Old Testament - Wow. Big reading day today! David is anointed by Samuel. Saul meets David for the first time! The story of David begins! I am excited! In First Samuel 15 we read about Saul destroying most - but not all... - of the Amalekite nation. God's commands were clear to destroy all. Saul, simply put, disobeyed. Verses 22 and 23 sum up this chapter powerfully when Samuel says this to Saul: "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."" Obedience is far better than sacrifice... think this is still true today? Are you more of an obedient person or a sacrificial person before God? Do you believe that rebellion is as bad as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols? Below is a powerful painting of Samuel reproving Saul from today's readings by the Boston-born colonial artist John Singleton Copley from the year 1798:
The One Year Bible Companion has a great answer to this question about today's readings, "Why did David not become king after he was anointed?" as follows: "David was anointed king, but it was done in secret; he was not publicly anointed until much later in Second Samuel 2:4 and 5:3. Saul was still legally the king, but God was preparing David for his future responsibilities. The anointing oil poured on David's head stood for holiness. It was used to set people or objects apart for God's service. Each king and high priest in Israel was anointed with oil. This commissioned him as God's representative to the nation." First Samuel 16 verse 13 is the first mention of David's name in the Bible, and it is a great verse to begin the story of David's life in relationship with God: "So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the olive oil he had brought and poured it on David's head. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him from that day on." Below "Samuel Anoints David" by the Renaissance artist Raphael from the early 16th century:
At the end of First Samuel chapter 16 today we read about David being summoned by Saul to play the harp to relieve Saul from the evil spirit that tormented him. The current and future (and now anointed) Kings of Israel meet! Below is "David Playing the Harp for Saul" by the French painter James Tissot from the year 1858:
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "Saul and the Amalekites" is at this link and commentary titled "The Designation of David as King" is at this link.
New Testament - I love John chapter 8 verse 12 today: "Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."" Do you believe that Jesus is the light of the world? Why would we want or need a light in this world? Do you believe there is darkness in this world? Do you need the light that leads to life?
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in John titled "The Light of the World" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 110 is a powerful Psalm today! It is considered Messianic and some say the most prophetic of all the Psalms. Verses 1 & 4 are the 2 verses that are believed to be most prophetic of Jesus and both verses are referenced in the New Testament, most often verse 1.
Verse 1 - "The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit in honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.""
Verse 4 stands today, with very similar teachings to what we've just been reading about this in Hebrews this past week or so! "The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: "You are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek.""
Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 110 titled "David's Lord" is at this link.
Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 15 verses 8 & 9 today teach us: "The LORD hates the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright. The LORD despises the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness." I'm a bit late on this image below that is perfect for Mother's Day regarding the prayers of the upright:
Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Colton Dixon song "Build a Boat:”
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:"When they kept on questioning him, he (Jesus) straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you recognize your own sinfulness. Pray that you have repented of your sin and placed your faith in Jesus' work on the Cross to redeem you from your sin. Pray that you will not "throw stones" at other sinners, like yourself.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Today's Proverb is a great opportunity to ask yourself - 1. How's your prayer life? and 2. Are you pursuing godliness in your life each and every day? 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:
1 Samuel 15:16-23 Saul, Saul, Saul this guy is in BIG trouble and so are the people he is king over. God appointed and anointed Saul as the people’s choice he wasn’t God’s choice. (13 Now see the king whom you have chosen and for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you.1 Sam 12). I believe you take on the character and attributes of the one you submit yourself to and Samuel had warned the folks what to expect. We must remember that God said their rejection of Samuel and his son’s to rule over them, their desire for a king, was not a rejection of Samuel but a rejection of God’s sovereignty over their lives.
The exchange Saul and Samuel had over whether or not Saul had done the will of God, was really a debate over whose reality was the truth, God’s or Saul’s. I believe Saul believed in his own deception, just like we do. Saul was stubborn in holding on to what he wanted to be true but if it ain’t the Word of God it’s not truth.
When Samuel is sent to anoint one of Jessie’s sons, he knows three things, 1) God has removed the anointing from Saul and 2) Saul’s insecurity would cause Saul to try to take him out (I wonder if we seriously stop and take a look at insecure people will we find enraged individuals trying to do or wishing harm on the people they think are the problem? Instead of trying to work on their own shortcomings, they try to eliminate the threat. Just something to think about), and 3) God had already picked the one He wanted (1 Sam 13:13-14).
