Old Testament - Today is a great day of readings in Second Samuel! David returns to Jerusalem! I love the entire flow of today's readings as David crosses the Jordan River toward Jerusalem and shows incredible kindness to Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai along the way. However, don't forget the name Shimei just yet - the "rock thrower & curser" when David fled Jerusalem a few chapters back... On David's deathbed, later in our readings in First Kings 2:9, David will pass along to his son Solomon these instructions: "Bring his (Shimei's) gray head down to the grave in blood..." But, this day was not a day of bloodshed, but a day of amnesty, as David exclaimed in 2 Samuel 19:22 today: "This is not a day for execution but for celebration! I am once again the king of Israel!" An image of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, meeting David on his return to Jerusalem is below:
In Second Samuel chapter 20 today we read about the revolt of Sheba from the tribe of Benjamin. Zondervan's commentary today points out that an important thing to keep in mind here is that tribal jealousy still was brewing over the transfer of the kingship from Benjamin (Saul's tribe) to Judah (David's tribe). Sheba appeals to the Israelite suspicion that David favored his own tribe over the other tribes. As this chapter progresses Joab again shows his true colors by murdering Amasa. I'm beginning to wonder about Joab... he's ruthless. I suppose as being the commander of the army for so long, this was his "job" to be ruthless? Let me know your thoughts on Joab in the Comments section below. Ramona, thanks for the comment in yesterday's readings saying "Joab operated out of Justice with no Love." Great point! In Amasa's case, Amasa was part of the rebellion against David led by Absalom, so again here Joab is acting out "Justice"... (and certainly no Love...) I wonder if we ever fall into this trap in our lives today as well? Operate in an unbalanced way showing nothing but Justice, and yet no Love? Or, on the other hand do we sometimes operate with just Love, and no Justice? Should we be operating with a balance of Love and Justice? Or should one (Love or Justice) outweigh the other in our life? Below is a stained glass window showing Joab killing Amasa while pretending to greet him:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings today titled "David's Return to Jerusalem" is at this link.
New Testament - John 21 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible in so many ways! In some ways it is because of a beautiful modern day book written by the late Henri Nouwen titled "In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership", which is based on this chapter and Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loves him. Has anyone else read this book by Nouwen? In this book Henri writes about the end of his life ministry where he is a spiritual director at a L'Arche Daybreak community in Toronto, working amongst mentally handicapped. It is so incredible to read about how Henri learns from what the world would see as "the least of these" and how Henri realizes in his Christian ministry throughout his life he's been fighting 3 temptations: 1. the temptation to be relevant. 2. the temptation to be spectacular. 3. the temptation to be powerful. I could go on and on about this book, but the last thing I will say is that it is so beautiful how Henri ties his learnings in this book to Jesus and Peter's Q & A here in John 21. If you serve in any way, shape, or form in Christian ministry (or even if you don't :), please pick this book up. You will be blessed by it immensely!
Okay, back to the Bible. :) Below is an image of the risen Jesus from today's readings by the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias is the same Sea, just another name for it) by artist William Hole:
One of my absolute favorite red letter quotes from Jesus in the Gospels arrives today in John 21. Verse 12: ""Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said." There is something about the simplicity and beauty and every-day-ness of this command from Jesus to the 7 disciples that I just absolutely love! Can you image Jesus saying this to you? Can you imagine Jesus making breakfast for you on the beach? In the words of the famous Mercy Me song, "I can only imagine..."
Okay, now onto the big question probably for many of us from today's readings is why did Jesus ask Peter 3 times if he loved him? Many commentaries call these passages "the reinstatement of Peter" - meaning that he was reinstated as the rock / confessor of the foundation of Jesus' church based on Matthew 16:16. And that he needed this reinstatement after denying knowing the Lord 3 times before his crucifixion (and the then rooster crowing, as we know...). Interestingly, Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion has the following suggestions on the original Greek used when John wrote about this Q & A exchange between Jesus and Peter: "Two different Greek words are used for "love." The first two times the word agapo, which means devoted love, is used. When Peter refuses to use the same word, Jesus turns to the word phileo, which indicates the love of friendship. Peter accepts this word and admits that he loves Jesus in this way. Peter was humbler now than earlier in his life, and was making no claim to superior love (see John 13:36-37)." In verse 18 Jesus says to Peter: "The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go." The early church understood this as a prophecy of crucifixion. Peter would be a martyr and tradition suggests that he was crucified upside down. Below is a beautiful stained glass image of this exchange between Peter and Jesus in today's readings:
Okay, I realize this has been a long post today... but the last thing I want to point out is that I love Jesus' response to Peter when Peter asks about what will happen to John and Jesus says this is verse 22: "Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." I think this is a great word from Jesus to both you and me today as well! How often do we worry about others and their relationship with the Lord? How often do we perhaps think that we are so saved, and "they" are so not...? Or how often do we wonder why someone seems like they are so blessed, and perhaps we think that we are not? Well, what does Jesus say to all of this to you and me today? I believe he would say the same words from verse 22: "What is that to you? You follow me." Indeed, let us not worry so very much about others. But let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus!
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "What is this thing called Love?" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 120 is the beginning of 15 Psalms known as "songs of ascent!" This could mean the ascent of the stairs to the Temple in Jerusalem - or more likely the annual religious pilgrimages and the ascent to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Are you ready for the next 15 Psalms of Ascent?
Verse 1 in this Psalm should be encouraging to each of us: "I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer." Do you have troubles in your life? Have you brought them to God in prayer? Will you? Will you allow him to answer your prayer?
