1 Samuel 14:1-52 + John 7:31-53 + Psalm 109:1-31 + Proverbs 15:5-7
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Old Testament - Interesting First Samuel readings today! Jonathan was quite brave going to the Philistine camp like he did. Verse 6 was impressive: "Jonathan said to his armor bearer. "Perhaps the LORD will help us, for nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!"" Fortunately God helped him with an earthquake and what looked to be some unique strength in verse 13: "So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell back as Jonathan and his armor bearer killed them right and left."
Then, Saul seems to be having some power & ego & oath issues in today's readings... First he makes and oath that the men cannot eat until evening - not so wise when in the midst of battle. Then he says in verse 39 - "I vow by the name of the LORD who rescued Israel that the sinner will surely die, even if it is my own son Jonathan!"" Well... it was Jonathan. Fortunately the people were smarter than Saul and saved Jonathan. Below is a painting by the artist C.F. Vos of Saul on this day of battle in today's readings:
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "Saul Fights the Philistines" is at this link.
New Testament - John chapter 7 verses 37 & 38 are powerful verses for each of us to meditate upon - ""Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow from the heart of those who believe in me." Wow... these are powerful words from Jesus. And so true. I know that I have been very spiritually thirsty in my life in the past and Jesus has most certainly quenched that thirst in my life. And I do believe that rivers of living water flow from the heart of those that believe in Jesus. This is the Holy Spirit, which indwells within us when we are in relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son. This living water flowing from our hearts - the Holy Spirit - is an intriguing topic. I know different folks experience the Holy Spirit in different ways. I do hope that each of us do tangibly experience the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives each and every day. I do know there are some days where I really sense and experience the Holy Spirit in my heart and life. And there are some days where I may not - but I don't believe the Holy Spirit has departed. It's more likely that I'm just caught up in the hustle / bustle of this life and focused on the flesh / world and not the Spirit. Do you believe that rivers of living water will flow from the heart of those that believe in Jesus? Are you thirsty?
Interesting to see Nicodemus come up in today's readings in verses 50 & 51 - "Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, then spoke up. "Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?" he asked." Think Jesus' conversations with Nicodemus in John chapter 3 changed Nicodemus' life forever? Remember that John 3:16 is in that chapter - imagine being the person actually hearing that from Jesus himself! Oh my goodness... hard to imagine. I gotta believe that Nicodemus - a Pharisee - was now a Believer... Not surprising that he's defending Jesus in these verses today. Below is a beautiful painting by artist John La Farge from the year 1880 recalling recalling the "Visit of Nicodemus to Christ" from John 3:
Bible.org's commentary on today's (and yesterday's) John chapter 7 readings titled "Jesus in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles" is at this link.
Psalms - Today in Psalm 109 verse 4 in the NIV we read these words of David – “I am a man of prayer.” Wow. I like that. And I’m not sure I can honestly say that about myself right now. Sure, I will roll out of bed and offer up some prayers. Yeah, I’ll try to say a prayer before meals. And yes, I’ll pray briefly before going to sleep. Oh yeah, maybe in church once a week too I’ll offer up some prayers. But, for me to say “I am a person of prayer” would probably not be truthful. Ouch. Don’t worry – I’m not beating myself up too badly over it. But - if I really want to realize that God is holy and a Rock and if I really want to love God and other people, then I have a hunch that being a person of prayer is a critical part of the equation. I don’t think that prayer is so much talking to God as it is really slowing down and listening to God. Sure, it’s a conversation, but I think in our fast pace world today we would do well to really slow down in prayer and listen to God. Listen for that still small voice within our hearts leading us to God’s kingdom and glory and peace. It’s there. I think it takes prayer to really hear it oftentimes. How about you? Are you a person of prayer? Do you want to be a person of prayer? When you pray, do you talk more or listen more to God? Do you want to live your life as a person of prayer?
Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 109 titled "A Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked" is at this link.
