Edzell Church
Published by Wayne Pearce · 8th January 2022
Tomorrow, I’m going to invite my congregations to join me in a Bible reading challenge. And wonder if Facebook friends would also like to join me in committing to reading consecutively through the Bible with one chapter of the Old Testament and one of the New Testament scriptures daily. And so, we will begin at Genesis 1 and Matthew 1 this coming Monday. The daily readings could be divided into morning and evening. Some may wish to use an audio version of the Bible which are available online. I tend to use the ESV but you can use whatever version of the Bible you like.
I will post the chapters to be read daily and will invite folks to comment ‘read’ or something similar as an incentive to continue daily.
I know that some friends already daily read the Bible. Others regularly do so. However, many today do not and that includes many church members. And yet the Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and reveals the way, the truth, and the life. It is to be a lamp for our feet and light for our path. A small commitment on our part will therefore be richly rewarding. Go on, join me. I challenge you.
Bible Challenge: Day 1
Readings: Genesis 1 & Matthew 1
Beginning! Here we are taught that God is eternal - self-existent and self-sufficient. He is Creator, Designer, Ruler, Benefactor and Redeemer, and so much more. He is faithful and good and is with us in Immanuel, who is Jesus, the Christ, the Word made flesh, the Saviour of the world.
Something to ponder! How significant do you think it is that 'man', male and female, were made in the image and likeness of God?
Bible Challenge: Day 2
Reading: Genesis 2 & Matthew 2
God rested on the 7th Day and surveyed his glorious and wonderful creation. He blessed that day as holy, meaning special, sanctified, and set apart, so that humanity, in turn, could rest and recharge their physical, mental, and spiritual batteries, so to speak, and rejoice in their Maker and Benefactor. While we no longer keep the 7th Day as holy, our need remains the same. And so, like the Wise Men in Matthew 2, each Lord's Day (and at other times) we seek the living and loving God in and through Jesus, the Son, whom we worship.
We are also reminded today that we are relational beings. Made for a relationship with God and one another that is rooted and built up in love. It was not good for man to be alone. While we benefit from quiet moments, and time apart, we are social beings made and called to share in one another's gifts and graces. God made man, male and female. Equal before him and yet complementary. Family and fellowship are the building blocks for the blessing of society.
Something to ponder! What do you think the Wise Men's gifts at Matthew 2:11 say about Jesus and his mission and message?
Bible Challenge: Day 3
Reading: Genesis 3 & Matthew 3
Here we read of The Fall. Of man’s defiance and rebellion and its grave consequences. Here we encounter deception and death and the breakdown of relationships with God and one another, and man’s (male and female) resultant banishment from Paradise. Here we encounter the shame of sin and God’s salvation by grace. Here we find the promise of the Son of the woman who would come in the fulness of time to put right what had been put so badly wrong. Here we encounter the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, yet found in the New Testament scriptures, John the Baptist, who went out into the wilderness to prepare the way for the coming of the Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the second Adam, the Lord and the Saviour of the world.
Something to ponder. What is repentance? And why should it accompany faith?
Bible Challenge 4
Reading: Genesis 4 & Matthew 4
In Genesis 4 we witness the steadfast love and goodness of God and the resultant joy associated with the gift of children and the development of the family and fellowship, of work, of culture, and of humanity’s dependency on God and interdependency on one another. Man, male and female, were made for a relationship rooted and built up in love for God and one another as image bearers of God. Alas, however, here we encounter the dysfunctional, distressing, and deadly effect of the fallen nature. Here ego and envy lead to murder and misery. It is no coincidence that ‘I’ lies in the heart of sin!
Here too, we discover how at the beginning of his earthly ministry, Jesus, the second Adam triumphed over the Tempter and temptation in the wilderness. He did so by trusting in God and adhering to his revealed will or word, unlike the first Adam and his descendants. Jesus, the Light of the world, has come to drive out the darkness, to re-establish life over death, and to exemplify love for God and neighbour. Here he calls his first disciples to follow him, thereby initiating the new creation which is the culmination of this New Covenant (Testament) era. And so, we pray, ‘Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.’
To ponder! What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Bible Challenge: Day 5
Reading: Genesis 5 & Matthew 5
Genesis 5 contains the genealogy of Adam and Eve to Noah and his sons via Seth. It reveals the longevity of those that lived in the pre-Flood (antediluvian) period but also records their deaths resultant of The Fall and the fallen nature. The wages of sin is death! It also highlights the exceptional character and experience of Enoch who walked with God in the beauty of holiness and love. And who was received into heaven without experiencing death. In Matthew 5 we encounter the beginning of the Lord Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount with its beatitudes and its call to similarly walk before God and neighbour as true image bearers of God. This is the way and witness to the blessed life. It is a call to a more excellent way for followers of the Way. It is a call to God’s beloved children to walk in holiness and love as imitators of God in Christ.
To ponder! What does it mean to be salt in an unsavoury environment and light in a dark world?
Bible Challenge: Day 6
Reading: Genesis 6 & Matthew 6
If yesterday, in Genesis 5, we read of the generations from Adam to Noah through Seth, today, tragically, our theme in chapter 6 is degeneration and depravity leading to judgement. We discover that there was a decrease in lifespan towards the close of that era. The length of time of the pre-flood world is evidence that God is long-suffering and gracious. And yet the world turned its back on God and his way of faith, hope, and love and embraced evil which reached its zenith in the days of Noah. Noah, however, stood out like a burning candle in the dark, as a man of faith, righteousness, and integrity. God called him to build an ark for himself and his family. He was about to judge and condemn the wicked world in a flood but would preserve them for a fresh start.