Proverbs - Proverbs 16:16 today teaches us: "How much better to get wisdom than gold, and understanding than silver!" Do you believe this Proverb to be true? How do you spend the majority of your time in your life - pursuing wisdom & understanding or pursuing money? What are some ways in your life you can spend more time pursuing wisdom & understanding and less time pursuing money?
Worship Video: Today's readings in the Gospel of John remind me of the song "Then Christ Came" by MercyMe:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!." Proverbs 16:16 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you are seeking wisdom in your life. Pray that gaining wisdom is a higher priority to you than gaining money. Pray that you are growing more like Jesus each day, the author and perfecter of wisdom!
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: What are your thoughts on our readings in John today with Jesus asking Peter 3 times if he loved him? Why do you think this was asked of Peter 3 times? Was this a "reinstatement" of Peter? What are your thoughts overall on this closing chapter of John today? (Acts begins tomorrow!! :) 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:
I just noticed a similarity of how David handled his enemies, those who came against him outside of a relationship with him and those David knew. I have been observing how if David knew the people who challenged him, he showed tremendous mercy and delayed judgment, if they had judgment at all. Yet, for those He knew not, judgment was usually swift. It just occurred to me that David, being a type of Christ, is doing what is afforded those who either have or don’t have a relationship with Christ. Whether or not we experience judgment with no mercy is based on our relationship with Christ. Of all the sins that we can commit, the one that is surly fatal, is our non-acceptance of Jesus Christ’s salvation.
I am not sure if even that can be or really is God judging us, as much as our seeing what God has to offer and rejecting that gift. Doing that puts the one who has rejected that gift on the judgment seat by their own volition. God does not send them to their death they take themselves. Hmmm! Must do some rethinking.
Ramona
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I share Mike's enthousiasm for this chapter of John. What is it about the breakfast scene that catches me?
There is the recognition of the figure on the beach. The disciples are out fishing, maybe trying to get back to 'normal life' after the death of Jesus. And there is this sudden leap of hope as they realise it is Jesus. And, as Mike says, the down to earth, homeliness of the invitation to breakfast.
The church we went to when I was a child met for breakfast on a Monday morning. A demonstration of the relevance of being church all week. Starting the working week being church, having breakfast with Jesus.
Andrew
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Amasa ~
I don't get it.
As the commander of Absalom's army, Amasa (David's sister Abigail's son), David gives him Joab's (son of Zeruiah--another of David's sisters) position:
"And say to Amasa, 'Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab."
Was David angry at Joab and Abishai (sons of Zeruiah) because of Absalom?
While it may have been to better his own position, Joab seems (to me) to have been very loyal to David and gave him good counsel about many things, including mourning for the death of Absalom -- jeopardizing his own men's desertion.
"22 David replied, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?" 23 So the king said to Shimei, 'You shall not die.' And the king promised him on oath."
I am confused.
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"11Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead."
~ Alright, I cannot be the first to wonder about this and other texts that indicate Jesus was not recognized from his "earthly form:"
"None of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?'"
Was it because in His glorified body that all of the "burdens of the world" were removed from Jesus? You know, when people have a pained expression, they often look totally different from someone who is at peace. A smile can light up a face, whereas someone in distress can be almost unrecognizable as the same person.
Anyone wonder about these passages where Jesus was not recognized after his resurrection?
Sue
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Re Sue's question:
I think some of the factors to take account of are:
- people thought Jesus was dead and gone (or maybe alive and gone), so they did not expect to bump into Him again. So they see this person who seems familiar but is in a situation which they just can't place. Who is this? Why do I have the feeling I know him? - and, as you suggest, I can imagine there was something different about his looks from when they last saw Him before the crucifixion.
Andrew
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Recognition of Jesus (or lack thereof)
Just going to propose something here as the question came up by several people - and I have thought of it quite often.
Is. 50:6 I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
The concensus is this is the Messiah speaking in Isaiah 50:6. We will get to this later in our readings, but lets assume for the moment it is Jesus speaking thru Isaiah.
Let's also assume that the romans in their torture of Jesus DID pluck out his beard. Besides painful, it also vastly changes one's appearance. Think about how many people you have known that have shaved off a beard - did they not look remarkably different?
Mary saw him at the cross badly beaten and with beard reduced or gone - maybe her eyes were too tear-filled to recognize Jesus until he said her name.
Their is no indication in John 20 that the disciples recognized Jesus until he showed them his his side and hands.
The same with Thomas.
Maybe John because he was youngest and perhaps had the best eyesite recognized Jesus from the cross, or maybe he just put two and two together from the fish caught after Jesus' instructions. Or with the above recognized Jesus' voice.
Regardless, although this was a glorified physical body, I think (as Andrew B. suggested) maybe that the effects of the beatings and plucked beard were evident on Jesus' visage.
Would explain why the disciples still thought the question even when they knew it was Jesus. He just looked - so different.
John 21:12b "None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord."
I wonder when I read Rev 5:6a "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain,.."
Slain (gk. "sphazo") 1) to slay, slaughter, butcher 2) to put to death by violence
I wonder if when we get to heaven, if Jesus will not only have the holes in his hands and feet, but if he will still bear some vestige of the physical beatings He took - in my earthly state of mind - I do not think I could hold it together if I came upon my Savior still bearing those reminders of His sacrifice for us.
All this is just conjecture on my part - as I thought to understand why these people who were intimate with Jesus did not recognize Him at first glance.
