Judges 8:18-9:21 + Luke 23:44-24:12 + Psalm 99:1-9 + Proverbs 14:9-10
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Old Testament – Judges chapter 8 verses 23 & 24 are an intriguing look at beautiful humility mixed with a unique request – "But Gideon replied, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you! However, I have one request. Each of you can give me an earring out of the treasures you collected from your fallen enemies."" It is awesome that Gideon says he will not rule over the Israelites- but that God will. But then, his ask for a piece of gold from each person is intriguing. We read in verse 27 that Gideon made a sacred ephod from the collected gold – so, this does appear worshipful perhaps at first glance. But then verse 27 tells us: "But soon all the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshiping it, and it became a trap for Gideon and his family." Yikes! Not exactly what should have happened here… It's interesting. I wonder if we do this in our lives today as well. Perhaps we are very humble in one regards – but then maybe we make some sort of unique request of those around us… and that unique request goes awry. I don't know if I can give you a good example of this. But perhaps this will ring true for you in some area of your life? If so, can you abandon the false idol you are worshiping as quickly as possible? Particularly if this false idol was born out of something that was initially worshipful. Will you let it go?
Jotham's parable is quite good in Judges chapter 9 today! Good idea that he got out of Dodge after telling that parable! Particularly after the horrendous act Abimelech committed as shown below by artist Gustave Dore…
New Testament – In Luke chapter 23 verse 45 we read just before Jesus died on the cross: "The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart." The tearing of the veil in the Temple symbolized that men and women could now access God the Father directly through Jesus the Son. No longer was the veil needed to keep separate the Holiest of Holy place in the temple, where God dwelled in the Old Testament. No longer could only the High Priest approach God in the Temple on behalf of men and women. Jesus' death and coming resurrection signified that the veil was no longer needed. God is accessible now directly through faith in Jesus!
An image is below for Luke chapter 23 verse 53 – "Then Joseph took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock."
Bible.org's commentary on Luke chapter 23 readings today titled "Dealing with the Death of Jesus" is at this link and commentary titled "From Heartbreak to Heartburn" is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 99 is a great psalm of praise! This Psalm mentions the word Lord 7 times. I like verse 6 – "Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also called on his name. They cried to the LORD for help, and he answered them." These were obviously some major characters in the Bible.
I love Psalm 99 verse 3 – "Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy!" I think sometimes in our modern world we can forget that God's name is holy. Jesus' name is holy. These holy names change things. They change everything. If ever you are ever feeling like you are being confronted by evil – maybe even in your sleep in a dream – call upon Jesus' name and watch the evil flee from you immediately. It is true… Jesus' name is holy! God's name is holy! I don't know if anyone has a CD by Vineyard Worship with Kathryn Scott singing on it? It's called "Hungry, Live in London". This is a great CD and they have a wonderful song that includes lyrics saying, "You are the sovereign I AM, your name is holy!" Beautiful tune… And so true.
Proverbs – Wow. Proverbs 14 verse 9 I don't think I've ever really noticed before – "Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation." How true is this? Wow… Guilt is real. Valid. And yes perhaps we can overdo it… but it's real and it's purpose is to call us to reconciliation with God. Great Proverb here… Do you acknowledge guilt? When you are guilty do you seek reconciliation with God? Let us not carry guilt around, but let us give our guilt over to Jesus!
Worship Video: Today's readings in Psalm 99 remind me of Crowder's version of "How He Loves:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5t7Uoanryg
Do you know how much He loves you? Click here for His Love!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle." Luke 23:45 NLT
Prayer Point: Pray thanksgiving to the Father in Jesus' Holy Name that you can now approach the throne of grace because of Jesus' death on the cross for your sins and His Resurrection to the right hand of the Father.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on Psalm 99 verse 6 above, do you believe if you cry out to the Lord for help, He will answer you too? 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:
Judges 8:18-9:21
In the passage about Gideon’s son, Abimelech, I see a warning about allowing someone whose only leadership qualification is either looking like you or being related. Abimelech’s folks elected him a man who was a seriel killer only because they were related to his mother that is a sorry state of affairs. Daily we make choices not based on principles and integrity of values and beliefs but based on who or what can benefit us by way of relationships.
The parable Abimelech’s half-brother, Jotham, shows what happens when there is a leadership vacuum. The olive tree doesn’t serve (spiritual leadership), the fig tree doesn’t step-up (political); the grapevine (I’m not sure who the vine represents) however, the bramble bush I believe represents “gang” or mob rule. Having a thorn bush as “king” will not bring any comfort. It has nothing to use to shade anyone from the sun and for those who gather under it, they will be stuck.
What kind of leadership should “Believers” elect to lead them, someone who looks like them or someone who hold spiritual and national authority?