I love the story of how David was picked because it shows us that God wants our hearts not our bodies, whether we are fat, short, tall, skinny etc. That tells me then that the essence of who we are is not in our outside appearance, it is in our hearts. Thatis what God wants David wasn’t even considered worthy enough by his own family to be called into the house when Samuel shows up. He was the son and brother no one wanted to recognize.
11 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep."
Samuel had asked Jessie to call all of his sons into the house not just the ones he recognized.
John 8:1-21
Most of us know very well the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery, even unbelievers know this one. This is the story that is usually thrown up in “believers” faces along with the words, “Don’t judge me. Even Jesus didn’t judge the Woman caught in Adultery.” Yes that is true but Jesus sent her away telling her to, “…Go and sin no more.”
The verses following the story of the woman and her accusers are difficult verses for those who say that Jesus was only a prophet or just a good man and never called Himself God. The Book of John is a marvelous book. John had to truly write this book under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because it does reach out and grab you and force you to make a decision about who Jesus really is.
If Jesus was only a prophet or just a nice man verses twelve through nineteen would mean Jesus was a crazy nice man who did good and by the way, was also a prophet. I don’t think we usually go down to our mental institutions looking for the Son of God.
Jesus who was and is He? The choice to decide has been given to us. Psalm 110: 1-7
Ah, this Psalm, and the last verse (But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious) brought to my remembrance a refrain from Psalm 24 that gives an image of the triumphant King Jesus,
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Proverbs 15:8-10
8 The LORD hates the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
A semi-translation of the eighth verse as per Ramona, Wicked people can sacrifice all they want, but all they are doing is having a barbeque.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====
I have had my eyes on Saul's character since Ramona began discussing it earlier in the week. Here it's much more obvious what his flaws are. It's a lack of faith in God's power in his life and a focus on himself. That's why he initially hid among the baggage, that's why he was "small in his own eyes", that's why he is "afraid of the people", and why he wants Samuel to come back with him in order to honor himself. He also refers to God as the Lord your God (meaning Samuel's)---he doesn't call him the Lord, my God (meaning Saul's).
Interesting.
Micah Girl
====
Saul used the words "the Lord,your God"quite a bit.God wasn't Saul's God,just Samuel's.His repentance was just a show before Israel{"I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD}.I wonder why Samuel in the end did agree to go with him...and why Samuel argued with God on David's annointing because he feared Saul would kill him...It also beats me why Samuel would mourn over Saul so much. In the NT reading,I just love the story of the sinful woman who got mercy from Jesus.When I think that he still intercedes for us in heaven it truly is an encouragement... God bless you all
Anka
====
Re Mike's questions about Jesus the Light of the World:
As someone pointed out in a comment yesterday, Jesus has been declaring himself in various ways in the chapters from John's Gospel the last few days, for example:
- the Son of Man (6:26) - the Bread of Life (6:35) - Son of the Father (6:40) - sent by the Father (6:57) - the light of the world (8:12)
And he has been offering salvation in various forms:
- true bread from heaven (6:32) - life to the world (6:33) - eternal life (6:40) - resurrection at the last day (6:44) - all of the above (6:50-51) - his flesh as real food and his blood as real drink (6:55) - He will remain in those who receive Him (6:56) - the words of the Spirit, the life of the Spirit (6:63) - streams of living water flowing from within us (7:38) - the light of life (7:12)
There is a remark by John to his readers in 7:39 about Jesus' offer in v38 of streams of living water flowing from within us when we believe. John remarks:
"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."
Looking forward to reading Acts again soon where we see this happening to the Disciples and the the early church. But I miss the manifest presence of the Spirit in myself and in the church today. Not completely, there are signs of His presence. But, from these passages in John's Gospel, it seems there should be so much more .... "streams of living water flowing" sounds like more than a few drops or a trickle. "If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." sounds like more than a flickering torch light in a huge dark cavern.
Any comments?
Greetings, Andrew
====
From yesterday's reading, Christ assures us that "streams of living water" flows from within us as long as we believe in Him. Then today he gives us another assurance that we will no longer walk in darkness for He is the Light of the World.
As I was doing my readings I felt trasported to wen I was a kid being fascinated and enjoying two of the most memorable, dramatic and symbolic rituals in my church. First, the solemn singing of Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful at the end of our Christmas midnight mass. All the lights were turned off except for the "shining star" at the altar. I never understood what it was all about as a kid but understand the symbolic meaning of the star. What a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of the Light of the World...
The Easter Vigil is another memorable liturgy for me, when again the church or the community starts out in complete darkness and then all our candles are lit from the One Source, the Easter Candle. These two importnat liturgies are a great way to celebrate and to be reminded that Christ is indeed the Light of the World, without Him we will continue to walk in darkness. It is truly a blessing and a gift to be able to experience the streams of living water and to walk in the Light.
Roslyn
====
In regard to what Anka expressed: "Saul used the words "the Lord,"YOUR" God" quite a bit.God wasn't Saul's God,just Samuel's (this is so true...sort of like when our children do something we don't like & they become "his" or "her" children or "their" mother or father!). His repentance was just a show before Israel{"I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD}. I wonder why Samuel in the end did agree to go with him...and why Samuel argued with God on David's annointing because he feared Saul would kill him...It also beats me why Samuel would mourn over Saul so much."
Saul was in trouble from day one when he said that he "listened" to the people & did what they wanted instead obeying God's commands/desires (a People Pleaser). He was on the downward spiral then...set most of what happened to him/Saul in motion. He really fulfilled his/Saul's role like God knew he would...just like a "human" King instead of a Godly King like the Messiah.
When you are a prophet of God like Samuel was, you know/discern things in the future (duh); therefore he knew that Saul would try to kill David or he just plain knew Saul for what he really was...imagine that?!?!?
Also, when God puts a person in your heart, you have a passion/compassion for that person/mission that God has given you & if you didn't have that passion/compassion...you wouldn't intercede for them with passion/compassion. The heart of Jesus is compassion & we are to be made in His image. I know this is what happens to me so often & I ask myself at times why I can't let go of someone that is so stiffnecked & hard headed & deceived & unwilling to be taught (an unteachable spirit). I think that is what laying down your life for another consists of & God saying that it is easy to love the lovely, but to love the unlovely is what being a "disciple" is all about. There is a huge difference in a "believer" & a "disciple," which I'm finally learning!!!
Jan
====
Thank You Lord for the call to a holy walk with You! I pray often, not as often in a "prayer setting"; sometimes just when I'm driving or walking or running. I keep a journal, and there are often days without an entry. I'm not near as diligent as I want to be. But the Lord is ever gracious and good to me. I want so often to increase my walk of godliness.
I was kinda wondering about the evil spirit the Lord allowed torment Saul. And am amazed that the only way it would leave him was when David, the annointed, would minister by harp for him. Wow! What a crazy place David must've felt to be in. I need to pray about all of that for a while! :)
Katie
====
I just LOVE the story from the "woman caught in adultry". John 8:7 stood out for me ... “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”. Such a good lesson! If you have never sinned you can judge someone else, but if you're a sinner as well, than you should keep your mouth shut! Even I should memorize this verse, I have to admit that I look around myself too much, when I should just look into a mirror from time to time. I have learned not to judge other people, I will not judge people. But I can look around sometimes and think to myself how I should do different and think how they should do things different. Bad habit!!! I also love John 8:18 "I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”
I really love reading John!
Mae
====
I am loving the OT readings! Really amazing! I love reading on Saul, Jonathan, David...very excited to get into David's life! Its amazing that this is the Psalmist. I love it!! I cant wait for tomrw's readings! I like the story of the woman caught in adultery...many speculate that Jesus, who wrote with his finger in the dirt, was writing down the names of the accusers and their sins. That is why each man, one by one left. Jesus' words are so powerful again in John! Psalms and proverbs kinda goes along with the OT readings. fascinating stuff!
Jenny
====
The readings which spoke to me on the Old Testament Readings:
1. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king." We could go with the motion of going to church, receiving the sacrament of communion, tithing etc. but if we do not obey His commandments our offerings are futile. How many times do we do these rituals but disobey God? Or how many times we do these rituals and feel that we are better than others or have our own agenda?
2. 1 Samuel verse 16 " But the Lord said to Samuel, "DO not consider his appearance (Eliab) or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearnace but the Lord looks at the heart" We often judge others by the outward appearance but God looks into our hearts. Thank God for that.
