29 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 28
• Genesis 26
• 2 Chronicles 2
• Luke 19:28-46

Observations:

The psalm today starts off as may of David's psalms do, in crying out to be seen and heard, asking not to be dragged down into judgment along with all the other nations. What stands out to me is tat, at the end of the psalm, David has an about-face in tone. Where he starts off asking for God's ear, he then exclaims that the Lord is to be blessed because the Lord hears him. David then praises him calling him his strength and shield, whom he trusts, and the shield and refuge for his people.

In Genesis, we see a long exposition about Isaac. First, we see God renewing Abraham's covenant, promising to Isaac the things that were promised to Abraham. Second, we see Isaac's interactions with Abimelech and the Philistines where he was living. Isaac had tried to pass Rebekah off as his sister, thinking he might be killed to get her (like father, like son). Abimelech scolded him for it, but didn't throw him out as pharaoh did to his father. No, the Philistines sent him out because he began to become very wealthy from his harvests and herds. So, he traveled in the area, re-digging his father's wells and coming into minor conflict over some new ones. During that time, God speaks to Isaac, confirming his promise. After all this, Abimelech approaches Isaac as he did Abraham and asks for peace between them because he can see that God is with Isaac.

In 2 Chronicles, Solomon begins work on the temple, calling upon the connections David had set before the end of his reign. We also see Solomon making this statement about the building of a temple: "But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him?" To me, that stands out, because here, Solomon has a great image of God's magnitude. Now, what I find also to be interesting is that Solomon takes a census of the resident aliens in Israel and puts them all to work.

In Luke, we see three connected events. Jesus is entering Jerusalem for the last time and he tells his disciples to go find a specific donkey for him to ride in on. As he rides in, the people gather in praise, exclaiming praises and thanks to God. Jesus also weeps over Jerusalem, prophesying against it about its fall. Last, he heads to the temple and clears it of all the merchants and money-changers.

Application:

I think the biggest thing for me is the confidence in and reverence for God that is evident in all of these passages. That changes us, if we allow it. 

28 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 27
• Genesis 25:19-34
• 2 Chronicles 1
• Luke 18:31-19:27

Observations:

The psalm today is one proclaiming God as the psalmist's salvation and stronghold. In him, he has confidence, knowing that God's protection is more effective than any weapon or army. What the psalmist asks is to dwell in the house of the Lord, to look upon God, and to be seen and answered by God. The psalmist begs God not to turn his face away, but to teach him his way and to lead him on the straight path. He then closes with a statement of faith and conviction, knowing that God will answer.

In Genesis, we see the conception and birth of Esau and Jacob, as well as God's words to Rebekah about the two of them, how they would both become great nations and that the oldest (Esau) would serve the youngest (Jacob). That prophecy plays out in the second half of the passage in which Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew.

In 2 Chronicles, we see the beginning of Solomon's reign. He started off really well, seeking God at the tabernacle and, when God offered anything to the new king, he responded asking for wisdom, that he would be able to rightly govern the people of Israel. So, God granted him his request and also commended him on it, lavishing on him additionally, wealth and honour. We see immediately following this conversation how God blessed Solomon and Israel with abundant wealth.

In Luke, we have a number of things happening. First, Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death (again) and the disciples don't realise what he's talking about (again). 

Second, we have Jesus healing a blind man. This altercation strikes me as a little odd. We have a beggar shouting to Jesus as he is passing by, calling him the Son of David (i.e. the Messiah) and asking Jesus to have mercy on him. The people around Jesus try and shush him, but after the second cry, Jesus waves him over and bluntly asks what he wants him to do for him. The man replies that he would like his sight back, and Jesus tells him to go, for his faith has made him well. The way I read this passage, Jesus was very blunt about the whole affair and yet, I note that, again, it was the man's faith that Jesus cited being the agent that made him well. The man had enough faith to be bold in reaching out to Jesus and to bluntly ask Jesus to heal him. There was no doubt in him that we can see. None whatsoever. I would do well to keep his example in mind.

Third, we have Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus. The man had run ahead to try and get a glimpse of Jesus, spurred on by faith, curiosity, or maybe something else entirely. Jesus stopped and engaged directly with him, declaring that he would be dining in Zacchaeus' house that day. What stands out to me is not Zacchaeus' declarations of the good he will do as evidence of a changed life, but the crowd's grumbling at how Jesus had gone to dine with a sinner and Jesus' statement that he came to seek and save the lost.

