Bible in a Year Blog

Judges 9:22-10:18 + Luke 24:13-53 + Psalm 100:1-5 + Proverbs 14:11-12
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Old Testament – Allright, I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing quite a bit of pride flowing around in Judges recently – particularly in today’s readings.  And we all know the old saying, “Pride goeth before the fall.”  And indeed we are seeing people fall after their prideful fits.  In fact, Satan himself was guilty of the sin of Pride.  He wanted to be equal with God.  He thought he was all that and a bag-o-chips.  But he ain’t.  Never will be.  So, maybe the saying in regards to Satan certainly is “Pride goeth before the Fall.”  And that’s Fall with a capital “F” unfortunately.

We saw Abimelech’s deadly pride in yesterday’s readings when he had killed 70 of Gideon’s sons – his half brothers – so that he could rule the people of Schechem.  Pride & Power.  Deadly combination then – and still is today.  We then read Jotham’s parable in yesterday’s readings and see that his words came true in today’s readings.  I am amazed at the depth of Abimelech’s sin of pride even in his dying moment when we read in chapter 9 verses 52 through 54 today: “Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance, a woman on the roof threw down a millstone that landed on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. He said to his young armor bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me! Don’t let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!””  Wow…  Now – don’t get me wrong.  I think for me to say that Abimelech was completely prideful and that I am not is the same sin – pride.  It would be prideful for me to put myself above Abimelech.  He’s not a lot different than we are today.  I think pride is something we all probably struggle with at some level or at some point in our lives.  I know I do.  We are all sinners.  And as I read about Abimelech in Judges today – or reflect upon Satan’s Fall – I realize that pride is a sin that we really must vigilantly watch our entire lives.  If we don’t, I think we can get blinded to the fact that we’re prideful – and we’ll say dumb things like “don’t let it be said that a woman killed (fill in your name as if you were to say this about yourself in the 3rd person, cuz that’s how you refer to yourself when you are prideful)!”  🙂  Pride kills…  let us pray for humility in our lives today.  God can redeem and heal us from our pride!

Even poor Gaal – who I think was trying to do the right thing fell prey to pride as we see in verse 29 today – “If I were in charge, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, `Get some more soldiers, and come out and fight!'””  Unfortunately, Gaal got his wish and it did not turn out well for him.  Pride goeth before the fall…   An image is below for verses 37 & 38 – “But again Gaal said, “No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners’ Oak.” Then Zebul turned on him triumphantly. “Now where is that big mouth of yours?” he demanded. “Wasn’t it you that said, `Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?’ The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!”

New Testament – We finish up the Gospel of Luke today!  It’s been awesome to read through Luke again this year.  I hope it has been for you as well.   And tomorrow… the Gospel of John!  Yep, I’m excited.  John is just one of those books in the Bible that speaks to me on a spiritual level – at a level I fully can’t even consciously comprehend – every time I read it.  By the way, I do think this happens actually with any and all books of the Bible that we read.  I believe our spirit is fed in ways we do not even consciously realize when we read any and all portions of God’s Word.  But, somehow, when I read John, I know it’s happening!  Luke’s wrap-up is fantastic today…  Below is the artist Rembrandt’s oil painting “The Supper at Emmaus” from the year 1648:

The Road to Emmaus!  This is a phenomenal portion of the Bible.  I actually heard a sermon on this passage of the Bible not too long ago – just after Easter.  And the pastor said that each of us as Christians are journeying along the Road to Emmaus.  And Jesus is coming up to walk beside us.  He is with us.  And all too often we do not realize that Jesus is with us!  Our eyes are not opened.  The pastor encouraged us to open our eyes – through prayer, reading God’s Word, and reflection on God’s Word – and realize that Jesus is journeying on the road to Emmaus with us.  Let us not miss him.  Do you believe that Jesus is journeying along side you in your Walk today?  Yes, at this very moment, is Jesus with you?

I love Jesus’ first words to all of the disciples in verse 36 – “”Peace be with you.””  Wow… how simple – and profound – and true!  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He brings peace into our lives, minds and hearts if we will let him in.  Do you believe that Jesus’ words to you at this very moment might be – “Peace be with you.”  Will you accept the heavenly peace that can only come from Jesus?

Verses 46 & 47 today sum up the Gospel message very nicely – “And Jesus said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: `There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.'”  Do you believe this to be true?