Luke 23:44-24:12
Jesus told His followers everything that would happen to Him. They heard Him but didn’t hear Him. What are the memory triggers that make me remember the Word of the Lord. As I read the One-Year-Bible, how much do I take in and how much do I just “don’t get?” May the Holy Spirit bring all things to my remembrance?
Psalm 99:1-9
We are told to “Exalt the Lord our God” (Verse 5) and then given a listing of Old Testament saints who did just that. God doesn’t tell us just to do something without letting us see the great company we would be in if we obeyed God’s command
Proverbs 14:9-10
Mike’s asks if we acknowledge guilt. I would like to add when you feel guilty do you try to do lots of things, busy things, to num feelings of guilt by constantly being on the move (Doing good things trying to pay one’s way out of guilt)? That won’t work. Getting before God and “reconciling with God is the only way. Thanks Mike for the word in season.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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I just learned something in an apologetics class I'm taking. It has to do with the fact of the women being the first to report the resurrection. In that day a woman's testimony was not even considered in court as reliable. If the disciples had gotten together to make up a resurrection story, they would not have included this detail. Of course, as believers, we take the Biblical account as true and factual but if we are speaking to someone who has bought the lie that the followers of Jesus just made up the story then this might be a good point to bring up. There is so much evidential proof of the resurrection. It is good to know that our faith is not blind. Someone once said that faith in God is not a leap into the dark but a step into the light, I like that!
Teriann
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Judges chapter 8 verses 23 & 24 – Mike, I like those verses. A true believer & leader of God's kingdom will not ask for his/her own glorification but to give praise to God & only God. How often we do good things (even if we do say we do it for God) at times we really want to get credit bestowed on us (a pat on the shoulder or reward).
Let us remember that God is Holy, Jesus is Holy and we should always treat them as Holy. In this modern age, we sometimes forget God's holiness. We take the name of God in vain.
Life is futile if we do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of the saints.
Lily
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It is quite interesting how different denominations of christianity represent different spectrum of understanding and application of Christian faith.
When I was getting introduced to christianity 5 years back, most of my questions were based on denominational beliefs. Interestingly, christians of one denomination not only didn't know about other denominations but also treated them as rivals or outright antagonists.
I found such boxes of beliefs very debilitating to understand Christianity. Especially, most protestant denominations had very brazen views of Catholicism. I deeply respect Catholics for their concerted and solid moral stands on many ethical/moral issues on international stage. But the protestants I talked to would only concentrate how theologically/ liturgically Catholics are WRONG.
On the other hand, it is also a very interesting study how different christian churches represent different national or patriotic flavours: Greek Orthodox in Greece, Russian Orthodox in Russia, Catholic church in Poland, Ireland, Latin Ametica; Anglicans in UK, New Zealand, Australia. And so on…
I think it's the beauty of the spectrum of Christianity how it represents different aspects of Christian message and accomodates different cultures, races. But as for me… I cannot entertain the notion of bearing the tags of any denomination or 'Liberal', 'Mainline', 'Conservative', 'Fundamentalist'. I truly believe in individual soul liberty.
Unity of Christian message with Christ as it's centre figure should be maintained. Ecumenism's main focus ought to be respect for diverse traditions rather than yoking them together. God is much bigger than our notions or traditions.
Emberglow
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Joseph of Arimathea had become a disciple of Jesus. No one knows precisely when. I like to think Joseph of Arimathea became a follower of Jesus when he saw his peers — most of the Jewish leaders — unjustly try and kill Jesus.
Vance, We as Christians are all Disciples of Christ! Joseph of Arimathea had become a disciple of Jesus by his belief.
dis·ci·ple ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-spl)
n.
1.)One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
often 2.)Disciple – One of the original followers of Jesus.
3.)Disciple – A member of the Disciples of Christ.
Leroy
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Acknowledging your true guilt is the best thing one can do for their mental and spiritual health. Along with proverbs 14:9, Proverbs 28:13 says that when one fully confesses and forsakes their sin THEY WILL OBTAIN MERCY. That's a wonderful promise.
Luch
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Re: Mike's comment on Gideon's ephod.
I can think of a similar situation in which the bible becomes a religious symbol in which God does not like. For example, in hotel, there is often a bible in the drawer. Some people may think that opening a bible in the hotel room will keep all the dirty devils away. The physical existence of the bible is misbelieved to be an object to scare off the devils.
Luke 24:11-12
11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
God does things that are beyond our imagination. Ten apostles did not believe in the women. Yet, there was one–Peter–who ran to the tomb to find out. When God does things on today, would we just think that these things are 'non-sense' or are we like Peter, to go to find out?
