June 3: 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20; Psalm 121; Proverbs 16:18; Acts 1

Overview

            2 Samuel: Sheba took protection in the town of Abel. Joab besieged the city and was trying to break down its walls and wipe out the town when a wise woman of the town negotiated with Joab. The town’s people killed Sheba and tossed his head to Joab ending the conflict.

            A list of David’s officers is provided.

            There was a famine of three years. The Lord revealed to David it was a result of Saul trying to wipe out the Gibeonites against the promise made by Israel in the time of Joshua. David asked the remaining Gibeonites what would satisfy them for the injustice. They wanted seven of Saul’s descendants killed. David had seven of his grandsons executed. One of Saul’s daughters guarded the bodies until David had them properly buried.

            There was war with the Philistines and once, David grew weary and was almost killed. David’s men wouldn’t let him go out to battle with them again. In other battles with Philistines four giants were killed.

            David composed a song to the Lord after he had been delivered from his enemies and Saul. In it, he describes God as his rock, fortress and deliver. He describes his distress as being near death and drowning. When he called to the Lord, he describes God’s deliverance in terms of supernatural intervention with smoke from his nostrils and earthshaking events. God rescued him and brought him to a broad place.

            Psalm: Looking at God’s creation reminds us that our help comes for the maker of creation. He keeps us steady and keeps us from falling. He always watches over us and protects us. He keeps us from evil from the time we rise to going back to bed and forever.

            Proverbs: Pride and arrogance are precursors to failure.

            Acts: Luke continues to write to Theophilus about the Christian faith. He picks up with describing Jesus’ ascension and the last few words before he left. He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit and the power they would have to witness when He comes. After he ascended, two angels asked why they were looking up into heaven. They said Jesus would come back in the same way.

            The disciples returned to Jerusalem to wait for the promise. While about 120 of them were waiting and praying in one accord, Peter quoted some Scripture to propose that they should find a replacement for Judas. He explained that the replacement should be a disciple who had been with them from the beginning at John’s baptism until Jesus’ ascension. They selected two men then cast lots to see which one God had chosen (Acts 1:24). Matthias was chosen.

What Stood Out

            2 Samuel: “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death” (2 Sam 21:1).

            Psalm: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come” (Ps 121:1)?

            Proverbs: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18).

            Acts: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Insight

            2 Samuel: The issue with David putting to death seven of Saul’s grandsons is a rather shocking event. The Lord caused a famine and it was a result of Saul’s reneging on Israel’s promise to be allies of the Amorites of Gibeon. I don’t think this episode condones David’s punishment of the grandsons. David asked the Gibeonites what would avenge the injustice. In their eyes and that of their culture, not God’s command, this was the way things were. It was actually a violation of God’s law in Deuteronomy 24:16 to put one generation to death for the sins of another.

            However, the famine points out that promises that made in God’s name are extremely important. In fact, any promise we make should be taken just as seriously. James 5:12 says we shouldn’t change our “yes” and our “no” or we will enter condemnation. Jesus emphasizes the same thing in Matthew 5:34-37. We should honor not only our word but valid promises made by our predecessors.

            Psalm: This Psalm is all about God’s sovereign protection over our lives. While the Old Testament usually views this as physical protection, we can be assured that the one who made the universe is the one who knows everything that happens to us. It doesn’t mean bad things will never happen, but it is all part of his glorious plan for us even into eternity.

            Proverbs: Pride is one of the root sins. It isn’t the only one, but it often is the cause of sin and destructive behaviors and falling into other sins. It is also devious because we seldom recognize it in ourselves.

            Acts: The most important principle in this reading is Jesus telling his disciples that they would receive power to witness when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Because he specified the ends of the earth, this promise must therefore extend to all disciples in all ages. Without the Holy Spirit, we have no power to witness about salvation through Jesus. The reason is very simple. Without the Holy Spirit, we aren’t even Christians. However, it also implies that we must trust and depend on the Holy Spirit to witness and not depend on ourselves, our abilities, or as one of my trainees once said, our sales techniques. If we are doing that, then we have the wrong attitude. In all witnessing, God should get the glory, not us.