In Matthew 6, the Lord Jesus teaches his people to similarly exemplify the righteous or godly life. That is, the life of holiness and happiness. We are here taught about humility and honesty, about our relationship with and reliance on God, and about our need to have confidence in his word and be committed to him. Here we are taught how to pray and practice the faith. Here we learn about forgiveness and fellowship. Here our Lord and Saviour implicitly communicates the way of faith, hope, and love.
To ponder! Do we follow the way of the Lord or the way of the world?
Bible Challenge: Day 7
Reading: Genesis 7 & Matthew 7
Genesis 7 records the story of The Flood and of Noah and his family’s deliverance by God’s grace from the waters of judgment. It is a story that we are all familiar with. Noah and his family, the ark and the animals are the staple of Sunday school stories, artwork, and songs. They were preserved by God’s mercy for a new start in the post-Flood world. It is worth noting, nevertheless, that God instructed Noah, provided the means of escape, and shut them in (v.16). Noah, we might say was saved by grace through faith, and his household. The ark in this regard acts as a metaphor that foreshadows the salvation and new creation that is to be found in Jesus Christ. As Augustine of Hippo once rightly wrote: ‘the New was in the Old concealed. The Old is in the New revealed!’
In Matthew 7 the Lord Jesus warns us against the folly of hypocrisy. He reminds us that we are not simply to talk the talk, but we are to walk the walk. We are called to acknowledge and accept God’s authority. We are to seek God. We are to bring our needs and the needs of others before him in prayer. We are to invoke his name, implore his grace, intercede for others. We are to listen and learn that we might apply his Word. This is how we do the will of our Father in heaven. This is what it means for follow Jesus. We are to eschew gullibility and exercise wisdom. We are to build our lives on a stable and secure foundation. The Christian call is to faithfulness and fruitfulness. This is God’s will for our lives. Jesus is our ark! We are signed and sealed in him for eternal security.
To ponder! Are we building our lives upon the Rock?
Bible Challenge: Day 8
Reading: Genesis 8 & Matthew 8
In Genesis 8 we read of God’s amazing grace in the abatement of The Flood, and the fresh start provided to Noah and his family, and of God’s promise to never so judge the earth. Here we encounter God’s command or commission to be faithful and fruitful and fill his creation. And yet, unlike the original Paradise which was lost or the new heavens and earth that is still to come, we are taught that this world continues in a fallen state. And that is why faith and repentance must be a way of life.
In Matthew 8 we are taught that God is with us in his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. He is our Helper and Healer in this fallen world with its trials and troubles, worries and woes. God is with us and for us in Jesus. He will never leave us, nor forsake us in the storms of life. Rather he calls us to place our faith in him and follow him. He is Lord and Saviour.
To ponder! Faith not only routes us to but roots us in Jesus. Do we have this grace of faith?
Bible Challenge: Day 9
Reading: Genesis 9 & Matthew 9
In Genesis 9 we read of God’s commission and covenant to Noah and his descendants which was signed and sealed in the rainbow. Here we are taught about God’s provision and promise, and about man’s dominion and dignity in this fallen world. While the image and likeness of God in man has been stained and sullied by sin it nevertheless remains. And so, we read of the introduction of the ultimate punishment for those guilty of wilful murder. Here moreover we are instructed about Noah’s folly, and the resultant curse on Canaan and blessing on Shem which will have great significance for their posterity, as we shall see later in the Bible.
In Matthew 9 the Lord Jesus continues to heal, preach, and teach in the region of Galilee. Here he further reveals his authority, power, care, and compassion for the good of fallen humanity. Here we read of his effectual call to Matthew who will become a faithful disciple and apostle in the New Testament church. Jesus came to save sinners and to exemplify love for God and neighbour. His name literally means ‘God saves’, and Jesus is the Saviour of the world. Here we are therefore taught about the importance of forgiveness, faith, and of what it means to follow Jesus as true image bearers of God. We are here reminded of our need of and reliance upon God’s saving grace which is ours in and through Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. Herein the Gospel, the Good News, that God calls us to believe and bear witness to for Love’s sake.
To ponder! How do we follow Jesus?
Bible Challenge: Day 10
Bible Reading: Genesis 10 & Matthew 10
Genesis 10 charts the descendants of Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth after The Flood. God had commanded man to multiply and so fill the earth and here we have the compliance of Noah’s posterity. Here we read of growth and development of different languages, clans, and nations through time. And here an implicit explanation for the advancement of distinct and different cultures and customs. Understanding these developments helps us better grasp the significance of the story about the Tower of Babel tomorrow, and passages like Revelation 7:9 which describes the church triumphant as a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands (Rev.7:9).
Matthew 10 marks the founding of the New Testament Church in Jesus’ choice and call of twelve men, which has it antecedent and parallel in the twelves patriarchs and tribes that comprised Israel in the Old Testament era as we shall see in the weeks to come. They are given a delegated and unique authority from the Lord Christ as specially trained by him and as eyewitnesses of his earthly ministry, passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. Here they are given their first mission to proclaim the Kingdom of Love to the children of Israel. The Lord Jesus forewarns them of the cost of service to God and humanity. The Good News will not only divide opinion but will encounter vociferous and violent opposition and oppression by some opponents of God’s Christ. Jesus urges his followers to fear not and be faithful to be fruitful. He is with them. Their help is in the name of the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. Rich will be their reward.
To ponder: What does it mean to take up our cross and follow Christ?
Bible Challenge: Day 11
Bible Reading: Genesis 11 & Matthew 11
Genesis 11 records the foolish and futile resistance and rebellion to God’s command to go fill the earth and multiply. It is implied that a sizeable number of Noah’s posterity wilfully defied God. They united in the capital city of Babel and built an impressive and imposing tower that reached into the heavens. The Tower of Babel was a symbol of their pride, power, and defiance. Their words “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…” have their parallels in the words of the serpent and ‘you will be like God’ in chapter 3 or in the account of Lucifer found in Isaiah 14: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 15 But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.” Consequently, God dispersed them and confused their language so that they no longer communicated and so acted conceitedly in concert. The remainder of the chapter records and introduces us to Shem’s descendant, Abram, whose story begins in chapter 12.
