such selfish choices.
Maybe if David had been practicing the turhts of John 15, and staying close to the Vine, this whole sorry mess would not have happened. There’s probably no greater safeguard to moral purity than the day by day, moment by moment discipline of ‘practicing the presence of God.’
I don’t know when he wrote it but David also said in Psalm 16:7-8,11 “I will praise the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand I shall not be shaken….You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…” So obviously David knew about the practice of the presence of God, but he failed to do it while he was on the balcony……Let’s be ever diligent on our own ‘balconies’…….

Luch

====== Sue:

Now here is an interesting point to ponder:

II Samuel 9:3b Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.”

4 “Where is he?” the king asked.
Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

So, I looked up Machir and Ammiel in Nelson’s Quick Reference of Bible People and Places and found that Ammiel is listed in 1025 b.c. as “Father of Bathsheba (I Chron 3:5). See Eliam (II Sam. 11:3).”

Could it be that this same Bathsheba, with whom David sinned, the wife of Uriah, was actually the father of the very person with whom Mephebosheth had been staying before Ziba told him of Saul’s grandson?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In “Bible Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James M. Freeman, more insight is provided about having the beard cut off:

“According to Oriental sentiment, a greater indignity could not have been put upon them. The beard is considered a symbol of manhood and, in some places of freedom–slaves being compelled to shave their beards in token of servitude. By shaving half of their beard, Hanun not only treated David’s ambassadors with contempt, but made them objects of ridicule. The beard is usually kept with care and neatness; and thus, when David feigned madness in the presence of Achish, king of Gath, he ‘let his spittle fall down upon his beard,’ which convinced the beholders that he must be bereft of his senses. (I Sam xxi, 13). So disgraceful is it considered to have the beard cut off, that some of the Orientals would prefer death to such punishment.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I always wondered why “in the spring” was the time “when kings go off to war,” as it seems to me if you have a problem with someone, you settle it at that time, not wait until some “holiday.” However, again the reference is “Bible Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James M. Freeman, “this was the time of year for the commencement or renewal of military movments, the season for severe storms being over.

II Samuel 11:26 “But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.”

I cannot help but think about the busybodies around the palace, counting off the number of months of pregnancy before the birth of Bathsheba’s baby. It was inevitable his sin would be discovered, and certainly the Lord knew this was going to result in more than a blemish on David’s reputation.

Sue

====== Romayne:

2 Samuel 7:1-8:18 + John 14:15-31 + Psalm 119:33-48 + Proverbs 15:33
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Second Samuel 7 today is a big chapter!  God essentially establishes a covenant/promise with David. Verse 16 is a nice sum-up of God’s promise to David: “Your dynasty and your kingdom will continue for all time before me, and your throne will be secure forever.'”  The throne is secure forever because from the lineage of David comes Jesus.  Jesus is forever.  Genealogies in Matthew 1 and Luke 3:21-38 will give you more details on this lineage.

It is interesting that God does not want David to build him a temple, but lets David know one of his descendents will in verses 12 & 13: “For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendants, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house–a temple–for my name.”  We will later learn the reasons for this in 1 Chronicles 28 verse 3 when David says – “But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.'”  David was a warrior – as is very evident in Second Samuel 8 today.  David’s purpose was to unite and establish Israel.  David’s son Solomon will build the temple for God. Also, a commenter on this blog in the past made this strong point: “The building of a temple for God is not referring to Solomon but still to Jesus Christ. The true temple of God is the Church of Jesus Christ. While the Israelites have tried to build God a temple it has each time been destroyed. Only the Church of Jesus Christ is able to stand for all time. While it is true later Solomon does build a temple I believe this passage is still referring to Jesus and the church he builds.”

I love David’s prayer of thanksgiving to God in 2 Samuel 7 verses 18-29 today!  How often do you pray prayers of thanksgiving like this?  After the prayer of thanksgiving, an image is below for Second Samuel chapter 8 verses 9 through 11 today: “When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the army of Hadadezer, e sent his son Joram to congratulate David on his success. Hadadezer and Toi had long been enemies, and there had been many wars between them. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze. King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had set apart from the other nations he had subdued.”

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Second Samuel readings today titled “Building God’s House” is at this link.

New Testament – Wow.  Today’s John chapter 14 readings start off strong with a very short sentence of teaching from Jesus in verse 15 – “If you love me, obey my commandments.”  Not too complicated there, eh?  🙂  Really… it’s quite easy to understand.  And believe.  But to obey… hmmm…   I’ve been thinking about that “obey” word quite a bit lately.  In fact, it’s a word that has been spray painted around my neighborhood lately – “obey” – I think for some political statement reasons.  It’s not really a popular word.  But it’s a pretty straightforward teaching from Jesus.  Obey.  Obey my commandments.  “If you love me, obey my commandments.”  I really do believe that true freedom is found in this.  When we are obedient to Jesus’ teachings and God’s will in our lives, we truly will be living “free” lives.  I know it sounds like an oxymoron.  But I believe it is true.  The more we obey Jesus’ teachings, the freer we truly become.  Do you think this is true?  Are you obeying Jesus’ teachings in your life?  Do you feel freer?  And below is a little obedience humor for you based on verse 15 above… 🙂

Well, if we are wondering how on earth we can possibly obey Jesus’ teachings, He graciously answers this for us in the next two verses in today’s readings: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”  Basically, we cannot obey Jesus’ teachings on our own.  Using our own will power or smarts or strength, we will fail.  We need the Holy Spirit, living with in us, to give us the grace and strength to obey Jesus’ teachings.  The Holy Spirit rounds out the Trinity and leads us and guides us.  Are you looking for the Holy Spirit?  Do you recognize the Holy Spirit living within you?  Do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you into all truth?

Verse 27 is a beautiful teaching from Jesus: “”I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  Have you received the gift of peace from Jesus?  Do you have peace of mind and heart? 

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings today titled “Having a Friend in High Places” is at this link.

Psalms – Today in Psalm 119 verses 47 & 48 we read – “I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” Do you believe it is possible to delight in God’s commands? Why might this be a good thing? Do you believe it is possible to actually love God’s commands? What are God’s commands? Where can we find them? (okay, I’ll give you a hint – the answer is all over Psalm 119 🙂 – God’s Word, the Bible is where we can find God’s commands) Do you meditate upon God’s decrees as found in the Bible? Do you love the Bible? This seems like a strange question to ask in some regards. . . but, maybe ask yourself this – do you love books in general? I think many of us would say we love books. (Maybe using the term loosely. . .) So, if we were to consider just one book that it would really make sense to invest our time in; to meditate upon; to read for all of our lives; to love – what would that book be? Why would it be that book?  Are you a bookworm when it comes to the Bible?

Today in Psalm 119 verse 37 we read:  “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”  Are there currently things in your life that you are spending time on – focusing your eyes on – that are worthless?  What are these things?  Do you want to turn your eyes away from these things?  Will you?  Do you believe that your life can be preserved by the Word of God – the Bible?  How will you continue to preserve your life according to God’s Word on a daily basis? Do you consider the Bible literally to be a “life preserver” for you in the midst of the raging rivers of life?  Will you hold onto this life preserver each and every day?

Proverbs – Wow… how powerful is Proverbs 15 verse 33 today? – “Fear of the LORD teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.” 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Second Samuel 7 reminded me of Delirious’ song “What a Friend I’ve Found (Jesus, Friend Forever):”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP0LcrQzkfo

Is Jesus your friend? Click here and meet your best friend forever!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have received the Spirit of Truth – the Holy Spirit – within you, through your faith in Jesus. Pray that you will love Jesus and keep his commands. Pray that you are rejoicing because the Holy Spirit lives with you and is in you today!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Do you believe this Proverb to be true?  Does fear of God teach us to be wise?  Why would humility precede honor?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= John:

John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth…..But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

John 14:26
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Two verses to make note of regarding the Trinity. In first the Father will send “another” parakletos (called to one’s side to be of help). Another is not different in Greek but of a “similar kind”. Jesus and Holy Spirit are of a similar kind as part of the Trinity.

Not to just be “with you forever”, but abide with you forever. The Spirit (“pneuma”) refered to in the Old Testament as the “Spirit of God”. Doesn’t sound like Spirit will ever leave you in this verse. The Spirit of Truth because God is Truth. Jesus is Truth.

“Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon men and dwelt with them. But since Pentecost, when a man believes on the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up His abode in that man’s life forever.”

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville

In the fuuture the Holy Spirit will be in you – The “in you” referred to in NIV is that Gk. word “en” that has the meaning of being immersed, enmeshed, intertwined with you. Pretty cool!

In John 14:26 the Trinity is broken down again Holy Spirit, Father, and Jesus. Note the teaching denoted here is a “complete teaching”. Mark down that in this first reference to “complete teaching” Holy Spriit will deal with the “past”. What Jesus said, how it refers to Old Testament, and the Old Testament itself.

John

====== Sue:

======== Lorraine:

I really loved that picture of the dogs & the one cat. It really says alot about obeying. It also speaks for Faith on the cats part. Obidence & Faith go together. You need faith that by obeying Gods word it will change your life. Your situation may not change but your attitude changes. Your love for Gods commandments grows because your Faith in Christ grows through the action of obidence in our life. With the power of the Holy Spirit in our life we can obey with a cheerful heart. 
Lorraine

======= Jeff:

In today’s reading John 14 in verses 16 and 26, we see the Holy Spirit called Counselor. In other modern Bible translations the words Comforter, Encourager, and Advocate are used here.
My Harper’s Bible Dictionary defines Holy Spirit as: the mysterious power or presence of God in nature or with individuals and communities, inspiring or empowering them with qualities they would
not otherwise possess. I like that definition.
To me, the Holy Spirit is a gift that God has provided to enable us to both feel and comprehend in our hearts, minds, and souls His truths. With this power, our abilities in our prayers, in our actions, in our love, in all aspects of our lives is nothing less than extraordinary.
One of the benefits I have received in my growth as a Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is a dramatic increase in my ability and willingness to share my thoughts and feelings openly with others.
What does the Holy Spirit mean to you?
Yours In the Spirit,
Jeff

======== John:

Proverbs
“15:33 The fear of the Lord is the discipline that leads to wisdom. Humility is the way to honor.” – believer’s commentary
I like the way Believer’s commentary translates this proverb. Two companion verses that intimate a “way” to a desired end.
Reverence of the Lord is the way that leads to wisdom. That “way” is a discipline. It is so easy to fall out of that reverance, and follow the “flesh” – unless it becomes a discipline. If we revere the Lord, study and follow His Word, pray, worship, and obey we are on the path to his revealed wisdom. None of this is “natural behavior – it is a “discipline”.
One antonym of humility is pride. “Pride” is considered to be the root of a lot of sin. If we are in sin (constantly) it will be hard to have honor. If we are humble, and follow the Lord, our God, it will lead to honor – by glorifying His name and hence glorifying the Father.
John

====== John:

John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth…..But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:26
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Two verses to make note of regarding the Trinity. In first the Father will send “another” parakletos (called to one’s side to be of help). Another is not different in Greek but of a “similar kind”. Jesus and Holy Spirit are of a similar kind as part of the Trinity.
Not to just be “with you forever”, but abide with you forever. The Spirit (“pneuma”) refered to in the Old Testament as the “Spirit of God”. Doesn’t sound like Spirit will ever leave you in this verse. The Spirit of Truth because God is Truth. Jesus is Truth.
“Before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon men and dwelt with them. But since Pentecost, when a man believes on the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up His abode in that man’s life forever.”
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
In the fuuture the Holy Spirit will be in you – The “in you” referred to in NIV is that Gk. word “en” that has the meaning of being immersed, enmeshed, intertwined with you. Pretty cool!
In John 14:26 the Trinity is broken down again Holy Spirit, Father, and Jesus. Note the teaching denoted here is a “complete teaching”. Mark down that in this first reference to “complete teaching” Holy Spriit will deal with the “past”. What Jesus said, how it refers to Old Testament, and the Old Testament itself.
John

2 Samuel 4:1-6:23 + John 13:31-14:14 + Psalm 119:17-32 + Proverbs 15:31-32
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Second Samuel chapter 4 verse 11 stood out as David said this to the 2 murderers of Ishbosheth: “Now what reward should I give the wicked men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Should I not also demand your very lives?”  Similar to the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul and reported this news to David, David was not happy with the news.  This all reminds me of the old adage that you cannot fight evil with evil – you’ll get corrupted in the process.  These 2 guys murdered an innocent man, thinking they were doing a greater good for David.  David disagreed.  Are there times in our lives where we do something wrong / bad / lie / evil for what we think might be a greater good?  Aren’t we then corrupted in the process?  Do we go from left to right in this photo below? 🙂  (sorry, couldn’t resist this silly image!  On the website where I found this image, they labeled this photo, “The Dog I bought versus the Dog I got”… 🙂

In Second Samuel chapter 5 David is anointed King of Israel!  Israel and Judah are now united – but they will be divided again only a short 75 years later.  Verse 7 is the first time the term Zion is used in the Bible: “But David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David.”  Below is a visual of Jerusalem at about this time that David conquered it from the Jebusites – and to the right the map shows the growth of Jerusalem just 50 years later in Solomon’s time.  (1000 B.C. to 950 B.C.) We’ll come back to this visual when we get to Solomon in our readings.

 

In Second Samuel chapter 6 when the Ark is brought back to Jerusalem verse 14 is phenomenal to imagine: “And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly tunic.”  And David’s words in verse 21 are something for you and I to consider in our lives today – “So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the LORD.”  Are you willing to act like a fool to show your joy in God?  Have you ever danced before God with all your might?  Think you ever could?

Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “A Place of One’s Own” is at this link and “When God Rained on David’s Parade” is at this link.

New Testament – I love the dialogue today between Thomas and Jesus in John 14 verses 4 through 6!  Somehow I didn’t quite remember the context of Thomas’ question setting up Jesus’ profound statement in verse 6.  Beautiful.  Jesus starts us off in verse 4 – “And you know where I am going and how to get there.”” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We haven’t any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”  These last two sentences of Jesus’ we’ve probably all heard many times.  But how often have we asked Thomas’ question either to ourselves or to God or to now one in particular – “how can I know the way?”  Jesus answers this for us perfectly.  Have you ever felt in your life that you didn’t know the way? Do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?

