2 Samuel 1:1-2:11 + John 12:20-50 + Psalm 118:19-29 + Proverbs 15:27-28
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Old Testament – Today we begin the book of Second Samuel! Below is an image of David being anointed king of Judah from chapter 2 verse 4 in today’s readings:
Second Samuel
Author: Unknown
Date: Probably tenth century B.C.
Content: Second Samuel covers approximately forty years, which is the bulk of David’s reign as king. It begins with David’s being proclaimed king and consolidating his position against others who claimed the throne. David moved the capital to Jerusalem, brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there, and ultimately defeated the Philistines for all time. David’s troubled career is described in some detail, including his family problems (his son Absalom) and his personal problems (adultery with Bathsheba). A summary of David’s later years concludes the book.
Theme: The life of David is given as an example of good and of evil. The sins of David are exposed – so that too much trust will not be put in men. The victories of David are recorded – so that it may be seen what God can do with someone who wholly trusts in him. God used David in spite of his faults because he found in David a willingness to repent and start again, no matter how far he had fallen. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 5-6) More commentary on Second Samuel is at this link:
https://bible.org/seriespage/introduction-2-samuel
A note on the Amalekite that comes to David with news of Saul’s death in Second Samuel chapter 1 today. Many Bible commentaries suggest that this Amalekite was a war “scavenger” that was looking for treasures on the battle field from the dead. Based on 1 Samuel chapter 31, it is thought that this Amalekite found Saul dead, grabbed Saul’s crown before the Philistines arrived, and made up the story of killing Saul to David because he thought David would reward him for killing who he thought was David’s “enemy.” David’s reaction was quite the opposite than what the Amalekite thought it would be… Bible.org’s commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled “What an Amalekite is Dying to Tell David” is at this link. Below is an image of David tearing his garments and lamenting the death of Saul:
Today in 2 Samuel chapter 1 we read about David’s lament for Saul & Jonathan. This year in going through the One Year Bible, I have really been intrigued by Jonathan and David’s relationship. They became incredible “brothers” it seems – much like we now have “brothers” and “sisters” in Christ today. And there seems to have been an amazing love between Jonathan and David – not sexual in any way, but a pure brotherly love. In verse 26 we will read – “I grieve for you Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful.” Personally, I have been thinking about this word “love” quite a bit in recent months. I don’t know if this is going to sound strange – I hope it’s a good sign 🙂 – but I find myself using the word “love” more and more often when referring to and thinking of others in my life. I have found myself saying recently, for example, “there are so many people in my church that I love and I believe love me.” I guess I’m getting to this stage in my life that may seem at first glance sentimental – but I think it is something more. I believe God is love. And yes, God is judge and many other things. But I do believe that love is a very godly thing. And I guess I’m getting to the point in life where I realize that I truly do love so many people in my life – with a brotherly or sisterly love – and maybe perhaps a few love me too. I pray this is the case in some way in your life? Are there people in your life that you love with a brotherly or sisterly love? Are there people in your life that were like Jonathan was to David? Are there people in your life where you are like Jonathan was to David? How familiar are you with love as expressed in 1 Corinthians 13? Did Jonathan have this type of love? Do you? Below is a portrait of David & Jonathan by artist Guy Rowe:
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of 2nd Samuel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvoWDXNDJgs
New Testament – Great words from Jesus in our John readings today! I honestly don’t think I can add anything to what Jesus said in these readings today! Please re-read this section again from John if you can and meditate upon what Jesus teaches us. Bible.org’s commentary on today’s John readings titled “The Greeks Seek Jesus” is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 118 is the last half of the psalm possibly sung by Jesus and the disciples after the Last Supper – see yesterday’s posting below for details. What an amazing Psalm… Verse 22 was quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 and Luke 20:17 and he used this verse to refer to himself – “The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone.” Do you believe this verse applies to Jesus? Is Jesus the cornerstone in your life?
Verse 26 was the chant of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – “Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD.” And verse 29 I’m pretty sure is a Michael W. Smith song – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” 🙂
Proverbs – Proverbs 15 verse 27 teaches us today: “Dishonest money brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.” Think there is truth in this Proverb?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Psalm 118 remind me of the song “In Christ Alone.” Here’s a great live version sung by Kristian Stanfill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNRFumI2ch0
Who alone do you trust? Click here for Christ alone!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:28 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that your life is bringing glory to God the Father. Pray that you will obey the teachings of God the Son through the power of God the Holy Spirit dwelling within you. Pray that you would not sin, which brings glory only to the evil one. Pray that you would not worship the evil one by sinning. Sin is worship – of the evil one. Pray for your worship to be to God alone through your faith in Jesus and living a life of righteousness.
Comments from You: 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:
I’m going to expose my thoughts about “Love” based on today’s Old Testament readings, David and Jonathan’s love for each other and Anka’s comments/thoughts.
Love, as mentioned by Jesus and as written about by Paul in I Corinthians chapter 13, cannot be an emotion that we so readily ascribe to it. Love, as per God’s definition and usage cannot be what we think it is a feeling of warm fuzzes.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJVR)
The reason I wrestle with our understanding of what “Love” is as God sees it is because we equate the evidence of “Love” with the absence of hate; bad feelings; dislike. Yet, in God’s Word we are told to hate/despise/reject sin (depending on the translation, our mother/father/sisters etc. Yes, yes I know that Jesus said He brought a new Law,
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJVR)
All of these directives require us to do something, not to have or work up an emotion or feelings before doing it. I believe, as a book title so readily proclaims, “Love is a Verb,” it is a doing and NOT A being. For God so Loved …That He Gave. (John 3:16) He gave of himself, He offered up Himself to pay the cost of committed sin and for committing sin, to people who hated Him. I have heard it said that we need to send our feelings and emotions to school to teach them, to keep them under control, to not let them take us down the path of good intentions done the road to hell.
In the 14th chapter of Jeremiah in the Amplified Bible, there is a rendering of a text that I have to admit I don’t contemplate enough,
And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and sword; and they shall have none to bury them–them, their wives, their sons, and their daughters. For I will pour out their wickedness upon them [and not on their false teachers only, for the people could not have been deceived except by their own consent]. (Jeremiah 14:16 AMP)
Our emotions get us into trouble because we allow them to override biblical principles because we have a “feeling” about someone, be it love or hate, thus we become a party to our own deception. This may all be just a rant going nowhere but I believe I need to; we all need to examine our understanding of Love. Is it a Verb, Noun, Adjective or Adverb? Our we letting our emotions tell us, lie to us on whether we love someone or not. People leave the spouses because they don’t “feel” in love; we deny aid or help to people who we don’t care about and “feel” they are trying to trick us—all of this is based on emotions. And we should know that our emotions can “lie” to us. After all we know that we have brains but when is the last time you “felt” them. Feeling or not feeling something, by use of our senses, does not mean something does or doesn’t exist. We are a people of faith walking be faith, talking by faith and operating by faith not by emotions. To operate by faith we must now what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us; we must, like Jesus, only do what we see the Father do. Then and only then can we move away from sentimentality and emotional “love” into the God kind of Love. For God so loved the World that He Gave …”
Grace and peace
Ramona
====== Anka:
Sucking up…the Amalekite told a lie.Saul specifically didn’t want to be killed by an uncircumsised man…and he told his armour bearer to kill him not this Amalekite who probably thought David would reward him for killing Saul.David in spite of everything Saul did,loved God and this love extended to Saul.True God is love and unfortunately this is one area where sadly I fail.I had grown to distrust people so much that while I could go out of my way to help,sometimes even sacrificially….I couldn’t love.Jesus in his love for us came to dwell among us..gave us his time,gave up his comfort.I pondered in my heart the love between Jonathan and David.As Jim and John said…the bond between soldiers.I still love my life because I try my best to protect myself from being taken for granted or hurt by others,compared to David,Jonathan,Paul…I lack love and love my life.I pray God helps me let go completely so He can fully use me.I pray the church sees the need for unity in this spiritual battle…and most importantly…love like God meant it to be…not something that costs little but something that gives it all.
God bless you all.
Anka
====== Kristie:
Hearing of the death of Saul and the tribute he gives, shows David’s humility. He could have said, “Saul deserved this!”” But David looked to the Lord as the judge, and the honor he shows for Saul demonstrates this. What a great example for us all to honor those in authority over us, as well as to see the evidences of God’s grace in the lives of others rather than focusing on what is wrong.
Kristie
====== Sue:
Saul (means: asked) had four sons:
1. Jonathan (means: Jehovah has given)
2. Malki-Shua (means: my king is salvation)
3. Abinadab (means: father of liberality)
4. Esh-Baal (means: man of Baal) aka: Ishbosheth (means: man of shame)
In I Chronicles 8:33 and 9:39 he is referenced as Esh Baal.
Saul’s nephew,
Abner (means: my father is a lamp),
Ner whose name means “light” was Abner’s father and Saul’s brother), decides to make Ish-bosheth king, in defiance of what should have been common knowledge: Samuel had annointed David King at God’s direction. What was he thinking? And, why was Ish-Bosheth not killed in the heat of the battle when Saul and Jonathan died? What of Malki-Shua and Abinadab?
In John MacArthur’s Study Bible I was impressed with this explanation of the tribute David made to Jonathan and Saul; it helped to solidify the intent of the lamentation, and would like to share it with you all, but first a preface:
1:18 The Song of the Bow
This was the title of the poem in which the word “bow” may have been chosen with reference to Jonathan, whose bow is mentioned in verse 22.
okay, now the lamentation:
The Beauty of Israel
Literally, the gazelle or antelope of Israel, the chosen symbol of youthful elegance and symmetery, most likely referring to Jonathan. Thus, the song began and ended with Saul’s noble son.
High places
These were open-air worship sites generally established at high elevations. In this case the high place was Mt. Gilboa, where Saul had died.
How the mighty have fallen!
They were not only Israel’s slain “beauty,” but Saul and Jonathan were mighty men who had fallen in battle. This phrase is repeated as a refrain in verses 25 and 27.
1:20 Gath…Ashkelon
Two chief cities which together could represent all of the Philistine territory. Gath was situated in the eastern part of the Philistine territory, while Ashkelon was in the west by the sea. David did not want the Philistines to rejoice at the calamities of Israel as Israel had rejoiced at the defeat of the Philistines (I Sam. 18:7).
1:21 no dew or rain
David spoke a curse, seeking the absence of dew or rain upon the mountain where Saul and Jonathan died.
not anointed with oil
It was necessary in those times to anoint a shield with oil (see 21:5) to prevent the leather from being hard and cracked. But there on Mt. Gilboa lay the shield of Saul dried out, a symbol of defeat and death.
1:22 bow…sword
These two weapons were used by Saul and Jonathan with much power, accuracy, and effectiveness. It was also with the bow that Jonathan helped David escape Saul’s wrath (I Sam 20:35-42).
1:23 beloved
This generous commendation, including Saul who was seeking to kill David, showed David’s gracious, forgiving attitude — a model of gracious love (see Matthew 5:43-48).
1:26 Surpassing the love of women
This bond between David and Jonathan was strong. However, this does not mean that their friendship was necessarily superior to the bond of love between a man and a woman. The commitment shared between the two of them was a noble, loyal, and selfless devotion (see I Samuel 18:3), which neither of them had ever felt for a woman. Unlike love between a man and a woman in which a sexual element is part of the strong attraction, this love between these two men had no such sexual feature, yet was compellingly strong.
1:27 weapons of war
A figurative expression referring to Saul and Jonathan.
Sue
====== Romayne:
Sorry – did I miss something somewhere in this story – I keep looking for someone to point out the fact that NOBODY killed Saul – he fell on his own sword by his own hand, as did his armourbearer or was that my imagination:
1Sam 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
1Sam 31:5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
So when I read this portion today, I was sort of going What? Yet nobody so far has pointed this bit out about how the Amalekite was a liar, and David obviously was never provided the real truth either about it, although I doubt it would have made much difference in respect of him taking this guy’s life for his greed and errant attitude.
Just another reminder – was a time long ago when a bad attitude could get you killed – today it seems to be what drives our nations sadly, and we see much more spiritual death as a result.
Romayne
======= Romana:
>>Sorry – did I miss something somewhere in this story – I keep looking for someone to point out the fact that NOBODY killed Saul – he fell on his own sword by his own hand, as did his armourbearer or was that my imagination:>>
Romayne—The intent of this Blog is for us to focus on/write about the things that peak our interest, it is not to come to a consensus and do a group think, mental assenting on what any one person thinks we should focus on. Sometimes there is a common theme or thread that each person picks up, today there wasn’t.
The following is taken from Mike’s Welcome page, the first paragraph:
The purpose of this website is to encourage you to read through the entire Bible in a year! This encouragement to you is offered in two simple free ways – 1. This daily blog with reflections, commentary and questions. 2. Weekly free e-mails filled with encouragement, commentary, and questions.
Each of us comes from a different background, a different longitude and latatud on the earth and have experienced and are experiencing different things–each is at a different level. I personally have read though the entire Bible over thirty times so I was always uncovering, discovering things that I didn’t see the last time I read a particular passage.
Maybe no one spoke of Saul killing himself because you were suppose to bring it up : )
Ramona
====== Pat:
I can easily understand the relationship between Jonathan and David because God has blessed me with a best friend of 56 years. We are as opposite as day and night and often laugh and say if we weren’t best friends then we probably wouldn’t be friends at all. We have been there for each other during times of celebration, times of sadness, times of illnesses, even during times when we lived miles apart. We have been there for each other’s kids as they grew up and we are there now for each other’s grandkids. I like jeans and tees, hiking in the woods, volunteering on community projects, belonging to service organizations and having many friends. She likes fancy clothes, eating in glitzy restaurants, having a few close friends, and shopping, shopping and more shopping. I am positive and tolerant, and love sitting by the bridge and talking with the homeless people. She is more negative and impatient with others who don’t measure up to her standards. She loves singing solos in choir and I love being on the committee that scrubs down the kitchen. We both love the Lord with all our hearts and we love each other with that special love that God extends to best friends. God created us differently in personality but He gave us the bond of lasting friendship. They say that God gives you your family but you pick your own friends. I believe that God gives us our family but He also gives us special friends apart from sexual relationships and such was the bond of friendship between Jonathan and David. I pray that each of you has or will such have a friendship blessed and bonded by the Lord.
What is love? Love is a bond put between people who take joy in being in each other’s company without having to modify their actions. Love is knowing that other people are special and worthy just as they are. Love is a gift that God gives you, which allows you to appreciate those that you share this earthly life with. Love is the way God made us so that we not only enjoy other people but are there to assist them however possible. Love is the spirit of God!
God Bless!
Pat
======= Dottie:
God has blessed me so much with many brothers and sisters in Christ that I truly love and know they love me. When I first moved back to the US after living in Denmark for 3 years, I didn’t know anyone and I asked God to give me friends, Godly friends and He has fullfilled that 1000 times over. I would never change anything if I had to do it all over again, my experiences and relationships I have been blessed with in these friendships is prceless. I have learned from these friends an abundance of wisdom and knowledge and been inspired when I could not feel an inspiration in me. I am thankful that God knw what we need and always provides for us. Praise God.
Dottie
====== Katie:
I have been blessed abundantly with love from family and friends (that are like family). I love them so for sticking with me through so much. My testimony is CRAZY, but certain people have carried me through so much. Really, there are no words to describe how wonderful they have been to me, all I can say is that their love has changed my life.
And now, I’ve found a couple new friends here on OneYearBible that I feel love for and it seems like when David and Jonathan first met each other. We don’t really know each other all that well, yet, but there seems to be a special blessing to the friendships as they grow.
God is so very good to me, and I am blessed.
God’s love is wonderful and amazing.
Amen
Katie
====== Mary:
I have been thinking these past few days about love. My idea of love is a little skewed I think….and I have been questioning if it is sincere. After some time of reading and prayer, and being still I have realized that if I am seeking God frist in all things, the love I have for others is genuine. Not controlling, not self-serving, not empty. I can see the difference in the effect is has on others and on my heart. Pretty cool. He is Holy and gracious. Thank you for being deligent in these daily studies my friend. In Him.
Mary
====== Jit:
“The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life”( John 12:25) Jesus seemed to suggest that our present existence is not important and for some fanatics they would blow themselves up for this eternal life. The difference between Jesus and these fanatics is Jesus did not blow others up in the process.
Jit
======= Peter:
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your insights–very helpful! I really like Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.” I pray that the Lord will help me to think before I speak this day!
Peter
====== Raeann:
The book of 1 Samuel shows how GOD places ordinary people in extraordinary positions in this world in order to fulfill the will of GOD for humanity. As a new born baby Samuels mother gave Samuel to the priests to raise in the house of GOD to thank GOD for giving her a son when she had been barren her entire life. As Samuel grew GOD gave him the ability to discern good from evil and to make wise decisions for his people. Israel wants a king to be like all of the other nations around them. Samuel tells the people that this will only lead to the people turning away from GOD and turning to paganism. Samuel selects Saul to rule over the people and to be Israel’s first king. Saul leads Israel in several victorious battles against the surrounding kings. Saul is rejected as king when he refuses to do what GOD commands him regarding the spoil of war. David a sheep herder kills Goliath and is anointed the new king of Israel by Samuel. Saul hates David who he tries to kill on several occasions. Jonathan Sauls son loves David and he tries to protect him and keep him safe from harm. When David catches up to Saul in the mountains David in his compassion for Saul spares his life. Saul eventually dies in battle against the Philistines. The book of 1 Samuel shows how GOD places ordinary people in extraordinary positions in this world in order to fulfill the will of GOD for humanity.
Raeann
======= Frederick:
Psalm 118:26
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.
When Jesus was about to be crucified, he told his disciples and the surrounding people that unless the Jews said that, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.” Then He will return for a second time. This is so important that the Jews, his people to know God and acknowledge Jesus in this end time.
Frederick
====== Bob:
John 12:20- 26 I have a few points to bring up about this Gospel Message and I am not sure where the source comes from (Chuck Swindoll ?) In our circle of friends, it is good to get to know those who know Jesus. Our desire at any church event is to see Jesus. Notice how two are better than one as Philip and Andrew go see Jesus. (Math 18:19). This is encouragement and direction for the Greeks (us), when we desire acquaintance with Him. “The harvest of the Gentiles, the multiplying of the redeemed was the magnifying glory of the redeemer.”
Bob
====
The Making of a Man of God by Allen Redpath, is a wonderful book on the relationship between David and Jonathan. It’s an old book, but a real treasure if you can find i
“It takes more grace than I can tell, to play the second fiddle well”
William
====== Imja:
Jonathan loved David…but, he also loved his father and knew him as God’s anointed King Saul. Jonathan filled his duty as son and a commanding officer by going with King Saul into battle. God knew this, and that’s why Samuel gave that message to Saul at the witch at endor. It’s sad but, like Charles Stanley says…there are consequences to sin. God will forgive, however, we still are responsible for our actions. But, God is good! If Saul had only fully obeyed the Lord…
If we…
Imja
======= Ramona:
2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
In the story of the Talents, each man was given according to his ability and the “Master” expected a return on what He had given them based on their ability (Matthew 25:14-30). I will ask a question and it is a rhetorical question but it is something that has bothered me for many a year, or at least it has peaked my interest for a long time.
What happened to Jonathan? I know that he died along side his father, but what happened to him, why did he end up dead along side his father? What happened to his commitment to David?
Then Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much. So Jonathan told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you. So be careful tomorrow morning. Find a hiding place and stay in seclusion. (1 Samuel 19:1-2 NET.)
Then Jonathan son of Saul left and went to David at Horesh. He encouraged him through God. He said to him, “Don’t be afraid! For the hand of my father Saul cannot find you. You will rule over Israel, and I will be your second in command. Even my father Saul realizes this.” When the two of them had made a covenant before the LORD, David stayed on at Horesh, but Jonathan went to his house. (1 Samuel 23:16-18 NET.)
I could be totally off base but how does someone make a statement that he would be second in command knowing that the first in command is being hunted down like a dog then go back to his house? How often do we know that something is supposed to be yet we continue hanging out in the wrong place? Was Jonathan supposed to die that day, along with his father because he was never suppose to be second in command?
Was he looking back towards his old life instead of looking forward to a life with David as his leader? Do we set out to “plow the field” while looking back toward our house?
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 KJVR)
Just something that makes you go, Hmmm!
Grace and Peace,
Ramona
======= Anka:
Greeks seeking Jesus caught my eye,His reply to them even more so.From my little knowledge of history,at that time,the jews were under the romans…they were separate,sometimes viewed as proud because of their practices.They wouldn’t eat certain foods,worshipped only one God who’s commands may have not been too popular among pagan nations.Yet some gentiles were drawn to them,these greeks came to partake of their passover and worship at their feast.Very much like Ruth who chose to worship the God of Israel and left behind her idols,her ways…everything to be joined to the Lord’s people.
Jesus’ reply to them was simple”He who loves his life loses it, and he who (J)hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal”
“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and (K)where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will (L)honor him”…..
Sometimes we think we can have it both ways..say we’re following Jesus but refuse to die to self,refuse to accept His ways…not wanting to be unpopular,seeking to be part of the world as well as part of the body of Christ…These Greeks came to worship the God of Israel among His people,in His temple…not caring what people said or thought,leaving behind what they were taught and coming to listen to what Jesus said….I pray we like Ruth choose to follow Jesus all the way,leave our own idols and practices behind…letting the Comforter and Teacher lead us as we follow.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Dee:
Wow good analogy! Because usually when a statement is recorded in the Bible it usually comes to pass..however Jonathan’s words were on deaf ears.
2nd Sam 13:1-2:11
What I thought was sad was the Amelekite was trying to get approval and lied to David today saying he killed Saul. In turn his lie was the death of him.
John-12:20-50
Something interesting I never heard is Lord talking to the Father and the thundering noise the people heard about God saying it will be glorified- He did before and it will be done again!!
Psalm 118 : 19-29
Last part of Psalm 118, an urgency, a pleading –25 verse: OH Lord, save us
–Oh God give us success
–28–verse: You are my God, and I will give you thanks
You are my God, I will exalt You..
Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.
Then in Proverbs: 15:27-28
Especially 28: fave verse and feel like it relates to what I am going through with coming to the conclusion that one chapter of my life is over and God is plotting a new course at a new school and I have been torn twice and finding the right words to let go..
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.
Amen!
Dee
======= Jim:
The break between the two books of Samuel is purely artificial. IMHO, the Amalekite was likely just one of those that came after the battle with Saul to strip the slain and had the good luck to come upon Saul and get his crown and bracelet and then the poor luck to come to Ziklag to see what he could likewise find in that burnt city only to find David had returned and only made up the story of killing Saul to bring David his crown to win favor. If his story was true, then again, it would be a good example of how being told to do something wrong by a civic or moral authority is no excuse. I personally know of a governmental contract manager that didn’t believe a subcontractor could afford a very low bid and hired a security consultant to break into their financial systems. The guy was probably sloppy enough to break into the administrative account from a lesser one assigned to him because he foolishly thought being hired by the US government would protect him – it did not. The story of being commanded to kill Saul likewise did not save this Amalekite. Again I ask: if this is the kind of punishment handed out to an unbeliever, imagine how much worse waits for believers committing similar crimes. For example, Christian statistician George Barna found that among American Christian adults who said they had given ten percent or more of their income to churches and related ministries in the past year, an examination of their finances showed that two-thirds of those people were lying about their generosity (such as Ananias and Sapphira in Act 5 that were slain by the Lord for only deceitfully keeping a portion of their own property for themselves). BTW, only 2-3% of Christians tithe as compared with 4-5% of Atheists that give a tenth to non-profit organizations.
Both Saul and David were both built and equipped to be great leaders. The difference was that Saul fashioned his functions from this form while David did it completely from God. Read 2 Samuel 2:1 -> David, “Hey God, should I go to one of the towns of Judah?” God, “Yep!” David, “Which one?” God, “Go up to Hebron.” Are your conversations with God this clear? Saul’s weren’t. When a church fails to focus on God, the hearing of churchgoers is suppressed. God speaks, but they can no more hear Him than can a man lying in the gutter in a drunken stupor. To quote Francois Fenelon, “How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.”
David was anointed three times: 1) by Samuel in secret to indicate God’s purpose, 2) by Judea for the partial accomplishment of that purpose, 3) 7.5 years later by Israel when Saul’s son died and the Jews were reunited for the completion of God’s purpose (2 Sam 5:3). Ish-bosheth would have been 35 at Saul’s death while 2 Samuel 2:10 says that he began as king of Israel suggesting a five year period of turmoil before his short reign began although the long war in 2 Sam 3-4 and Abner’s conspiracy would imply a period of two years. Abner’s expedition to Gideon may have been for the purpose of shifting resources to the tribe of Benjamin to prepare for the war (or “to go out” in 2 Sam 2:12-13) with Judah.
Only John mentions the Greek friends of Philip in v 12:20. They had undoubtedly heard of Christ’s miracles and were perhaps of prophetic significance that Jesus by His death on the cross will provide eternal life to both Jew and Gentile. Christ died for me, paying the price of my sin, and there is no more price to be paid. I am free. I am no longer under the condemnation of God. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men to myself” (v 12:32). While ALL are natural-born sinners (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; 1 Tim. 2:4; Psa. 51:5), God commands ALL people to repent and receive Christ (Acts 17:30-31; I John 3:23; Luke 13:3), Christ as “the Savior of the world” (John 4:42) gave Himself a ransom for ALL (I Timothy 2:6), and He saves “as many as” receive Him (John 1:12). 1 John 2:2 states that Christ “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for THE WHOLE WORLD,” and 1 Timothy 4:10 describes God as “the Savior of ALL men.” This concept was, in fact, Jacob Arminius’ strongest objection to TULIP Calvinism. Even as there is no way to the Father except through the Son, though, the only way to the Son is by the Father (v 6:44). But God allows the hearts of those who have repeatedly reject God to harden to the truth (Isaiah 6:10). Come freely with the sacrificial victim; make it ready; bind it to the altar (Psalm 118:27).
Jim
======= John:
Good Analogy
“Suppose someone came [to your house] at three o’clock in the morning and put a ladder up to the second-floor window and began to climb in, what would you do? ‘Well,’ said the man, ‘I suppose I’d shoot him.’ I said, ‘What right have you to shoot a man? After all, can’t a man come into your house in any way he wants to come?’ He said, ‘No.’ Then I said, ‘You are saying that you can get into God’s heaven any way, any time – by any back window that you choose. God Almighty has made definite, positive and absolute rules for entering His heaven – rules as definite as our civilization makes – if you go to somebody’s house you ring, you knock. … Make a noise and come up in the way that house owner decides…. God has done the same thing. He says that anyone may come in, but they must come [by his way: by the cross of Jesus Christ embraced by a faith that is willing to bear any earthly loss to have him and his salvation].’”
We do not get to make the rules. Too often in reading the Old Testament and regarding Salvation mankind wants to decide what is “RIGHT” or “Just” or “what makes sense”. People make these decisions based on their perceptions of right and wrong (flawed as they are), their intellect (small as it is compared to God), or their “feelings” (see Ramona’s post).
It just doesn’t work that way, nor should it. I could never have made the decision for Salvation unless I put aside my human foibles and just read the Bible to see what IT says regarding everlasting life. Once I acknowledged what the Bible says in John and Romans (I only read those two chapters, but did it several times) – it was decision time.
Did I (Do you) want to do it your way and take a chance on getting it wrong for an eternity, or did I (Do you) agree to do it God’s way?
It may be “WHOMSOEVER WILL”, but it is by God’s rules and conditions – not by our just wanting to feel good about our faith or getting “fire insurance”.
Once saved – it does not get any easier.
“People say to the Lord, “I will believe in you, I will follow you, I will serve you, if you do this or that for me.” But the Lord says, “No, you give up your life, your hopes, your plans – you surrender them to me – and I will give you your life back far better than you had it before. But you must make that surrender. And you must make it blind, by faith in other words, without the help of first being able to hold in your hand the blessings that I promise to give you. YOU CANNOT BARGAIN WITH THE LIVING GOD AND WITH THE REDEEMER OF YOUR SOUL. You must trust him. That is faith and that is why comparatively few people live by faith. It is a daring business. It is absolutely the right thing to do and the sensible thing to do – for Christ has risen and God has spoken – but it is in no case the natural thing to do!” – ibid. [Caps mine for emphasis]
John
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