In Matthew 11 we find confirmation that Jesus is the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy and hence of God’s promise and faithfulness. John the Baptist was the forerunner who came to prepare the way for the coming of Messiah. Jesus is God’s ‘Christ’ (Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah), the Son of the woman foretold in Genesis 3, the Son of God, the Word made flesh. John was the culmination and greatest of the Old Testament prophets who heralded the dawn of the New Covenant age. The Lord Jesus also teaches his people about the fickleness of popular opinion and the foolishness of those who reject God’s Christ and who will ultimately regret their decision. The Lord Jesus here explains that he alone reveals the Father and is the way to the Father. He bids all come to him for rest which includes reconciliation, redemption, and renewal. All are invited to believe, be, and belong in and through him whose yoke is easy and burden light.
To ponder! What does it mean to come to Jesus?
Bible Challenge: Day 12
Bible Reading: Genesis 12 & Matthew 12
Genesis 12 records God’s call to Abram to leave his country, kith, and kin and follow God by faith. God is hereby making or renewing his covenant with fallen humanity through Abram and his posterity concerning his Seed. Great is God’s faithfulness. Abram will be the father of Israel through whom God will establish a unique people to reveal himself, his law of love, and humanity’s need of a Saviour. Abram is called to trust and obey God. He must hear and heed God’s promise of blessing in a numerous progeny and a bountiful land and so act upon it. Abram is taught what it means to walk by faith. And so, Abram, along with Sarai his wife, and Lot, his nephew, respond in faith. We read of how Abram set up an altar and worshipped the Lord in the Promised Land. His faith, however, was tested by a famine. It is surely noteworthy that he did not return to his native land for refuge but travelled to Egypt where he prospered under Pharoah’s patronage and protection. There, nevertheless, his faith momentarily failed but God used Abram’s deceit to teach him an important lesson that provoked repentance and a return to the land of Canaan.
In Matthew 12 Jesus reveals himself as Lord of the Sabbath. He corrects the misconceptions and misinterpretations that were common among the religious people of his day. The day of rest Jesus implicitly teaches was given not only to be a holy and happy day but also a day for healing. And therefore, he heals a man with a withered hand in a synagogue on the Sabbath Day. His teaching and action, nevertheless, arouse the enmity of the Pharisees who begin to conspire against him. Jesus reaffirms that he is the One prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 42. And teaches the people about the significance of his person and ministry, and of the need to receive and rest in him whom the Spirit reveals. The Lord Jesus will not only bring justice to the nations, but he will judge the wicked. The children of God, he makes clear, are those that do the will of his Father in heaven. They bear good fruit and walk before God and one another in love.
To ponder! What is the will of our Father in heaven?
Bible Challenge: Day 13
Bible Reading: Genesis 13 & Matthew 13
Genesis 13 reveals Abram’s return to the Land of Promise and of his praising God for his protection, provision, and promise. Abram glorified God and expressed his gratitude to God for his grace and mercy. We also detect God’s providential hand in the separation of Abram and Lot and Lot’s choice of the Jordan Valley to settle in and work. He made his choice based on what he saw. Possibly echoing Adam and Eve in chapter 3 where we read: So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Abram, by contrast, relied on faith and was rewarded by God’s revelation of the land that he and his posterity would inherit, even though the Canaanites and Perizzites still occupied the said territory. Abram settled at Mamre where he established a place to worship the LORD.
Matthew 13 begins with Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and explanation of its meaning. The seed to be sown is the word in scripture concerning the Word Incarnate but not all who hear the word will receive it and go on to show themselves faithful and fruitful by God’s grace. God’s people are called to bear good fruit in loyal and loving service to God and others. There follows the Parables of the Weeds and its explanation. Teaching us that judgement belongs to the Lord, and that he will separate the good from the evil at the end of this age. Until that time the wheat and the tares, the righteous and the unrighteous must live alongside one another in this fallen world. It is a reminder to us that our world is not perfectible and should act as a warning against utopianism. Similarly, in the Parables of the Hidden Treasure, the Pearl of Great Value, and of the Net, Jesus teaches the invaluable and immortal nature of God’s Kingdom which all are invited to pursue and be citizens of by faith in King Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth where people recognise and marvel at his wisdom and wonderful works but who nevertheless reject him due to their unbelief.
To ponder! What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ?
Bible Challenge: Day 14
Bible Reading: Genesis 14 & Matthew 14
Genesis 14 describes a period of tribal hostilities and clan warfare in the region of the Holy Land and the surrounding localities. The kings or territorial rulers had banded together into two hostile camps. Abram’s nephew Lot was taken captive when Sodom was captured, conquered, and pillaged. When Abram is told of Lot’s enslavement and dispossession, he responds by gathering and leading an armed force against King Chedorlaomer and his allies. Abram subsequently defeats Lot’s captors, rescues his nephew and his family, and others, and restores their possessions. He receives a blessing from Melchizedek (meaning King of Righteousness), the King and High Priest of Salem (Peace) in the name of God Most High. Bread and wine are given in thanksgiving and Abram gives a tenth of everything to him. We will later encounter Melchizedek in the Book of Psalms and in the Letter to the Hebrews where he is portrayed as a type of which Christ is the antitype. His person and ministry foreshadow that of the Lord Jesus. Abram declines remuneration or reward from the King of Sodom to avoid any indebtedness. Rather, he is indebted and reliant on God’s amazing grace.