Bible.org’s commentary on Luke chapter 24 titled “Christ our Companion” is at this link and commentary titled “From Invisibility to Invincibility” is at this link and commentary titled “The Ascension” is at this link.

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 100!  I will copy this short Psalm below. Does this Psalm speak to you? Do you feel joy while reading this song? I have read much of “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” by John Ortberg (a great book!) and he has a great chapter on JOY being a spiritual discipline. It is amazing to realize that Joy is a gift from God we should be experiencing every day. I pray you are experiencing joy as a spiritual discipline! Think this Psalmist in Psalm 100 was?

Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving thanks.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

When is the last time you shouted for joy to God?  Do you regularly worship God with gladness?  Do you come before our Heavenly Father with joyful songs?  Do you know that you are God’s?  Is this fact alone worth being joyful about each and every day?

Proverbs – How’s this for a sobering Proverb in verse 12 today – “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”  Things that make you go hmmm….  think this Proverb is true?  I do.  I know it is.  And I think it is a Proverb that should make each of us stop and think about the path we are on now.  Is it the path God wants us to be on?  Or is it perhaps a path that looks attractive to the world (remember the Fallen world info at the beginning of this post…)?   We all have paths to choose in our life.  Many times over we will have to choose which path to walk upon.  Are we walking upon God’s path for us toward light and life? 

Worship Video:  Psalm 100 reminds me of Darlene Zschech’s song “Shout to the Lord:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk5yLJbQCbI

Have you shouted to the Lord? Click here and shout!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that you are walking on the Narrow Path through the Narrow Gate toward your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pray that you are not walking along the world’s path, which seems right, but leads to death.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on my comments above related to our readings in Judges, have you ever struggled with pride?  Do you think pride might be an ongoing struggle for most of us (all of us?) for most of (all of?) our lives?  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.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Judges 9:22-10:18

How long does it take for God’s vengeance to rear it’s head? How long does it take a known murderer, appointed by his “relatives” to reap the rewards of his sin? In God’s Perfect Timing. In today’s reading we see that three years was all it took for Abimelech to be destroyed by the very people who placed him in power, each party, leadership and those he lead, were “taken out” by each other.

Within the narrative, we see each trying to get back at each other, a one-up-menship, if you will; but, it was God’s timing that allowed each group to keep their appointment with judgment. In the true meaning of the literary tragedy, both the character flaws of Abimelech and the people who appointed them led to their own self-destruction. Without God the only character is bad character. Selfish and self-centered the people had picked a ruler that was related by DNA only and unfit for the job. Yet God, in spite of their flaws, worked out everything for his purpose.

Abimelech’s story and the people who put him in power is going on today. We take men who are “bramble bushes” promising shade where there can never be shade because of bad character, and turn on them when we don’t get what we want. Men/women who never had it within them to met our expectations because they are not God, despite our effort to make them a god. We go along to get along in hopes that we will grab the crumbs from the tyrants table if we join the posse and muscle our way to the front, near our god. We remain loyal to something and someone that is unloyal to any kind of righteous principle and are surprised when we find no stability. And when our expectations are not met, we turn on our “false” god and rage, while shaking our fist at God.

Whom have I attached myself too, whom have I made an alliance with, whom have I submitted myself too who is not God and never can be?

Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Robert:

Luke 24:15
Road to Emmaus

I always love to reflect on this verse because it says to me Jesus is not only on the road with me, but something much more profound! If you refer to Mathew 26:32 Jesus is talking to his disciples (us) just before his arrest and says something insightful , “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee”. That is so cool. He goes before me, preparing the way so to speak and gives me this reassurance that everything that happens to me has already been taken care of! Wow, and I can take that to the bank and remember I am already living in the kingdom.

Luke 24:51
The Ascension

“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven”. I am going to share 3 points I like to wonder about on this event: 1. It was an ending to faith in a flesh and blood person to someone independent of space and time. 2. It was a beginning with the joy of knowing a Master from whom nothing could separate us from. 3. A certainty of a friend, not only on earth but in heaven.

Proverbs 14:12
Doesn’t that just resonate with the road to Emmaus? Jesus walking with us can only be revealed if we are open to the Holy Spirit. Otherwise we end up trusting ourselves and that can go any which way. When I have a choice to make, I try really hard to involve the Master. This of course is the conundrum we face with our own pride where we really believe we are wiser and more competent to do things on our own which ultimately destroys us. God protect us from ourselves!