            Perhaps one of the least important and most contested portions of this reading is the selection of Matthias as the new Apostle. Most people accept that he was God’s chosen replacement for Judas because it was written that the other disciples accepted it. However, there are others who believe God’s real choice was Paul. Look at the beginning of Acts. The Holy Spirit had not been given. Was Peter’s interpretation of Scripture inspired or did Luke simply record what an uninspired person said? I think the latter is correct. How was the person chosen? Of all the disciples that had followed Jesus from the beginning, THEY chose two. These two were chosen not by God but the crowd of uninspired disciples. Then they cast lots for the two. Had they cast lots for all of the disciples, I would be more inclined to say that God chose. However, as we go on in Acts, we see how God chose Paul. It wasn’t by lot or committee. He was handpicked, just as the other Apostles were.

            We need to be careful about how we decide what God chooses. We can make presumptions that actually eliminate the direction God may want us to take.

Application

             I need to be careful about making promises and keeping them. They are important to God and as a witness to other.

June 2: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; Psalm 120; Proverbs 16:16-157 John 21

Overview

            2 Samuel: David rebuked Judah for being the last to bring him back as king so they came to the Jordan to bring him back. David also made Amasa commander over his army instead of Joab.

            Shimei, who had cursed David, came and asked for forgiveness for his sin. Zeruiah wanted to kill him but David said no one would be put to death because he knows he is now still king.

            Mephibosheth also came with his clothes torn and unkempt from the day David departed. David asked why he didn’t go along with him. Mephibosheth answered that Ziba deceived him and left without him then slandered him to the David. He asked David to do what seems good to him. David told him that was enough talking about who did what to whom. David divided all of Mephibosheth land between him and Ziba.

            Barzillai, who had brought supplies to David was eighty years old and very wealthy. David wanted him to come and live with him in Jerusalem. He told David that he was too old to enjoy the pleasures of the palace. Instead, he had Chimham go with David in his place.

            Israel then came and were upset because Judah had taken David back without them. They had a big argument but Judah out yelled them.

            A worthless man, Sheba, blew a trumpet and sparked a revolt. The men of Israel left and followed him. Judah followed David. When David returned to Jerusalem, he sequestered the concubines whom Absalom had violated. They lived out their lives like imprisoned widows.

            David told Amasa to gather the army of Judah within three days. But he took longer than three days. So, David told Abishai to go after Sheba because he would do more harm than Absalom. Joab’s men and other might men also followed Abishai. When they met up with Amasa, Joab went to greet him but killed him instead. Then Joab and Abishai went after Sheba.

            Psalm: David asks for help from the Lord in his distress. He is tired of people lying about him. He would like to shoot them with flaming arrows. He is getting tired of living out in the boonies with people who would rather fight than make peace.

            Proverbs: Wisdom and understanding is much better than riches. An upright person steers away from evil, preserving his life.

            John: After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Disciples by the Sea of Tiberius while they were fishing. They didn’t recognize him on the shore. They hadn’t caught anything so he told them to cast on the right side of the boat. When the did, they couldn’t haul it in because of the great number of fish. John said it was Jesus so Peter jumped in the sea while the others dragged the net to shore. Jesus already had a fire and some fish cooking but he had them bring some of the catch also.

            While eating, they wanted to ask him who he was but they also knew he was the Lord. Jesus took Peter aside and asked if he loved him three times. Each time Peter said yes and each time Jesus instructed Peter to take care of his sheep. The last time grieved Peter. Then Jesus told him how he would die then told Peter to follow him.

            Peter asked Jesus about John. Jesus told him it was none of his business even if John wouldn’t die until Jesus came back. Peter must do what Jesus asked and follow him.

            People misunderstood Jesus to say that John would not die so he corrected that. Jesus did much more and if all he did was written it would be so much that all the books in the world couldn’t contain it all.

What Stood Out

            2 Samuel: “Let not my lord hold me guilty or remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. Do not let the king take it to heart” (2 Sam 19:19).

            Psalm: “Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace” (Ps 120:6).

            Proverbs: “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (Prov 16:16).

            John: “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me” (John 21:22)!

Insight

            2 Samuel: Forgiveness is a powerful thing. Shimei’s actions were treasonous, insulting, humiliating, and seemingly unforgivable. But David had just been spared from his own death. He forgave Shimei and showed much grace to him. This is the way we should forgive others. We should remember how much the Lord has forgiven us and then treat others in the same way (Eph 4:32). Jesus demonstrated that forgiveness by dying for us. How can we not forgive for much lesser offences?

            Psalm: David was surrounded by people who were malcontents when he first fled from Saul. He kept them in check but he even had to make his living by raiding other nations. It was distressful for him when he would rather have had peace.

