1 Samuel 20:1-21:15 + John 9:1-41 + Psalm 113:1-114:8 + Proverbs 15:15-17
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Old Testament - Great readings about Jonathan & David today! 1 Samuel 20 verse 13 today seems to indicate that Jonathan realizes that David will be the king after his father Saul: "May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father." Verse 17 is beautiful - "For Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself." Who are people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you think that there should be people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you love Jesus as much as you love yourself? Do you think that God loves you as much as He loves Himself?
Below is the artist Rembrandt's take on Jonathan & David from possibly verse 41: "Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David."
In First Samuel 21 as David is fleeing from Saul, we read verse 6 which Jesus refers to in the New Testament - "So, since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread--the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread." Jesus uses this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner in Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 & 4 - "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests." I love verse 13! David is definitely a good actor - "So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard."
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "When Saul Slings His Spear, Jonathan Gets the Point" is at this link and "A Man Without a Country" is at this link.
New Testament - Jesus' teaching in John chapter 9 verse 3 is powerful - "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him." Wow. He was born blind so that God's power could be seen in him. I wonder about this in our lives today. When we have challenges or struggles, is it possible that they are happening so that the power of God can been seen? I know this can be tough to fathom when you are in the midst of a challenge or struggle - or, if you are blind for example, like this man in John 9. But... no matter what life throws our way, do you think that God's power can be seen in any circumstance? Below is Cretan-born painter El Greco's "Christ Healing the Blind Man" from the year 1567:
Verse 27 is great when the healed man says - ""Look!" the man exclaimed. "I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"" Hmmm.... Verses 39 through 40 are a dialogue that each one of us should reflect upon - "Then Jesus told him, "I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." The Pharisees who were standing there heard him and asked, "Are you saying we are blind?" "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see." How are we behaving today? Are we allowing Jesus to give us spiritual sight? Or do we think we can see well enough spiritually without Jesus? Without Jesus, can we see or are we blind...? Will we allow Jesus to heal us of our spiritual blindness right now?
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Light of the World" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 113 & 114 today are very interesting and important Psalms! These are 2 of 6 Psalms, 113 to 118, that form the "Egyptian Hallel." 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. As you read these two Psalms today, do you sense joy in the Lord's work? Justice? Glory? Power? Does reading these two Psalms make you want to celebrate and give thanks for the Lord and all he has done throughout history and in your life?
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verses 16 & 17 today are so powerfully true - "It is better to have little with fear for the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil. A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate." However, what then do we do about a steak soup combo?? (sorry, couldn't resist a bad attempt at humor... thanks to this image below... :)
Worship Video: Today's reading in John about Jesus healing a man born blind reminded me of Phil Wickham's song "Safe:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzhuirT74VU
Are you safe in His arms? Click here for Safety!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." Proverbs 15:16-17 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will be content with little in your life, as long as you have the wealth of a relationship with the LORD. Pray that your meals are filled with more love than with fancy foods.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Do you agree with today's Proverb that it is better to have just a little and fear the Lord versus having much and much turmoil? 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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
This is a pretty long post..
David,a man after God's own heart was painfully human.He lied and is about to get the priest into trouble(I'm sure Saul's shepherd wasn't eavedropping just out of curiosity)then David acts like a lunatic to save his life.I couldn't help wondering,was this idea of acting inspired by God?David his annointed was really not behaving like a king.At the same time,I can't help wondering how Jesus's disciples felt seeing their master beaten,spat on then hung naked to die on a cross.Where was all the power that Jesus displayed and spoke about?It may be easy for us to believe without having seen Jesus humiliated.Even though there's a controversy surrounding the movie The passion of Christ,I think every Christian should see it because it shows a vivid picture of how Christ truly suffered and was humiliated.The amazing thing is God was watching and even through this suffering and rejction,He still was working.David may have been discouraged yet when his life was saved,he attributed it all to God(psalms 34,56).I pray for the strength to look up to God when in trouble.David ran from Samuel in Ramath to Jonathan who was near Saul.In times of pain and confusion we sometimes even loose our ability to think clearly.Running to our enemy(negative thoughts,alcohol,drugs...the enemies arms)rather than remain on our knees in prayer.
The Jews seemed to want the blind man to doubt his testimony.He didn't know Jesus but believed the devil couldn't have set him free.The blind man didn't think Jesus used his own powers,he replied to them "he is a prophet"and when they tried to get him to think Jesus was a sinner,he hung to his miracle...he may have thought"well I don't know how Jesus stands before God,but I know God worked through him to give me a miracle and I know God doesn't answer sinners".
This man couldn't care less if he was thrown out of the synagoge,there was an element of defiance in his reply"I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"He wasn't going to change his testiomny nor was he going to accept to smear the character of the man he received his miracle from.When asked by Jesus if he knew the son of man,this former begger didn't say no,he wanted to know who Jesus really was then worshipped Him when Jesus revealed himself.