The last passage is a parable that is seen in a couple different iterations, but it narrows down to the idea of putting to good use that which God has given to us, because God is one who demands much of us. So, we should be investing what we have been given - our wisdom, knowledge, skills, assets - to the benefit of God's kingdom, not merely laying around with the tools that have been given, lest they be taken away.

Application:

There were a couple elements that stood out from today's readings. The psalms always strike a chord with me because of their honest yearnings, beautiful language, and ability to express emotions that I can barely describe in myself. The last parable stood out, because I am starting to see that, through all my begging God for freedom from sin and a better relationship with my wife, God has been giving me the tools I need to do so. I just haven't been paying attention or using them. So, I'm beginning to pick them up, to learn how to do things God's way instead of James' way.

27 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 26
• Genesis 25:1-18
• 1 Chronicles 29:22-30
• Luke 18:1-30

Observations:

In the psalm, we see David asking the Lord for vindication, proclaiming to God how he has searched and endeavoured after him, avoiding the wicked and concerning himself with what is righteous.

In Genesis, we see the remarriage of Abraham, the death and burial of Abraham (next to Sarah, attended by Isaac & Ishmael), and the descendants of the sons of Abraham's second wife and those of Ishmael.

In 1 Chronicles, we see Solomon's coronation & David's death.

In the first parable in Luke, we see Jesus telling his followers to be persistent in their petitions to God. In the second, we see Jesus demonstrating the importance of humility before God. Following that, we see how Christ viewed children and the nature that faith should have. Last, we see Christ demanding not only obedience to God, but complete sacrifice of self, noting that it is not by the accumulation of wealth or deeds one gains access to heaven, but through God alone

Application:

Honestly, I don't see a great deal that applies to the circumstance I'm in other than to pray consistently

26 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 25
• Genesis 24
• 1 Chronicles 29:1-22
• Luke 17:11-37

Observations:

In the psalm, we see David seeking God's presence. He is entrusting himself to God, putting himself under the Lord's grace and teaching. Here, we see a calm, spiritual maturity that longs for the presence of God, as we can see in vv 16-18

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins."

 Okay, so David is very expressive in his tone, but the tone I get as I read this psalm is one of wise spiritual maturity that yearns for God, not quite as some distant salvation, but as a companion and teacher who has stepped away for a moment.

In Genesis, we see the finding of Rebekah, Isaac's wife. Abraham desired that Isaac not marry one of the local Canaanites, but someone from his home. So, his servant went to Abraham's home town, whereupon he prayed, asking for a specific sign to indicate Isaac's wife. God obliged and Isaac was found a wife.

In 1 Chronicles, we see David announcing what he has stored up for use in building the temple, calling for a freewill offering from many of the citizens. We also see him praying over the building of the temple, asking for God's blessing, and offering sacrifices to God numbering in the thousands.

In Luke, we see first, the healing of ten lepers, of whom only one, a Samaritan, came back to thank Jesus.
Second, we see Jesus teaching on the coming of the kingdom of God. In response to the pharisees' question, Jesus says that it sill come in a way not discernible to the eye, because the Kingdom of God is in their midst (Presumably speaking of himself). To his disciples, he elaborated on this point further, telling them to disregard those who might point to the coming of God at a particular time or place. He also says that, instead, people will be about their normal, everyday business when, suddenly, as with Noah's flood or Sodom's destruction, the Kingdom of God will come.

Application:

The kingdom of god could come at any time. Therefore, I need to be busy with the work given to me. That being said, I also want to grow in spiritual maturity, having the perspective and demeanour of David in his deep relationship with God.

25 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 24
• Genesis 23
• 1 Chronicles 28
• Luke 16:1-17:10

Observations:

In the psalm today, we see three things. First, we have an acknowledgement of God's ownership of the earth by virtue of his being its creator. Second, we see man's interaction with God. Third, we have an urging to the gates [of Jerusalem?] to look and see God, the King of Glory, and let him in.