Verses 12 through 14 today are so convicting for me – because I really rarely follow this teaching (or fully believe in it?) of Jesus’ – “The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!” Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works?  I’ll confess – I’m not so sure that I do.  I mean, it’s encouraging to think that I could, even if I don’t fully believe it.  And, yet, I believe most everything else Jesus teaches.  Why would I doubt this teaching?  Maybe it’s because I have some sort of inferiority complex – or maybe I think it would be prideful to think this.  But Jesus teaches it quite plainly!  Or…  maybe…  I haven’t really asked Jesus for the guidance and wisdom to believe this – and asked for even just this in his name.

Bible.org’s commentary on our John readings today titled “Having a Friend in High Places” is at this link.

Psalms – Wow.  Psalm 119 verse 29 is powerful: “Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law.” Do you ever lie to yourself? If you answered no, are you lying to yourself now?  🙂  I think that lying to ourselves is part of our fallen human condition.  I think we’re probably pretty good at it.  And I think that maybe the cure for this is even found in this same verse – the prayer of “give me the privilege of knowing your law.”   It is a privilege to know God’s Word.  It is a free privilege, but a privilege that I think we can often take for granted or simply ignore.  Through our study of God’s Word let us pray that we allow God to show us any area of our life where we might be lying to ourselves.  And let us allow God to redeem that area and give us the clarity of Truth.  Like this Psalmist, will you pray to God and ask Him to keep you from lying to yourself?  Will you pray this prayer often?

Proverbs – Proverbs 15 verse 32 I think is one great reason for us to be in community with others: “If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.”  I think if we are not in community with others, we can avoid criticism.  Which is just as good as rejecting criticism.  But, if we are truly in community with others – and yes, community can and should be messy really – then we will inevitably be criticized at some point and in some way by those around us in community.   But this is a good thing!  We need to listen to correction from those around us.  We need to grow in understanding.  Let us live our lives in community!

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John remind me of the terrific Phil Wickham song “Battle Belongs:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtvQNzPHn-w

Are you fighting a battle? Click here for your Battle Victor

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are loving everyone you come in contact with in your life. Pray that the world will see you are a disciple of Jesus, because of your love for others. Pray that you will love others like Jesus loves you.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Are you in community?  A community that will actually constructively criticize you from time to time?  And will you listen to this criticism so that you might grow in understanding? What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Anka:

Mephibosheth’s nurse was one any mother would want to have take care of her son.A 5year old can be a burden to carry when you are running away from danger.There was also no prize at the end of the race because Mephibosheth had nothing to give anymore.His nurse’s devotion in the light of all the fights and murderings chapter truly is refreshing.
There was a time Michal loved David.When David became a fugitive he got other wives,Michal became wife to a man who loved her.In deutronomy 24,there’s a part that speaks about a woman who’s husband had sent her away not being allowed to marry her again if she had married another.True David had not divorced Michal but neither did he make any attempt to keep her AND now she was married to another man(who cried and wept when she was taken away).Maybe behind the disdain in Michal was pain,hurt.David claimed to be dancing for the Lord yet he hadn’t asked God before separating Michal or marry dozens of wives some of which were Israelites.
Sometimes I watch people go all “spiritual” dancing,rasing holy hands etc before the Lord in church then after church(or still in church after the worship)behave nasty…then I wonder if truly they had worshipped God or simply enjoyed a good tune in church.Michal may have kept household gods but David sure did nothing to boost her faith in God by his actions.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you MUST love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The way we treat others who are our brothers and sisters…the way we treat people in general preach louder sometimes than empty words we say rather than practice.I work in a mostly haotic environment where trying to answer many impatient people at once can really be a challenge.Many times I try to keep in mind that I ought to be light(my unsaved collegues sometimes act really nasty)…sometimes I fail and have a guilt party.Once a lady met me at a christian conference and hugged me saying she had come to my place of work and I was so kind and patient to her that she was certain I was a christian,seeing me at a christian conference confirmed it.
So many times it’s hard to understand that people come from different backgrounds,cultures etc and I get my patience stretched thin…it’s always good to note the world is watching us as followers of Chirst.Our ways may lead others to Christ,make already existing christians stumble or worse give the world yet another reason to despise Christ.I pray we all be filled with love for God and one another.

Greater works….I have grown to have a lot more knowledge of the bible in the past 4months,I have been convicted of many issues and (I hope)have been transformed to be more like my dad and big brother in heaven.If this is true for the 2000+ people reading this blog and they in turn share with others what they have recieved then truly we together are doing greater works….some are cutting up pieces of meat for others,some are making sure we stick to studying the bible,some make us smile as we read the posts and get encouraged…like John once told me,….Mike I’m sure God’s proud of you…and everyone here…

God bless you all
Anka

====== Kate:

Mike, the 1st part you spoke about brought to mind the ethics class I just finished. What you wrote is definitely Kantian, but then I think of people like the Ten Booms, Dietrck Bonhoffer, and people in the French resistance who took Jews by boat to England and if they were stopped by the SS had to lie, who disobeyed the government and even lied to its officials. Am I corrupting myself when I truly do lie for a GOOD cause. I know I’m opening a can of worms, but I wanted to see what everyone thought

Kate

====== Jim:

Anka’s insight to David being insensitive to his wife Michal is a view I hadn’t considered. I am convinced that our love for God is reflected in how we treat one another, espcially our loved ones. While David was certainly right to celebrate for the Lord, he dismissed Michal pretty quickly despite his long abscence (or maybe we just don’t have the whole story).
As for doing great works, as Jesus states in the NT reading today, I would have to say that what we consider ‘great’ and what God considers ‘great’ could be two different things. Some of us have more humble stations in life and by our standards it may no be great, but if you are obediant to God and love as God loves then we are doing great things. As Oswald Chambers reflected on in his daily devotional “My Utmost for His Highest”, if we lead lives in obediance to God, then we produce rivers of living water. Where that water goes to is not our business. In other words, one person you are kind to or share your faith with may go on to be the next Billy Graham or Pope John Paul II therefore affecting millions more. These are the great works I think Jesus talks about in today’s reading.
Have a good one.
Jim

====== Luch:

===== Brian:

I have so enjoyed reading the Bible every day. I have never taken such an awesome undertaking before. I feel that the Lord is working in my life as I do this. I applied this term for a Nursing School in town. I did not have faith in God to know that he was leading me in the right way. I have been chosen as an alternate. That is such awesome thing that God did for me. Out of 250 people that applied I was able to get on the list only by believing in God. This year has given me such a boost in my faith.
Thank you Mike
Brian

======= John:

Mike,
“Do you believe that you can do the same works Jesus has done, and even greater works?”
I think after a little Greek lesson : )  you might feel better about yourself in regard to these verses.
In John’s gospel when he refers to miracles or Jesus explicitly (and clearly) talks about miracles it is translated “signs” or “wonders”.
The Greek word for sign is: “Semeion” meaning a sign, mark, token that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others transcending the common course of nature.
For “wonders it is: “Teras” meaning portent miracle.
Neither word is used here in Chapter 14 of John. So what the heck is Jesus talking about?
In John when people talk about doing the works of God or Jesus talks of “work” the works of the Father – the Greek word is: “Ergazomai” meaning to work, labour to acquire. This word is also not the one used in John 14.
The word for “works” in John 14 in these verses is “Ergon” meaning business, employment, that which one undertakes to do.
People get caught up in miracles, and I believe (like Bob does) that miracles are a secondary issue. Something that Jesus is not talking about in John 14.
Note Bob’s point:
“The “high road” is to simply believe in what Jesus has said. The “lower road” is to believe what He has said because of the miracles He has done.”
In the Gospel of John, Jesus continually says he is about His Father’s business – ‘doing what his Father sent him to do.’
John 14:12
“The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” – your translation
I like the NIV better in this case.
John 14:12
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” NIV
The disciples and we followers of Christ are to do what Christ was doing. Going about His Father’s business. What business? The business of Salvation – redemption.
Can you do it in a greater manner than Jesus? Let’s see- Jesus when He was on earth had a localized ministry. How many people can Jesus have personally worked with in 3+ years?
Mike your reach has exceeded Jesus, not only with your missions trips, work in New Orleans, but this blog is possibly worldwide.
In a normal lifespan, you may exceed the number of people reached for Christ than Christ himself. How many people have you led to Christ? How many seeds have you planted? If Christ had not gone to the Father, thus leading to your receiving the Holy Spirit – this would not have happened. That is why He had to go. For the sake of the apostles and our sake.
I think you vastly underestimate yourself in regards to this verse (John 14:12) : )
[Note: Of course in the near term to these passages, the apostles and their disciples absolutely went beyond Jesus in the Father’s business. Forget the miracles they performed, the far flung spreading of the Gospel, the writings, the establishment of churches, and the huge number of converts laid the foundation for the Christianity of today.]
John

======= John:

John 14:13-14
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Since I am into a Greek kick – I would like to look at these passages.
Two words – “ask” and “in are key to these verses.
“ask” is Gk. “aiteo” which can also be translated “require”.
“in” is “en” with the idea of being immersed in or “in the midst” of the object
(name).
So there are really three conditions to a successful prayer request:
1) ask or require something
2) while being immersed in his name (abide in Him and He in you)
3)that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
The asking and glory are in aorist tense – so they are completed action without respect to the time they are completed. The asking will or has occured and the Glory has been given.
Christ repeats himself in the next verse (for emphasis?) leaving out the glory part. The problem is with the word “anything”. To me the Gk. translation of “tis” would be better if it was a “certain thing”. People get the wrong idea if they see “anything” here in this verse.
However “anything” or a “certain thing” will be granted if you ask/require it while being immersed in Jesus. The idea being – you will not make foolish requests if you are truly abiding in Him and He in you. And of course the unspoken part is it must bring Glory to the Father.
John

======= John:

John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” NIV
The famous passage from a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ is often quoted in connection with the Lord’s statement here.
“Follow thou me. I am the way and the truth and the life. Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living. I am the way which thou must follow; the truth which thou must believe; the life for which thou must hope. I am the inviolable way; the infallible truth, the never-ending life. I am the straightest way; the sovereign truth; life true, life-blessed, life uncreated.” [56.1]
Two things:
1) Ego eimi – I AM – I have tried to point out the many times this occurs in John – not just the famous “seven”. In Greek this can be expressed in one word – like many foreign languages the ending of “eimi” would itself indicate “I”. The fact that a personal pronoun, “ego”, is used is to make Great emphasis on the statement.
2) I have mentioned the book “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger” by David Gregory and the companion DVD “The Perfect Stranger” (roughly an hour). Since I am a Christian for only two years, I tend to focus on the Bible instead of outside Christian books – but this book is excellant. Not just for a Christian, but as an evangelical tool. It is faithful to the Bible, and the response by others has been enthusiastic, and it has opened the door for many conversations regarding Christ.
In it, Jesus has dinner with an attorney who is skeptic/detached from God. Set in a modern day restaurant and the story is told in a warm persoanl manner.
In the book and the movie, Jesus says (paraphrase):
‘there is no road to Heaven.’…..
…a road implies someone can get on it, and by their own feet and knowledge can find their way to Heaven (GOD)….
…but their is a “way”.
I can not recommend this book enough.
John 14:7
“If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” NIV
Lastly, once again John uses the Gk. “ginosko” for the translated word “know”. It is repeated over and over again in John and other Gospels. “Ginosko” is that intimate personal knowledge that is symbolized by the coupling of man and wife – two become one.
The NIV here tries to bring out that aspect by saying: “really know”
Do you “know” Jesus, not “know, but “REALLY know”????????
John

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39 + John 13:1-30 + Psalm 119:1-16 + Proverbs 15:29-30
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link, or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today’s Second Samuel readings are quite dramatic!  We start off with the beginnings of what I think you could call a civil war between Judah and Israel in chapter 2 verses 15 through 17: “So twelve men were chosen to fight from each side—twelve men of Benjamin representing Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve representing David. Each one grabbed his opponent by the hair and thrust his sword into the other’s side so that all of them died. So this place at Gibeon has been known ever since as the Field of Swords. A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.”

In chapter 3, it is interesting to see how David got so mad at Joab for killing Abner.  Understandable for many reasons – murder being the main one – but also Abner was working to bring David’s kingship to all of Israel.  Joab’s murder of Abner threatened the civil war between Judah and the rest of Israel to start up again.  To the right below is a wonderful image from an illuminated Bible from the year 1250 of David dining with Abner before the murder.  In the smaller left hand frames you can see David sending Abner back to Israel, and then in the lowest left hand frame you can see Abner stabbing Joab.

And below is an image of David mourning at Abner’s graveside as we read in 2 Samuel 3 verse 32 today: “They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside.”

Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “Two Bald Men, Fighting over a Comb” is at this link.

New Testament – Wow.  Jesus’ teaching in John 13 verses 14 – 17 are so powerful today: “And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. How true it is that a servant is not greater than the master. Nor are messengers more important than the one who sends them. You know these things–now do them! That is the path of blessing.”   Are you on the path of blessing?  What might it mean to “wash other’s feet” today?  Yes, perhaps at times it literally means wash other’s feet.  Could it mean other acts of service as well that perhaps we maybe think we are “too good for” or “above” in any way?  Jesus humbled himself to wash other’s feet.  Are you humbling yourself to serve others in ways that your ego might not like?

Bible.org’s commentary on our John readings today titled “Menial Service” is at this link and commentary titled “Judas” is at this link.

Psalms – Whoo-hoo!  Today we begin Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter in the Bible! This Psalm is a beautiful meditation on God’s Word and how it helps us stay pure and grow in faith. Almost every verse in this Psalm mentions God’s Word.  I pray that this Psalm is encouraging to you as you read through the One Year Bible!

Today in Psalm 119 verse 11 we read: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Have you hidden God’s word in your heart? So that you might not sin against God? Do you realize that all sin is indeed a sin against God? Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis? And, more importantly, reflecting on Scripture?

Proverbs – Proverbs 15 verse 30 today teaches us: “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”  This is a great reminder to spread good cheer to others and to not hesitate in sharing good news with others whenever possible. It brings joy to the heart and health to the bones!  And, well, no, I don’t think this Proverb is talking about this kind of healthy bone below…  🙂

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John remind me of the Chris Tomlin song “I will Rise:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_2JpQNpSUA

Will you Rise when Jesus calls your name? Click here to Rise!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are memorizing and meditating Scripture on a regular basis. Pray that you will not sin against God because of His Word and Spirit dwelling within you.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

Something I have wrestled with for years. (You know it is hard to discuss David’s faults or character failures amongst a lot of people: they throw stones at you.). The wives, and they are only the ones he married in Hebron; the failure to restrain his nephews, the wavering between seeking God and allowing God to work to bring about what He declared to pass; but I think there may have been a little seed of vengeance that grew up in him. We see that tendency to drift over into vengeance in his dealings with Nabal. It is “the I deserve it mentality” we get. I call it a spirit of arrogance. It may not manifest itself all the time, but it is akin to the us-four-and-no-more mentality and the “posse” mentality we see in many celebrities. This should be no surprise to the readers because Samuel declared this very thing when he warned them what they would get with their king (1 Samuel 8: 9-18).