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 15 verse 5 today makes me think about the godly discipline our Heavenly Father gives us... - "Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise."
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of Needtobreathe's song "Who Am I:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iooys8xC3QA
Who are you? Click here to be loved by Jesus!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." John 7:37-38 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray that your spiritual thirst has been quenched by your faith in Jesus. Pray that streams of living water - the Holy Spirit - is flowing within you today and forevermore.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Are you learning from God's discipline of you? Or, do you despise God's discipline at times? Which is the better road to go? 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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
1 Samuel 14:1-52
I think I’m about to make a BIG leap by connecting Saul’s treatment of his son Jonathan to how we treat the Son of man, Jesus. When I sat down at my computer to type out my response to this reading I had plans to take this reading and my subsequent response in another direction. .
In my minds eye I saw Saul as a type of the world mistreating, rebuking, and persecuting the one God chose to deliver natural and spiritual Israel, Jesus. Saul is a type of Pharisee or religious leader of the day. Having no personal relationship with God (he was unaware that Samuel was a prophet let alone recognizing who he was), Saul put on the “cloak” of someone who did. This is a case of the mouse falling into the cookie jar then assuming it had become a cookie. All the mouse will do is eat up the cookies. All Saul could do was consume his own men for his own purposes and self-interest. In fact the warning Samuel gave to Israel about what a king would require of them was coming into fruition.
Saul made up a curse and then held it over his men’s head, including his son’s. Jesus accused the Pharisees of making up rules and placing them above God’s law. In the Book of Numbers we read that no one can curse what God has blessed when Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 23). The writer of Proverbs stats this, “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest. (26:2). Saul wanted to kill his son because he had violated his command, stupid as it was, but because of pride, he didn’t want to appear weak before his men. Ever notice how nasty we can become when we are in public and we are proven wrong about a comment we have made or something we thought was on sale, but isn’t? We attack the person bringing us the truth. So it was with Saul. Instead of repenting for the dumb command he made, he became obstinate and stuck to his ill-conceived words. However, unlike the crowds at Jesus’ crucifixion, the fighting men interceded for Jonathan.
John 7:31-53
Fast forward to Jesus. Here we have the accusers, the religious leaders, and we have a crowd that is caught between two, no three opinions, Messiah, Prophet or just some crazy man. Unlike Jonathan’s supporters, this crowd is not speaking in one accord. Here we have someone who walked in Righteousness being called a “sinner” by those walking in unrighteousness. Saul walked playing the part of a quasi-religious leader, called to lead but failing to pick up the mantel. In reality Saul and the religious establishment of Jesus’ day were weak leaders because they were afraid of the people they were called to lead. You can’t lead people you are afraid of.
Psalm 109:1-31
David in this Psalm picks up the theme of false persecution and accusation. I love how unrelated books and authors come together in the Bible picking up the same motif, that’s God! But what I like about this Psalm is the reminder in verse twenty-eight to carry oneself with dignity while waiting on God,
28 Then let them curse me if they like,
but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced!
But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing!
The Lord always comes to our rescue even when it seems to us that He isn’t.
Proverbs 15:5-7
Discipline (The word disciple is in discipline) is the only way we can establish any kind of self-control and according to Proverb 12:2, knowledge can only be acquired if one loves discipline. A disciplined person has knowledge and a person of knowledge has discipline
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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1 Samuel 14
Ramona: Interesting your comparison of Saul and Jesus. I like it. You weave a unique thread throughout the readings today. Certainly much of the human behavior was the same in both time periods of Saul and Jesus, as it is today. Reading Psalm 109 made me think of David and how a lot of his deep soulful feelings in his writings come from his relationship and persecution by Saul. This of course is a direct foreshadowing of Jesus life and suffering.