Robert

====== Anka:

I have to say I was so amazed by God’s mercy in the OT reading today.The Israelites knew they were offending God by worshipping other gods,they did it anyway.When trouble hit,God told them to go get help from their gods,in His anger God said “I will no longer save you”.Then Israel got rid of their gods,they got to the “thy will be done with us”part,pleaded to be saved and God couldn’t bear their misery any longer.Like the loving father He is,He just had to forgive them…………
I couldn’t help but wonder if these disciples/followers weren’t there when Christ was crucified.Didn’t they hear about the temple curtain or see the sun darken?Did they not listen to Jesus’ teachings?Maybe they heard what suited them or they didn’t get it because they had preconcieved notions of what the saviour should be like.We hear God’s promises,but sometimes forget He asks us to play a part as well…I’m sure in Abraham’s wildest dreams he never imagined that to become a blessing he had to be ready to sacrifice what he probably loved most.Well for some of us,just doing what God’s told us to do is a huge sacrifice..thank God for his grace:))
God bless you all

Anka

====== Luch:

This day’s readings and reflections (as usual) were ‘meaty’. I liked the rembrandt painting and the challenge to ‘open our eyes’ through the reading of prayer and the Word. I just purchased Richard Foster’s latest book called LIfe With God, a book dealing with reading our bibles in a transformational way.” He does a whole tour of the bible and gives clues as to how ‘to hear God’s voice’ in the various biblical genre. Wonderful book. Great complement to OYB readers.

Luch

====== Susan:

====== Dee:

Pride is a tough one. I think all too often we struggle with that even when we don’t know it. Pride cometh before the fall of man. Too many times mankind tries to make a name for themselves and too many times they fail or fall flat because it prematurely or they didn’t seek the right counsel. Stay humble. Seek Him. No Jesus No peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace

Dee

====== Joyce:

======= Fran:

Why is Jael praised for murdering Sisera? Some have argued that Sisera’s entering Jael’s tent had sexual overtones. Not only may “at her feet” suggest sexual parts, but “lay” implies intercourse (as in Gen 19:32; Deut 22:23-28; 2 Sam 13:14). For years Canaanite men had been raping Hebrew women. For this offense alone, she seems justified in killing him. But, what about lying to him? As Zebul did to Gaal. Is lying ever justified? Is a lie that brings one to truth not a lie?
When a spirit of ill will (or evil spirit) was sent to afflict Abimelech (as was also sent to another unfit king, Saul) some believe that God sent a demon to possess him, but it most likely just a hardening his heart to effect the estrangement used for judgment against both parties. Abimelech was not a true king as he had established his reign through murder. Jotham’s use of the fable proved to be prophetic: the fire that devoured the cedars would burn up both Schechem and Abimelech.
The temple of the god Berith means the well-known Canaanite god, El-Berith, the father of Baal. According to Canaanite epic poetry, the goddess Asherah had 70 children (does this number sound familiar?) by her brother god El, including a son Baal and a daughter Anat. El also impregnated his granddaughter, daughter of Baal. Baal then took his mother and his sister Anat. A symbolic reenactment of the incest between Baal and Asherah formed an essential part of Canaanite fertility rites. Israel was not only worshiping Baal, but “the Ashtoreths, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the people of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines.” In spite of the Lord’s disciple, Israel’s apostasy was increasing and they forgot Jehovah and so were simultaneously attacked by two nations (the Philistines from the west and the Ammonites from the east).
Gideon’s story showed that godly people can overcome any obstacle. We now also see that when they forget God, every obstacle seems to overcome them. Judges 10:13 – “Yet you have abandoned me and served other gods. So I will not rescue you anymore.” This is especially pertinent to a country with a hardening heart for our Christian heritage. Hebrews 6:4-8 – “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” Luke 14:34-35 – Jesus said, “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.”
Judges 10:15-16 – “But the Israelites pleaded with the LORD and said, ‘We have sinned. Punish us as you see fit, only rescue us today from our enemies.’ Then the Israelites put aside their foreign gods and served the LORD. And he was grieved by their misery.” Repentance must be tested by its results for it is not just a feeling of grief (as Judas felt). It does not come from emotions, but from the will and the manifestation in action of not only ending the sinful conduct but in the beginning of a life of service to God as well. Here, the Israelites acknowledged what they deserved, yet prayed to God not to deal with them accordingly. In comparison, the man that failed to return an abundance on God’s investment in Matthew 25:24-30 had everything taken away and was cast into outer darkness where there is great weeping and the sin of the fig tree that Jesus destroyed in Luke 13:6-9 was that the tree took from the earth and heaven but gave nothing back (growth for growth’s sake was not enough, fruit was required).
(Judges 10:4 Note: Literally the Hebrew says, has thirty donkeys, however they word used here is an unusual one that resembles the Hebrew word for towns and may have been an error repeated by a later scribe.)
The appearance of Christ in Luke to the “two of them” going to Emmaus (several places in Palestine outside Jerusalem were called by this name, but most believe it to be the modern day Kubeibeh, 7.5 miles northwest) occurred the same day He rose from the dead. One is identified as Cleopas (v. 18) and the other may have been his wife (v. 32 “our heart”). Many identify Cleopas with the “Clopas” mentioned in John 19:25, in which case his wife’s name was Mary. Cleopas’ words must have reflected the confusion the disciples felt concerning the crucifixion. “Slow of heart” reflects the Hebrew concept of the heart being the seat of intelligence (or foolish person who see things from a distorted perspective). It is not enough to have correct information – we must also be able to interpret it correctly. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Jesus surely included references to Deut 18:15-18 and Isaiah 9, 11, and 53 in His explanation of its fulfillment of prophesy. These things were written and now accomplished.
It was customary to offer bread to a guest no matter how late in the evening even though after the long walk they would be hungry anyways. But by giving thanks and giving bread to them, Jesus takes the role of the head of the household “and their eyes were opened.” Here (v. 43) Christ’s ability to eat (as well as in Acts 10:41) continues with the scars in His hands and the ability to be touched (v. 39) adds evidence that Jesus’ appearance was real and not in spirit (“a spirit hath not flesh and bones”). Jesus assured the disciples of peace even though they had so recently forsaken him. Our troublesome thoughts often arise from mistakes concerning our relationship with Christ. And, all peoples should be taught the nature and necessity of repentance for the forgiveness of their sins (starting at Jerusalem). They were to be “endued with power” of the Holy Spirit (for comfort, preaching, and powerful works), but they were to wait in the city until that time. Then he lifted his hands to heaven in the normal way to convey the paternal blessing and was carried up into heaven (forty days after His resurrection). His physical presence had removed the need to see His resurrection, but proof of His ascension was seeing it first-hand. We are reminded to not be “slow of heart” to worship and praise the risen Christ and to be like Him. “We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”
Fran

======= John:

Forsaking God
Why? Why does Israel at different times reject God and pursue the gods of the “world”?
I would like to suggest a passive and an active reason.
Passive:
Most Israelites did not have the “faith” of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, etc. Maybe they had the nominal faith of “clock-punchers” going to services (sacrifices)because it was the social custom, maybe they prayed for “relief” when times got tough, maybe they recited or taught Scripture on the Sabbath or feast days but were too busy the rest of the week. Maybe it was easier to turn in at night, to go about daily work, perform household chores than to really act on their faith. Maybe they acknowledged God, but did they Believe IN Him?
Children are perceptive. They know when parents are providing “lip service” to a notion. Why should they embrace a God who had done nothing tangible in their lives if their parents were not active in their faith? Sharing, teaching, and living the faith of the God of Israel. Hence you have fertile ground for the “active” reason.
Active:
Satan. If you were God’s adversary what would be your plan? If God had promised you would be “crushed” back in Genesis, how would you fight back?
I would suggest that if you could nullify God’s promises to His people, then perhaps you could nullify the promise of your own impending doom.
The rest of the World was his at the time, Satan could concentrate all his force of “fallen angels” on the Israelites. Throw every sensual pleasure, every ritualistic thrill, every promise of living life for pleasure (if it feels good – do it!) at the unschooled generations of Israelites. Having no deep abiding faith in God – is it any wonder that the Israelites (in general) chose the ways of the “world”? The free-styling bacchanal ceremonies of the “gods” of the world had to be more appealing to a nominal believer in God than all the rules and sacrifices of Israel.
If Satan could get God so exasperated and so angry that he would throw up his anthropomorphic “arms” and say “Enough” – if God would publicly recant his promises to Israel or better yet wipe them off the face of the earth. Then Satan would have his victory and a chance at winning the war against God.
It did not work. Oh, God got angry, but God chastised, God raised up new leaders, and God never stopped loving His people.
======================================================
Today:
Nothing has changed.
There are still nominal believers, unschooled generations, and Satan.
Now that God’s plan has unfolded and Scripture is written, Satan still has a plan.
1) Wipe out Israel. Exterminate them as a race, and take the country off the map. If it happens, God’s plan would be a lie and satan has a chance.
2) If not – take as many of “mankind” down as possible with Satan. His plan here – attack, infiltrate and decieve as many as possible. For those that purport to believe do the same in this order to disrupt the “Great Commission”:
The church
The Christian family
The Christian individual
Get the Church divided on doctrine. Get the Church discredited with money, sex, and power scandals. Get the Church to be a “show” or a ritual ceremony instead of a worship of God. Make the Church ineffectual – the “butt” of jokes.
Divide the family, entice a nominally believing parent(s) to the “world”, influence the children at a young age while parents fail to teach and lead because they are too caught up in life. disrupt the “chain” of faith so it does not spread geometrically.
The individual – tempt him, disrupt him, make his testimony ineffectual. Make him so caught up in his own life – he/she does not spread the Gospel.
Satan does not work by revealing his true nature. People would be repelled by that. Satan’s greatest ploy is to have people think they got it right, to think they are doing the things God wants – to get real close, but never never to Believe IN Him.
======================================================
There will never be peace and unity in this “broken’ world until Christ returns. Even then there will be issues as we will see in Revelations.
As to being the “Light” that dispels darkness. Won’t happen before Christ returns. As the “Light” we can expose the darkness and illuminate it, but it is not going anywhere.
The “light” of the church and the believer will do two things:
Draw some to it by the power of God. (our mission)
or
Be rejected out of hand. (with attempts to extinguish it)
It was no different in Christ’s day. One criminal rejected, one accepted. One family member accepts, the other rejects.
Christ said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matt 10:34
Jesus’ name and his message will always produce diviseness – you either believe IN him or you reject him. It was true 2,000 years ago, and it is true today.
John