Vengeance is Mine, and recompense, in the time when their foot shall slide; for the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom comes speedily. (Deuteronomy 32:35 AMP)

Has anyone ever wondered why God requires us to leave vengeance to Him? I believe something happens to us when we seek it, it turns us into little god like idols seeking to direct and control outcomes. David had a relationship with Saul; after all, he had been his father-in-law before David took back his daughter as his wife. (By the way the taking of a sitting kings wife, or even a dead one, was a proclamation in the ancient world that one was claiming the throne-thus the incident with Palti and the rift between Ishbosheth and Abner). David didn’t have a relationship with Nabal, but he had one with his sister and her kids. One should also note that David wasn’t well liked by his brothers so there was more than likely a rift that had built up over time kept them on the outs, thus we don’t really read about his brothers or their off-spring being in the picture.

If one is observant with family dynamics and sibling rivalry, you will find that the one “picked-on” will usually try to show his worthiness to gain some iota of recognition. I am not sure if this a problem per say, but it can lead to doing the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. If we look at David as a type of deliverer, then the One True Deliverer did not try to gain His Families approval when he went about ministering.

Now Jesus went home, and a crowd gathered so that they were not able to eat. When his family heard this they went out to restrain him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mark 3:20-21 NET.)

While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you.” To the one who had said this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” And pointing toward his disciples he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! (Matthew 12:46-49 NET.)

There is something that makes what Joab did a particular heinous crime. Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:13), a city set aside for anyone who had killed someone accidentally. Was Asahel’s death accidental? Wasn’t it done during a time of fighting? Is this something along the lines of, “You can dish it out but you can’t take it,” mentality? I do not believe Abner turned to face Asahel because the butt of the spear took him out not the tip. More than likely Abner thrust the sword attached to his side or even in his hand to try to knock the wind out of Asahel as he chased behind him.

Whatever way the death happened, Joab called Abner back into a city of refuge to kill him, a clear breach of the law.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== John:

Foot washing

I would like to comment more on the spiritual side of foot washing. Most commentators do not delve into this symbolism too deeply.

John 13:10
Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”

[“The bath represents salvation and the foot-washing represents restoration. The “bath of salvation” is not something a believer takes every day. It is done once and for all when a person receives Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. From that time onward he is “clean” of sin–his sins are eternally forgiven and he is no longer “dirty” in God’s sight–because of his identification with Christ. This is the “washing of regeneration” that is mentioned in Titus 3:5. The Lord told Peter that he had already received the bath of salvation (v10). He was clean, and so were the rest of the believing disciples–only unbelieving Judas was not clean (v11)…..

….The believer’s permanent relationship to Christ is pictured in the bath. The believer’s daily fellowship with Christ is pictured in the foot-washing. The bath is for UNION–IN Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The foot-washing is for COMMUNION–WITH Christ (notice the “with” instead of “in” in verse 8). The link of union is so strong that nothing can break it (see John 10:27-29 and Romans 8:38-39). The link of fellowship is so fragile that an unholy walk will always break it (see 1 John 1:6).

How does the Lord wash the believer’s feet? It is accomplished primarily by the frequent application of His Word to our lives. The Word of God is the means by which we get the bath. (See Psalm 119:93, John 15:3, Romans 10:17, 1 Peter 1:23.) The Word is also the way we get the foot-washing. David said, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By living according to Your Word” (Psalm 119:9). Our Lord said that those who believed in Him would be sanctified (kept pure and set apart for God’s use) by God’s Word (John 17:17, 20). Our bath and our foot-washings are both accomplished through the Word of God! In Ephesians 5:26 we read that “Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word.” How important it is for us to read the Bible every day!”] growing christians .org

Ingesting of water is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. External washing of water is representative of the “WORD”.

The bath is not baptism – baptism is the symbolic dying with Christ and being resurrected to a new life. The bath is symbolic of the one time cleansing of a believer’s salvation. Their is stll a war between the “flesh” and the “spirit”. In our daily walk, our feet get dirty with sin. By staying in the Word, and prayer (instructed by the Word) we can minimize dirt and cleanse what we do pick up on the “worldly” road.

Besides the physical act of servitude and humility, Jesus is telling the disciples (and all future Christians) “you should also wash one another’s feet”. You should be in fellowship and be in the “Word” with each other. You should not do this from a “holier than thou” perspective, but humbly with the attitude of love to help one another. Encourage, exhort, and edify one another in the “Word”. This should be done frequently as our feet get dirty with greater frequency than many (including me:)of us would like to admit.

John

====== Caryn:

======= Jim:

Although kings of Israel were specifically warned against polygamy (“He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray” – Deut 17:17), it was still socially acceptable at the time to help forged alliances with other states. David’s problems, however, were quite considerable with rape (2 Sam 13:14), murder (2 Sam 13:28), rebellion (2 Sam 15:13), and greed (1 Kings 1:5-6). The story of David’s reign is one of great struggles between pride and corruption with reoccurring returns to God. Abner took Saul’s only surviving son, Ish-bosheth, and made him king over Gilead. Abner proposes to Joab (son of David’s sister Zeruiah) when meeting on the battle field that only 12 men fight in order to save the lives of any more Hebrews, but all 24 died and warfare between the two nations ensued. Joab violated David’s commitment to protect Abner, and demonstrated a clear disregard for human life. And yet, even after the killing of 360 Benjamite forces of Abner, Abner ties not to fight the less-experienced brother of Joab (Asahel) in order not to kill him and talks Joab from continuing the battle. Abnor later makes a secret negotiation with David and talks the elders of Israel into rejoining Judah. Joab, who had boasted so well before now sees this relationship as threatening his position and decides to kill Abner (characteristically in the back). Not only did the law of Hebron not permit an avenging murder without a trial (Num 35:22-25), but David’s curse (v 3:29) also indicates that he did not consider Joab actions to be justified. The ensuing long civil war only ends when Ish-bosheth was assassinated by two of his own soldiers.
John’s Gospel also reports more of the content of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples than do the other three Gospels. Chapters 13-17 focus on His teachings on the night of his fateful arrest. Meals were common settings for teaching sessions. He demonstrated the need for humble service by washing their feet (so demeaning that by law even Jewish slaves could not be forced to do it – leaving only Gentile slaves), His teaching, and finally His death. Finally, the treachery of Judas is foretold, naming Judas to Peter. Christ had often spoken of his own sufferings and death with such a troubled spirit now displayed for Judas (see parallel passages in Mark 14:18-21 and Luke 22:21-23). All of our sins are the grief of our Lord. Judas’ treachery speaks to all who would partake of God’s mercies with ingratitude.
There are several especially famous message verses in the Bible, such as Hebrews 11:29-34 on faith and 2 Corinthians 8-9 on giving. Psalm 199 is famous for its message on “The Word.” Common access to the Bible only occurred about 200 years ago and so ancient Hebrews had to memorize and then pass on scripture orally. Psalm 119 was written with each of the 22 8-line sections opening with a different Hebrew letter to aid easier memorization and beautifully conveys the idea that the Word of God contains everything man needs to know along the blessed journey of life. This Psalm expresses that following God’s Law will provide the blessings and benefits of peace, power to resist sin, joy, understanding, strength, freedom (including from shame), hope, comfort, reverence for God, a thankful and worshiping heart, a clean life, and most importantly, a personal revival. In English faith and believe have a common root while in Hebrew truth and faith both come from “emet” and David repeatedly expresses the joy he finds in what he call, “the word of truth.” Today’s reading covers the first two sections (Aleph and Beth) where the author prays for obedience to receive the Lord’s blessing and to be cleansed by the Word.
Jim

======= Jeff:

In today’s reading John 14 in verses 16 and 26, we see the Holy Spirit called Counselor. In other modern Bible translations the words Comforter, Encourager, and Advocate are used here.
My Harper’s Bible Dictionary defines Holy Spirit as: the mysterious power or presence of God in nature or with individuals and communities, inspiring or empowering them with qualities they would
not otherwise possess. I like that definition.
To me, the Holy Spirit is a gift that God has provided to enable us to both feel and comprehend in our hearts, minds, and souls His truths. With this power, our abilities in our prayers, in our actions, in our love, in all aspects of our lives is nothing less than extraordinary.
One of the benefits I have received in my growth as a Christian, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is a dramatic increase in my ability and willingness to share my thoughts and feelings openly with others.
What does the Holy Spirit mean to you?
Yours In the Spirit,
Jeff

======== John:

2Samuel 2&3
For those that like detailed information in their commentary, Bob does a god job in the link Mike provides. Especially the two sections profiling Abner and Joab.
Bob also has a longer commentary on 2Sam 2-5 at the link below. One insightful comment that I had never thought of:
[GOD and SATAN]
“I am inclined to think God providentially removes Abner so that David will not become king thanks to Abner, the king-maker, but rather thanks to the King-Maker….Abner’s approach to David seems similar to Satan’s approach to our Lord in His temptation (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-12). Like Satan, Abner claims that the kingdom he offers is really his (compare 2 Samuel 3:12; Luke 4:5-7). Abner wants David to enter into a covenant with him (2 Samuel 3:12), but when David does become king of all Israel, he enters into a covenant with them (the people) “before the Lord” (2 Samuel 5:3). Somehow, I see Abner’s offer as a shortcut, an easier path to what God wants to give David another way. If so, Abner’s death and the resulting delay in David becoming king make sense.”
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=560
[Note: David might have been releuctant to do anything to Joab because David was his uncle. Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were David’s nephews, the sons of David’s sister Zeruiah (1 Chronicles 2:16)]
======================================================
David Guzik has quite a few insightful comments at enduringword.com:
1)Ishbosheth the Son of Saul: Saul had three sons who died with him in battle (1 Samuel 31:6). There is no previous mention of Ishbosheth among the sons of Saul, so it is possible that he was an illegitimate son or the son of a concubine.
i. We shouldn’t forget that David was also a son of Saul by marriage. David married Michal, the daughter of Saul (1 Samuel 18:17-30).
2) There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: This shows how wrong it was for Joab to accept Abner’s appeal for a cease-fire at the battle of The Field of Sharp Swords. The fact was that they couldn’t just get along, and that there could be no peace between the rightful king David and the pretender to the throne, Ishbosheth. The cease-fire seemed to make things better but it only made things worse, and it caused the long war.
i. When we try to make peace between King Jesus and King Self within us, the result is a long, bitter war. It is so much better to simply surrender and submit to the reign of Jesus.
ii. “In the lives of many Christian people today there is raging, literally, a civil war. The flesh – the kingdom of Saul, struggles with the spirit – the kingdom of David, and the conflict is bitter. We do everything we possibly can to hold up the tottering kingdom of self, so that it might exist just a bit longer. If only we could preserve some rights; if only we could have at least part of our own way; if only we could keep this or that at any cost! We feel we must bolster up this kingdom of self, that we cannot let ourselves be crucified with Christ.” (Redpath)
[Regarding Polygamy]
3) Sons were born to David: During David’s seven-year reign in Hebron, his six different wives gave birth to six sons. This shows that David went against God’s commandment that Israel’s king should not multiply wives to himself.
i. David was wrong to have more than one wife. His many wives went against God’s command to kings (Deuteronomy 17:17) and against God’s heart for marriage (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6).
ii. David’s many wives were common. Adding many wives was one of the ways great men and especially kings expressed their power and status.
iii. David was troubled because of his many wives. Some wonder why the Bible doesn’t expressly condemn David’s polygamy here, but as is often the case here the Scripture simply states the fact, and later records how David reaped the penalty for this sort of sin in regard to his family.
[Retrieving Michal]
4) Give me my wife Michal: Why did David do this? Did he really need another wife? David insisted on receiving Michal as his wife again for at least three reasons.
i. David remembered that Michal was simply his wife by both love and right, and that King Saul took her away as part of a deliberate strategy to attack and destroy David.
ii. David wanted to show that he harbored no bitterness towards Saul’s house, and he would show this through his good treatment of Saul’s daughter.
iii. David wanted to give himself a greater claim to Saul’s throne as his son-in-law.
iv. “However distressing it was to take her from a husband who loved her most tenderly, yet prudence and policy required that he should strengthen his own interest in the kingdom as much as possible.” (Clarke)
5) Why wasn’t Joab pleased that Abner had defected and joined David’s side? There are at least three reasons for his hostility.
i. Joab feared Abner was a deceiver, a double agent working on behalf of Ishbosheth, the pretender king.
ii. Abner killed Joab’s brother, and Joab was the avenger of blood for Asahel (as described in Numbers 35:9-28).
iii. As the chief general of the former King Saul, Abner had a lot of top-level military experience. Abner might take Joab’s place as David’s chief military assistant.
[City of Refuge]
6) Joab took him aside in the gate: Joab carefully engineered this murder so the killing was done outside the gate of Hebron. This was because Hebron was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7), and it was against the law for Joab, as Asahel’s blood avenger, to kill Abner inside the city.
[NOTE: Refuge seems to be once you pass through the city gate (Joshua 20:7). Being in the “midst” of the gate or “aside” in the gate is apparently not “in” the city.]
John

======= Vance:

John 13 (NKJV)
15
For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
16
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
17
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
~~
Note: Note that we are to follow the example of the Lord Jesus expressed clearly in verse 5 (NKJV): “After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”
I am amazed that Jesus washed ALL of the disciples’ feet—including Judas. Jesus knew that “the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him” (verse 2).
Jesus washed Judas’ feet. Jesus washed the feet of His betrayer—knowing that Judas was to betray Him.
From a natural point of view, a question comes to mind: “Why would Jesus do such a foolish thing?”
Because Jesus loved the Father, and because Jesus loved you and I so much that He gave His life for us as a blood covenant, as a willing sacrifice for our sins. Because though Jesus could have legitimately judged us for our sins, He did not.
Jesus wants us all to come to repentance and find life.
It is staggering to me that the so-called “discovery” of the “lost gospels” of Jesus, (i.e., Gnostic gospels) are being taught by some professors as the original gospels and that the New Testament documents are the heresies.
The Gnostic Jesus (a false version of Jesus), as well as people first-century Gnostics in the first century believed the human body was evil. This worked in either one (1) of two (2) ways:
1. Since the human body was evil and had no spiritual importance, it was all important to remove the human body to be pure.
2. Since the human body was evil and had no spiritual importance, it was OK to freely follow sexual desires as the spirit was the most important thing.
However, contrary to the so-called Gnostic “gospel of Judas”, Jesus did NOT ask Judas to hand him to the Roman authorities so that Jesus could be free of his “evil” and “defiled” human body.
Also, contrary to the so-called Gnostic “gospel of Philip”, Jesus did not have sex with Mary Magdalene or with other women because he viewed his body as not important.
Psalm 119 (NKJV)
9
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
10
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
12
Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes.
13
With my lips I have declared All the judgments of Your mouth.
14
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
15
I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
16
I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
~~
Note: I really pray verses 10 and 12 for myself in this paraphrase:
“Lord, do not let me wander from Your commandments. I cannot seek You with my whole heart without Your knowing, praying, and obeying Your Word. Blessed are You, Lord! Teach me Your statutes!”
Worry, television or some other distraction are the gods of the flesh and of comfort.
We really need each other to follow the Lord Jesus with a pure and holy heart.
Vance

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11 + John 12:20-50 + Psalm 118:19-29 + Proverbs 15:27-28
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we begin the book of Second Samuel!  Below is an image of David being anointed king of Judah from chapter 2 verse 4 in today’s readings:

Second Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book.
Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6)  More commentary on Second Samuel is at this link:
https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-2-samuel

A note on the Amalekite that comes to David with news of Saul’s death in Second Samuel chapter 1 today.  Many Bible commentaries suggest that this Amalekite was a war “scavenger” that was looking for treasures on the battle field from the dead.  Based on 1 Samuel chapter 31, it is thought that this Amalekite found Saul dead, grabbed Saul’s crown before the Philistines arrived, and made up the story of killing Saul to David because he thought David would reward him for killing who he thought was David’s “enemy.”  David’s reaction was quite the opposite than what the Amalekite thought it would be…  Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David” is at this link.  Below is an image of David tearing his garments and lamenting the death of Saul:

Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign 🙂 – but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you?  Below is a portrait of David & Jonathan by artist Guy Rowe:

Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of 2nd Samuel!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvoWDXNDJgs

New Testament – Great words from Jesus in our John readings today!  I honestly don’t think I can add anything to what Jesus said in these readings today!  Please re-read this section again from John if you can and meditate upon what Jesus teaches us.  Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “The Greeks Seek Jesus” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm possibly sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper – see yesterday’s posting below for details.   What an amazing Psalm…  Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself – “The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone.”  Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus?  Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?

Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – “Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD.”   And verse 29 I’m pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”   🙂

Proverbs – Proverbs 15 verse 27 teaches us today: “Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.”  Think there is truth in this Proverb?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Psalm 118 remind me of the song “In Christ Alone.” Here’s a great live version sung by Kristian Stanfill:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNRFumI2ch0

Who alone do you trust? Click here for Christ alone!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:28 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your life is bringing glory to God the Father. Pray that you will obey the teachings of God the Son through the power of God the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. Pray that you would not sin, which brings glory only to the evil one. Pray that you would not worship the evil one by sinning. Sin is worship – of the evil one. Pray for your worship to be to God alone through your faith in Jesus and living a life of righteousness.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

I’m going to expose my thoughts about “Love” based on today’s Old Testament readings, David and Jonathan’s love for each other and Anka’s comments/thoughts.

Love, as mentioned by Jesus and as written about by Paul in I Corinthians chapter 13, cannot be an emotion that we so readily ascribe to it. Love, as per God’s definition and usage cannot be what we think it is a feeling of warm fuzzes.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJVR)

The reason I wrestle with our understanding of what “Love” is as God sees it is because we equate the evidence of “Love” with the absence of hate; bad feelings; dislike. Yet, in God’s Word we are told to hate/despise/reject sin (depending on the translation, our mother/father/sisters etc. Yes, yes I know that Jesus said He brought a new Law,

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJVR)

All of these directives require us to do something, not to have or work up an emotion or feelings before doing it. I believe, as a book title so readily proclaims, “Love is a Verb,” it is a doing and NOT A being. For God so Loved …That He Gave. (John 3:16) He gave of himself, He offered up Himself to pay the cost of committed sin and for committing sin, to people who hated Him. I have heard it said that we need to send our feelings and emotions to school to teach them, to keep them under control, to not let them take us down the path of good intentions done the road to hell.

In the 14th chapter of Jeremiah in the Amplified Bible, there is a rendering of a text that I have to admit I don’t contemplate enough,

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and sword; and they shall have none to bury them–them, their wives, their sons, and their daughters. For I will pour out their wickedness upon them [and not on their false teachers only, for the people could not have been deceived except by their own consent]. (Jeremiah 14:16 AMP)

Our emotions get us into trouble because we allow them to override biblical principles because we have a “feeling” about someone, be it love or hate, thus we become a party to our own deception. This may all be just a rant going nowhere but I believe I need to; we all need to examine our understanding of Love. Is it a Verb, Noun, Adjective or Adverb? Our we letting our emotions tell us, lie to us on whether we love someone or not. People leave the spouses because they don’t “feel” in love; we deny aid or help to people who we don’t care about and “feel” they are trying to trick us—all of this is based on emotions. And we should know that our emotions can “lie” to us. After all we know that we have brains but when is the last time you “felt” them. Feeling or not feeling something, by use of our senses, does not mean something does or doesn’t exist. We are a people of faith walking be faith, talking by faith and operating by faith not by emotions. To operate by faith we must now what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us; we must, like Jesus, only do what we see the Father do. Then and only then can we move away from sentimentality and emotional “love” into the God kind of Love. For God so loved the World that He Gave …”

Grace and peace
Ramona

====== Anka:

Sucking up…the Amalekite told a lie.Saul specifically didn’t want to be killed by an uncircumsised man…and he told his armour bearer to kill him not this Amalekite who probably thought David would reward him for killing Saul.David in spite of everything Saul did,loved God and this love extended to Saul.True God is love and unfortunately this is one area where sadly I fail.I had grown to distrust people so much that while I could go out of my way to help,sometimes even sacrificially….I couldn’t love.Jesus in his love for us came to dwell among us..gave us his time,gave up his comfort.I pondered in my heart the love between Jonathan and David.As Jim and John said…the bond between soldiers.I still love my life because I try my best to protect myself from being taken for granted or hurt by others,compared to David,Jonathan,Paul…I lack love and love my life.I pray God helps me let go completely so He can fully use me.I pray the church sees the need for unity in this spiritual battle…and most importantly…love like God meant it to be…not something that costs little but something that gives it all.
God bless you all.
Anka

====== Kristie:

Hearing of the death of Saul and the tribute he gives, shows David’s humility. He could have said, “Saul deserved this!”” But David looked to the Lord as the judge, and the honor he shows for Saul demonstrates this. What a great example for us all to honor those in authority over us, as well as to see the evidences of God’s grace in the lives of others rather than focusing on what is wrong.

Kristie

====== Sue:

Saul (means: asked) had four sons:
1. Jonathan (means: Jehovah has given)
2. Malki-Shua (means: my king is salvation)
3. Abinadab (means: father of liberality)
4. Esh-Baal (means: man of Baal) aka: Ishbosheth (means: man of shame)

In I Chronicles 8:33 and 9:39 he is referenced as Esh Baal.

Saul’s nephew,
Abner (means: my father is a lamp),
Ner whose name means “light” was Abner’s father and Saul’s brother), decides to make Ish-bosheth king, in defiance of what should have been common knowledge: Samuel had annointed David King at God’s direction. What was he thinking? And, why was Ish-Bosheth not killed in the heat of the battle when Saul and Jonathan died? What of Malki-Shua and Abinadab?

In John MacArthur’s Study Bible I was impressed with this explanation of the tribute David made to Jonathan and Saul; it helped to solidify the intent of the lamentation, and would like to share it with you all, but first a preface:

1:18 The Song of the Bow

This was the title of the poem in which the word “bow” may have been chosen with reference to Jonathan, whose bow is mentioned in verse 22.

okay, now the lamentation:

The Beauty of Israel

Literally, the gazelle or antelope of Israel, the chosen symbol of youthful elegance and symmetery, most likely referring to Jonathan. Thus, the song began and ended with Saul’s noble son.

High places

These were open-air worship sites generally established at high elevations. In this case the high place was Mt. Gilboa, where Saul had died.

How the mighty have fallen!

They were not only Israel’s slain “beauty,” but Saul and Jonathan were mighty men who had fallen in battle. This phrase is repeated as a refrain in verses 25 and 27.

1:20 Gath…Ashkelon

Two chief cities which together could represent all of the Philistine territory. Gath was situated in the eastern part of the Philistine territory, while Ashkelon was in the west by the sea. David did not want the Philistines to rejoice at the calamities of Israel as Israel had rejoiced at the defeat of the Philistines (I Sam. 18:7).

1:21 no dew or rain

David spoke a curse, seeking the absence of dew or rain upon the mountain where Saul and Jonathan died.

not anointed with oil

It was necessary in those times to anoint a shield with oil (see 21:5) to prevent the leather from being hard and cracked. But there on Mt. Gilboa lay the shield of Saul dried out, a symbol of defeat and death.

1:22 bow…sword

These two weapons were used by Saul and Jonathan with much power, accuracy, and effectiveness. It was also with the bow that Jonathan helped David escape Saul’s wrath (I Sam 20:35-42).

1:23 beloved

This generous commendation, including Saul who was seeking to kill David, showed David’s gracious, forgiving attitude — a model of gracious love (see Matthew 5:43-48).

1:26 Surpassing the love of women

This bond between David and Jonathan was strong. However, this does not mean that their friendship was necessarily superior to the bond of love between a man and a woman. The commitment shared between the two of them was a noble, loyal, and selfless devotion (see I Samuel 18:3), which neither of them had ever felt for a woman. Unlike love between a man and a woman in which a sexual element is part of the strong attraction, this love between these two men had no such sexual feature, yet was compellingly strong.

1:27 weapons of war

A figurative expression referring to Saul and Jonathan.

Sue

====== Romayne:

Sorry – did I miss something somewhere in this story – I keep looking for someone to point out the fact that NOBODY killed Saul – he fell on his own sword by his own hand, as did his armourbearer or was that my imagination:

1Sam 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.

1Sam 31:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

So when I read this portion today, I was sort of going What? Yet nobody so far has pointed this bit out about how the Amalekite was a liar, and David obviously was never provided the real truth either about it, although I doubt it would have made much difference in respect of him taking this guy’s life for his greed and errant attitude.

Just another reminder – was a time long ago when a bad attitude could get you killed – today it seems to be what drives our nations sadly, and we see much more spiritual death as a result.

Romayne

======= Romana:

>>Sorry – did I miss something somewhere in this story – I keep looking for someone to point out the fact that NOBODY killed Saul – he fell on his own sword by his own hand, as did his armourbearer or was that my imagination:>>

Romayne—The intent of this Blog is for us to focus on/write about the things that peak our interest, it is not to come to a consensus and do a group think, mental assenting on what any one person thinks we should focus on. Sometimes there is a common theme or thread that each person picks up, today there wasn’t.

The following is taken from Mike’s Welcome page, the first paragraph:

The purpose of this website is to encourage you to read through the entire Bible in a year! This encouragement to you is offered in two simple free ways – 1. This daily blog with reflections, commentary and questions. 2. Weekly free e-mails filled with encouragement, commentary, and questions.

Each of us comes from a different background, a different longitude and latatud on the earth and have experienced and are experiencing different things–each is at a different level. I personally have read though the entire Bible over thirty times so I was always uncovering, discovering things that I didn’t see the last time I read a particular passage.

Maybe no one spoke of Saul killing himself because you were suppose to bring it up : )

Ramona

====== Pat:

I can easily understand the relationship between Jonathan and David because God has blessed me with a best friend of 56 years. We are as opposite as day and night and often laugh and say if we weren’t best friends then we probably wouldn’t be friends at all. We have been there for each other during times of celebration, times of sadness, times of illnesses, even during times when we lived miles apart. We have been there for each other’s kids as they grew up and we are there now for each other’s grandkids. I like jeans and tees, hiking in the woods, volunteering on community projects, belonging to service organizations and having many friends. She likes fancy clothes, eating in glitzy restaurants, having a few close friends, and shopping, shopping and more shopping. I am positive and tolerant, and love sitting by the bridge and talking with the homeless people. She is more negative and impatient with others who don’t measure up to her standards. She loves singing solos in choir and I love being on the committee that scrubs down the kitchen. We both love the Lord with all our hearts and we love each other with that special love that God extends to best friends. God created us differently in personality but He gave us the bond of lasting friendship. They say that God gives you your family but you pick your own friends. I believe that God gives us our family but He also gives us special friends apart from sexual relationships and such was the bond of friendship between Jonathan and David. I pray that each of you has or will such have a friendship blessed and bonded by the Lord.

What is love? Love is a bond put between people who take joy in being in each other’s company without having to modify their actions. Love is knowing that other people are special and worthy just as they are. Love is a gift that God gives you, which allows you to appreciate those that you share this earthly life with. Love is the way God made us so that we not only enjoy other people but are there to assist them however possible. Love is the spirit of God!

God Bless!
Pat

======= Dottie:

God has blessed me so much with many brothers and sisters in Christ that I truly love and know they love me. When I first moved back to the US after living in Denmark for 3 years, I didn’t know anyone and I asked God to give me friends, Godly friends and He has fullfilled that 1000 times over. I would never change anything if I had to do it all over again, my experiences and relationships I have been blessed with in these friendships is prceless. I have learned from these friends an abundance of wisdom and knowledge and been inspired when I could not feel an inspiration in me. I am thankful that God knw what we need and always provides for us. Praise God.

Dottie

====== Katie:

I have been blessed abundantly with love from family and friends (that are like family). I love them so for sticking with me through so much. My testimony is CRAZY, but certain people have carried me through so much. Really, there are no words to describe how wonderful they have been to me, all I can say is that their love has changed my life.

And now, I’ve found a couple new friends here on OneYearBible that I feel love for and it seems like when David and Jonathan first met each other. We don’t really know each other all that well, yet, but there seems to be a special blessing to the friendships as they grow.

God is so very good to me, and I am blessed.
God’s love is wonderful and amazing.
Amen

Katie

====== Mary:

I have been thinking these past few days about love. My idea of love is a little skewed I think….and I have been questioning if it is sincere. After some time of reading and prayer, and being still I have realized that if I am seeking God frist in all things, the love I have for others is genuine. Not controlling, not self-serving, not empty. I can see the difference in the effect is has on others and on my heart. Pretty cool. He is Holy and gracious. Thank you for being deligent in these daily studies my friend. In Him.

Mary

====== Jit:

“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life”( John 12:25) Jesus seemed to suggest that our present existence is not important and for some fanatics they would blow themselves up for this eternal life. The difference between Jesus and these fanatics is Jesus did not blow others up in the process.

Jit

======= Peter:

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your insights–very helpful! I really like Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” I pray that the Lord will help me to think before I speak this day!

Peter

====== Raeann:

The book of 1 Samuel shows how GOD places ordinary people in extraordinary positions in this world in order to fulfill the will of GOD for humanity. As a new born baby Samuels mother gave Samuel to the priests to raise in the house of GOD to thank GOD for giving her a son when she had been barren her entire life. As Samuel grew GOD gave him the ability to discern good from evil and to make wise decisions for his people. Israel wants a king to be like all of the other nations around them. Samuel tells the people that this will only lead to the people turning away from GOD and turning to paganism. Samuel selects Saul to rule over the people and to be Israel’s first king. Saul leads Israel in several victorious battles against the surrounding kings. Saul is rejected as king when he refuses to do what GOD commands him regarding the spoil of war. David a sheep herder kills Goliath and is anointed the new king of Israel by Samuel. Saul hates David who he tries to kill on several occasions. Jonathan Sauls son loves David and he tries to protect him and keep him safe from harm. When David catches up to Saul in the mountains David in his compassion for Saul spares his life. Saul eventually dies in battle against the Philistines. The book of 1 Samuel shows how GOD places ordinary people in extraordinary positions in this world in order to fulfill the will of GOD for humanity.

Raeann

======= Frederick:

Psalm 118:26

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.

When Jesus was about to be crucified, he told his disciples and the surrounding people that unless the Jews said that, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.” Then He will return for a second time. This is so important that the Jews, his people to know God and acknowledge Jesus in this end time.

Frederick

====== Bob:

John 12:20- 26 I have a few points to bring up about this Gospel Message and I am not sure where the source comes from (Chuck Swindoll ?) In our circle of friends, it is good to get to know those who know Jesus. Our desire at any church event is to see Jesus. Notice how two are better than one as Philip and Andrew go see Jesus. (Math 18:19). This is encouragement and direction for the Greeks (us), when we desire acquaintance with Him. “The harvest of the Gentiles, the multiplying of the redeemed was the magnifying glory of the redeemer.”

Bob

====

The Making of a Man of God by Allen Redpath, is a wonderful book on the relationship between David and Jonathan. It’s an old book, but a real treasure if you can find i
“It takes more grace than I can tell, to play the second fiddle well”

William

====== Imja:

Jonathan loved David…but, he also loved his father and knew him as God’s anointed King Saul. Jonathan filled his duty as son and a commanding officer by going with King Saul into battle. God knew this, and that’s why Samuel gave that message to Saul at the witch at endor. It’s sad but, like Charles Stanley says…there are consequences to sin. God will forgive, however, we still are responsible for our actions. But, God is good! If Saul had only fully obeyed the Lord…

If we…

Imja

======= Ramona:

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11

In the story of the Talents, each man was given according to his ability and the “Master” expected a return on what He had given them based on their ability (Matthew 25:14-30). I will ask a question and it is a rhetorical question but it is something that has bothered me for many a year, or at least it has peaked my interest for a long time.

What happened to Jonathan? I know that he died along side his father, but what happened to him, why did he end up dead along side his father? What happened to his commitment to David?
Then Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much. So Jonathan told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you. So be careful tomorrow morning. Find a hiding place and stay in seclusion. (1 Samuel 19:1-2 NET.)
Then Jonathan son of Saul left and went to David at Horesh. He encouraged him through God. He said to him, “Don’t be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this.” When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house. (1 Samuel 23:16-18 NET.)

I could be totally off base but how does someone make a statement that he would be second in command knowing that the first in command is being hunted down like a dog then go back to his house? How often do we know that something is supposed to be yet we continue hanging out in the wrong place? Was Jonathan supposed to die that day, along with his father because he was never suppose to be second in command?
Was he looking back towards his old life instead of looking forward to a life with David as his leader? Do we set out to “plow the field” while looking back toward our house?

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 KJVR)

Just something that makes you go, Hmmm!

Grace and Peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

Greeks seeking Jesus caught my eye,His reply to them even more so.From my little knowledge of history,at that time,the jews were under the romans…they were separate,sometimes viewed as proud because of their practices.They wouldn’t eat certain foods,worshipped only one God who’s commands may have not been too popular among pagan nations.Yet some gentiles were drawn to them,these greeks came to partake of their passover and worship at their feast.Very much like Ruth who chose to worship the God of Israel and left behind her idols,her ways…everything to be joined to the Lord’s people.
Jesus’ reply to them was simple”He who loves his life loses it, and he who (J)hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal”
“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and (K)where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will (L)honor him”…..
Sometimes we think we can have it both ways..say we’re following Jesus but refuse to die to self,refuse to accept His ways…not wanting to be unpopular,seeking to be part of the world as well as part of the body of Christ…These Greeks came to worship the God of Israel among His people,in His temple…not caring what people said or thought,leaving behind what they were taught and coming to listen to what Jesus said….I pray we like Ruth choose to follow Jesus all the way,leave our own idols and practices behind…letting the Comforter and Teacher lead us as we follow.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Dee:

Wow good analogy! Because usually when a statement is recorded in the Bible it usually comes to pass..however Jonathan’s words were on deaf ears.

2nd Sam 13:1-2:11
What I thought was sad was the Amelekite was trying to get approval and lied to David today saying he killed Saul. In turn his lie was the death of him.

John-12:20-50
Something interesting I never heard is Lord talking to the Father and the thundering noise the people heard about God saying it will be glorified- He did before and it will be done again!!

Psalm 118 : 19-29
Last part of Psalm 118, an urgency, a pleading –25 verse: OH Lord, save us
–Oh God give us success
–28–verse: You are my God, and I will give you thanks
You are my God, I will exalt You..
Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.

Then in Proverbs: 15:27-28
Especially 28: fave verse and feel like it relates to what I am going through with coming to the conclusion that one chapter of my life is over and God is plotting a new course at a new school and I have been torn twice and finding the right words to let go..

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.

Amen!

Dee

======= Jim:

The break between the two books of Samuel is purely artificial. IMHO, the Amalekite was likely just one of those that came after the battle with Saul to strip the slain and had the good luck to come upon Saul and get his crown and bracelet and then the poor luck to come to Ziklag to see what he could likewise find in that burnt city only to find David had returned and only made up the story of killing Saul to bring David his crown to win favor. If his story was true, then again, it would be a good example of how being told to do something wrong by a civic or moral authority is no excuse. I personally know of a governmental contract manager that didn’t believe a subcontractor could afford a very low bid and hired a security consultant to break into their financial systems. The guy was probably sloppy enough to break into the administrative account from a lesser one assigned to him because he foolishly thought being hired by the US government would protect him – it did not. The story of being commanded to kill Saul likewise did not save this Amalekite. Again I ask: if this is the kind of punishment handed out to an unbeliever, imagine how much worse waits for believers committing similar crimes. For example, Christian statistician George Barna found that among American Christian adults who said they had given ten percent or more of their income to churches and related ministries in the past year, an examination of their finances showed that two-thirds of those people were lying about their generosity (such as Ananias and Sapphira in Act 5 that were slain by the Lord for only deceitfully keeping a portion of their own property for themselves). BTW, only 2-3% of Christians tithe as compared with 4-5% of Atheists that give a tenth to non-profit organizations.
Both Saul and David were both built and equipped to be great leaders. The difference was that Saul fashioned his functions from this form while David did it completely from God. Read 2 Samuel 2:1 -> David, “Hey God, should I go to one of the towns of Judah?” God, “Yep!” David, “Which one?” God, “Go up to Hebron.” Are your conversations with God this clear? Saul’s weren’t. When a church fails to focus on God, the hearing of churchgoers is suppressed. God speaks, but they can no more hear Him than can a man lying in the gutter in a drunken stupor. To quote Francois Fenelon, “How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.”
David was anointed three times: 1) by Samuel in secret to indicate God’s purpose, 2) by Judea for the partial accomplishment of that purpose, 3) 7.5 years later by Israel when Saul’s son died and the Jews were reunited for the completion of God’s purpose (2 Sam 5:3). Ish-bosheth would have been 35 at Saul’s death while 2 Samuel 2:10 says that he began as king of Israel suggesting a five year period of turmoil before his short reign began although the long war in 2 Sam 3-4 and Abner’s conspiracy would imply a period of two years. Abner’s expedition to Gideon may have been for the purpose of shifting resources to the tribe of Benjamin to prepare for the war (or “to go out” in 2 Sam 2:12-13) with Judah.
Only John mentions the Greek friends of Philip in v 12:20. They had undoubtedly heard of Christ’s miracles and were perhaps of prophetic significance that Jesus by His death on the cross will provide eternal life to both Jew and Gentile. Christ died for me, paying the price of my sin, and there is no more price to be paid. I am free. I am no longer under the condemnation of God. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men to myself” (v 12:32). While ALL are natural-born sinners (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; 1 Tim. 2:4; Psa. 51:5), God commands ALL people to repent and receive Christ (Acts 17:30-31; I John 3:23; Luke 13:3), Christ as “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42) gave Himself a ransom for ALL (I Timothy 2:6), and He saves “as many as” receive Him (John 1:12). 1 John 2:2 states that Christ “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for THE WHOLE WORLD,” and 1 Timothy 4:10 describes God as “the Savior of ALL men.” This concept was, in fact, Jacob Arminius’ strongest objection to TULIP Calvinism. Even as there is no way to the Father except through the Son, though, the only way to the Son is by the Father (v 6:44). But God allows the hearts of those who have repeatedly reject God to harden to the truth (Isaiah 6:10). Come freely with the sacrificial victim; make it ready; bind it to the altar (Psalm 118:27).
Jim

======= John:

Good Analogy
“Suppose someone came [to your house] at three o’clock in the morning and put a ladder up to the second-floor window and began to climb in, what would you do? ‘Well,’ said the man, ‘I suppose I’d shoot him.’ I said, ‘What right have you to shoot a man? After all, can’t a man come into your house in any way he wants to come?’ He said, ‘No.’ Then I said, ‘You are saying that you can get into God’s heaven any way, any time – by any back window that you choose. God Almighty has made definite, positive and absolute rules for entering His heaven – rules as definite as our civilization makes – if you go to somebody’s house you ring, you knock. … Make a noise and come up in the way that house owner decides…. God has done the same thing. He says that anyone may come in, but they must come [by his way: by the cross of Jesus Christ embraced by a faith that is willing to bear any earthly loss to have him and his salvation].’”
We do not get to make the rules. Too often in reading the Old Testament and regarding Salvation mankind wants to decide what is “RIGHT” or “Just” or “what makes sense”. People make these decisions based on their perceptions of right and wrong (flawed as they are), their intellect (small as it is compared to God), or their “feelings” (see Ramona’s post).
It just doesn’t work that way, nor should it. I could never have made the decision for Salvation unless I put aside my human foibles and just read the Bible to see what IT says regarding everlasting life. Once I acknowledged what the Bible says in John and Romans (I only read those two chapters, but did it several times) – it was decision time.
Did I (Do you) want to do it your way and take a chance on getting it wrong for an eternity, or did I (Do you) agree to do it God’s way?
It may be “WHOMSOEVER WILL”, but it is by God’s rules and conditions – not by our just wanting to feel good about our faith or getting “fire insurance”.
Once saved – it does not get any easier.
“People say to the Lord, “I will believe in you, I will follow you, I will serve you, if you do this or that for me.” But the Lord says, “No, you give up your life, your hopes, your plans – you surrender them to me – and I will give you your life back far better than you had it before. But you must make that surrender. And you must make it blind, by faith in other words, without the help of first being able to hold in your hand the blessings that I promise to give you. YOU CANNOT BARGAIN WITH THE LIVING GOD AND WITH THE REDEEMER OF YOUR SOUL. You must trust him. That is faith and that is why comparatively few people live by faith. It is a daring business. It is absolutely the right thing to do and the sensible thing to do – for Christ has risen and God has spoken – but it is in no case the natural thing to do!” – ibid. [Caps mine for emphasis]
John

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13 + John 11:55-12:19 + Psalm 118:1-18 + Proverbs 15:24-26
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We finish the book of First Samuel today!  Second Samuel is up tomorrow!  First Samuel chapter 29 verse 8 read a bit strange to me: “”What have I done to deserve this treatment?” David demanded. “Why can’t I fight the enemies of my lord, the king?””  It seemed odd, at first read, that David would say this to King Achish of the Philistines.  Commentaries suggest that David may have purposefully made an ambiguous statement here, such that Achish (and maybe us) would think he was referring to Achish – when perhaps he was referring to God or Saul as David’s “lord, the king.”  With David’s madman acting and wisdom, this ambiguous type statement with another meaning would not be surprising…

In First Samuel 31 today we read about the death of Saul.  At the very end Saul did what he always did – took things into his own hands.  Relied on himself.  Fell on his own sword.   Perhaps sometimes in our lives today we are not so different from Saul.  Maybe we try to take things into our own hands.  Rely on ourselves.  But hopefully never fall on our own swords…   We should instead be leaving things in God’s hands and relying fully on God.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s First Samuel readings titled “From “Playing Both Ends Against the Middle” to “Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place”” is at this link and “From Tragedy to Triumph” is at this link and “Saul’s Death Wish” is at this link.

New Testament – John 12 verse 10 stood out to me today – somehow I hadn’t really noticed this verse before – “Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.”   Lazarus was raised from the dead and they wanted him dead again…  sad…  The miracle had caused many to believe in Jesus as the Messiah.  Not surprising that those in that day who were against Jesus would also be against those close to Jesus.  Think there might be some correlation in this regard in our world today?  Is it possible that the closer we get to Jesus, the more the Enemy might come up against us in various ways?  It cannot defeat us with God on our side.  But it may come after us.  I’m a day late in our readings on this painting below from the year 1630 of “The Raising of Lazarus” by Rembrandt:

I like verse 19 today!   “Then the Pharisees said to each other, “We’ve lost. Look, the whole world has gone after Jesus!””  Unfortunately it was a bit of an exaggeration at that time and the 2,000 years following.  But maybe in the future?  How are you part of the Great Commission today?  An image is below for verse 15 (originally from Zechariah 9:9) – “”Don’t be afraid, people of Israel. Look, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

Bible.org’s commentary on our John readings today titled “The Sweet Smell of Love and the Stench of Greed” is at this link and “The Un-Triumphal Entry” is at this link.

Psalms – I came across a wonderful speculation on Psalm 118!  Zondervan’s commentary suggested that Jesus and the disciples sung this psalm/hymn at the end of the Last Supper.  Matthew chapter 26 verse 30 tells us – “When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”   Adds a bit of a new dimension to this Psalm, no?  The reason for this speculation is because this is the final Psalm in the Egyptian Hallel of Psalms 113 through 118.  These Psalms were used in Jewish liturgy at the great religious festivals of Passover, Tabernacles, Dedication, Weeks, New Moon.  At Passover Psalm 113 & 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 – 118 were sung after the meal.  Perhaps, even after the Last Supper by Jesus and the disciples?  Below is Russian artist Simon Ushakov’s “The Last Supper” from the year 1685 –

Verse 8 in this Psalm stands out to me big time: “It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people.” Kind of strong words I know…  but what do you think?   Might people, on occasion, let you down?  Obviously, we know the answer to this one.  People will let us down.  Even our closest friends and family at some point will let us down.  However – I don’t think this means we give up on investing and loving friends and family!  It just means we should not be surprised when someone lets us down.  That’s human nature.  None of us is perfect this side of heaven – you will obviously let people down too.  Realizing this, I think all of us should be prepared to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness of others.  However, what do you think on this question:  Will God ever let you down?  Will Jesus ever let you down?  Please know He won’t!  In fact, I believe that He’s holding you up right this very moment…

Proverbs – Proverbs 15 verse 24 is a beautiful meditation – “The path of the wise leads to life above; they leave the grave behind.”  Are you on the path of the wise?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in John about Jesus remind me of the Passion/Christy Nockels song “Let it be Jesus:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2h9Hm9JZho

Have you Let it be Jesus? Click here and Let it Be!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me (Jesus).” John 12:8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you love Jesus above all else. Pray that you will indeed love and serve the poor in our world, but won’t love this service to the poor or anything else in this world above your love for Jesus. Pray that you will always have Jesus in eternity. And pray that the poor will too, through their saving faith in Jesus. Pray that you realize we are all truly poor if we are not in a saving relationship with Jesus.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

1 Samuel 29:1-31:13

Even when we have made alliances with the “enemy” for what we think is self-preservation; even when our actions cause pain and grief to others as well as ourselves—the city of Ziklag being taken, burned to the ground and everything that was in it carried off, God stills fights our “other” enemies and restores everything that has been stolen. Interestingly enough the town/city of Ziklag was not a town that should have been possessed by the Philistines, that city was part of Judah’s inheritance that had been taken from them during the time of the Judges. (See Joshua 15:21-31 for Judah’s inheritance) Therefore, God will restore all things lost by previous generations.

There is something here that I always considered just part of the narrative, the finding of the Egyptian in the desert as David and his men chased after the Amalekites. Now I see that it points to Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan. They army, like the Samaritan, was on a mission. In the King James Translations the use of the words, “by chance” describes how the priest and the Levite happened upon the man left half-dead; however, the Samaritan was on a “journey.” When we are on a journey, we will meet up with the people we are called to minister to; however, when we are traveling “by chance” we will pass folk by. Meeting up with those people and ministering to them will send us down the correct road that leads to complete restoration.

Some of the men of David’s army showed mercy to this Egyptian they found in the desert. They brought him back to David, they fed him and gave him something to drink, and they restored him. That act of kindness led them to the men they were seeking. Usually armies, especially back then, were ruthless in their pursuit. If you happened to be in there way while they were on the move, their feet, horses and chariots would crush you. What happened to the Egyptian is a clear “type” of Christ’s mercy, or the Mercy of God.

The second thing I observed, and am rethinking in a different way is Saul’s suicide. I had come to think that Saul was a coward and didn’t want to suffer the pain of a lingering death, but now I’m wondering if what he did was a continuation of his rebellion to the Word of God. Samuel had told him, the night before:

Since you did not obey the LORD and did not carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this thing to you today. The LORD will hand you and Israel over to the Philistines! Tomorrow both you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand the army of Israel over to the Philistines!” (1 Samuel 28:18-19 NET.)

My thinking is this: Did Saul fall on his sword thinking that in so doing he would place his dying, and how he died, in his own hands and defy the words spoken by the prophet Samuel. Hmmm.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Marilyn:

======= Jim:

God used the suspicious nature of the Philistines to deliver David from his impossible choice to either fight Israel or being killed by Achish. The Philistines had good reason to fear David’s defection since Hebrew mercenaries had turned on them before (in v 14:21) and from Israel’s popular taunt song of Saul’s thousands and David’s ten thousands. This gave them chance to chase the Amalekites who took their wives and children to make into slaves (although David’s troops considered stoning him for the “bad luck”). Unlike Saul, however, David always knew where to turn and was confident of God’s eventual deliverance. David desire to share the spoils with those that did not fight and Judah could have been political but more likely was a result of his understanding that his victory did not belong to him or his army but to God and all His children. The men of Jabesh Gilead risked their lives to recover the bodies of Saul and his sons out of gratitude for Saul previously delivering their city. Cremation was not the normal Jewish practice except for criminals (as in Josh 7:25), but perhaps it was done to Saul’s body due to the severe mutilation done to the corpses by the Philistines. David will later move the buried bones to Benjamin (2 Sam 21:11-14).
Yesterday’s Samuel’s spirit’s prophecy was fulfilled today with the death of Saul and his sons (including Jonathan), except for Saul’s son Ish-bosheth who was later made king by Abner (2 Sam 2:8-9). Saul faced death the same way he face life – with his own hands without asking God for guidance. The Bible lists only the above seven suicides, but Jews have the lowest suicide rate of any religion even today (the group with by far the most suicides is 50-54, white collar, protestant Caucasians). Besides Saul (feeling hopeless), other biblically recorded suicides are Ahithophel (feared losing to David and hung himself in 2 Sam 17:23), Abimelech (shamed by a woman in battle and choose to die by the sword in Jud 9:54), Samson (died in revenge plan in Jud 16:30), Saul’s armor-bearer (impulsively – as is 40% of teenage suicides today – fell on his sword), Zimri (about to lose a battle and so burned down the palace while inside in 1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (realized how great his sin and hung himself out of guilt but the rope broke and he fell down a cliff in Matt 27:5). They all felt trapped, believed that life was not worthy of living or that they were not worthy to live, were spiritually ailing, and depressed. Each would have done better to have accepted life as a gift from God (John 1:21), turned to faith rather than emotions (James 1:2, Phil 4:1), bowed to the sovereign will of God (Romans 8:28), with the help of the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20, 5:16-23), sought help from others (1 John 1:9), and treated their depression as sin (Ps 77:2-9). I have heard that of the few that survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, all regretted their decision on the way down. Some have suggested that someone who kills themselves cannot end up in heaven. The Bible actually says very little on the subject but Samson is listed in Hebrew 11:32 with the faithful, so at least one was a true believer.
Over one million Americans will attempt to immediately kill themselves this year and 1 in 15 will succeed (for about 25,000) which makes suicide the 10th highest killer (greater than murder – which is saying something when you consider we lead the world in that as well). But, all the other top nine killers are really suicide as well. Then again, the “natural” outcome of freewill is always death. For example, put any animal in a cage with the freedom to push a lever for hereon and 100% will kill themselves. Humans are the only animal that can survive free choice, but we don’t do it often. Why worry about air pollution when cigarettes cause a quarter of all deaths? Why recycle when a thousand Americans die every day from poor nutritional choices? Why work for justice when the rampant problems with suicide, drugs, alcohol, and casual sex take so many more (with 60% of the children in the Caribbean dying from AIDS)? With the improvements in law enforcement, home safety, and health care, all of the top ten ways Americans die today is basically from self-destructive means. There is no greater health problem, and all of these are simply symptoms of being spiritually lost. Research funded by the Nurses Christian Fellowship has identified four areas of spiritual needs: “relief from fear of death, knowledge of God’s presence, expression of caring and support from another person, and receiving the sacraments” and have found that “spiritual matters gave [patients] a sense of increased power and control in coping with life’s challenges” (Martin, Burrows, and Pomilio, 1976; Stevenson, 1980). The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association identifies spiritual distress, spiritual concerns, and spiritual despair as official medical diagnoses (Monahan, Drake, and Neighbors, 1994).
As Passover week approaches, Jesus stays with Simon the leper (Mark 14:3) in Bethany (coming there on Sunday, six days before) – it will be from here that on the morrow Jesus makes the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Perhaps why only John tells the story of Lazarus (about 2 months earlier than today’s reading) was because Lazarus was still alive (despite the desire of the Sanhedrin to kill this powerful witness for Christ) during the earlier Gospels and that John was writing to Christians outside of Palestine (while the other Gospels were written more to those in Judea) who had a greater need to hear the story. Last summer the manager of a Canadian ice cream parlor in Niagara Falls complained to me while on vacation that she felt that the Bible did not relate directly to her life. I agreed that the NT was a testament of God’s love to the Jews of 2,000 years ago (with the OT as a reminder to them) and that knowledge of Jewish culture was thusly required to fully understand what He says through the 66 different authors, but I asked her how she could let that stop her from reading God’s most complete love letter for everything that we need (not want) to know. We must realize that we are indeed secondary audiences to these books and consider the motivations and hopes for their primary audiences in order to better understand their format and content. In the same way, the disciples often understood the old covenant only in the light of the new one (v 12:16).
Simon the leper had invited Jesus (and all of His disciples) to dinner after being cured when Lazarus’s sister Mary pours a very expensive (likely costing her life’s savings) perfume normally reserved for kings on Christ’s feet and wipes them with her hair (only a prostitute normally untied her hair in public) – how much better it is to show love to someone before they die. Mary lovingly gave her best despite criticism and Christ honored her and defended her from evil attacks. We should similarly devote ourselves to the honor and mission of Christ. Martha’s question to Christ yesterday (Where were you when we needed you?) was the result of not really understanding His resurrection and life message until after He brought her brother back to life. Christ’s betrayer Judas, however, never understands and tries to sound spiritual by expressing concern for the poor that he surely did not feel (piety often cloaks hidden motives). John makes it fairly clear here that Judas was stealing from the disciples and may have been particularly interested in making as much as he could before Jesus died (remember that Jesus picked Judas fully knowing his character and demonic influence). While Jesus had given his disciples plenty of warning of the pending events, perhaps only Mary and Judas perceived that Christ’s death was imminent and thusly we have their two reactions to compare. Mary’s devotion angered Judas just as the success of Lazarus was angering the Sanhedrin.
Jerusalem was not a safe place for Jesus at night and so He did not lodge there, but instead stayed with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (Matt 21:17). The Pharisees, however, were too cowardly to arrest Christ in the presence of the daylight’s welcoming masses of commoners who were now ready to acclaim Jesus as their Savior and king (Hosanna is the Hebrew word for “save now,” but they were still convinced that He would save them from the Romans). As they shouted from tomorrow’s Psalms 118:25 and 26 they probably never thought that the very same Psalm in verse 22 ironically foretold that they would reject the cornerstone.
Jim

1 Samuel 26:1-28:25 + John 11:1-54 + Psalm 117:1-2 + Proverbs 15:22-23
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link, or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – In First Samuel 26 David completes the 3 “tests” of obedience, as discussed in yesterday’s post, by once again not killing Saul when he had the opportunity.  Verses 9 through 11 again show David’s character when he and Abishai had snuck into Saul’s camp and Abishai offered to kill Saul – “”No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the LORD’s anointed one? Surely the LORD will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age. But the LORD forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But I’ll tell you what–we’ll take his spear and his jug of water and then get out of here!””

Interesting… in First Samuel 28 Saul bans mediums – wise – and then becomes desperate for one – unwise…  The medium seems to get quite freaked out that she has called up Samuel.  Commentaries suggest that she is used to calling up satanic / demonic forces.  She (possibly) connected to Samuel somehow here and was freaked out by it.  And Samuel tells Saul exactly what he probably knows in his heart.  God has left him – a long time ago – because of his disobedience.  Consulting a medium is just one more disobedient act in a string of them.  I pray that no one reading this consults mediums or does tarot cards or gets into palm readings or any of that garbage.  It is spiritually dangerous and risky to get into any of that.  Unfortunately, I know that things like “tarot card reading parties” are somewhat popular today.  I have been invited to them and have not gone – and told the hosts why I was not attending.  Please avoid this spiritually risky stuff.  It is no joke dangerous.  Below is a painting by Benjamin West from the year 1777 titled “Saul and the Witch of Endor”:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s First Samuel readings titled “The Second Time Around” is at this link.  Commentary titled “One Step Forward, and Two Backward” is at this link and commentary titled “Finding God’s Will, Any “Witch” Way You Can” is at this link.

New Testament – Today in John chapter 11 verse 35 we read the shortest verse in the Bible – “Jesus wept.” Though this may be the shortest verse, I do not believe it is small in meaning. What does it say to you that Jesus wept? What does it mean to you that Jesus wept? I love this verse because to me it shows Jesus’ humanity (while at the same time he is divine). During his time living as a man on earth, Jesus experienced the full range of emotions that you and I experience today. Jesus was tempted. (though, unlike us, he did not give into temptation and sin ever) Jesus was joyful. Jesus was angry. Jesus loved. Jesus wept. Knowing this about Jesus, does this help you to realize that you can approach Jesus with absolutely any situation in your life that you might be struggling with? Do you believe that Jesus will understand you if you are weeping? Do you believe that Jesus will rejoice with you when you are rejoicing? I do. “Jesus wept” says so much to me about who Jesus was, is, and forever will be. Jesus wept.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John chapter 11 readings titled “Dealing with Death” is at this link and “The Raising of Lazarus” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 117 is the shortest of all the Psalms – and the shortest chapter in the entire Bible.  This Psalm is said to basically be one long Alleluia.  🙂  Actually verse 1 has a very important message – “Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth.”  This demonstrates that God was very interested in the salvation of the Gentiles and all the nations in the Old Testament.  And not just in the New Testament as we get to the book of Acts.  This was part of the plan all along…

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 15 verse 22 we read – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Wow. . . this verse really is convicting for me on a couple of levels. The first thought for me is God – and how often (or not often) do I pray to God for counsel on my plans for my life? Truthfully, not enough. I pray to God daily – but it’s usually pretty brief. I believe God wants us to come to him often in prayer asking for guidance and counsel on our plans. Imagine that – with God as an adviser on our plans, do you think they might succeed?? 🙂 Secondly, I think about community – other people. And I think about, first of all, am I in community? Am I in a community of people that I know well and that know me? And if so, am I consulting this community on my life plans? Am I allowing people I know and love to advise me on my life? Think this would be wise? How about you – do you pray often to God for counsel and leading in your life plans? Are you in community with others that you know well and that know you? And do you consult this community with your plans and ask for their advice?

Worship Video: Psalm 117 reminds me of Michael W. Smith’s “A New Hallelujah!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBxOkruKpqI

Do you sing Alleluia? Click here and sing!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus wept like we weep. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus knows pain and joy, as we do. Pray in thanksgiving that Jesus is our High Priest who like us was tempted in every way, but never sinned, and intercedes on our behalf before the Father.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  I read an interesting commentary today related to Jesus weeping in John.  The commentary basically said that while we have recorded in Scriptures that Jesus wept, we don’t have anywhere recorded in Scriptures that Jesus laughed.  I had never thought about that before!  The commentary went on to say that they are sure Jesus laughed and had a great sense of humor.  But I find that fascinating to think about – that it’s not recorded that Jesus laughed.  Why do you suppose this is?  Do you think Jesus laughed?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

1 Samuel 26:1-28:25

Two men, on the outside they don’t seem to be different; however, on the inside one has a heart after God, the other’ heart is focused on himself and covered in pride. Both of these men have sin in their lives, both of these men have “missed” it; yet one repents and turns back to God the other doesn’t. One is at war with God the other is at peace. If one were to look at the entire life of both of these men, I think Saul would come up smelling like a rose, while David would be severely condemned. However, the difference can be found in the heart. David wanted to please God Saul wanted to fight Him. Saul fought to keep his name in the limelight by any means necessary; David lifted up God’s name.

Death, necromancers (the witch at Endor), familiar spirits and mediums.

I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and go back and read Jesus’ reply to the Sadducees (Sad-to-sees) who gave Jesus that crazy scenario about the woman who married and outlived seven brothers (Matthew 22:23-29; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40). The bottom line is this, those that die a physical death, in Christ even before Christ physically came upon the earth (Samuel et all) are not dead in God’s sight.

But Jesus replied to them, You are wrong because you know neither the Scriptures nor God’s power. For in the resurrected state neither do [men] marry nor are [women] given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. But as to the resurrection of the dead–have you never read what was said to you by God, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead but of the living! [Exod. 3:6.] (Matthew 22:29-32 AMP)

As far as man is concerned now, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are long dead but Jesus reminds us that God spoke of them as being in the hear and now. God said I am the God of … Not I was the God …. We, I believe, in my humble opinion have the wrong understanding of what death is. Cessation of life is not death; being removed from the presence of God is death. We are made in the image of God and God is Spirit not flesh. Who we are, is not who and what we are in “flesh” but in spirit. Our spirits our born again, not our flesh. Our flesh will be redeemed and put back together again in a form that will be incorruptible, like Jesus’, when Jesus comes again.

The witch/medium of Endor had no plans or inclination of bring up Samuel that is why she screamed. She wasn’t expecting the real Samuel. Remember Jesus’ story of Lazarus and the rich man? (Luke 16:19-31). Each of them recognized each other, Abraham, Lazarus and the rich man AFTER DEATH but they were not dead; however, the Rich Man had a location problem, he was in the wrong location removed from the Presence of God. .

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna). (Matthew 10:28 AMP)

When the Lamb broke open the fifth seal, I saw at the foot of the altar the souls of those whose lives had been sacrificed for [adhering to] the Word of God and for the testimony they had borne. They cried in a loud voice, O [Sovereign] Lord, holy and true, how long now before You will sit in judgment and avenge our blood upon those who dwell on the earth? [Gen. 4:10; Ps. 79:5; Zech. 1:12.] Then they were each given a long and flowing and festive white robe and told to rest and wait patiently a little while longer, until the number should be complete of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed as they themselves had been. (Revelation 6:9-11 AMP)

Also something to think about, if death, physical death is so atrocious for the believer, why would Samuel be upset to be called back into the land of the physical living. He said that they had disturbed him.

This is not what I had initially decided to focus on, but reading the posts led me down this path.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

P.S. Someone, I’m sorry I can’t remember who, asked about Jesus being the first raised from the dead when others, like Lazarus in the John reading had been brought back to life. Well again, we need to be clear on what “death” Jesus is talking about. Yes, Jesus brought back people from the dead, and by the way so did the prophets Elijah and Elisha; however, all those folks died a physical death, again. Jesus was the only one who came back to physical life but will NEVER die a physical death again. Those who are His will also be clothed with a body that will be eternal and incorruptible when He returns.

Oops! I forgot about the witches; familiar spirits and mediums.

Each of these things deal with death, something that well, scares us to death. We don’t know what is on the other side; however, God has told us what He has prepared for us but He left no solid proof. That is why we operate by faith. Witches, familiar spirits and mediums allege to tell us what God won’t. This is the same thing that happened in the Garden, “Did God say …?” We are enticed into this realm of demonic activity because deep down inside we believe God is keeping us in the dark, He’s pulling a fast one. It’s not demonic because it’s spooky and eerie; it is demonic because it is in the realm of Satan. I think I stated this before, There are only two Kingdoms; The Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Satan. Everything in the Kingdom of Satan is demonic. In the Kingdom of God, Jesus is Lord; In the kingdom of Satan, Satan isn’t Lord—self is Lord.

Here is something to think about, what is a medium. It is someone who alleges to stand between the living and the dead. The problem is that anyone who operates in these modes are DEAD, spiritually dead. If Believers, God’s folk—His people, go to one of these to find out “stuff,” they are talking to dead folk (spiritually dead) about well dead folk (physically dead and possibly spiritually dead also). There is someone who stands between the living and the dead and it ain’t no medium it is Jesus Christ.

Familiar spirits are those demonic spirits that have hung around your family, region, country through the ages and know everything about you. That’s why they are familiar and you are comfortable with them being around. If someone or something gives you a “word” you best know how that “word” lines up with the Word. We are suppose to walk by faith not by our senses, feelings and emotions.

Witches are just necromancers; folks hanging around dead stuff and dead folk. Why if Jesus is the Truth and the Life, why would we want to rub shoulders and elbows with death when we have Life?

And when the people [instead of putting their trust in God] shall say to you, Consult for direction mediums and wizards who chirp and mutter, should not a people seek and consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19 AMP)

What we are really concerned about our loved ones who we may or may not see in heaven, bottom line. But guess what, when you get to heaven, if those folks are saved you will see them; if not, you won’t remember. There will be no tears shed in heaven.

Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== Ann:

======= Jeff:

This is my first comment to your blog. Below is what I posted today on the One Year Bible site my church is using this year as we read through the Bible together(as you are doing). Would appreciate any replies.
Fellow Seekers,
The story today of Jesus’ resurrecting Lazarus from the dead (John 11) has triggered many thoughts regarding miracles:
1. Did Jesus really resurrect Lazarus after he was dead for 4 days (see verse 39)?
– If so, this event is definitely the most amazing miracle that Jesus ever performed (aside from His own resurrection of course).
As such, then why is Lazarus’s resurrection excluded from the other 3 gospels?
– John states in verse 54 that this was Jesus’ last event in His public ministry before His own betrayal, death, and resurrection. This appears to contradict the other 3 gospels which make Jesus’ throwing the money-changers from the temple the final catalyst before He is arrested.
2. Did Jesus really heal the man that was blind since birth (John 9)?
– If so, this healing miracle is the most amazing healing miracle that Jesus ever performed. As such, then why is it only told in John and not the other 3 gospels?
3. Why is it that 2 of the most amazing miracles attributed to Jesus are told only in John? If they are true, they are so fantastic that they certainly would have been widely known and would have been more
than worthy for inclusion in the gospels of Matthew and Mark and Luke. Is it possible that John is stretching the truth in these 2
stories?
4. The other aspect of John’s gospel that I am having trouble reconciling with the other 3 gospels is his concept of Jesus and God being the same (see John 1:1-2 and John 10:30 for example). In the other 3 gospels isn’t Jesus seen more as having been created by God
(e.g. the “Son of God”). Question: Excluding the gospel of John, does the rest of the Bible primarily support the trinitarian concept of Jesus as God incarnate or was Jesus created by God?
P.S. I’m not asking you for definitive answers to these questions because I realize they are very involved. But I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on these topics.
Thanks folks.
Jeff

======= Ramona:

Jeff, The writer of Hebrews states, Now faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. If we were able to explain everything that Jesus and God did, there would be no reason the have, worship or need God.
The witness of one event by several people, even a crowd, will not elicit the same explanation or descriptive narratives by every one who saw the event, just ask any policeman or detective, People write what they think is important. Each one of the writers of the Gospels wrote for very different reasons and it is from their motivating factors that gave birth to what they focused on with the help of the Holy Spirit.
From my own experiences there are two kinds of knowledge. There is knowledge that comes by way of empirical science and the five senses, that kind of knowledge needs no faith. Then there is “revelation” knowledge and that is what I believe and know for myself, it takes to understand the Bible. When we get further into the book of John, Jesus addresses this kind of knowledge.
Hope this was helpful. I am not a theologian and my own experience in The Faith has come through “revelation” knowledge.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jeff:

Thanks. Yes, that was helpful. Nevertheless, I’m still an inquisitive human that seeks to understand the Bible as completely as possible so that what I believe (i.e. my faith) is as true as it can possibly be.
If I had to depend solely on revelation to receive answers to my questions, I fear my knowledge would be very limited and the truthfulness of that knowledge very, very questionable.
Anyones thoughts or insights on the following would be sincerely appreciated:
The other aspect of John’s gospel that I am having trouble reconciling with the other 3 gospels is his concept of Jesus and God being the same (see John 1:1-2 and John 10:30 for example). In the other 3 gospels isn’t Jesus seen more as having been created by God
(e.g. the “Son of God”). Question: Excluding the gospel of John, does the rest of the Bible primarily support the trinitarian concept of Jesus as God incarnate or was Jesus created by God?
Jeff

======= Mike:

Jeff – Good questions!
Bible.org has a great overview of the Trinity – and even opens this commentary with this first sentence, which gets at your question – “Because the word trinity is never found in the Bible some wonder about whether this is a biblical doctrine or not, but the absence of a term used to describe a doctrine does not necessarily mean the term is not biblical.” Check it out here –
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=215
Bible.org also has a great discussion called “Major Differences Between John and the Synoptic Gospels”. This will dive into some of your questions of why some things are just in John or vice versa. Check it out here –
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1151
Hope these help. Glad to see you asking these questions. God will lead you to answers.
Grace,
Mike

======= Jim:

Some believe that it is too unlikely for the incident involving the opportunity to kill Saul in 1 Samuel 24 to be repeated so closely in 1 Samuel 26:1 and conclude the two narratives are only differing perspectives of the same event. The incidents are similar, but the differences are sufficient to establish that the events are in fact separate. But the much bigger questions are 1) how Saul could turn to black magic when he had already exiled all of the witches and wizards by God’s command (Ex 22:18 and Deut 18:10-11), and, 2) does this suggest that the existence of fortune tellers is biblically supported and that the Spirit of Samuel that was with God actually returned to talk with Saul? What is the difference between a fortune teller (bad) and a prophet (good)? First is the source of the knowledge and second is the purpose (one is to allow you to control the future and the other is to b you change to prepare for it). Clearly the Lord “stirred” (1 Sam 26:19) things up by sending an evil spirit to trouble Saul as punishment for his sin (1 Sam 16: 1, 14). Saul is so consumed by anxiety and fear (specifically opposite to how “real” believers are “free” from sin) that he purposely sins with only confirmation of what he already knows (the spirit of Samuel only tells Saul what he told him while alive). Samuel asks Saul what can anyone do for a person God has left as a consequence of wrong actions. This is similar to Jesus’ parable when Abraham tells a rich man that it would be futile to send the dead Lazarus to warn his bothers (Luke 16:27-31). Anyone not willing to believe Moses will likewise not believe a voice from beyond the grave.
David tells Saul that by seeking God’s pardon and offering a sacrifice that he could ask for removal of the evil spirit. Similarly, David says he could offer an atoning sacrifice to God if there was any offense on his part (but if evil men making false accusations were the cause of Saul’s hostility, they would be judged). David, however, placed no value in Saul’s blessing in v 26:25 (as addictions to alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, or food are not just examples of poor choices but of choice and fidelity having been surrendered) and sought refuge with the king of Gath (who no doubt hoped to encourage the split between David and Saul and welcome hiring David’s 600 skilled fighting men as mercenaries). It is important to remember in our darkest moments that there is always a way back to a relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, God explains that when His children are tempted, He always provides a means of escape in order to replace wrong behavior with right behavior. We are reminded that the faith of even the greatest saints can falter and that we may need to prove steadfast to the right things while waiting on God timing. We must stay close to the Lord so that when we need His help most, it will be available.
David is successful not by his own efforts and skills but by his faith in God. David trusted that God was in control so that even when he faced his greatest challenges, he always had the greatest confidence, “the battle is the Lord’s.” God’s sovereignty is not only to be believed but to shape our behavior. David’s killing of every person of the old enemy nations does help to ensure that his lying about raiding Judah is not discovered, but it is also continued fulfilling of God’s holy war to drive these doomed people (whose religious practices have been shown by archeologists to include cult prostitution and child sacrifice) from the land (see Ex 23:24 and Josh 13:2-3) to protect Israel from temptation. The OT national covenant provided the payoff for obedience of health and long life (Ex 23:25-26) as the NT individual covenant provides for spiritual health and survival. Even if wise to shun pubic notice, it is never wise to be idle. David doesn’t outright agree to join Achish in war among the Israelites, but he also dares not to outright refuse.
Saul, on the other hand, living under the Zadok rival priesthood to Abiathar, unable to get guidance from God, was in a panic (terrified to despair, he is still not humbled) with the Philistines posed at Shunem with superior weapons (Israel without the technology of iron as it had be banned for so long). Why should God answer a king who had shown he will not obey? Saul calls for a retired medium of necromancy (consulting the dead to determine the future), an art specifically forbidden by the law (Lev 19:31). The medium shrieks with surprise and fear when Samuel actually appears from Sheol or “the place of departed spirits” hints that the woman truly believed God had permitted the spirit of Samuel to speak and announce Saul’s imminent death (Saul faints – the wicked always fear death) and that she understood the potential personal consequences for being involved. Saul’s recognition, the accurate prediction, and revelation for the woman of Saul’s identity all suggest that validity of the apparition (this is one OT example of many supporting conscious life after death that makes it difficult for me to understand why all my Jewish friends, like the Sadducees, fail to believe in an immortal soul). Sheol (the place for both the righteous and the wicked – Samuel tell Saul that he and his children will soon be with him) is said to have gates which prohibit the normal escape of a spirit and this is the only instance recorded in the OT of someone making it out (even if only temporarily) – the NT describes total escape in the first and second resurrections of Revelation.
Mike is very correct in stating that mediums, fortune tellers, and their tools are no joke. We often think of spiritual games as being very old, but these are actually only measurements of our recent moral decline. For example, Weegee (Ouija or talking) boards is the second most popular board game in America that even those knowledgeable in “The Craft” often consider too dangerous to use, and never play with themselves, only goes back about 150 years. Tarot cards are less than 500 years old but only picked up a dark association again in the mid 1800’s (when there were more free-sex communes than in the 1960’s as the basis for many American companies, like Hershey and Oneida). Wiccans similarly like to think of their religion as very old, but it is a potpourri of elements from as many ancient religions as possible only in the past 50 years (there are very few witches whose parents were Wiccan) and should not be confused with biblical witchcraft. Popular films and television programs, such as The Craft (where spells were intentionally done with mistakes to keep viewers from real powers), Practical Magic, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harry Potter, Blair Witch Project, Free Spirit, The Worst Witch, Teen Witch, Sorceress, Witchcraft 1-8, The Witch’s Daughter, Sleepy Hollow, Teen Sorcery, Simply Irresistible, and Charmed, are aimed at attracting children (especially girls, as most characters are very pretty young females) to this growing religion. In these portrayals, being a witch is akin to being a superhero (or “naturally born” witch with gifts everyday, ordinary “Muggles” lack) as expressed in the Wiccan story, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: “There is no good and evil, there is only power and those too weak to seek it.”
I did a search (in 2002) and found 2,904 different Wiccan Yahoo newsgroups to share spells to control and more spells to free one from the first spells. Control seems to be a very big draw for Wiccan believers. Countless sites even outright state that evil can be transmuted into good in a similar fashion to medieval alchemy (clearly making the religion about using “dark” power for “good”). Most of the newsgroups contain online stores where you can buy books about every religion, except, of course, Judo-Christianity because Judo-Christianity (besides Satanism) is the only major world religion that formally recognizes witches (in both in the Old and New Testaments). Popular Wicca book titles in the first few of those newsgroups included, “Nice Girl’s Book of Naughty Spells,” with spells that teaches women how to have it all: sex and money while dumping the useless boyfriend and “Power Spells” on how to get the upper hand in any situation. Other highly marketable items include candles, incense, herbs, staffs, rattles, wands, drums, crystals, pentagrams, and a lot of porn (because forced ritual sex is very important to the religion – “a gift from the Goddess”). And since lying, forced control over others, casual sex, drugs, and disobedience are encouraged by the religion, its hard to imagine what Wicca followers might consider an evil deed to be (there seems to be a lot of support for the idea of victimless crimes – a concept I find most objectionable). One of the major differences, however, with pagan concepts of morality is that they are based on Don’ts. For example, many sites posted the Wicca golden rule as stating the negative, “don’t do to others what you don’t want them to do to you” rather than the more positive and proactive Christian version of, “do to others what you would hope them to do to you.” Most sites suggested that there’s no difference between the two. “Real” morality, however, can only be found exactly in the empathetic responsibility for others that comes from that difference. Being “good” is not about not harming, but about proactively providing assistance for other’s needs. It is also the key difference between selfish and selfless individuals and cultures. Practicing witchcraft or playing such games actually makes one a Christian except with the associated value system turned upside down (just as Darth Vader is a Jedi knight except for an opposite set of values). Wiccans “do not seek any repentance” (Wicca, I guess, means never having to say you’re sorry – it’s certainly about never asking for forgiveness or accepting grace). The core belief is one of a low differentiation pantheism where there is little difference from person to person, person to god, or good to bad. Low differentiation, however, is specifically referenced by psychiatrists to identify poor mental health.
A key part of New Age and Wiccan beliefs is that we are leaving the Age of Pisces that began about the time of Christ and are now entering a new world order of one government, one language, and one religion where everyone will be recognized as gods as we enter the Age of Aquarius during this century – which is very similar to Christian end-time predictions. The Key of Solomon is one of the most famous of all magical Wicca textbooks. It is supposedly written by the Biblical son of David – again noting the close tie between Biblical and Wiccan identities. The Key of Solomon provides lessons to students of the craft in using the positions of Jupiter for acquiring all that one can desire, Mars to cause “ruin, slaughter, cruelty, discord, to wound, and to give death” and summoning souls from Hades (especially those of violent deaths), Sun for wealth, favor of princesses and (with Jupiter and Venus) for invisibility, Venus for joyous undertakings, poisons and provocation of madness, Mercury for fortune telling, thefts, deceit, and merchandise, Moon for envoys and nocturnal visions, Saturn (with Mars and the Moon) for summoning Spirits and stealing back what has been stolen by others and experiments of hatred, enmity, quarrel, and discord, and Mercury for experiments in raillery and jests. Such use of the stars is not uncommon in the Bible as the three Magi wise men bearing gifts for Christ were likely members of a priestly class of Persians who had occult knowledge and power, adept at astrology, dream interpretation, fortune-telling, and mediation with the spirit world.
John 11:35 is my favorite biblical verse (for one thing, it’s short enough even for my feeble brain to remember – although 1 Thess 5:16 is shorter in the Greek). A doctor who sees death and pain day in and out eventually becomes immune to the effects. Christ, on the other hand, knew that Lazarus would die and had seen death a trillion times before and knew that his soul and body would be reunited as personal evidence to His great claim, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” a lesson of the result of sin, and so dangerous (v 10:31) to eventually end in His own death (v 11:50-53) but was overwhelmed by the sadness of the family and moved to tears (imagine, a God that cries). Every pain we feel, God feels right along with us, as if it was the very first feeling. Every sunrise is seen by the Lord as if it was likewise the very first. In Michelangelo’s rendition of creation for the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, God should be depicted as the hoping child and man as old and weary. What kind of person would force a young child to watch someone else sin, but this is exactly what every Christian does to God when we choose to sin. It is Jewish custom (called “shivah” for seven days) to morn for the death of a family member with friends at home for a week, abstain from adornments for three weeks, and common pleasures for a year. Preparation of the dead was done the very day of death and by women, and thusly done here by Lazarus’ sisters. Luke (v 10:38-42) adds some information on the two sisters, Mary (the placid woman who later pours perfume with her hair on the Lord’s feet) and Martha (the active one, of course, it the one to greet Jesus). These sisters had assumed that Jesus would immediately respond to their message about Lazarus’ illness (as if He didn’t already know), but he had instead waited on his Father’s time. Jesus spoke about the danger of going to Bethany but that one who lives by the will of God will always be safe. It is living in the realm of evil that is truly dangerous. John marks the growth of the hostility step by step (5:16; 7:1, 32, 45; 8:59; 9:22; 10:39) – it is ironic that these men believed they could put to death permanently One who could raise the dead. Compare Jesus’ compassion with Caiphus’s statement that the death of one person meant nothing for the safety of the nation (suggesting concern over the Roman fear of rivalry when it was really the Sanhedrin’s fear of rivalry that was the problem). “For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!”
Dear Jeff, Here is a man dead and buried, bound tightly, and Jesus “wakes” him four days later. Is one miracle greater than any other (except when He took God’s wrath for our sins on His shoulders and overcame death through His resurrection) when no sin is greater than any other (ALL warrants death)? Each of the Gospels are from four very different people, Matthew the evil tax collector, Mark who knew Jesus as a nine-year old child, John the most-beloved, and Luke who never met Him but was the first Christian historian speaking from first-hand witnesses. Each also had a different purpose and so it is reasonable that they each tell the good news in different ways, but in all four Gospel Jesus has the power to forgive sin, miracles from God, power over evil, know our thoughts, to calm nature, and the authority to teach us how to pray (and so forth and so on). Remember His baptism in Luke when the word of God identified Jesus as His Son. Jesus claimed in many places outside of the Gospel of John to be the Son of God (such as Luke 22:70), but OT scripture confirms it as well (some of which I’ve listed previously). I cannot understand your problem “reconciling” the other three Gospels as I don’t see where they are in conflict. I would suggest that you take this in earnest prayer to Jesus directly. You are right to assume that answers must come from more than one just revelation and that faith comes first from reason – “Let us reason together, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 1:18), “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14), and “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). God has no need for yes-men and yes-woman (that’s Satan, duh). Scripture demands, in fact, that anyone claiming to have spiritual gifts or messages from God must submit to public and objective rational testing before employing by multiple accepted authorities (“let two or three prophets speak, and let others pass judgment.” – 1 Cor 12:29). Nothing disgusts God more than lukewarm blind-faith Christians that he vomits, in Revelation, out of His mouth.
But faith (a spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit so it is not something anyone can build but only develop) is more than critical thinking based on the facts (although salvation isn’t). Do parallel lines meet at infinity? If you say no, you get a valid mathematics, and if you say yes, you get a valid mathematics. The only situation in which you do not get a valid mathematics is if you refuse to answer because of being angry over how could anyone know for sure. What kind of stubborn person (the agnostic), though, would live without mathematics simply to be “right?” You have to choose. In addition, however, how can you claim to love another without seeing more in that person than you have experienced already (can’t you love a completely useless infant without any justification) – how can you have love without faith (you can’t have math). Have you never known another’s faith (not just trust) in you? Truth, love, and God all require faith and any verse of the Bible can exchange any of these three words and mean the same thing. People in failing relationships usually complain that the other person is controlling, condemning and judgmental, always angry, untrustworthy, and unable to listen. God has had similar complaints about us by complaining that His people are “far away” (Isaiah 29:13), “unfaithful” (Joshua 22:16), “proud and perfectionistic” (Deuteronomy 8:14; Palms 36:2), “unloving” (1 John 4:20), and “judgmental” (Romans 2:1). God reaches out to us for relationships as the object of His love and is clear on who He is. He is for honest relationships based on truth and love and against oppression, injustice, sin, and evil. While all religions involve mankind reaching up to God, only Jesus was really about how God reaches down to us. Jesus demonstrated relationship needs when he asked the disciples to stay and keep watch while he prayed and by his great pain when they failed him. People with relationship barriers usually don’t recognize internal problems, leaving those who do care (such as Jesus) feeling discouraged and distant (usually, in fact, with far greater pain and discomfort than the person with the problem). One of the most surprising facts about the bible didn’t require me to read the book but I only got after doing so. The Moslems take Jesus (as well as all the leaders from every religion) as one of their 250,000 to 2.5 million Islamic “prophets.” Jesus is the only one I know of, though, that didn’t feel he needed to dictate or write anything directly to us (Mohammed and Buddha, for example, were prolific authors) – there is no book in the Bible entitled, “Jesus.” He seems to be the only one of history’s religious leaders who believed enough in a personal relationship with God that he didn’t think we would get it wrong on our own (no being “good enough” required, thank God). The Bible is good, but IMHO the relationship comes first.
How would you like to be going to the moon and have the navigation system shut down for 20 minutes, because the first astronauts had to normally suffer through exactly that more than a half dozen times during each flight. This was because the 4k of memory in the computer was not big enough for all of the navigation requirements and it took 20 minute to boot the next code segment (yes, computer hardware back then was so slow it took 20 minutes to load 4,000 characters!). NASA could have spent their money (and capsule space) on more memory but instead installed three computers so that when any one system disagreed with the other two it could be shut down or rebooted. This was because the wrong answer scared them more than no answer! The Church’s biggest problem has always been a lack of fear about wrong answers while exhibiting an unhealthy indiscriminate fear of debate (causing them to be anti-science). God provides three sources of truth (or computers) through His Word, the experiences from a direct relationship along with our own intelligence, and community within the body. Many people have heard silly things from God, misinterpreted the Bible, or gotten bad advice from a friend, but most could have gotten quickly straighten out if they had only looked harder at the other two for confirmation. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” Thus, God will speak, and you can hear His voice, but you must be careful (especially when you are a young Christian) that you objectively confirm that you are following the Holy Spirit and not another voice. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14) and “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed” (Matthew 18:16). I want you to know that your experience and input is certainly valuable to this group and our learning experience and I look forward to your continued involvement after this first posting. While you don’t want to rely “solely on revelation,” however, it would seem that at this time you may be missing some. In other words, what has God told you when you went to Him directly with these questions? For your question on how we know The Son is the Father is the Holy Spirit (that three separate beings are also one), I would ask that you first start with some simple research, say, with a Google search on the question on “how one God can be three persons” and report back on what you learn.
Jim

======= John:

Dora,
#2 They do come in the form of men. I am just not sure they identify themselves as such. And how do we know which is which if they did? Sylvia “whatshername” claims she deals with angels and spirits all the time. I know the difference she says – “good angels (spirits) give off a bright light” and are beautiful. Really???? And Lucifer is called what?
The supposed miracles of Satan. Well, my understanding is that if a Demon causes something he can undo it. Or when a healing or miracle occurs it does not necessarily last or it is an imperfect cure. Satan is the Great imitator and in all his imitations of God he comes up short or it is flawed. (Just my belief).
Perhaps that is true of Samuel if he was an evil imitation – I just don’t think that was the case – as I posted. But there a good many godly people who go along with you on your premise.
“Don’t Satan and his angels know exactly what has happened and can relay that to the witches?”
Exactly.
#3 Rapture. Best discussed at a later date when we get to the appropriate text in the New Testament.
Dora,
#1)Eccl 9:5
“The living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything.”
Agree with Ramona and had an excerpt from commentary below. Context and message are important. My understanding of this is that the dead know nothing of the earthly life anymore. The life they have lived “under the sun” is over. Their earthly rewards are all they got, and they are done. Dead and done.
Vs. 4 has the idea I was looking for:
“Anyone who is among the living has hope..”
======================================================
The living at least know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything about what’s going on in the world.
This verse is constantly used by false teachers to prove that the soul sleeps in death, that consciousness ceases when the last breath is taken. But it is senseless to build a doctrine of the hereafter on this verse, or on this book, for that matter. As has been repeatedly emphasized, Ecclesiastes represents man’s best conclusions as he searches for answers “under the sun.” It sets forth deductions based on observations and on logic but not on divine revelation. It is what a wise man might think if he did not have a Bible.
What would you think if you saw a person die and watched his body as it was lowered into the grave, knowing that it would eventually return to dust? You might think, That’s the end. My friend knows nothing now; he can’t enjoy any activities that are going on; he has forgotten and will soon be forgotten.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
John