John 8:7 "f anyone of you is without sin,let him be the first to throw a stone at her" I wish I will remember this evry time I am tempted to feel better about myself because I think I do not do the things other people do, commit adultery, steal, do drugs, etc. We all have sin and come short of the g lory of God.
Lily
====
I believe what we see in Saul such as fear, depression, insecurity is what we see in our society today, even in our workplaces. Things have not changed and people are still the same today as they were thousands of years ago. Human condition has not changed. People still will make attempts to take threats to themselves out, even if it is not the will of god and at the cost of other. In effect, they are being disobedient, much like Saul. I find it interesting that Saul was tormented, much like many people are tormented with mental illness today. Does this mental illness relate back to not doing the will of god. A questions to ponder
Joe
====
1 Samuel 15:7-24. I got some great thoughts from Peter and Geri Scazzero's book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Saul succumbed to his men's wishes over God's will because he lacked self awareness (emotional health) and atteniveness toward God (contaemplation). Exploring this attitude probably reveals a lot about ourselves. As the Scazzeros put it, Saul's life was a big iceberg. I like vs 23a reference to Achan. "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry." What could Saul have done to become aware of his own iceberg?
OBEDIENCE by David MacLean The freedoms we enjoy as a society are only possible because we choose to submit to and obey the laws that govern us. Obedience is critical to freedom. Partial obedience doesn’t really work either. Not speeding on most of the road and only speeding on the part of the road with the radar trap is not an excuse. Total obedience is required. King Saul didn’t really get this principle. He was asked by God to do something fairly specific. He was commanded to totally wipe out the Amalekites, including all their livestock. He obeyed – partially. He didn’t wipe out the livestock. He took the livestock as the spoils of war under pressure from his men. However, he told Samuel the prophet he kept the livestock to sacrifice to the Lord. That was a ruse of course; he caved in to the pressure of his men. You see, he was more concerned what the men thought about him than God. He feared men more than God. Because of this, he obeyed partially. And, that was his downfall. Samuel told him he messed up and didn’t obey God. He insisted he had not messed up, he had obeyed. He didn’t fess up to his mess up until after Samuel pronounced God’s judgement on him. But then it was too late. God told him the Kingdom was being taken from him and given to another. (King David of course.) Saul caved in to the pressure of men and shorted God. He didn’t obey God completely. He tried to please man and God. That doesn’t work. What about you? Is there some area in your life you know God has spoken to you about? Has He asked you to obey Him in something you are not doing? Or, have you partially obeyed Him? Are you caving in to the fear of man? Disobedience, or partial obedience to God does not end well. God wants our whole hearts and our complete obedience. Even Jesus said if we love Him we will keep His commands. The commands of God lead to our freedom. Obedience to God leads to freedom and life. When God speaks to us through His rhema and logos Word we need to obey completely, wholeheartedly. Blessing is found in our obedience to God. And if you mess up, then fess up – don’t try to hide it. So, when it comes to God’s Word just do it – completely. 1 Samuel 15:22 “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Bob
====
The biggest word I got today from lessons was sacrifice. Saul refused to sacrifice at the risk of being disobedient. The Lord said obedience is better than sacrifice.
The people wanted to sacrifice the woman in adultery..but at what sacrifice were they to give up admitting that they too were sinners
I love Psalm 110..the Lord said to my Lord..a true Kimg David Psalm to show God's son was more than just a prophet. He was the Son of Man/Son of God.
Then ends with sacrifice..the Lord hates the sacrifice of the wicked.. because let's face it..when man starts thinking ..their motives always get in the way of the Lord's true sacrifice. Amen!
Dee
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1 Samuel 15:16-23
Saul, Saul, Saul this guy is in BIG trouble and so are the people he is king over. God appointed and anointed Saul as the people’s choice he wasn’t God’s choice. (13 Now see the king whom you have chosen and for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you.1 Sam 12). I believe you take on the character and attributes of the one you submit yourself to and Samuel had warned the folks what to expect. We must remember that God said their rejection of Samuel and his son’s to rule over them, their desire for a king, was not a rejection of Samuel but a rejection of God’s sovereignty over their lives.
The exchange Saul and Samuel had over whether or not Saul had done the will of God, was really a debate over whose reality was the truth, God’s or Saul’s. I believe Saul believed in his own deception, just like we do. Saul was stubborn in holding on to what he wanted to be true but if it ain’t the Word of God it’s not truth.
When Samuel is sent to anoint one of Jessie’s sons, he knows three things, 1) God has removed the anointing from Saul and 2) Saul’s insecurity would cause Saul to try to take him out (I wonder if we seriously stop and take a look at insecure people will we find enraged individuals trying to do or wishing harm on the people they think are the problem? Instead of trying to work on their own shortcomings, they try to eliminate the threat. Just something to think about), and 3) God had already picked the one He wanted (1 Sam 13:13-14).
I love the story of how David was picked because it shows us that God wants our hearts not our bodies, whether we are fat, short, tall, skinny etc. That tells me then that the essence of who we are is not in our outside appearance, it is in our hearts. Thatis what God wants David wasn’t even considered worthy enough by his own family to be called into the house when Samuel shows up. He was the son and brother no one wanted to recognize.
11 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?"
"There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep."
Samuel had asked Jessie to call all of his sons into the house not just the ones he recognized.
John 8:1-21
Most of us know very well the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery, even unbelievers know this one. This is the story that is usually thrown up in “believers” faces along with the words, “Don’t judge me. Even Jesus didn’t judge the Woman caught in Adultery.” Yes that is true but Jesus sent her away telling her to, “…Go and sin no more.”
The verses following the story of the woman and her accusers are difficult verses for those who say that Jesus was only a prophet or just a good man and never called Himself God. The Book of John is a marvelous book. John had to truly write this book under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit because it does reach out and grab you and force you to make a decision about who Jesus really is.
If Jesus was only a prophet or just a nice man verses twelve through nineteen would mean Jesus was a crazy nice man who did good and by the way, was also a prophet. I don’t think we usually go down to our mental institutions looking for the Son of God.
Jesus who was and is He? The choice to decide has been given to us.
Psalm 110: 1-7
Ah, this Psalm, and the last verse (But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious) brought to my remembrance a refrain from Psalm 24 that gives an image of the triumphant King Jesus,
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you age-abiding doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Proverbs 15:8-10
8 The LORD hates the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
A semi-translation of the eighth verse as per Ramona, Wicked people can sacrifice all they want, but all they are doing is having a barbeque.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====
I have had my eyes on Saul's character since Ramona began discussing it earlier in the week. Here it's much more obvious what his flaws are. It's a lack of faith in God's power in his life and a focus on himself. That's why he initially hid among the baggage, that's why he was "small in his own eyes", that's why he is "afraid of the people", and why he wants Samuel to come back with him in order to honor himself. He also refers to God as the Lord your God (meaning Samuel's)---he doesn't call him the Lord, my God (meaning Saul's).
Interesting.
Micah Girl
====
Saul used the words "the Lord,your God"quite a bit.God wasn't Saul's God,just Samuel's.His repentance was just a show before Israel{"I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD}.I wonder why Samuel in the end did agree to go with him...and why Samuel argued with God on David's annointing because he feared Saul would kill him...It also beats me why Samuel would mourn over Saul so much.
In the NT reading,I just love the story of the sinful woman who got mercy from Jesus.When I think that he still intercedes for us in heaven it truly is an encouragement...
God bless you all
Anka
====
Re Mike's questions about Jesus the Light of the World:
As someone pointed out in a comment yesterday, Jesus has been declaring himself in various ways in the chapters from John's Gospel the last few days, for example:
- the Son of Man (6:26)
- the Bread of Life (6:35)
- Son of the Father (6:40)
- sent by the Father (6:57)
- the light of the world (8:12)
And he has been offering salvation in various forms:
- true bread from heaven (6:32)
- life to the world (6:33)
- eternal life (6:40)
- resurrection at the last day (6:44)
- all of the above (6:50-51)
- his flesh as real food and his blood as real drink (6:55)
- He will remain in those who receive Him (6:56)
- the words of the Spirit, the life of the Spirit (6:63)
- streams of living water flowing from within us (7:38)
- the light of life (7:12)
There is a remark by John to his readers in 7:39 about Jesus' offer in v38 of streams of living water flowing from within us when we believe. John remarks:
"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."
Looking forward to reading Acts again soon where we see this happening to the Disciples and the the early church. But I miss the manifest presence of the Spirit in myself and in the church today. Not completely, there are signs of His presence. But, from these passages in John's Gospel, it seems there should be so much more .... "streams of living water flowing" sounds like more than a few drops or a trickle. "If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." sounds like more than a flickering torch light in a huge dark cavern.
Any comments?
Greetings,
Andrew
====
From yesterday's reading, Christ assures us that "streams of living water" flows from within us as long as we believe in Him. Then today he gives us another assurance that we will no longer walk in darkness for He is the Light of the World.
As I was doing my readings I felt trasported to wen I was a kid being fascinated and enjoying two of the most memorable, dramatic and symbolic rituals in my church. First, the solemn singing of Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful at the end of our Christmas midnight mass.
All the lights were turned off except for the "shining star" at the altar. I never understood what it was all about as a kid but understand the symbolic meaning of the star. What a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of the Light of the World...
The Easter Vigil is another memorable liturgy for me, when again the church or the community starts out in complete darkness and then all our candles are lit from the One Source, the Easter Candle. These two importnat liturgies are a great way to celebrate and to be reminded that Christ is indeed the Light of the World, without Him we will continue to walk in darkness. It is truly a blessing and a gift to be able to experience the streams of living water and to walk in the Light.
Roslyn
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In regard to what Anka expressed: "Saul used the words "the Lord,"YOUR" God" quite a bit.God wasn't Saul's God,just Samuel's (this is so true...sort of like when our children do something we don't like & they become "his" or "her" children or "their" mother or father!). His repentance was just a show before Israel{"I have sinned. But please honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God." 31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD}. I wonder why Samuel in the end did agree to go with him...and why Samuel argued with God on David's annointing because he feared Saul would kill him...It also beats me why Samuel would mourn over Saul so much."
Saul was in trouble from day one when he said that he "listened" to the people & did what they wanted instead obeying God's commands/desires (a People Pleaser). He was on the downward spiral then...set most of what happened to him/Saul in motion. He really fulfilled his/Saul's role like God knew he would...just like a "human" King instead of a Godly King like the Messiah.
When you are a prophet of God like Samuel was, you know/discern things in the future (duh); therefore he knew that Saul would try to kill David or he just plain knew Saul for what he really was...imagine that?!?!?
Also, when God puts a person in your heart, you have a passion/compassion for that person/mission that God has given you & if you didn't have that passion/compassion...you wouldn't intercede for them with passion/compassion. The heart of Jesus is compassion & we are to be made in His image. I know this is what happens to me so often & I ask myself at times why I can't let go of someone that is so stiffnecked & hard headed & deceived & unwilling to be taught (an unteachable spirit). I think that is what laying down your life for another consists of & God saying that it is easy to love the lovely, but to love the unlovely is what being a "disciple" is all about. There is a huge difference in a "believer" & a "disciple," which I'm finally learning!!!
Jan
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Thank You Lord for the call to a holy walk with You!
I pray often, not as often in a "prayer setting"; sometimes just when I'm driving or walking or running. I keep a journal, and there are often days without an entry. I'm not near as diligent as I want to be. But the Lord is ever gracious and good to me.
I want so often to increase my walk of godliness.
I was kinda wondering about the evil spirit the Lord allowed torment Saul. And am amazed that the only way it would leave him was when David, the annointed, would minister by harp for him. Wow! What a crazy place David must've felt to be in. I need to pray about all of that for a while! :)
Katie
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I just LOVE the story from the "woman caught in adultry". John 8:7 stood out for me ... “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”. Such a good lesson! If you have never sinned you can judge someone else, but if you're a sinner as well, than you should keep your mouth shut! Even I should memorize this verse, I have to admit that I look around myself too much, when I should just look into a mirror from time to time. I have learned not to judge other people, I will not judge people. But I can look around sometimes and think to myself how I should do different and think how they should do things different. Bad habit!!! I also love John 8:18 "I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”
I really love reading John!
Mae
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I am loving the OT readings! Really amazing! I love reading on Saul, Jonathan, David...very excited to get into David's life! Its amazing that this is the Psalmist. I love it!! I cant wait for tomrw's readings!
I like the story of the woman caught in adultery...many speculate that Jesus, who wrote with his finger in the dirt, was writing down the names of the accusers and their sins. That is why each man, one by one left.
Jesus' words are so powerful again in John!
Psalms and proverbs kinda goes along with the OT readings. fascinating stuff!
Jenny
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The readings which spoke to me on the Old Testament Readings:
1. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as bad as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you from being king."
We could go with the motion of going to church, receiving the sacrament of communion, tithing etc. but if we do not obey His commandments our offerings are futile. How many times do we do these rituals but disobey God? Or how many times we do these rituals and feel that we are better than others or have our own agenda?
2. 1 Samuel verse 16 " But the Lord said to Samuel, "DO not consider his appearance (Eliab) or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearnace but the Lord looks at the heart"
We often judge others by the outward appearance but God looks into our hearts. Thank God for that.
John 8:7 "f anyone of you is without sin,let him be the first to throw a stone at her" I wish I will remember this evry time I am tempted to feel better about myself because I think I do not do the things other people do, commit adultery, steal, do drugs, etc. We all have sin and come short of the g lory of God.
Lily
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I believe what we see in Saul such as fear, depression, insecurity is what we see in our society today, even in our workplaces. Things have not changed and people are still the same today as they were thousands of years ago. Human condition has not changed. People still will make attempts to take threats to themselves out, even if it is not the will of god and at the cost of other. In effect, they are being disobedient, much like Saul. I find it interesting that Saul was tormented, much like many people are tormented with mental illness today. Does this mental illness relate back to not doing the will of god. A questions to ponder
Joe
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1 Samuel 15:7-24. I got some great thoughts from Peter and Geri Scazzero's book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Saul succumbed to his men's wishes over God's will because he lacked self awareness (emotional health) and atteniveness toward God (contaemplation). Exploring this attitude probably reveals a lot about ourselves. As the Scazzeros put it, Saul's life was a big iceberg. I like vs 23a reference to Achan. "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry." What could Saul have done to become aware of his own iceberg?
OBEDIENCE by David MacLean
The freedoms we enjoy as a society are only possible because we choose to submit to and obey the laws that govern us. Obedience is critical to freedom. Partial obedience doesn’t really work either. Not speeding on most of the road and only speeding on the part of the road with the radar trap is not an excuse. Total obedience is required.
King Saul didn’t really get this principle. He was asked by God to do something fairly specific. He was commanded to totally wipe out the Amalekites, including all their livestock. He obeyed – partially. He didn’t wipe out the livestock. He took the livestock as the spoils of war under pressure from his men. However, he told Samuel the prophet he kept the livestock to sacrifice to the Lord. That was a ruse of course; he caved in to the pressure of his men.
You see, he was more concerned what the men thought about him than God.
He feared men more than God. Because of this, he obeyed partially. And, that was his downfall.
Samuel told him he messed up and didn’t obey God. He insisted he had not messed up, he had obeyed. He didn’t fess up to his mess up until after Samuel pronounced God’s judgement on him. But then it was too late. God told him the Kingdom was being taken from him and given to another. (King David of course.)
Saul caved in to the pressure of men and shorted God. He didn’t obey God completely. He tried to please man and God. That doesn’t work.
What about you? Is there some area in your life you know God has spoken to you about? Has He asked you to obey Him in something you are not doing? Or, have you partially obeyed Him? Are you caving in to the fear of man?
Disobedience, or partial obedience to God does not end well. God wants our whole hearts and our complete obedience. Even Jesus said if we love Him we will keep His commands. The commands of God lead to our freedom. Obedience to God leads to freedom and life.
When God speaks to us through His rhema and logos Word we need to obey completely, wholeheartedly. Blessing is found in our obedience to God. And if you mess up, then fess up – don’t try to hide it.
So, when it comes to God’s Word just do it – completely.
1 Samuel 15:22
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Bob
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The biggest word I got today from lessons was sacrifice. Saul refused to sacrifice at the risk of being disobedient. The Lord said obedience is better than sacrifice.
The people wanted to sacrifice the woman in adultery..but at what sacrifice were they to give up admitting that they too were sinners
I love Psalm 110..the Lord said to my Lord..a true Kimg David Psalm to show God's son was more than just a prophet. He was the Son of Man/Son of God.
Then ends with sacrifice..the Lord hates the sacrifice of the wicked.. because let's face it..when man starts thinking ..their motives always get in the way of the Lord's true sacrifice. Amen!
Dee