We may falter in our faith due to discouragement but we should never let go of our convictions.At the end of the day what satan tries to do is attack our knowledge of who God really is.When we go through humilitaion,doubt,despair,satan comes to attack our relationship with a "well if God is love,how can he let this happen to you,if God takes care of your needs then why do you have to count pennies,if God is a father then how could he let your child die,if you're created in God's image,then why do you have a disability?"etc.The trick is I guess keep walking,crawl if you have to but never let go of your convictions...if you feel those convictions slip away,then stick to God's word.I humbly believe it is for times like these that God had put the desire in Mike's heart to start this blog so you can see wounded soliers cling to their swords(the word) and you can see that God is still present in our days.He still is in the business of getting us out of the enemies arms if we cry out.
God bless you all!
Anka
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1 Samuel 20-21:15
Anka—Thank you for your wonderful words. Words that not only cause us to think but words that inspire and encourage.
In thinking about what you wrote, Anka, the question comes up, “What and whom did David fear? We lie and operate out of deception because we fear for our lives, our reputation or falling out of favor with man, and maybe God. We fear that our true selves with be revealed if we tell the truth. Truth is confrontational, especially the truth about ourselves. The question what information and from whom are we believing. Back in the Garden Adam and Eve hid after they sinned because their eyes were opened. When God asked them, “Where are you,” He wasn’t asking them logistical information He knew where they were. He was asking them because He knew where they where but did they truly know their standing and how far they had fallen God’s response to them when they said they were naked so they hid was, “Who told you?” What and whose information was David believing about himself, about Saul and about His God?
David thought Saul would kill him despite the Word of the Lord he had heard from Samuel, despite the acknowledgement and confirmation of the Word from his friend Jonathan. Was there something going on in David’s life that made him forget that Promise or did he, like many of us, negate the promise because of a feeling of inferiority, of some false guilt, of a sense that God is not able to bring what He has promised to pass?
When “running for our lives,” do we run to our enemies, as Anka has noted, or do we run to the Rock that is higher than ourselves.
Thank God for his mercy and grace when we miss it by more than a mile or kilometer.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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Really enjoying reading this blog and all the food for thought. I haven't much new to add to what already has been said. I also enjoyed Ps 113:6 where is says that God humbleth Himself to behold the things in heaven! I have no idea of the greatness of God. WOW! or should I say "Selah" Thanks for sharing your thoughts with the rest of us.
Shelley
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I think from the beginning Saul was being tested by the Lord...after all, how many times did the Word of God say the the "LORD" sent the tormenting spirit(s) to Saul.
Now, in this day & time...people don't believe that God sends anything bad or tormenting, but I am here to tell you...He does for a purpose.
I just finished reading why God does these things in a book, "The Fire of Delayed Answers/are you waiting for your prayers to be answered?" by Bob Sorge & it is the most enlightening book that I have read in quite some time...answers a lot of my questions as to why things happen as they do & God is always in it.
Now, I'm on the sequel of the book I just finished, "The Fire of God's Love,"...I am also testifying that if you are a true son or daughter you will eventually go through the purifying Fire of the Lord & if you don't, you better be asking Him why??? :)
Jan
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wow...today's OT readings are exciting! i'm loving this book!!!
John is again, amazing! Some great verses from John that stand out: "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"
that is all born again believers testimony there! I love it!
I like this former blind man's answers!
v. 31 "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will."
Amen! what a beautiful promise for those who receive His gift of "sight"!
I love the rest of John as well regarding spiritual blindness! so powerful!!!
I love Proverbs! "But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast."...AMEN! SO true!!
The NIV says for vs 17: "Better a meal of vegetables...." Yay!! I'm a vegetarian so i agree, haha. yeah, i cut off the rest of the verse, but better is vegetables anyway. :p
Jenny
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I think I said it before, but I'm really starting to learn now about the OT! It's so exciting to read! When I'm reading it I go into the 'character' of David and I feel what he's feeling! First Samuel really floors me!
John is amazing! Touches me every day:
Verse 31 "We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will".
I'm really going to take this verse with me tonight!
We have healingservices at church, so I'm ready to go. Please pray for us! We did a lot of witnessing and street ministry to get visitors. It's a 3-day event at our church, with Pastor Steve Bowman from the US. We spread a lot of flyers as well, so I hope we'll have visitors. I hope they open their hearts for God's Word, so he can work in their lives!
PS: that bowl of soup looks like "Bakso" that we eat in Indonesia! Hmmm ... I could have that right now ... very nice ...