Frederick
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Thanx Mike for the awesome work and reflection points that you give as well as the music, im really enjoying your selection.
This is my 1st year doing the OYB and i havent missed a day yet but as Ramona says, I'm reading it but I dont get that much once i do it. Mike's blog is really helping me internalize what God is telling us. I hope the time comes when i am able to read scripture and understand the message fully and possibly help others understand more. I pray as Ramona says for the Holy Spirit to bring all things to my remembrance.
Judges is comical in some sense the way the Israelites are going back and forth with God, didn't they ever learn?? I'm enjoying reading it.
Have a blessed day.
Zig
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Mike I don't get either why Gideon asked for gold from each member. Then he made a ephod for them to worship. To me that's deliberate sin. Going against what God would want. Becoming a snare then to his family is a temptation. So that also isn't good. When we "allow" temptations in to our lives we give Satan a foothold. These are all strongholds. Help us AC Christians to be more conscience of what we allow in lest it leads us into sin.
I love in Luke 23:45. The veil was to torn. I love being able to go straight to my Heavenly Father to talk to him and not go through priests.
Today was really interesting. I didn't get the part of why in judges all the seventy brothers were killed.
Jane
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Thank you Lord for your death, buried, and resurrection. Freedom isn't cheap and it doesn't come easy. Many sacrificed for our freedom..In the beginning…though..that's where the magic lies..
Yes I believe u can call out to Jesus and he will redeem u. Gideon. Love hearing his story. Now his death and his son Abimelech..and trying to take over. Not sure why deaths bring out the crazy in everyone. Luke ..forgive them Father, they know not what they do! Sad to hear Jesus story in cross. But I know why and for that I'm thankful. Psalm shorter this time..
Gideon's story is an interesting one. He family and son Abimelech reminds me of David's life with his sons. His running for his life and relation of sorts being a thorn in his side.
Yes I know so many who don't understand the word, it is sad and how much we listen but don't hear or go to church but don't recollect when someone asks us so how was church? It's odd but we have to be careful to hold on to what we got.
I pray I always obey God's command especially in Gidly wisdom and discernment about where to work and bringing Him glory
Psalm of praise. Love worship and praising the Lord
Proverbs..I do acknowledge the guilt..it is important to be honest..
Dee
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i'll get to the readings tomorw, but wanted to share something that freaked me out, regarding calling on the name of Jesus in a dream. this wasnt a dream, at least not to me…its called sleep paralysis, but with the 'dream' its called old hag's syndrome (NOT very flattering! haha). If you've ever been put under anesthesia and your body was paralyzed b4 your mind went, that what it felt like. It was about a yr or two ago.
I woke up in the middle of the night and was aware, fully conscious! i could think, reason, just like now, but I couldnt move my body…not one muscle! I tried with all my might and i couldnt..my motor muscles were completely paralyzed, like that part of my brain wasnt awake, but my conscious was. I was aware i was in bed unable to move, which was scary, a helpless feeling. Suddenly i felt something on me, a pressure on me as i lay there on my back…it was a form, about the size of a 4 yr old child. i was suddenly aware it was a demon. ok, i've been bungee jumping, skydiving, but i've never been so scared in my life! i was aware i had a demon on me and man, you better believe i tried my darnedest to move, anything! an arm a leg…move, move, please…nothing. I started crying out to Jesus, knowing only He could help me. I began saying in my mind, 'In the name of Jesus Christ get off of me!'…over n over n over, this lasted over a minute. suddenly, my arm starting responding to commands my brain gave it and it was moving a bit then my legs (this whole thing went on about 3 minutes). suddenly i free and completely awake, body n mind. i realized i had dried tears on my face, so i was crying in my state, tears of terror. Oh man, i'm a grown woman but i had to turn my light on and i sat on my bed crying like a baby just prayingggg like crazy. i was too scared to go back to bed…I just opened my BIble n God led me to a Psalm that spoke to me sooo much, the words jumped out of the page at me!!
It happened again about 6 months later but not as long lasting…i was on my side and felt a hand rub down from my waist to my hip…i was paralyzed again and aware it was a demon. crikey that was scary…then (i guess my sheet was over my head)…the sheet lifted up and a small weird hand waved at me. aaaaah! i reenacted for my sis n she screamed like crazy when i waved my hand in her face.
watever the cause or wat that was, i told my dad, he said that is not characteristic of a demon, they dont harass believers, but i think they can , but they cannot indwell us, but since they harass us emotionally, they may physically, i dont know, it was very real to me! man, if thats what hell is like, pure terror!!! I just knew one thing, only the name of Jesus could save me!!!
i've had believer friends have similar and weirder experiences, but not many.
Jenny
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