Matthew 14 records the unjust and evil execution of John the Baptist. A victim of Herod the tetrarch’s pride and Herodias’ revengeful and callous cruelty. Jesus’ popularity, nevertheless, continues to grow. Here we find the familiar story of his feeding the five thousand with only five loaves and two fish in a desolate place near Bethsaida on the North-East side of the Sea of Galilee. This episode or event reveals Jesus’ care, compassion, and capability. The uniqueness and power of his person are similarly disclosed when he appears to his terrified disciples as they journey home on the raging, stormy sea. Jesus appears to them walking on the water and uses the incident to teach Peter and the other apostles about their need for faith. It is a faith that looks to, learns from, and leans upon Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Jesus even demonstrates his authority over the wind and the waves, prompting Peter’s confession, ‘truly, you are the Son of God’. The chapter concludes with multitudes of people in the region of Gennesaret bringing their sick loved ones to Jesus to be healed.
To ponder! It’s not so much great faith we require but faith in a great God!
Bible Challenge: Day 15
Bible Reading: Genesis 15 & Matthew 15
Genesis 15 provides an account of God’s covenant with Abram. It is a reaffirmation of God’s promise to him of a great progeny and of a specific land – a land flowing with milk and honey, but a land as yet still occupied by numerous tribes. We note God’s amazing grace in the encounter. God not only takes the initiative, but he makes a unilateral covenant with Abram and his seed. Abram, nevertheless, is called to trust and obey the LORD. Verse 6 records that Abram ‘believed the LORD, and he counted it to him for righteousness.’ He was justified by faith which will have huge significance to New Testament writers as we will see in time. Despite his advanced years and Sarai, his wife is beyond the age for bearing children, they will have a son. God promises Abram a long life and a peaceful death. We note too how God foretells that Abram’s descendants will suffer enslavement for some 400 years in a foreign land but will return to the Land of Promise by God’s mighty grace.
Matthew 15 begins with the Lord Jesus exposing the hypocrisy of Pharisees and scribes who nullified the teaching of God’s word by replacing it with their own commands and traditions. He makes clear that fallen humanity has a heart problem and that no amount of ritual washings and other rites can cleanse a person. ‘For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.’ And that is why in the Old Testament scriptures God promised his people a new heart and a right spirit in the New Covenant which Jesus came to ratify and seal. Jesus then heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman in the district of Tyre and Sidon, whose persistent petitions displayed her faith in him. Anticipating the Great Commission and the Good News to be proclaimed to everyone, we are implicitly taught that Jesus is Lord and Saviour not only of the Jewish people but of the Gentiles too. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. Jesus returns to Galilee where he teaches and heals numerous people who glorify the God of Israel. The chapter concludes with a demonstration of Jesus’ compassion in the feeding of 4000 souls in a desolate place with a mere 7 loaves and a few fishes. The leftovers teach us that God’s grace and goodness are never ending in Jesus.
To ponder! What is communicated by the ‘heart’ in this passage and elsewhere in the Bible? It is not a reference to the physical organ that pumps blood around our bodies per se but is to be taken for the centrality of our beings and the source of our affections, emotions, thoughts, and will.
Bible Challenge: Day 16
Bible Reading: Genesis 16 & Matthew 16
Genesis 16 tells the sorry story of Sarai and Hagar. Sarai realising that she was well past the normal age for conceiving and bearing a child persuaded Abram to father a child with Hagar her servant who would act as a surrogate. We therefore read of Abram’s failure of faith and hence of his compliance and its sad consequences for all concerned. Abram rationalised away faith and God’s promise, momentarily failing to grasp that with God nothing is impossible. And so, Hagar becomes pregnant with Abram’s child and becomes haughty in her relations with Sarai. As a result, Sarai becomes resentful, and Abram turns a blind eye to Sarai’s harsh treatment of Hagar who in turn flees into the wilderness of Shur. In her distress, an angel of the LORD appears to Hagar and tells her to return and submit to her mistress, Sarai. She is to call her son, Ishmael, which mean ‘God hears’. Hagar marvels at God who is all-seeing and all-knowing (omniscient). God promises that her offspring will be numerous. Abram was 86 when he fathered a child by Hagar.
In Matthew 16 Jesus is confronted by Pharisees and Sadducees. They are determined to discredit him. They desire to lay an accusation against him with a view to having him condemned. They demand that Jesus show them a sign from heaven. The Lord Jesus, however, knowing what is in their hearts, refuses to dance to their discordant tune. He tells them that it is ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah’ pointing to his then future death and resurrection. Jesus uses the occasion to warn his disciples to beware of the leaven (sin) of the Pharisees and Sadducees. At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks his disciples who they thought he was. Peter makes his revelatory confession of faith, ‘you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ The Lord Jesus promises to build and empower his church which will triumph over the forces of darkness. Jesus foretells his death and resurrection and rebukes Peter for contradicting him. He provides a brief explanation of what will follow his resurrection with reference to judgement and glory. He tells his disciples that they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him.
To ponder! What does Jesus mean when he calls his people to take up their cross and follow him?
Bible Challenge: Day 17
Bible Reading: Genesis 17 & Matthew 17
In Genesis 17 God reveals himself to Abram who is now 99 years old. God says to him, ‘I am God Almighty, walk before me and be blameless.’ Herein God is reminding Abram that nothing is impossible for God who is all-mighty (omnipotent). Faith believes and responds accordingly. Abram is to walk by faith in the beauty of holiness, trusting and obeying the LORD. God reiterates his covenant promise of a numerous offspring from which nations and kings will come. And God here adds the covenant sign and seal of circumcision for Abram and all male children belonging to his house in their generations. God assures Abram that the time has come for him to father a male child with his wife, Sarai, whom he is to name, Isaac, meaning ‘he laughs’. Recalling Abram’s response to God’s revelation. God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning ‘father of a multitude’, and Sarai’s to Sarah which means princess given her role as mother of a nation in God’s providential plan of redemption for the world.
Matthew 17 begins with the Transfiguration. The Lord Jesus reveals his divine glory to Peter, James, and John on a high mountain. He was ‘transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.’ That Moses and Elijah appear is not only a reminder that our individual identities are not lost at death, but they represent the Law and the Prophets which bear witness to the Lord Christ. The bright cloud is a symbol of God’s presence which was familiar to Old Testament saints and those reared in the scriptures. The apostles hear God the Father re-affirming ‘this is my Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased, listen to him.’ The Lord Jesus tells his disciples to keep the vision to themselves until after his death and resurrection when they will proclaim his person and work near and far. He reaffirms that John the Baptist was the herald who came to prepare the way for him. And he did so in the spirit and manner of Elijah as foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. On returning from the Mount of Transfiguration Jesus is met by adoring crowds. He heals the son of man who was possessed by an evil spirit. and admonishes his followers for their lack of faith. He again foretells his coming death and resurrection. The chapter concludes at Capernaum with Jesus teaching Peter an invaluable lesson about his person and power in the miraculous provision of the drachma tax from a fish’s mouth.
To ponder! ‘The New (Testament) was in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed.’
Bible Challenge: Day 18
Bible Reading: Genesis 18 & Matthew 18
Genesis 18 records the triune God’s appearance to Abraham by the oaks at Mamre. Abraham responds with humility and hospitality. Despite their advanced years, Sarah will have a son to Abraham within the year, whom they are to name Isaac. Eavesdropping at the tent door, Sarah laughs inwardly expressing her incredulity but God aware of her reaction, assures Abraham that he is about to fulfil his promise to him. God further reveals his purpose for Abraham and his descendants, and indeed all called to walk by faith, that they are chosen to ‘keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice’. God, moreover, is about to judge Sodom and Gomorrah for their sin which is described as ‘very grave’. The remainder of the chapter contains Abraham’s intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. He prays that the cities may be spared if but 10 righteous souls be found within their walls! The LORD mercifully consents, but alas…
In Matthew 18, Jesus taking a little child, teaches his disciples about the need for trust and humility in the kingdom of God. The Lord Jesus points out the reality of temptation but warns of the serious consequences of sin. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, he implicitly reminds his followers that God has come not to condemn, but to seek and save the lost. Jesus then communicates the disciplinary procedure if wronged by a fellow Christian. The purpose is restored relationships through confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We note that the church is only involved if the person wronged cannot get redress on his/her own or with witnesses present. The unrepentant are to be treated like non-believers by the church. The chapter concludes with the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant where the Lord teaches the importance of forgiveness and a willingness to forgive those that sin against us when they seek forgiveness. As he taught his people to pray: ‘forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors’. This is the way to restoration and renewal.
To ponder! Why is humility important in the Christian life?
Bible Challenge:
Bible Reading: Genesis 19 & Matthew 19
Genesis 19 tells the story of God’s righteous judgement upon Sodom and Gomorrah for their grave and gross sin. God’s sends two angels to Sodom and Lot persuades them to accept hospitality at his home. While there, men of the city formed a mob and attempted to forcibly gain access to Lot’s home intent on raping his guests, affirming in their very action, God’s verdict on their depravity. Lot’s reaction in his plea to take his daughters instead rightly gives us deep cause for horror and consternation but without condoning his response, it is worth noting the almost sacred obligation to show hospitality and protect guests under one’s roof in the ancient world. And the guests were God’s messengers. The angels respond by blinding and confusing their attackers. They show mercy to Lot and his family who are spared punishment but must immediately flee the city. Permission is given for them to resettle in Zoar. God then destroys the two cities by sulphur and fire. Tragically, Lot’s wife possibly reluctant to leave Sodom, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt, like those poor citizens caught in the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius at Pompeii in AD79. The chapter concludes with the tragic tale of Lot’s drunkenness, the deceit of his two daughters, and his incestuous relations with them and the resultant origins of the Moabites and Ammonites whom we will encounter later in the Old Testament story as enemies of Israel.
Matthew 19 begins by explaining that the Lord Jesus has left Galilee and is now in Judea. He attracts large crowds wherever he goes. He is challenged by Pharisees about marriage and divorce. Jesus reminds them that God instituted marriage at the beginning, and the union of husband and wife is meant to be for life. Divorce, Jesus explains, is a concession to the fallen nature and should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Jesus also explains to his disciples that celibacy is a gift given only to some of his followers. Moreover, he corrects his disciples for rebuking parents who had brought their children to him to bless. For ‘to such belong the kingdom of heaven.’ The chapter concludes with the sad story of a rich young man who approached Jesus and asked ‘what must I do to have eternal life?’ In his response, Jesus is not teaching that salvation is by keeping the Law but rather he points the young man to the Moral Law (The Ten Commandments) which shows how to love God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. While the young man believed that he had kept the law and was consequently good, Jesus shows him on the contrary that he loved his possessions and prosperity, and no doubt the power and position that accompanied them, more than God which is a form of idolatry. Rather than give these things up and follow Jesus, the man leaves full of sorrow. And Jesus uses the occasion to teach his disciples that salvation is of grace. It is a gift to be received rather than a reward to be earned. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jesus promises that God will reward his people for their faith and faithfulness.
To ponder! What are the purposes of the Moral Law?
Bible Challenge: Day 20
Bible Reading: Genesis 20 & Matthew 20
Genesis 20 tells the sorry story of Abraham and King Abimelech. It acts as a warning of the serious consequences that can result when fear triumphs over faith. Abraham’s folly, in other words, endangers the welfare of others. Having failed to learn from his past deception with Pharoah, Abraham, fearing for his life, again persuades Sarah to tell Abimelech, the King of Gerar, that she is his sister rather than his wife. Abimelech takes Sarah to be his wife but before consummating the marriage God appears to Abimelech in a dream. God tells the king, ‘return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.’ Abimelech does so and confronts Abraham with his sinful deception which has brought sterility upon the king’s house. Abimelech nevertheless enriches Abraham and Sarah and grants permission to dwell in the land. Abraham in response intercedes for Abimelech and his household, and God grants his prayerful request.
Matthew 20 begins with the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard. Jesus here reminds his followers about the nature and significance of God’s grace and generosity. ‘So the last will be first, and the first last’. He then for the third time foretells the purpose of his going up to Jerusalem. He will be betrayed, condemned, beaten, crucified, put to death, and yet will rise again. The mother of the apostles, James and John, then makes a request to Jesus that he appoint her sons to prominent positions at his side in his coming kingdom. The Lord Jesus responds by explaining that this gift of position and prestige is not his to give but belongs to the Father’s. He adds that the way to greatness and glory in God’s kingdom is by humility and service. The chapter concludes with Jesus restoring the sight of two blind men outside of Jericho who persistently plead with him to open their eyes. Their faith in who he is as Lord and Son of David is not only revealing but proves richly rewarding. After their sight is restored, they follow Jesus.
To ponder! Grace = God’s riches at Christ’s expense.
Bible Challenge: Day 21
Bible Reading: Genesis 21 & Matthew 21
Genesis 21 charts God’s faithfulness to Abraham and Sarah in the conception and birth of their son, Isaac. Reminding us that God fulfils his promises. His word is trustworthy. Despite their advanced years, the passage reminds us that man’s extremity is but God’s opportunity. Abraham has the covenant sign and seal of circumcision applied to Isaac when he is eight days old in obedience to God’s command. He also holds a great feast when the boy was weaned. Concerned that Hagar and her son to Abraham, Ishmael, pose a considerable threat to Isaac’s welfare and inheritance, Sarah banishes them. In her despair, an angel of the LORD appears to Hagar in the wilderness of Beersheba, provides sustenance and assures her that son will live to be the progenitor of a great nation. The chapter concludes with Abraham’s treaty with Abimelech at Beersheba. There wrongs are righted, restitution is made, and they agree to live in peace and harmony with one another. Abraham there worships the LORD, the Everlasting God.
Matthew 21 begins with an account of the Lord Jesus’ triumphal entry marking the beginning of what has come to be known as Holy Week. King Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a beast of burden in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Crowds line the road, and waving palm branches, a symbol of national identity and victory, they volubly and in unison proclaim, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus, however, has come to suffer and die, and rise again. He understood that his Cross must precede his Crown. He then enters the Temple and provokes a mixture of praise, resentment, and fury, by expelling those that conveniently bought and sold animals and exchanged money therein. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” He proceeds to heal the sick, but the praise lavished on him only makes the chief priests and scribes even more indignant. The following morning on route to the city he curses a fig tree, a symbol of Israel, for its fruitlessness. And uses the occasion to teach his disciples about faith and prayer. Back in the Temple, he is confronted by the religious rulers who demand to know by whose authority he so acts and teaches. Jesus confounds them by asking them a question about the baptism of John. The chapter concludes with Jesus deploying the parables of the Two Sons, and the Tenants to expose the hypocrisy, corruption, and wickedness of the religious establishment who foolishly condemn themselves by their rejection of God’s Christ – the Chief Corner Stone in God’s Church.
To ponder! What sort of fruit does God look for in his people?
Apologies but Storm Corrie left us without electricity and so I could not post this yesterday.
Bible Challenge: Day 22
Reading: Genesis 22 & Matthew 22
In Genesis 22 God tests Abraham’s faith. The patriarch is instructed to offer his son in sacrifice to God on Mount Moriah. Abraham trusts God and complies with his command. However, just as Abraham is about to strike the fatal blow and ritually slaughter Isaac, the child of promise, God intervenes via a heavenly messenger. God provides a substitute in the form of a ram whose horns are caught in a thicket of thorns. Hebrews 11 states that ‘By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back’ (Heb.11:17-19). While many readers concentrate upon, and question the ethics of Abraham’s action, the story’s primary focus lies in God’s gracious provision of a substitute and what is symbolised and typified therein. For Moriah is Calvary. The lamb points us to the Lamb of God who will be sacrificed for the sin of the world. The thicket of thorns possibly points to his crown of thorns reminding us that God’s Christ bore the curse of the Fall on the Cross. Abraham’s faith results in God’s grace and blessing. God makes provision. The chapter concludes with the names of Abraham’s brother, Nahor’s sons.
Matthew 22 begins with Jesus’ Parable of the Wedding Feast which contains an implicit condemnation of the religious authorities and their supporters for their rejection of God’s Christ, King Jesus, and his ways. It communicates God’s gracious invitation to all but also includes a sad reminder that while many are called few are chosen. The same crowds that praised Jesus on his entry to the Holy City will within a few days be baying for his blood and shouting, ‘crucify him, crucify him’. Jesus is then confronted by Pharisees and Herodians conspiring against him. They seek to entrap him with a question of whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, but Jesus confounds them with the sagacity of his reply. Then a group of Sadducees similarly attempt to snare him with a hypothetical and hyperbolic question about a woman that had married seven times. Whose wife they demanded to know would she be in the resurrection? The Sadducees did not believe in resurrection and so their question was anything but a genuine query! Once more Jesus defeats their ruse with his wise response. He goes on to summarise the Moral Law (The 10 Commandments which were originally written on two tablets of stone), in response to the question ‘what is the greatest commandment?’ His response, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself” echoes the teaching of the Old Testament and provides the perfect summary of the two tables of the Law. The first four commandments focus on our relationship with God and the remaining six on our relation to one another. The chapter concludes with the Lord Jesus exposing the theological ignorance and arrogance of his enemies by a simple, yet profound question: “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” How would we respond?
To ponder! Jesus saves us so that we can keep his law of love.
Bible Challenge: Day 23
Bible Reading: Genesis 23 & Matthew 23
Genesis 23 chronicles the death of Sarah and Abraham’s resultant grief and his subsequent negotiations with Ephron, the son of Zohar, and other Hittites concerning a burial plot for Sarah’s remains. Sarah died at Hebron in the land of Canaan which God promised to Abraham for his descendants. She died at the ripe old age of 127. Although greatly respected throughout the land as a ‘prince of God’, Abraham was yet a sojourner and a foreigner. He respectfully secures the field and cave of Machpelah from Ephron which was located to the east of Mamre in the Promised Land. Turning down Ephron’s gift of the land so as not to be indebted to him or any other Hittites, he pays the full 400 shekels of silver market value for the plot. Therein we witness God fulfilling his promise to Abraham and his house or people. God is faithful.
Matthew 23 details the Lord Jesus’s Seven Woes concerning the Scribes and the Pharisees for their failure to practice what they preached. They talked the talk but did not walk the walk! Jesus condemns their haughtiness and hypocrisy, their callousness and conceitedness, their carelessness and corruption, their greed and lack of grace. They are blind guides. Their religion is a cover masking raw calculating ambition and pride. They are misusing and abusing their office for personal gain and glory rather than service to God and the people upon whom they lay heavy burdens. They neither love the LORD nor their neighbour. Jesus’s words are a warning to us all! The chapter concludes with the Lord’s lamentation over Jerusalem and those that wilfully cut themselves off from God’s love gift of salvation in their rejection of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. As the Prophet Hosea lamented, ‘O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself’ (Hos.13:9).
To ponder! He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Bible Challenge: Day 24
Bible Reading: Genesis 24 & Matthew 24
In Genesis 24 Abraham sends a faithful servant back to his homeland and kindred to secure a bride for Isaac, his son. Abraham’s servant consequently travels to Nahor in Mesopotamia and prayed to the LORD to guide him and grant him success in his quest for love’s sake. He specifically asks God, ‘Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.’ And God swiftly answered his prayer when Rebekah, a relation of Abraham’s, does so. The servant bestows gifts upon the young woman, gives thanks to God, and returns with her to her father’s home. There they are met by Laban, her brother. Abraham’s servant explains the purpose of his visit and subsequently Bethuel, Rebekah’s father, and Laban agree that she should accompany the servant back to Hebron to be Isaac’s wife. Rebekah gives her consent. Gifts are bestowed upon the family. God is praised. And joyous hospitality follows. The following day Rebekah and the servant travel back to the Land of Promise and are providentially met by Isaac who takes Rebekah to be his wife and loves her dearly.
In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus foretells the coming destruction of the Temple and the end of the Old Testament age. Not one stone will be left standing upon another. And that is what happened within a generation (AD 70) as Jesus had said. His disciples ask him “when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” The remainder of the chapter therefore contains Jesus’ response. He forewarns his followers that imposters will come, that they will face dangers, tribulations, and persecution in a chaotic and convulsive world. But they are to remain faithful and proclaim his gospel near and far. Jesus tells his disciples that when they see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the Prophet Daniel standing in the holy place they must immediately flee to the mountains for their lives. The coming of the Son of Man will herald seismic religious and political change which the Lord Jesus frames in Old Testament apocalyptic imagery and symbol which was familiar to his hearers. Jesus concludes by telling his followers that the exact timing of these events is the preserve of the Father and that they must remain alert, vigilant, and devoted.
To ponder! ‘…I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’’ (Isa.46:9-10).
Bible Challenge: Day 25
Bible Reading: Genesis 25 & Matthew 25
Genesis 25 begins with a record of the children that Abraham fathered with Keturah after Sarah’s death. His inheritance nevertheless went to Isaac, the child of promise. Abraham died at the ripe old age of 175, and his remains were laid to rest with due decorum by his sons, Isaac and Ishmael, alongside Sarah’s in the cave at Machpelah, east of Mamre. God blessed Isaac who settled at Beer-lahai-roi. There follows a list of the sons of Ishmael who ‘settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyria.’ The chapter then focuses on the birth of Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Esau and Jacob. God tells Rebekah, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” Esau was born first with Jacob clutching his heel. Esau grew to become a skilled hunter while his brother displayed a more homely and reserved character. We are told that Isaac loved Esau because of the game he brought home while Rebekah loved Jacob. The chapter concludes with Esau, exhausted from a hunt, selling his birthright to his brother for a boll of stew which caused deep and lasting resentment. His descendants, the Edomites will show themselves enemies of Israel.
In Matthew 25 the Lord Jesus continues to teach his disciples of the need to remain ever faithful and watchful. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, he compares 5 wise virgins who were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom with 5 foolish ones who were caught unready when he returned and were subsequently shut out of his kingdom. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus similarly taught his followers of the need to be fruitful as well as faithful. Christians are to use the gifts and graces that God has bestowed upon them for the glory of God, and for the good and growth of themselves and others. In this parable those who had been given 5 and 2 talents prove productive with what they had received returning an additional 5 and 2 talents respectively. They in turn each hear the welcoming words of their master: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ By contrast, the servant given 1 talent entertained harsh thoughts of his master and therefore buried it returning nothing for his master’s investment. Consequently, he is cast out as a worthless servant. The chapter concludes with the Lord Jesus’ teaching on the Final Judgement. He will then sit upon his throne and judge the world in righteousness. He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The righteous will inherit eternal life, while the wicked will go into eternal punishment. Hence, he powerfully reminds his followers of the need for a faith that works through love.