======= Vance:

Yes, I totally agree that the Lord Jesus is with us. May our eyes be opened to Him as well. We need to take time to cultivate our relationship and our awareness of His Presence.
This reminds me of this song:
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You; I want to see You.” Also, there is a song of Psalm 100 that I learned as a new believer.
It is good to take time to celebrate the discipline of worship in joy and praise.
I need to always take more time to be in God’s Presence, to be holy. Then God can, by His matchless grace, “reproduce the ideal Servant of the Lord” within me. (Isaiah 54:17, Amplified Bible)
~~~
Judges 10 (NKJV)
10
And the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, because we have both forsaken our God and served the Baals!”
11
So the LORD said to the children of Israel, “Did I not deliver you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites and from the people of Ammon and from the Philistines?
12
Also the Sidonians and Amalekites and Maonites [ or Midianites ] oppressed you; and you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hand.
13
Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no more.
14
Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in your time of distress.”
15
And the children of Israel said to the LORD, “We have sinned! Do to us whatever seems best to You; only deliver us this day, we pray.”
16
So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.
NOTE:
I note verse 16: “…And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.” This shows God still loves His people even when we are disobedient. THANK GOD that He is a covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. When we break covenant, HE DOES NOT.
Also note verse 13: “Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no more.” If we keep insisting on what we want, we may get it—and then regret it for many years. Let us keep our minds and hearts rooted in the Lord so we do not become ensnared
GOD CARES DEEPLY
Though I do not entirely understand it, I know this: The true and living God has fashioned us in His own image, personalities with emotions. Thus, it does not surprise me that God, Who is THE Personality also has “emotions”. Notice I placed “emotions” in quotes when referring to the God Most High.
When I say that, immediately people think of the so-called gods of the Greeks and Romans who had very volatile and sinful emotions. YET IT CAN BE SAFELY SAID THAT GOD CARES DEEPLY ABOUT US, AND RESPONDS DEEPLY.
Yet, it should not surprise us that God can be saddened, be grieved, can be happy, can rejoice, etc. God is REAL! God is not a stone. God is ALIVE! In fact, all of what is LIFE and ALIVE and REAL emanates from God.
When God responds with joy or sorrow to the human condition, we need to take note. For in a world that is full of confused emotional states, how God responds to us shows us what pure, holy, true and real feelings are.
On one hand, God is the Most High – so far above us that our human minds could never grasp Him.
Romans 11 (NKJV)
33
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Yet, as God has revealed Himself to us, there are many instances where God responded with a real sense of feeling. See some instances below.
Genesis 6 (NKJV)
6
And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
Zephaniah 3 (NKJV)
17
The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
And who could forget Jesus—Who is the glory of God (according to Hebrews 1:1)—as He responded to various people and situations?
Luke 19 (NKJV)
41
Now as He drew near, He saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem] and wept over it,
42
saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
John 11 (NKJV)
34 And He said, “Where have you laid him [i.e., Lazarus]?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”
35
Jesus wept.
36
Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”
~~~
Thus, when I hear people say in modern society, “God loves me”. What they mean is this: “God loves me. It does not matter what I do, we all will go to heaven and love God because God loves us.”
Actually… God responds deeply to us—when we do what is right and when we sin. And knowing this, adds real “force” to how He responds. If our joy is deep, HOW MUCH MORE must God rejoice in us when we do right? If our anger against evil is real, HOW MUCH MORE must God’s perfect and just anger against sin be when we do wrong?
THANK GOD He is patient and longsuffering. He always gives us many chances to know and love Him, and to love truth.
The book of Hosea contains one of the most beautiful examples of how God being deeply moved, as well as God’s commitment to us – to love us. Thank God that He is not mere man.
Hosea 11 (NKJV)
7
My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High,
None at all exalt Him.
8
“ How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within Me;
My sympathy is stirred.
9
I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim.
For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.
Vance