In Genesis, we see Abraham burying his wife, Sarah. In greater detail, we see the account of his discussion with the Hittites, whose land he was passing through, attempting to find a suitable tomb for his wife. I found the Hittites' response to be very curious: "You are a prince of God among us". It reminds me somewhat of Abimelech's words regarding Abraham. It seems that, as Abraham grew closer to God, the people around him began to see God reflected in him.

In 1 Chronicles, it appears as though we have David's passing of the baton to Solomon. First, we have his exhortation to all of his servants and staff, the officials, and the military to honour God and follow his commandments, that they may pass the land on to their children. Second, we have David speaking directly to Solomon. The first thing David tells his son is to seek God and the second is his plan and groundwork for the temple, detailed even to the weight of gold to be used in the temple affects.

In Luke, I am having a somewhat difficult time understanding this first parable, the one of the dishonest manager. I understand his firing for embezzlement. I understand his reasonings for cutting his master's debtor's dues. In some ways, I understand the master's commendation for his shrewd dealing. I even understand Christ's excerpt at the end of this passage. I just don't see how they all tie together, especially when you incorporate Jesus' response to the pharisees.

Following this, there is a short blurb on divorce and adultery before moving on to the next parable, the rich man and Lazarus. In this second parable, Jesus connects our conduct with our resultant eternities, showing the importance of loving our neighbours. He also speaks about the separation and finality of heaven and hell. What's interesting to me is the rich man's pleading to send a message to his brothers, which is refused on the grounds that if they would not repent because of Moses and the prophets, why would they repent because of someone rising from the dead.

Last, we have some of Jesus' comments on temptation, faith, and the role of a servant.

Applications:

24 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 23
• Genesis 22
• 1 Chronicles 27
• Luke 15

Observation:

In the psalm, we see David offering praise to God. In the first stanza, he praises God for his guardianship, leading him to what is good and right. In the second stanza, he praises God for his security and comfort. In the last stanza, he praises God for his provision.

In Genesis, we have the classic story of Abraham offering Isaac as an offering to God. Now, yes, we know that God explicitly commanded the Israelites to stay away from child sacrifice as it was detestable to him. So, what's the whole point here? The point was for Abraham to show that he valued God greater than he valued the gift of his son. Remember yesterday's passage on how our love for God should make it look like we hate our families in comparison? That is what's going on here. Now, just before Abraham actually kills his son, God sends an angel to stop him, commending Abraham for his faith, and providing a ram as a proper sacrifice.

In 1 Chronicles, we see the division of leaders for what I presume is the standing army of Israel. Each month, there is a leader and 24 000 men appointed to this position. In the counting of tribes and tribe leaders, we have a note mentioning David's census and the wrath of God that came about therefrom, mentioning how the census was left unfinished. We also see the appointing of the stewards of David's property and assets and the naming of those in roles with close access to David and his family.

In Luke, we see God's attitude towards the lost. 

The first parable he gives, in response to the pharisees scoffing at his dining with sinners (for the pharisees dined primarily with the righteous and well-regarded), is a simple question: who among them, if their flock of 100 were to lose 1 sheep, would not leave the safe 99, go search for the lost one, and, upon returning with the lost one, celebrate with his friend over the lost sheep returned to the flock? 

The second parable involves a woman who loses one of her 10 silver coins. What does she do? She turns the house upside-down diligently searching for the coin, rejoicing with her friends when it is found. The third parable takes this idea somewhat further. 

In this last parable, we see a young man insult his father by demanding his inheritance early. That same young man disrespects his inheritance by squandering it on the high life in a foreign country and, when his funds run out, he finds a job performing the lowest of work - feeding pigs. during this time, he decides to return to his father, asking forgiveness, and seeking to be counted as one of his father's hired servants. When he arrives home, we see his father forsake all dignity and run to him, meeting him in the road, restoring him to sonhood, and throwing a party for his return. We also see the man's other son, the obedient son who did not ask for his inheritance early and who had remained with the father the entire time. We see his bitterness at the father's celebration and his father's rebuke.

What's the whole point of these three parables? Jesus was using them to illustrate to the pharisees and scribes why he spent more time dining with the sinners than he did with the righteous. God rejoices more over one lost individual coming to salvation than over one, ten, 99 righteous individuals who never strayed. God's heart is for the redemption of the lost. So, why would Jesus not go and spend time with the sinners. After all, they are the ones needing him.

Application: