- James 4:1-10
- Zechariah 4
- 1 Kings 22:41-53
- Psalm 91
Observations:
In the James passage, he is writing to address quarrels that have apparently been breaking out between church members, showing the root of their quarrels to be personal selfishness. Therefore, James writes a stern recommendation for humility in heart and action, to break themselves and cleanse themselves and, in their humility, God will raise them.
In the Zechariah passage, we see a prophecy for Zerubbabel in which God is showing his power and favour towards him. He also shows that Zerubbabel will complete the temple. The imagery in the vision corresponds to Joshua and Zerubbabel and Jerusalem itself.
In 1 Kings, we see the reigns of Ahaziah and Jehoshaphat described. The former is described as being as sinful, walking as his parents and Jeroboam did, leading Israel in worship of other gods. Jehoshaphat is described as a decent king. Politically, he doesn't seem to have been the most effective, but he sought to follow after God.
The psalm today is talking in detail about the protection of God and how we are secure in him, shielding and delivering us because of his love and because we hold fast to him in love.
Application:
Short, because of time.
Three key things I see:
- Humility
- Trusting and following in God
- God is our protector and provider
These are all contained withing the James passage, too, but I want to focus on these three. Humility is foremost, as without it we cannot truly or completely trust and follow God. As for the last, God is our provider and protector. As we seek and follow him, he meets our needs and helps either shield us from what we cannot withstand or gives us the strength needed to withstand.
No comments:
Post a Comment