I do wonder if the effects of Alzheimers weren’t starting to show because Saul’s actions just become worse as time goes on. It certainly brings up the question of how to relate to people that do illogical things. I had to deal with my mother in this way. Not easy. Do you think the irrational behavior of leaders isn’t sometimes the result of some physical/mental malady? Do we just accept it or like Jonathan question: “I merely tasted a little honey with the end of my staff and now must I die?” (Verse 14:43). I think of President Reagan, a world leader when he was showing signs of mental problems. Luckily he had Nancy’s support but I don’t see any Nancy in Saul’s life. (chuckle).
Robert
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In my opinion no one has done a better job of bringing out the essence of the episode with Jonathon and his armour bearer than Erwin Raphael McManus. In his book Chasing Daylight (formerly called Seizing your Divine Moment) McManus does a superb job of detailing the importance of taking initiative in pursuing the purposes of God. My son was so inspired by this book that when he graduated from university he asked for us to get a drawing made of the scene of Jonathon and the armour bearer climbing the cliff side by side. The picture hangs on his wall as a constant reminder that God doesn't often work through passivity but through those who are willing to step out and advance his kingdom, one courageous step at a time, not knowing the outcome, but going forward anyway.
What a picture of the truth "two are better than one' for they have a good return for their labour. Erwin has recently preached through the book again and it can be heard at www.mosaic.org on the podcast.
Now let's start climbing........
Luch
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Luch,
I like the last words of your first parargraph: ...
one courageous step at a time, not knowing the outcome, but going forward anyway." It 's a geat reminder of what FAITH is all about, that it is never blind, but that we keep stepping ahead knowing that God is on our side!
For as long as we believe in Him, "rivers of living of waters" will flow from our hearts.
Roslyn
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Yes, what a verse! Rivers of faith flowing from our hearts!!! That's the one. And I am amazed (and no doubt many can testify this from their own life) whenever I cried out to God, He has answered me.
Whenever, I thought I had slipped too much into the dreadful trouble and I called upon the name of Lord, I had an amazing strength and fortitude that got me out of the mire.
Most believers can testify that there is a hand of God in their life and more faith they show more blessings they get. They can be on their own a while (removing God from the picture) and life seems so senseless, dark, frigid. But the thought of God and his everlasting love warms, renews everything. Miracles happen! So, it is necessary to have faith, pray and submit before our Father as these verses mention:
''But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.'' Isaiah 64:8
Emberglow
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Jonathan a man of faith:he knows that the battle is the Lords so he steps out in faith yet still looked up to God for a sign("But if they say, 'Come up to us,' we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the LORD has given them into our hands").He knows what God's will for Israel is so he acts while the king prefers to sit under the shade of tree.In a sense,this could be seen as disobedience to the king...twice he doesn't submit to authority...could God have spoken to him.Could he have paid more attention to Samuel's teachings?I ask myself how where his faith sprung from because he acted without giving one thought to his own safety.
Saul really is something.He doesn't seem to have any problem living with the enemy yet when Jonathan srpes out in faith he wants to avenge his enemies,the battle is his and not the Lord's.He wants God to be at his beck and call so when he gets no answers he looks for the closest scape goat to vent his anger on..Jonathan.
Israel have watched their king make some great mistakes:he offers sacrifices to God and disobeys Samuel,now he wants to kill his son because of some flimsy imagined sin which was probably his ego in reality.
I couldn't help wondering just how much reverence Saul ever had for God...he has the guts to ask for the ark to be brought to him...I thought it was meant to be in the inner room of the tabernacle...Jonathan in his ways showed his faith in God,Saul only sought God when it suited him...kinda like the men who followed Jesus with the hope that they'd always get a free meal...I guess it's a good time to stop and think if God is Lord in our lives or just a means to make our lives easier....
{Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family[b] and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" 43Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.}People didn't take the time to investigate into the linage of Jesus or his birth yet they had an opinion about the prophecy they knew nothing about.May we all seek to know the truth and find out for our selves what the bible says in every situation,we have seen the priests go wrong in the old testament,we see ministers get it wrong...may we not perish for lack of knowledge.