            We sometimes feel the same way, living in the world but wanting to see it under the rule of our Lord. We are in a battle as Ephesians 6:11-12 states. But we must remember that this battle is not against people but the powers in the heavenly realms. One day it will be over, but until then, we need to be strong and steadfast putting on the armor to do the battle (Eph 6:13-18). Even so, we know we can call on the Lord when it seems overwhelming.

            Proverbs: What are your goals in life? I’m asking about the highest goal that directs and guides all your other planning. If your goals are acquiring wealth, then you are on the wrong path. If your goal is to gain wisdom and understanding by your relationship with the Lord, then you will be able to get on the right path which leads to eternal life. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and yields understanding (Ps 111:10). Any lesser goal is not fitting for one who claims to be a disciple of the Jesus. Once this goal is established, there are many other goals that all should support this one supreme goal.

            John: After denying Jesus three times, Peter needed some reassurance that he was still able to do what Jesus wanted. The three times Jesus asked Peter about his love and his commands to take care of the sheep did this. The first two times, Jesus asked Peter if his love was agapaoo love. This love is defined by Thayer's Greek Lexicon, “When used of love to a master, God or Christ, the word involves the idea of affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, grateful recognition of benefits received.” This is quite different from what we most often hear preached about agape in 1 Corinthians 13 (note the slight spelling difference) being unconditional love that God has for us and we should have for one another. However, in context, this definition from Thayer’s makes senses. Jesus isn’t asking Peter to have some lofty love that is impossible to achieve. Yet Peter responded with fileoo love, which is defined by Thayer as, “1. To love; to be friendly to one 2. to kiss … 3. to be kindly disposed to one, wish one well.” Finally, Jesus asked Peter if he had this fileoo love for him the third time. This grieved Peter.

            Imagine a man and woman talking to each other. She asks if he loves her. He answers that he likes her. Then she asks if he likes hers. He takes this to mean that she doubts that he even likes her. This was a real soul-searching time for Peter. It makes him consider exactly where he is with the Lord.

            We should have the same kind of soul-searching conversation with the Lord. Do we really love him with either agapaoo or fileoo love? Do we have affectionate reverence? Do we have prompt obedience? Ae we grateful? Are we kindly disposed to the Lord? Are we even kindly disposed to Jesus?

Application

             One way of loving the Lord is to forgive others as he forgave us. That should be obeyed promptly. Another is to feed his sheep and that may be family members, children, or others. It should be obeyed as well. It’s time for some soul-searching.

June 1: 2 Samuel 18-19:10; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15; John 20

Overview

            2 Samuel: David mustered his army and set up three divisions. Joab, Abishai, and Ittai were over each division. David said he would go to battle with them, but they told him he was too important and worth ten thousand of them. David stayed behind after telling his commanders to deal gently with Absalom.

            The battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. Israel was defeated and 20,000 men were killed. The forest killed more than the battle.

            Absalom rode under thick branches and he got stuck by his head while the mule continued. A young man saw him and reported it to Joab. He didn’t kill Absalom because of David’s command. Joab killed Absalom, threw him in a pit, and covered him with stones. He then stopped the battle.

            The news was taken back to David by runners. Ahimaaz, arrived first and said that the battle went well but refused to say anything about Absalom. The second runner told David Absalom was dead.

            David grieved over Absalom and caused the people to mourn. The army then snuck back into the city as if ashamed. Joab strongly rebuked David for his mourning because they risked their lives to preserve David’s kingdom. If he didn’t show his appreciation, then the army would melt away and it would be worse than Absalom taking over. So, David sat at the gate of the city and welcomed the people.

            The rest of Israel was contemplating what to do. They recognized David’s leadership and victory over the Philistines, but they had anointed Absalom as king who is dead. So why don’t they bring David back as king.

            Psalm: The Psalmist asks for redemption and salvation as he looks to God’s promises and laws. He knows God’s mercy but also sees his foes with their faithlessness while he is looking to God’s rules. Because he loves God’s word he asks for life.

            His persecutions come from princes without cause, but he explains how he rejoices in God’s word, abhors falsehood, praises God seven times a day, has peace, and hope because of God’s word. He keeps and loves it from his soul.

            He asks for his cry to be heard by the Lord as he praises God. He asks to understand God’s word and to be taught by it. He looks for God’s help and salvation as he seeks to live and praise God. He confesses his waywardness and looks for God’s help to find him as he doesn’t forget God’s commandments.

            Proverbs: A king can kill those who make him angry so it is wise to appease that anger quickly. When the king shows his favor, it is like life and a refreshing rain.