Mae
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My question is in regards to John 9:41. "Jesus said, "if you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains" Does this mean that those for whom the spiritual veil has not been lifted will somehow not fall under judgement? I often have this discussion with folks as to those who just don't seem to get it. I guess again it could be a heart condition of not wanting to see what the Holy Spirit is trying to reveal to a person. It just sometimes makes me wonder as I often would like to think that God will eventually save all (is that called universal salvation?) and that it is just a matter of time for all to "see". But just having read C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce", I am pretty sure that there will be those who choose not to see what is revealed to them. Don't know, just wondered!
Beth
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Beth
John 9:41
"Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."
Read a few commentaries, but I am going to go with what I think.
This has been a "spiritual" chapter. so - I think - Jesus is saying here - if you knew you were spiritually blind - knew that you didn't have the answers. Well, I can deal with that - I can bring you to salvation, then you would not be guilty of sin - because I will have that covered through my "blood".
BUT (and remember he is speaking to Pharisees here who will not recognize the evidence before them)
If you claim you have spiritual insight (that you see)- think you have the answer (and it is wrong). Well, you will not listen to me - you will go with what you think you know (mankind's pride). I cannot bring you to salvation - you will not allow me to, because you do not hear and you do not believe. Therefore your "guilt" remains.
[This is just as true today for those who reject Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as it was for the Pharisees back in the day.]
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I think in the gospels and in the rest of New Testament - there is no justification for a universal salvation (everyone goes to Heaven).
It is a thought conjured up by man - because no one wants to see anyone go to Hell. We can't believe a merciful and loving God would send people to Hell.
The Truth is some people choose to go to Hell. They reject God, and they do not love God. God is not going to bring them to a place - in His presence - by force. That is not love - it is coercion.
God has a plan - all people have to do is acknowledge that plan, and take God up on His offer. By refusing to do so - they choose eternal separation from God. They want that here on Earth - they will get their way for eternity.
John
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Thank you Mike for this blog it helps me in my walk with the Lord...infact this is my daily walk with the Lord
Caroline
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John 9:3
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
This 'blind' beggar lived up to Jesus' commented on him. The blind beggar feared no probing from the Jews and he witnessed before them despite the fact them he later was expelled. Then, Jesus 'met' him again and told him the Gospel. And this blind beggar accepted Christ. 'The work of God' was truly displayed in his life.
Frederick
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I also like John 9:4 "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." This statement challenges me to have a sense of urgency about the work of God in my life and the work of God in the world, and to be about my Father's business.
I appreciate the creativity in the artistic postings on the blog that visualizes the teachings of the passages we are reading.
Luch
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I admire Jonathan's love and faithfulness to David. Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself. He was willing to take the wrath of his father, Saul to protect David. How much more our God loves us and protects us.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that who ever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"
God uses the struggles & challenges in our lives to show His power and strenghtens us if we only have faith in Him.
Lily
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I would say that the "HEALING" by clay and spittle also indicated that this Jesus was indeed before Abraham as he mentioned in verse 8:56 and that he was showing that just as Adam was created by clay so this mans healing was done by clay. That's my interpertation anyway. I kinda like that idea! Blessings
Ginny
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Oh my.. How Jesus was persecuted and people and disciples stood snd watched! I feel like that sometimes.not to that degree. But do we sometimes stand alone? There is no one to defend us but God? 2 Timothy 4:17
John 9:3.. Gods glory be revealed in our blindness or afflictions? That reminds me of Paul's thorn in the flesh, we live with that so Gods glory can be revealed? Tony Evans say " don't mess with the thorn. Leave it alone. Eventually that thorn will hurt less. Your so busy trying to get rid of it you miss opportunities Giod has for you" I think that ties in with our afflictions and pain and suffering. May we follow Jesus example. Gods blessings poured out on all my fellow readers of Mikes ministry. Jane
Jane
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Mike and everyone,
John 9:4 is a needed reminder for me, to not waste my time here on earth. May we strive to do the things that have eternal values!
John 9:4 (NLT)
4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.
Also in Ephesians 5:15-17(NLT)
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
1 Samuel 20:1-42
What an extremely touching story of friendship it is between David and Jonathan. Loyalty, truth, love, faithfulness. How wonderful it will be to see more of these elements in our relationships.
Thank you again Mike, for hosting this blog.
Such a blessing it is to follow along each day!
God bless everyone here!
Sincerely,
Joyce
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David poor guy having to hide out in the field away from the king. Jonathon his son loves David like his brother. It's sad that he constantly has to look over his shoulder and now playing the part of a lunatic.
Jesus and the blind man..it's not the man or family who are being punished. It is God using this to show off this glory.
Dee
God allows pain and struggles in this world which is a result of Adam and Eves sin.
But he draws us close to him through our afflictions!
And we can let others know where our hope comes From!
Having been diagnosed with a medical condition has made me look at life differently. I need to be intentional about every day! It’s not easy but I give God glory anyway!
Thanks Mike for this blog!
Posted by: Jane S | May 17, 2025 at 04:21 AM