John
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David sure didn't have a heart that was filled with vengeance...he forgave Shimei and didn't send a hitman to wipe out Joab like he did Uriah. Yes I did wonder what it was about Christ that made the guys He spent so much time with not recognise Him...and what did he do during the time after his ressurection(cos he sure wasn't staying with the disciples anymore....) Guess I've gone into my question mode again... God bless you all Anka
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As I was reading about David's return to Jerusalem as King, I realised how difficult it is to be king, not knowing if people are saying what they're saying so that they'll get on your good side. I've always been touched about how he restored Mephibosheth and took care of him; I wonder if Mephibosheth was telling the truth or not, or really deserted David ...
The New Testament reading - it always blows me away that Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples! it must've been some breakfast! He didn't preach or teach, he met their needs then. It just makes me warm inside ...
Liz
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Jesus makes sure in His encounter with Peter and the other disciples that they would remember to ALWAYS be Jesus centered--do you love Me? and people centered--take care of the lambs, feed my sheep. I know way too many leaders who are overdue for a breakfast with Jesus to get this issue resorted. They have become consumed with the very things that Nouven addresses in his book-the temptations to be relevant and powerful at the expense of others.
It's so beautiful that even though it took Peter a while to 'get this' we see in 1 Peter 5:1-4 when he is exhorting the elders 'among us'--that they too must be people centered/sensitive in their ministry.
Keep on recommending Henri Nouwen's books. Alongside In the Name of Jesus, would be The Return of the Prodigal Son. At first sight this book does not appear to be about leadership but it really is. Would to God more of our leaders would 'lose' the corporate CEO, executive this, executive that label, and follow the sound Jesus' way!! Thanks for highlighting these truths and book.
Luch
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I think Joab was doing a thankless job, killing off the incompetant leader. It doesn't say whether or not Amasa dropped the ball on getting the army together on purpose, but the fact remains that the man needed to be removed from his position.
The minor weakness of David was his lack of judgment in who he put absolute faith in. Perhaps that is not weakness but it certainly did haunt him in the past few days of reading.
So we don't know if Amasa messed up the army on purpose. We don't know if David would have taken him out of the position on his own. We DO know that Joab murdered the man, which was not the way to go about doing it.
However, the end result is that the rebellion will be put down by a proficient leader.
And David will probably keep Joab far from himself.
And I have had a profound sadness over the story of David for the past week, knowing exactly where the whole thing is going. David should have had an even better reign than he had, but the curse of sin and the fall invaded even the man after God's own heart.
It is beginning to seem to me that the story of Joab murdering Amasa in order to regain control over the military is the example of what man does with the difficult situations apart from Jesus Christ's saving power and the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit.
They are definately doing better than in Judges where everyone was doing what he thought was right, however the fact still remains that Amasa was murdered.
We cannot in that day, nor today justify an unjust act in the name of ultimate justice. The potence of the justice you hope to protect becomes impotent because you base the standard for right and wrong on your own emotion, feeling and rationale and not on God and His precepts.
Once you separate yourself from the commands of God and from His guiding hand and decide that this situation you can actually decide for yourself, you begin down that slippery slope of self determination.
DM
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Peter said "I will go a fishing" and then the others said they would follow the LEADER. That's what stuck with me reading on in this Word. He was first called from fishing and later called from it again. Now after all personally witnessed, years of personal teaching from the Lord and just receiving a special filling of the Spirit, while physically in the Presence of the Risen Saviour- he goes back out fishing! Jesus has been bringing him along with the calling of God's purpose for his life and fishing isn't it. So my thought on the 3 questionings and forms of word used for love and even the answer "what is it to you" are what the Lord in His wisdom just knew Peter needed. This chapter is an awesome closing. God may be holding Peter up as the example, but the Spirit's teaching is for me. I won't be sitting waiting for Him to invite me to breakfast, but I'll let you know if He does. LOL!!! Lord, thank You for Your Word and thank You for Bible study friends online.
Susanne
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jesus asking peter three times..... the living breathing word of god... i so appreciated the blog commentary and the last comment as well....
whenever the number three comes up in the bible i always wonder on the utimate 3 of the bible...... the father, the son, and the holy spirit..... i would like to venture the same in god's world i dont think it is coinsidence..... i also believe that peter was humbled at this point in his walk too... how could he not be.... he denied his savior and jesus had told him he would do it beforehand..... he cannot be the same proud man as before......
peter going fishing again is another interesting thing.... dont we always revert back to our old ways when maybe we go through the dry, or unexciting times?.... he was also caught by jesus red handed doing it and not having any "luck"...... jesus proved to him again that he is his provider and sat and had a meal with him, that he provided in front of them miraculously...... peter didnt even help drag it in he jumped in to reach the shore quickly, maybe knowing he was fishing the day away when he needed to be reassured jesus would still provide....
one last note.... i have felt at times that until you say something out loud over and over it does not sink in..... maybe god was wanting him to think through his answers outloud to solidify that he was still worthy to love his savior, and follow him as he instructed, maybe down deep he felt he had disquailified himself with his triple denial..... god wanted him to have head knowledge and heart knowledge that him loving him was the most important thing not how he let jesus down through the process......
blessings Heidi
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I find it fascinating how Peter having been such an impulsive man... latter in his writings seems so mature and grounded. Here Jesus asks him 3 times, the same question. I believe in doing this; not only was Jesus trying to teach Peter about unconditional love and leadership. Hence the word "agape", but was also telling him that He had forgiven him for denying him, that fateful night. He was taking the time to still show Peter the importance of true Christian responsibility as a servant of the Lord. In other words Jesus had not given up on him. He still loved him and was calling him to the do His will. To take the Gospel to many nations.
Carmen
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How often do we worry about others and their relationship with the Lord? How often do we perhaps think that we are so saved, and "they" are so not...? Or how often do we wonder why someone seems like they are so blessed, and perhaps we think that we are not? Well, what does Jesus say to all of this to you and me today? I believe he would say the same words from verse 22: "What is that to you? You follow me." Indeed, let us not worry so very much about others. But let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus! ~ I needed to read this today ... "let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus". I'm really focused on that lately, REALLY focused. We have been getting a lot of resistance lately. Mainly from relatives and guess what? Relatives who join the same church as we do! Everything we say and everything we do is going under the microscope and whenever they think they can moch us on something ... they will. The sad part is, is that they do it behind our backs, so we don't even get the chance to defend ourselves. But then I think: "Do I really want to?". It's just too bad they keep on looking at us, they keep on watching us in everything we do and say ... and all I want is for them to just not worry about us! Sometimes I think it's jealousy, since we are talking in tongues, we have been spoken to in prophencies ... somehow they don't feel as blesses as us? I don't know. All I do know is that I'm following Jesus and I feel such a hunger for more and more and more.
Mae
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I had read that maybe Peter was still feeling horrible guilt for the denial & this was a way for & others to hear it was now forgiven. I liked the Tyndale explaination too very thought provoking. That is what I love about learning the Bible is so many different ways it can be seen that is why I study many different commentaries & not just one source. Thank you Mike for providing this quick & informative way to do that! Your mention of the worries of other's relationship with the Lord was very convicting. I have felt that way all along but my church really leans on us to witness hard to everyone we meet & have felt that just can't be done. Before I found Jesus that type of person always pushed me farther from Christ. It was the ones that answered my questions or kindly commented on how God helped them along the tough times that really brought me to the Lord. I have many friends that are in what some call a cult & have got on my high horse thinking I can save them when most times what they have said to me convicts my faith & knocks me down a notch when their faith or knowledge of scripture is stronger than mine! So I am friendly to all I meet & let them see me following the Lord & when the Spirit leads them to ask questions or He tells me to move forward to a deeper friendship then I move to share my testimony that has opened many doors. We all have our own private relationship with Jesus just as Peter & John did & the sentence from Jesus said it all. Let it alone & find my sheep. I am to follow the Lord not walk ahead of Him. Peace & blessings Julie
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The book of John is ALL about Jesus's character and HIS compassion for FLAWED humanity. Jesus came down to Earth to die for our sins, HE paid the ultimate price my sins, I try to NEVER to forget this. Jesus is the bread of LIFE. He turned water into wine, walked on water, and calmed the storm. Many believed in Jesus and HIS message of salvation for them. Jesus forgave sins and cleansed people. Jesus healed many: he made the lame to walk, the blind to see and the mute to speak. He did many miraculous signs for an unbelieving world. Jesus watches out for those who belong to HIM. The Jewish establishment tried there hardest to debunk Jesus as a fraud and charlatan. There was less then a week from the TRIUMPHAL ENTRY to GOOD FRIDAY, the people turned against Jesus that quickly. The book of John has some of the most memorable verses of Scripture in the entire BIBLE.
Raeann
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About Joab. The thing that bothers me about him is not the Justice without Love, but the fact that he is treacherous. He took matters into his own hands and acted without the knowledge, even against the will, of his king. He killed Abner, Absalom and Amasa treacherously, not justly. I'm glad that justice eventually caught up with him in the end.
And about Peter. I've always liked that explanation of the different Greek words for "love" that were used in that passage. Isn't it amazing how Jesus is willing to stoop to our level? He meets us where we are, then leads us so that we eventually get to the place He has created us to be in. Peter is a great example of this. I guess I'm in good company. ^_^
Ditas
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God is love and God is always just. I don't think that trying to "balance" the two is the right approach. There is God's way and there every other way. In every situation we need to seek guidance as to how to act. But as to Joab, I have always felt that David kept him around because he was very good at what he did. I think that David should have fired him when he killed Abner. Joab was allowed to stay and he just got more powerful until David couldn't get rid of him even when he tried. Are there things or people in our lives that we know should not be there but they serve a purpose so we allow them to stay?
Teriann
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John 21:15
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (NIV)
I noticed that Jesus asked Peter if he loved him more than these. I suppose Jesus referred to the fish that they ate as breakfast. At that time, Peter and other disciples returned to their own jobs--fishermen. But Jesus knew that He had to change their minds and gave them a direction. Peter, apparently was their leader. Therefore, Jesus asked Peter to change his mind. Peter was left to face but the first question: do you love me more than these (fish)? Peter replied that he loved him (Jesus). Then, Jesus directed Peter to 'feed my lambs' (carrying out Jesus' mission to spread the gospel). Jesus, skillfully directed and guided Peter to re-focus Peter's mission to His lambs.
From a counseling point of view, Jesus excelled.
Federick
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I know for me, every time I read these accounts of David and Joab I am suprised to see that Joab's heart is not changed like David's. He lived close to David and knew the different works God had done in David's life. Yet we never see Joab make that full commitment to honoring the Lord, especially in accountability to the king or anyone close to the king. Joab's heart seems to go unchecked without any humble submission or help (honest council) from those around him. It reminds me of the body and how we are to be in submission to one another, without that factor of humility we are left with no one to turn to when we feel and have been convicted by the Lord that we have hardened our hearts.
Michael
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Based on your question today Mike and continuing with Ramona's train-of-thought, I agree that David's actions towards those he knew were Christ-like, filled with love and compassion and mercy, whereas Joab's actions were similar to the actions taken by God in earlier OT readings......though they seem harsh and merciless, they are just and righteous in accordance with God's will. God used Joab to preserve David and his lineage.
Jaclyn
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Mike and everyone, Thank you Mike for your daily ministry to lead us in reading God's Word! Psalm 120:1 (NASB) is such a precious promise from God - "In my trouble I cried to the Lord, And He answered me." Related to that, Psalm 40:1,2 (NASB) - "1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm." Also in Jonah 2:2 (NASB) - and he said, "I called out of my distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. Pastor & Elder Phil Johnson says this: 'That's how Jonah began his prayer while he was still in the belly of the fish. It is an expression of a godly man's unshakable confidence, based on past experience with God. We can all pray like that—and we ought to pray like that, even at the beginning of our troubles, and in the midst of the trial. "In my distress I called to the LORD."' amen.
God bless! Joyce
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If I may comment further from the point of view of Joab. He has loyally stood by David, just defended David from the rebellion, led the army to defeat the rebellion, made a decisive decision to end the rebellion, and then given David sound advice to strengthen his army, etc. And now David has just given his job to Amasa the rebellion's commander?!!! It seems to me, Joab's response is a very human. How many of us have been loyal and done our best for our boss at work, or for our spouse in marriage, only to be replaced by someone else? Often we take our anger out on the replacement... Instead of murder, what would be the better response?
Charles
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Mike Thanks for your recommendation for "In the name of Jesus" by Nouwen I just finished a book titled The Apostles Creed by Albert Mohler. I got a deeper meaning of Christianity and what the creed really means. Thanks Mike for the daily reading comments. Doug
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First...Jesus made the disciples breakfast. Then, during breakfast...I love the way Jesus restores Peter. Jesus is compassionate, encouraging with purpose and direction. Even though Peter was getting frustrated, Jesus kept pressing into him. Until Peter was completely redeemed.
Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite authors. I have this by book Henri, that you mention. Here are two others that are equally good. Life of the Beloved and Can you drink the cup? They are also wonderful to read!
Peace Imja
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I loved seeing David back in Jerusalem! Hooray! That is a nice occurance. And to hear of Mephibosheth again, nice. He remembered the goodness of David. And Barzillai in the picture. David persevered through many trials and loss but he made it back. Isn't it nice for God's grace and fav9r over our lives.
Wow Joab and Amasa. Those two in Ch 20 , 2nd Samuel. It was still a war with the tribes. Benjaminites and the tribe of Judah. Joab was commander of Army and killed Absolom earlier and now Amasa..I guess when you are the king and he is your commander..he is a good protector however I am like Mike and Ramona, he is very ruthless and easy to shed blood. Yeah there needs to be a balance of love and justice..don't you 🤔think?
I can't believe not only the end of John but all 4 gospels. Wow! The book of John is phenomenal! Life changing..moving. and teaches so many life principles. How to be a leader, a follower, how to stay in your lane, how to be redeemed even when you fall and so much more. Love it
Psalm 120 I have brought more troubles than I can think of and I have questioned why things happen, I have cried..plus some. That is the worst when you feel others are out to get you. But you know when we don't get in a hurry and just let what ever happens..in God's hands..you know he does make it better. He fixes a broken heart. 💔
Yes Lord Proverbs 16
I think you were teaching me this summer..how much better to get wisdom than Riches, understanding than Gold. Amen!
Dee
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I share Mike's enthousiasm for this chapter of John. What is it about the breakfast scene that catches me?
There is the recognition of the figure on the beach. The disciples are out fishing, maybe trying to get back to 'normal life' after the death of Jesus. And there is this sudden leap of hope as they realise it is Jesus. And, as Mike says, the down to earth, homeliness of the invitation to breakfast.
The church we went to when I was a child met for breakfast on a Monday morning. A demonstration of the relevance of being church all week. Starting the working week being church, having breakfast with Jesus.
Andrew
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Amasa ~
I don't get it.
As the commander of Absalom's army, Amasa (David's sister Abigail's son), David gives him Joab's (son of Zeruiah--another of David's sisters) position:
"And say to Amasa, 'Are you not my own flesh and blood? May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if from now on you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab."
Was David angry at Joab and Abishai (sons of Zeruiah) because of Absalom?
While it may have been to better his own position, Joab seems (to me) to have been very loyal to David and gave him good counsel about many things, including mourning for the death of Absalom -- jeopardizing his own men's desertion.
"22 David replied, "What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? This day you have become my adversaries! Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Do I not know that today I am king over Israel?" 23 So the king said to Shimei, 'You shall not die.' And the king promised him on oath."
I am confused.
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"11Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead."
~
Alright, I cannot be the first to wonder about this and other texts that indicate Jesus was not recognized from his "earthly form:"
"None of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?'"
Was it because in His glorified body that all of the "burdens of the world" were removed from Jesus? You know, when people have a pained expression, they often look totally different from someone who is at peace. A smile can light up a face, whereas someone in distress can be almost unrecognizable as the same person.
Anyone wonder about these passages where Jesus was not recognized after his resurrection?
Sue
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Re Sue's question:
I think some of the factors to take account of are:
- people thought Jesus was dead and gone (or maybe alive and gone), so they did not expect to bump into Him again. So they see this person who seems familiar but is in a situation which they just can't place. Who is this? Why do I have the feeling I know him?
- and, as you suggest, I can imagine there was something different about his looks from when they last saw Him before the crucifixion.
Andrew
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Recognition of Jesus (or lack thereof)
Just going to propose something here as the question came up by several people - and I have thought of it quite often.
Is. 50:6
I offered my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from mocking and spitting.
The concensus is this is the Messiah speaking in Isaiah 50:6. We will get to this later in our readings, but lets assume for the moment it is Jesus speaking thru Isaiah.
Let's also assume that the romans in their torture of Jesus DID pluck out his beard. Besides painful, it also vastly changes one's appearance. Think about how many people you have known that have shaved off a beard - did they not look remarkably different?
Mary saw him at the cross badly beaten and with beard reduced or gone - maybe her eyes were too tear-filled to recognize Jesus until he said her name.
Their is no indication in John 20 that the disciples recognized Jesus until he showed them his his side and hands.
The same with Thomas.
Maybe John because he was youngest and perhaps had the best eyesite recognized Jesus from the cross, or maybe he just put two and two together from the fish caught after Jesus' instructions. Or with the above recognized Jesus' voice.
Regardless, although this was a glorified physical body, I think (as Andrew B. suggested) maybe that the effects of the beatings and plucked beard were evident on Jesus' visage.
Would explain why the disciples still thought the question even when they knew it was Jesus. He just looked - so different.
John 21:12b
"None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord."
I wonder when I read Rev 5:6a
"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain,.."
Slain (gk. "sphazo")
1) to slay, slaughter, butcher
2) to put to death by violence
I wonder if when we get to heaven, if Jesus will not only have the holes in his hands and feet, but if he will still bear some vestige of the physical beatings He took - in my earthly state of mind - I do not think I could hold it together if I came upon my Savior still bearing those reminders of His sacrifice for us.
All this is just conjecture on my part - as I thought to understand why these people who were intimate with Jesus did not recognize Him at first glance.
John
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David sure didn't have a heart that was filled with vengeance...he forgave Shimei and didn't send a hitman to wipe out Joab like he did Uriah.
Yes I did wonder what it was about Christ that made the guys He spent so much time with not recognise Him...and what did he do during the time after his ressurection(cos he sure wasn't staying with the disciples anymore....)
Guess I've gone into my question mode again...
God bless you all
Anka
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As I was reading about David's return to Jerusalem as King, I realised how difficult it is to be king, not knowing if people are saying what they're saying so that they'll get on your good side. I've always been touched about how he restored Mephibosheth and took care of him; I wonder if Mephibosheth was telling the truth or not, or really deserted David ...
The New Testament reading - it always blows me away that Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples! it must've been some breakfast! He didn't preach or teach, he met their needs then. It just makes me warm inside ...
Liz
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Jesus makes sure in His encounter with Peter and the other disciples that they would remember to ALWAYS be Jesus centered--do you love Me? and people centered--take care of the lambs, feed my sheep. I know way too many leaders who are overdue for a breakfast with Jesus to get this issue resorted. They have become consumed with the very things that Nouven addresses in his book-the temptations to be relevant and powerful at the expense of others.
It's so beautiful that even though it took Peter a while to 'get this' we see in 1 Peter 5:1-4 when he is exhorting the elders 'among us'--that they too must be people centered/sensitive in their ministry.
Keep on recommending Henri Nouwen's books. Alongside In the Name of Jesus, would be The Return of the Prodigal Son. At first sight this book does not appear to be about leadership but it really is. Would to God more of our leaders would 'lose' the corporate CEO, executive this, executive that label, and follow the sound Jesus' way!! Thanks for highlighting these truths and book.
Luch
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I think Joab was doing a thankless job, killing off the incompetant leader. It doesn't say whether or not Amasa dropped the ball on getting the army together on purpose, but the fact remains that the man needed to be removed from his position.
The minor weakness of David was his lack of judgment in who he put absolute faith in. Perhaps that is not weakness but it certainly did haunt him in the past few days of reading.
So we don't know if Amasa messed up the army on purpose. We don't know if David would have taken him out of the position on his own. We DO know that Joab murdered the man, which was not the way to go about doing it.
However, the end result is that the rebellion will be put down by a proficient leader.
And David will probably keep Joab far from himself.
And I have had a profound sadness over the story of David for the past week, knowing exactly where the whole thing is going. David should have had an even better reign than he had, but the curse of sin and the fall invaded even the man after God's own heart.
It is beginning to seem to me that the story of Joab murdering Amasa in order to regain control over the military is the example of what man does with the difficult situations apart from Jesus Christ's saving power and the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit.
They are definately doing better than in Judges where everyone was doing what he thought was right, however the fact still remains that Amasa was murdered.
We cannot in that day, nor today justify an unjust act in the name of ultimate justice. The potence of the justice you hope to protect becomes impotent because you base the standard for right and wrong on your own emotion, feeling and rationale and not on God and His precepts.
Once you separate yourself from the commands of God and from His guiding hand and decide that this situation you can actually decide for yourself, you begin down that slippery slope of self determination.
DM
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Peter said "I will go a fishing" and then the others said they would follow the LEADER. That's what stuck with me reading on in this Word.
He was first called from fishing and later called from it again. Now after all personally witnessed, years of personal teaching from the Lord and just receiving a special filling of the Spirit, while physically in the Presence of the Risen Saviour- he goes back out fishing!
Jesus has been bringing him along with the calling of God's purpose for his life and fishing isn't it. So my thought on the 3 questionings and forms of word used for love and even the answer "what is it to you" are what the Lord in His wisdom just knew Peter needed.
This chapter is an awesome closing. God may be holding Peter up as the example, but the Spirit's teaching is for me. I won't be sitting waiting for Him to invite me to breakfast, but I'll let you know if He does. LOL!!!
Lord, thank You for Your Word and thank You for Bible study friends online.
Susanne
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jesus asking peter three times..... the living breathing word of god... i so appreciated the blog commentary and the last comment as well....
whenever the number three comes up in the bible i always wonder on the utimate 3 of the bible...... the father, the son, and the holy spirit..... i would like to venture the same in god's world i dont think it is coinsidence..... i also believe that peter was humbled at this point in his walk too... how could he not be.... he denied his savior and jesus had told him he would do it beforehand..... he cannot be the same proud man as before......
peter going fishing again is another interesting thing.... dont we always revert back to our old ways when maybe we go through the dry, or unexciting times?.... he was also caught by jesus red handed doing it and not having any "luck"...... jesus proved to him again that he is his provider and sat and had a meal with him, that he provided in front of them miraculously...... peter didnt even help drag it in he jumped in to reach the shore quickly, maybe knowing he was fishing the day away when he needed to be reassured jesus would still provide....
one last note.... i have felt at times that until you say something out loud over and over it does not sink in..... maybe god was wanting him to think through his answers outloud to solidify that he was still worthy to love his savior, and follow him as he instructed, maybe down deep he felt he had disquailified himself with his triple denial..... god wanted him to have head knowledge and heart knowledge that him loving him was the most important thing not how he let jesus down through the process......
blessings
Heidi
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I find it fascinating how Peter having been such an impulsive man... latter in his writings seems so mature and grounded. Here Jesus asks him 3 times, the same question. I believe in doing this; not only was Jesus trying to teach Peter about unconditional love and leadership. Hence the word "agape", but was also telling him that He had forgiven him for denying him, that fateful night. He was taking the time to still show Peter the importance of true Christian responsibility as a servant of the Lord. In other words Jesus had not given up on him. He still loved him and was calling him to the do His will. To take the Gospel to many nations.
Carmen
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How often do we worry about others and their relationship with the Lord? How often do we perhaps think that we are so saved, and "they" are so not...? Or how often do we wonder why someone seems like they are so blessed, and perhaps we think that we are not? Well, what does Jesus say to all of this to you and me today? I believe he would say the same words from verse 22: "What is that to you? You follow me." Indeed, let us not worry so very much about others. But let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus! ~ I needed to read this today ... "let us worry instead about ourselves simply following Jesus". I'm really focused on that lately, REALLY focused. We have been getting a lot of resistance lately. Mainly from relatives and guess what? Relatives who join the same church as we do! Everything we say and everything we do is going under the microscope and whenever they think they can moch us on something ... they will. The sad part is, is that they do it behind our backs, so we don't even get the chance to defend ourselves. But then I think: "Do I really want to?". It's just too bad they keep on looking at us, they keep on watching us in everything we do and say ... and all I want is for them to just not worry about us! Sometimes I think it's jealousy, since we are talking in tongues, we have been spoken to in prophencies ... somehow they don't feel as blesses as us? I don't know. All I do know is that I'm following Jesus and I feel such a hunger for more and more and more.
Mae
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I had read that maybe Peter was still feeling horrible guilt for the denial & this was a way for & others to hear it was now forgiven. I liked the Tyndale explaination too very thought provoking.
That is what I love about learning the Bible is so many different ways it can be seen that is why I study many different commentaries & not just one source. Thank you Mike for providing this quick & informative way to do that!
Your mention of the worries of other's relationship with the Lord was very convicting. I have felt that way all along but my church really leans on us to witness hard to everyone we meet & have felt that just can't be done. Before I found Jesus that type of person always pushed me farther from Christ. It was the ones that answered my questions or kindly commented on how God helped them along the tough times that really brought me to the Lord.
I have many friends that are in what some call a cult & have got on my high horse thinking I can save them when most times what they have said to me convicts my faith & knocks me down a notch when their faith or knowledge of scripture is stronger than mine!
So I am friendly to all I meet & let them see me following the Lord & when the Spirit leads them to ask questions or He tells me to move forward to a deeper friendship then I move to share my testimony that has opened many doors.
We all have our own private relationship with Jesus just as Peter & John did & the sentence from Jesus said it all. Let it alone & find my sheep.
I am to follow the Lord not walk ahead of Him.
Peace & blessings
Julie
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The book of John is ALL about Jesus's character and HIS compassion for FLAWED humanity. Jesus came down to Earth to die for our sins, HE paid the ultimate price my sins, I try to NEVER to forget this. Jesus is the bread of LIFE. He turned water into wine, walked on water, and calmed the storm. Many believed in Jesus and HIS message of salvation for them. Jesus forgave sins and cleansed people. Jesus healed many: he made the lame to walk, the blind to see and the mute to speak. He did many miraculous signs for an unbelieving world. Jesus watches out for those who belong to HIM. The Jewish establishment tried there hardest to debunk Jesus as a fraud and charlatan. There was less then a week from the TRIUMPHAL ENTRY to GOOD FRIDAY, the people turned against Jesus that quickly. The book of John has some of the most memorable verses of Scripture in the entire BIBLE.
Raeann
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About Joab. The thing that bothers me about him is not the Justice without Love, but the fact that he is treacherous. He took matters into his own hands and acted without the knowledge, even against the will, of his king. He killed Abner, Absalom and Amasa treacherously, not justly. I'm glad that justice eventually caught up with him in the end.
And about Peter. I've always liked that explanation of the different Greek words for "love" that were used in that passage. Isn't it amazing how Jesus is willing to stoop to our level? He meets us where we are, then leads us so that we eventually get to the place He has created us to be in. Peter is a great example of this. I guess I'm in good company. ^_^
Ditas
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God is love and God is always just. I don't think that trying to "balance" the two is the right approach. There is God's way and there every other way. In every situation we need to seek guidance as to how to act. But as to Joab, I have always felt that David kept him around because he was very good at what he did. I think that David should have fired him when he killed Abner. Joab was allowed to stay and he just got more powerful until David couldn't get rid of him even when he tried. Are there things or people in our lives that we know should not be there but they serve a purpose so we allow them to stay?
Teriann
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John 21:15
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (NIV)
I noticed that Jesus asked Peter if he loved him more than these. I suppose Jesus referred to the fish that they ate as breakfast. At that time, Peter and other disciples returned to their own jobs--fishermen. But Jesus knew that He had to change their minds and gave them a direction. Peter, apparently was their leader. Therefore, Jesus asked Peter to change his mind. Peter was left to face but the first question: do you love me more than these (fish)? Peter replied that he loved him (Jesus). Then, Jesus directed Peter to 'feed my lambs' (carrying out Jesus' mission to spread the gospel). Jesus, skillfully directed and guided Peter to re-focus Peter's mission to His lambs.
From a counseling point of view, Jesus excelled.
Federick
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I know for me, every time I read these accounts of David and Joab I am suprised to see that Joab's heart is not changed like David's. He lived close to David and knew the different works God had done in David's life. Yet we never see Joab make that full commitment to honoring the Lord, especially in accountability to the king or anyone close to the king. Joab's heart seems to go unchecked without any humble submission or help (honest council) from those around him. It reminds me of the body and how we are to be in submission to one another, without that factor of humility we are left with no one to turn to when we feel and have been convicted by the Lord that we have hardened our hearts.
Michael
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Based on your question today Mike and continuing with Ramona's train-of-thought, I agree that David's actions towards those he knew were Christ-like, filled with love and compassion and mercy, whereas Joab's actions were similar to the actions taken by God in earlier OT readings......though they seem harsh and merciless, they are just and righteous in accordance with God's will. God used Joab to preserve David and his lineage.
Jaclyn
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Mike and everyone,
Thank you Mike for your daily ministry to lead us in reading God's Word!
Psalm 120:1 (NASB) is such a precious promise from God -
"In my trouble I cried to the Lord, And He answered me."
Related to that, Psalm 40:1,2 (NASB) -
"1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm."
Also in Jonah 2:2 (NASB) -
and he said, "I called out of my distress to the Lord,
And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice.
Pastor & Elder Phil Johnson says this:
'That's how Jonah began his prayer while he was still in the belly of the fish. It is an expression of a godly man's unshakable confidence, based on past experience with God. We can all pray like that—and we ought to pray like that, even at the beginning of our troubles, and in the midst of the trial. "In my distress I called to the LORD."'
amen.
God bless!
Joyce
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If I may comment further from the point of view of Joab. He has loyally stood by David, just defended David from the rebellion, led the army to defeat the rebellion, made a decisive decision to end the rebellion, and then given David sound advice to strengthen his army, etc. And now David has just given his job to Amasa the rebellion's commander?!!! It seems to me, Joab's response is a very human. How many of us have been loyal and done our best for our boss at work, or for our spouse in marriage, only to be replaced by someone else? Often we take our anger out on the replacement...
Instead of murder, what would be the better response?
Charles
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Mike
Thanks for your recommendation for "In the name of Jesus" by Nouwen
I just finished a book titled The Apostles Creed by Albert Mohler. I got a deeper meaning of Christianity and what the creed really means.
Thanks Mike for the daily reading comments.
Doug
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First...Jesus made the disciples breakfast. Then, during breakfast...I love the way Jesus restores Peter. Jesus is compassionate, encouraging with purpose and direction. Even though Peter was getting frustrated, Jesus kept pressing into him. Until Peter was completely redeemed.
Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite authors. I have this by book Henri, that you mention. Here are two others that are equally good. Life of the Beloved and Can you drink the cup? They are also wonderful to read!
Peace
Imja
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I loved seeing David back in Jerusalem! Hooray! That is a nice occurance. And to hear of Mephibosheth again, nice. He remembered the goodness of David. And Barzillai in the picture. David persevered through many trials and loss but he made it back. Isn't it nice for God's grace and fav9r over our lives.
Wow Joab and Amasa. Those two in Ch 20 , 2nd Samuel. It was still a war with the tribes. Benjaminites and the tribe of Judah. Joab was commander of Army and killed Absolom earlier and now Amasa..I guess when you are the king and he is your commander..he is a good protector however I am like Mike and Ramona, he is very ruthless and easy to shed blood. Yeah there needs to be a balance of love and justice..don't you 🤔think?
I can't believe not only the end of John but all 4 gospels. Wow! The book of John is phenomenal! Life changing..moving. and teaches so many life principles. How to be a leader, a follower, how to stay in your lane, how to be redeemed even when you fall and so much more. Love it
Psalm 120 I have brought more troubles than I can think of and I have questioned why things happen, I have cried..plus some. That is the worst when you feel others are out to get you. But you know when we don't get in a hurry and just let what ever happens..in God's hands..you know he does make it better. He fixes a broken heart. 💔
Yes Lord Proverbs 16
I think you were teaching me this summer..how much better to get wisdom than Riches, understanding than Gold. Amen!
Dee