            John: Mary finds Jesus’ empty tomb on Sunday. She tells Peter and John who then run to the tomb. They find the grave clothes lying there and the face cloth neatly folded up and set aside. John believed though they didn’t understand the Scripture that said he must be raised from the dead.

            Mary stayed and wept then two angels appeared to her and asked why she was crying. She then saw Jesus but didn’t recognize him. He also asked why she was crying. When he called her by name, she recognized him. Jesus told her not to cling to him because he had not yet ascended to the Father. She was to tell the others that he was ascending to his and their Father and God.

            That evening, Jesus appeared to the disciples who were hiding behind locked doors and greeted them with peace. He showed them his hands, feet, and side. He said he was sending them like the Father had sent him. He also breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit and if they forgave anyone their sins they would be forgiven and if they withheld forgiveness it would be withheld.

            Thomas wasn’t with them and when he heard it he said he wouldn’t believe unless he was able to see and touch Jesus’ wounds. Eight days later, they were all behind locked doors and Jesus appeared to them again. He greeted them with peace and told Thomas to see and touch his wounds. Thomas announced that Jesus was his Lord and God. Jesus said those who have not seen and believed are blessed.

            Jesus performed more signs than John recorded. These were written so that we may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and have life in Jesus’ name.

What Stood Out

            2 Samuel: “The forest devoured more people that day than the sword.

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            Psalm: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments” (Ps 119:176).

            Proverbs: “A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it” (Prov 16:14).

            John: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).

Insight

            2 Samuel: God’s sovereignty is constantly evident in Absalom’s revolt. From all appearances, Absalom must have had significantly outnumbered David’s forces, yet the battle was decisive. More people died because of dangers in the forest than by actual battle. This could only be the Lord’s doing. Absalom getting stuck in a tree was not a fluke either. I can imagine an inexperienced rider getting caught, but not someone like Absalom. He was also stuck so firmly that he couldn’t fee himself before his dilemma was seen, reported to Joab and Joab arrived on the scene. God was in total control of the battle.

            On the other hand, David almost blew the sacrifice the people made for him. Certainly, grief is often paralyzing and painful. However, the grief David exhibited was extraordinarily selfish. He was not thinking of the people or even the nation. What would have happened had Joab not confronted him? Without his strong leadership, there would be civil war and all of God’s prophecies would fail. God’s sovereignty is again seen in Joab’s intervention.

            There are times when we would like to give up because of grief or other circumstances. It is at these times we need to look at things from God’s perspective. We need to see things as servants of other rather than serving ourselves. No one said it would be easy, but it is necessary to live godly lives.

            Psalm: Through 176 verses, the Psalmist has proclaimed how great God’s word is. It is reflected in rules, promises, statutes, commandments, precepts, testimonies, and law. He has asked for salvation from enemies yet expressed how afflictions were good for him. At some points, it seems that he almost brags about how much he loves God’s word and holds fast to it. However, in this last verse he confesses that he has gone astray. The only remedy for going astray is for God to seek him.

            Like, the Psalmist, we may have a love for God’s word and know his commandments, but we still go astray. I am thankful that he still seeks me and brings me back. It would be terrible to think that I could go astray and he would not seek me and want me back.

            Proverbs: In most of the western world, we are fortunate not to live under a king who has the right to kill anyone who displeases him. Unfortunately, there are still many in this world who live under governments that are ruthless and oppressive. That often is directed towards Christians as well as people of other faiths. In these cases, there is no way to appease them short of denying our faith. So we need to pray to the King of kings, our Lord Jesus for the safety and the effective witness of persecuted Christians around the world.

            John: All the miracle Jesus performed, including his resurrection have been recorded so that we would believe in him and have eternal life. Jesus’ greatest miracle is his resurrection. It wasn’t faked but there are some things that make us wonder. John didn’t mention the guards, earthquake, or the stone being rolled away. Why did he mention the linen cloths and the face cloth neatly folded and placed by itself? If we believe these things were written so we would believe, then these are evidences that Jesus was not carried off in the night by grave robbers or disciples who wanted to pretend there was a resurrection. The resurrection was purposeful.

            John wrote many years after the other three Gospels were written. It is possible he read these and wanted to include details that the other Gospels omitted. Because the salvation of generations of people depend on God’s word, these details are there to show the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. We are blessed because we have believed without seeing all these things.

Application

             It is tough to be a servant to others when we are hurting. That is what I need to do. I am too likely to take my rest or scale back.