God bless you all
Anka
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Mike, it is odd that you talk about prayer life today in your commentary because for the past two days I can’t get Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” out of my mind. I am faithful in my prayers to God but I think God is telling me that I need to slow down and let Him minister to me. I’m beginning to feel that my prayers are a one-way conversation in which I talk to Him but don’t give Him the opportunity to say what He has to say! It seems my eye is always on the clock and my mind is racing about reviewing what I have planned for the day. I never just sit quietly doing nothing and I think many of us in today’s hectic world are the same way. Matter of fact, I think it has come to the point where we are jittery when we just sit quietly because we are not use to doing so or we feel guilty about just sitting quietly because we feel we are wasting time.
Today is the Lord’s Day! Maybe today is when we should start making a point to just sit still and know that Jesus Christ is Lord of lords and King of kings!
God Bless!
Pat
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Verses that stood out for me today.
John 7:38-39
38.Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39.By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Psalm 109:27-28
27 Let them know that it is your hand,
that you, O LORD, have done it.
28 They may curse, but you will bless;
when they attack they will be put to shame,
but your servant will rejoice.
For very personal reasons these verses stood out for me. Somebody is praying against us, cursing us, attacking us with occult. But God is stronger! It will not harm us, our trust is within Jesus Christ!
Mae
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i really liked this one:
The house of the righteous contains great treasure,
but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
two ways to spend your money.
Andrew
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Have you ever had a conversation with someone who seems to go on and on and even when asking you a question, does not give you a chance to answer? Maybe we sometimes do that to God. We never give Him a chance to answer or we just don't listen to His answer. Whenever I receive the much deserved discipline I try to receive the message provided by it. That is not always easy, but I do know it is for my own good. Love reading everyone's comments and especially Mike's questioning remarks. HUGS!!
Karen
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I was struck by Jonathan and his actions. I have been meditating a lot lately on action. Jonathan lets go and now that God will use us to obtain his glory and will give us victory. Do I listen to the Lord and act when asked to and am I as fearless with my walk as Jonathan.
blessing
jen
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Mike and everyone,
I spent some time looking up this verse trying to understand it.
John 7:38 (Amplified Bible)
He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.
The following is from Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible:
"Rivers - This word is used to express abundance, or a full supply. It means here that those who are Christians shall diffuse large, and liberal, and constant blessings on their fellow-men... they shall be the instruments by which the Holy Spirit shall be poured down on the world.
Living water - Fountains, ever-flowing streams. That is, the gospel shall be constant and life-giving in its blessings."
Something for me to reflect on - we as Christians are to give out abundant, constant blessings on others. The blessings we give should be life-giving. We are the instruments that God uses to pour down the Holy Spirit on this world.
Is this the way I live my life?
very humbling thought... so thankful I got to look up this verse a bit.
Gratefully,
Joyce
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Pray without ceasing!! Start the day with ACTS. adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication . To our Abba!
I just loved the psalms 109
Passages today!!!Isn't that why God loved David so much? For he had a repentant heart?? He sinned but recognized his sin. He cried out to God. Thank God for David! Thank God for the psalms. Because without his praises n cries I would feel so inadequate. I Know I'm
Forgiven and God loves me unconditionally but Reading the psalms pacify me and just give me peace in this troubled word. I love passage of John too. Jesus word " anyone who is thirsty come drink" John 7:37-38
Lord fill my cup!!!!!
Jane
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Saul almost got himself in a mess he could not get undone. Could you imagine your own hotheadedness causing your own child's demise. What foolishness!
It's sad again how few know the real versus fake prophets and who is really called . Jesus is the real deal and yet several still weren't sure..however are there some private believers in the midst..aka Pharisees..(Nicodemus) ..hmm
The Lord is our recuse a present help in times of trouble..that is what psalm 109 makes me think of..
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge..I pray I always learn and grow from my mistakes and not get old and stubborn and refuse to budge. We always need to stay humble and heed correction even when it hurts.
Dee