======= Ramona:

I have to make my post today short but sweet. I’m struck by how the conspirators of “evil” turn on each other. Abimelech was put in power because of family connections on the maternal side, and because he was from “their” town, Shechem. Evil turns on each other even when conspirators first banded together for a common cause. Sin has cords and they wrap around the necks of all involved chocking the very life out of all participants.
The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. (Proverbs 5:22)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Luke 24
v.27
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” NIV
v.44b-45
“Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” NIV
What did Jesus show them and open their eyes to regarding Scripture (only Old Testament at that time)?
Perhaps something like Pastor Stephen Davey outlined in one of his sermons – showing how Christ is pointed to in each of the Old Testament books.
• Genesis – He is the prophesied seed who
will crush the serpent’s head; He is the
brother betrayed by His kinsmen, whose
betrayal will lead to their deliverance;
• Exodus – He is the great “I AM”; He is the
Passover Lamb whose blood protects His
people from the angel of death and the
wrath of God; He is manna from heaven
and water from the rock;
• Leviticus – He is the tabernacle of God
among men:
• He is the brazen alter – signifying His
death which gives entrance;
• He is the brazen laver – promising to
cleanse us from every sin;
• He is the bread – signifying food that
gives everlasting life;
• He is the golden lamp stand – the light
of the world that will never be
extinguished;
• He is the altar of incense – perpetually
interceding on our behalf;
• He is the veil – through Him is the only
access into the presence of God;
• He is the ark – He embodies that holy
place where heaven touches earth;
• He is the Holy of Holies – in Him
dwells all the fullness of the Godhead.
• Numbers – He is the great hope in whom
all can safely put their trust; He is the great
High Priest who will never fail;
• Deuteronomy – He is the Lord our God; He
is the city of refuge where criminals may
run for protection;
• Joshua – He is the champion over every
enemy that stands in the way of God’s
people;
• Judges – He is the angel of God,
empowering the weak and pursuing the
wandering; He is the perfection of grace
and patience toward His wandering people;
• Ruth – He is the wealthy landowner who
redeems His gentile bride from hopeless
poverty; placing her in the family line of
royalty; giving her the right to everything
of His vast estate;
• I and II Samuel – He is the name of the
Lord, in whose strength young men of faith
conquer enemies and slay giants;
• Kings and Chronicles – He is the sovereign
King behind and above all kingdoms, both
pagan and God-fearing;
• Ezra – He is the keeper of divine promise to
Israel and the hand that liberates His people
from bondage;
• Nehemiah – He is the re-builder of broken
lives and the restorer of broken fellowship;
• Esther – He is behind the scenes,
outsmarting the evil one and seeing that His
remnant remain, whispering into the ear of
a young queen that for such a time as this,
she has been crowned.
• Job – He is the majestic One who rides
upon the wind and commands the lightning;
He is the Lord of mystery who does not
explain life, but reveals He is sovereign
over all of life;
• Psalms – He is the rock of refuge, the
Shepherd of the sheep, the tower of shelter,
the sweet honey of revelation, thirstquenching
water, a crucified Savior, and a
sin forgiving Redeemer;
• Proverbs – He is everlasting wisdom;
divine counsel for those who accept His
invitation to turn aside and listen;
• Ecclesiastes – He is eternal satisfaction
over every earthly desire; He is the One to
be remembered in the days our youth;
• Song of Solomon – He is the Bridegroom
who pursues His bride, stopping at nothing
until she is safely in His arms;
• Isaiah – He is Emmanuel, the suffering
Savior, the One crushed for our iniquities
and the coming Prince of Peace whose
strong shoulder will one day bear the
governments of the world;
• Jeremiah – He is the branch of
righteousness who brings justice and
equity; He is the promised One who will
write a new covenant on the hearts of His
people;
• Lamentations – He is the father who
disciplines the sons He loves;
• Ezekiel – He is resurrection power,
breathing life into dry bones and bringing
life from death; He is the faithful leader regathering
His wandering flock;
• Daniel – He is the stone, cut without hands,
rejected by kingdoms, yet smiting the false
image and filling the earth with His glory;
He is the one whose Kingdom will not end;
• Hosea – He is the faithful husband of the
faithless wife;
• Joel – He is the hope of His people, the
strength of the children of Israel;
• Amos – He is the wrath of God against
oppressors; He is the promise of vineyards
and gardens where His children will one
day rest;
• Obadiah – He ascends Mount Zion as the
deliverer who judges the kingdoms of this
world and inaugurates His own everlasting
reign;
• Jonah – He is the fulfillment of the sign that
after three days and three nights, the Son of
Man will come forth vindicating the
righteousness of God and resurrection
power;
• Micah – He is the One who pardons our
iniquities; who does not retain His anger
forever; who delights in unchanging love;
He is the one who treads our iniquities
under His feet; who casts all our sins into
the depths of the sea;
• Nahum – He is slow to anger and great in
power; of Him the mountains quake and the
hills dissolve, yet He is a safe haven for all
who hide in Him;
• Habakkuk – He is radiant like sunlight;
whose strength makes our feet like the
hinds feet, and makes us walk on high
places;
• Zephaniah – He is the One who will gather
those who grieve and those who are lame
and those who are outcast; He is the One
who will turn their shame and despair into
everlasting praise;
• Haggai – He is the victorious Lord of hosts
who will shake the heavens and the earth as
He overthrows the nations of this world; He
is the One who will wear His chosen people
as jewels around His omnipotent fingers;
• Zechariah – He stands with His redeemed
on the Mount of Olives; His holiness will
be praised, even by the inscriptions on the
bells of horses’ bridles as they gallop
through the city of His glory – “Holy to the
Lord” will be their praise for the Messiah;
• Malachi – He is the divine Refiner, sitting
over the smelting pot of His universe,
purifying His chosen people as silver and
gold; He is the great King, who does not
change; and for all those who believe in
Him, He will one day rise with healing in
His wings!
John

======= John:

Luke 24
Luke’s Gospel opened with devout believers at the temple, praying for the long-expected Messiah. It closes at the same place with devout believers praising and blessing God for answered prayer and for accomplished redemption. It is a lovely climax to what Renan called the most beautiful book in the world. Amen.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
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Road To Emmaus
These two were not apostles, but disciples. They had spent time with the Lord and had been exposed to Jesus’ teachings and been told the kingdom of God was near.
Now they were sad, and their discussion (in the Greek) actually means they were heatedly talking – perhaps arguing over Jesus. they thought they were following the Messiah, and now they thought they must have been wrong. They were sad. Perhaps at wasted time, perhaps that to them the kingdom of God was not near.
Jesus came to them – actually caught up with the two disciples. This is much the same way God acts with us. God draws us to Him – we in our sinful state do not attempt to find the Lord.
Then Jesus opened their minds to Scripture, eyes to see, and finally mouths to proclaim.
This is exactly how it us with new believers. I can vouch for the Scripture part. I had read some of the Bible at times over the years – but nothing sunk in or made sense. Certainly did not see the link from OT to the New. Thought the parables and lessons were nice moral stories. However, when God was drawing me, and I actually wanted to know the truth and prayed to a God I did not really know – at the age of 48 – the Gospel of John made sense. I got it!
Since I have been a Christian (the last three years) I see the connection, I understand God’s plan, it makes sense. I see the world around me, and what is and what isn’t of God.
Finally, because my mind has been opened, and my eyes see – I proclaim at every opportunity the message and Good news of the Lord.
[If you are reading this blog and have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior – the remedy is simple. Ask God to open your mind to the Scriptures and reveal the Truth to you. If you are sincere in your request – done with the right heart – you will see the same thing as I did and these disciples on the road to Emmaus.)
John

======= John:

The Ascension
Luke 24:51 “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.”
I listen to different people on the radio and TV and some scoff at the idea that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven. They say it is never mentioned in the Bible.
They are wrong – there are at least three places in the NT (from Acts on – where Christ is mentioned in bodily form in heaven). We will get to that in time.
But that is not my question? My question is how they can miss the bodily ascension here in this verse.
Here you have Luke – educated, writing in the best Greek of all the Gospels, who has excellant credentials and references from both secualar and religious historians down thru the ages. Luke who is so meticulous and careful about verifying facts and stories. Which leads me to my question:
If it wasn’t a bodily ressurection, how would Luke know that Jesus was taken up into heaven? If Luke had not seen it – or had not interveiwed eye-witnesses – it seems to me Luke would have phrased it a diferent way.
You cannot see a Spirit ascend – so either Luke or multiple eyewitnesses saw a body being taken up into heaven.
John

======= John:

Judges
I don’t think we have had a book yet in the OT that epitomizes my theory that one of the enduring links in the Bible is our need to trust in, rely on, depend on God – including Salvation.
The cycles – repeated over and over in Judges.
(1) Israel would sin in the sight of God;
(2) God would send punishment in the form of war and captivity;
(3) Israel would cry out to God;
(4) God would call out a judge (a savior or deliverer);
(5) Israel would enter a time of peace and rest.
Israel would always fall back into sin – it is man’s nature. After receiving punishment – they call on God – and God would deliver.
The important thing here is ISrael could do nothing to deliver themselves – only God could deliver, and He would only do so when Israel repented and called on Him.
Sound familiar. Put your “name” in the place of Israel. There is nothing you can do to deliver yourself from your state of sin or the things God is using to humble you. It is only when you recognize this and call on the Lord that He acts.
The difference is the “judges” in Israel are temporary – Jesus is permanent. Our times may still be turbulent – but the peace and rest comes in knowing that you can depend on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to guide you through your travails.
======================================================
Gideon
“In the moment of public temptation to self-aggrandizement, Gideon gave the right answer [refusing to be made king]. Immediately afterwards, he began the incremental process of undermining it–a few perks, a bit of gold, a few extra wives, an idol. His life deteriorated, and though he didn’t suffer most from it, the next generation suffered horribly because the son he left behind was an angry, godless man.” – Steve Zeisler
Our actions when we sin can have far reaching effects even beyond our lives. Such was the case with Abimelech.
Abimelech was godless and worked evil – because he rejected god and was wicked – his punishment like all who reject the ONE TRUE GOD is death. An explicit example is made and stated here for Abimelech. For those who recject God and Christ now the punishment is eternal separation from God.
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Judges 10
vs. 15-16 “But the Israelites said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the LORD. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.” NIV
“…one of the things that we need to understand about Canaanite religion is that it is very localized. Each god is a small god. They each have their own tribe. They have their own hill on which they are to be worshiped. They have a territory where they are counted on to be effective at bringing rain for crops and increase to livestock. They’re limited in geography; you can’t take an idol with you and make it work someplace else. They’re also limited in time; they are brought into being, they wax in power and potency, and then they grow impotent and tired.” Steve Zeisler
How can they fall for these gods when compared with Yahweh – who is absolutely without limits?
Answer: It is easier and more pleasurable to worship the gods of the canaanites. In the end – however you pay a horrible price.
Here the Israelites repent and ask for help – but it is only when they demonstrate their words by throwing out idols and serving the Lord that the Lord has mercy.
The Lord knew their heart and was moved. If you are seeking God – what does God see in your heart???? If you are a believer – when you pray to God – what does God see in your heart???? Afterall – He knows…He knows.
John

======= Janet:

thankyou for all your insight into what we’re reading! i have just started this journey in hopes that this time next year (for my 40th b-day!) i’ll have read the great book cover to cover!
Janet

======= Lisa:

How awesome the Word of God is – do you know how many countless people watch American Idol and how God uses any and everything!!!!! Amazing You Tube pick – wonder if they understand that they are being used to fulfill part of the commission in Matthew 28:16 – go out into the world …!!
Praise God and let the redeem say SO with a SHOUT!!
Lisa