To ponder! For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love (Gal.5:6).
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control… (Gal.5:22-23).
Bible Challenge: Day 26
Bible Reading: Genesis 26 & Matthew 26
Genesis 26 begins by telling us that there was a famine in the days of Isaac which compelled him to seek sanctuary from Abimelech, the King of Gerar. There the LORD appeared to him and bid him remain in that land rather than take refuge in Egypt. God restates the covenant that he made with Abraham and promises to bless Isaac and his posterity who will receive the land for their inheritance. Like father, like son! Fearing for his life, Isaac tells his host that Rebekah his wife is his sister. Thankfully, providence ensures that no harm ensues, and Isaac is later compelled to confess his folly to King Abimelech. Isaac worked the land, the LORD blessed him, and he prospered. He gained flocks and herds and many servants, and the Philistines grew to envy and fear him. Asked to leave the land of the Philistines he settled in the Valley of Gerar but a dispute required him to move again until he came to Rehoboth. For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” The LORD again appeared to him. This time at Beersheba where God once more reassures him and reiterates his promise. There Isaac digs a well and builds an altar to worship the LORD and give thanks for God’s faithfulness and goodness. King Abimelech visits Isaac and they make a treaty for their mutual peace and prosperity. The chapter concludes by informing us that when Esau was 40 years old, he married two Hittite (Canaanite) wives who were to prove a source of bitterness to Isaac and Rebekah.
In Matthew 26 the conspiracy of the religious authorities to kill Jesus intensifies and reaches a climax at the High Priest’s palace. The Lord tells his disciples that his betrayal is imminent and that he will be crucified. He is anointed with expensive ointment for his death and burial by a woman at the home of Simon the former leper at Bethany which was a short distance from Jerusalem. Judas Iscariot visits the chief priests and egregiously agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus shares the Passover meal with his disciples in an Upper Room in the Holy City that was prepared for the occasion. There he informs them that one of them is about to betray him. He identifies Judas Iscariot whom we are told elsewhere flees into the darkness. Jesus then institutes the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for his followers to keep them focussed and feasting by faith on his person and saving work - his body and blood. After singing a hymn, (Psalms 113-118 were sung at the Passover), Jesus and his disciples make for the Mount of Olives where he tells them they will shortly scatter traumatised and fearful. He responds to Peter’s rebuttal by telling him that he will deny knowing him three times before the rooster crows.
At Gethsemane, Jesus says to his disciples, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” He then earnestly prays: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Three times his disciples fail to keep watch, but the hour of his passion has arrived along with his betrayer. Judas Iscariot appears with armed members of the Temple Guard and betrays the Lord with a kiss. Peter draws his sword to defend Jesus from the soldiers, but the Lord forbids him. Making clear that this is God will. The scriptures must be fulfilled. His disciples flee. Jesus is violently seized and taken to the palace of the High Priest where the Council is hastily convened contrary to the Jewish law. False testimony is given against him but to no avail, compelling the High Priest to intervene: “I adjure you by the living God,” he cries, “tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” At Jesus’ response the High Priest tears his robes and denounces him as a blasphemer. The Council readily concurs and calls for Jesus to be put to death. They spit upon him and beat him in their hatred and inhumanity. Peter, sitting in the courtyard outside is identified by a servant girl as one of Jesus’ disciples. Afraid, three times he denies knowing Jesus before the rooster crows. Recalling Jesus’ words, he flees and weeps bitterly.
To ponder! For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes (1Cor.11:23-26).
Bible Challenge: Day 27
Bible Reading: Genesis 27 & Matthew 27
Genesis 27 outlines the deceit played on Isaac and Esau by Rebekah and Jacob and its considerable consequences. Isaac is now in his dotage; his eyesight is very poor, and his health is failing. He is conscious that death cannot be far off. He asks Esau, his eldest son to go and hunt him game and prepare a delicious meal which he will consume before giving his blessing to Esau as his successor. Rebekah, however, was within earshot and hatches a devious plan to supplant Esau and ensure that Jacob receives the blessing instead. She persuades Jacob to take two young goats from their flock and prepare a meal for Isaac. Because Esau possessed hair on the back of his hands, arms, and neck, she takes the hides of the slaughtered animals with their hair, prepares them appropriately and places them on Jacob. Isaac somewhat confused, while hearing Jacob’s voice is convinced that it is Esau after touching the hair on the back of his hands. He subsequently falls for their ruse and gives his blessing to Jacob thinking it was Esau. “May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” On Esau’s return the deception is exposed but the blessing has been given and cannot be revoked. Esau in a rage, pledges that he will kill Jacob in revenge after his father’s death. Rebekah is informed and convinces Jacob to flee and find refuge with Laban, her brother, in Haran, until such times as Esau’s desire for vengeance is dissipated. The chapter ends with Rebekah complaining to Isaac about Esau’s wives and expressing her hope that Jacob does not marry a Hittite woman like his brother did.
Matthew 27 begins with Jesus being handed over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, by the religious authorities. Judas Iscariot, overwhelmed with guilt for his betrayal of Jesus returns the 30 pieces of silver he had received to the chief priests and elders and afterwards hangs himself. The money is used to purchase the potter’s field for the burial of strangers. It is subsequently named the Field of Blood after Judas’ betrayal of ‘innocent blood’. Then we read of Jesus’ encounter with the Roman Governor. Jesus is silent before him in fulfilment of Isaiah 53:7. Pilate realises that it was envy that provoked the action and demands of Jesus’ enemies. And his conviction is confirmed by his wife who warns him not to harm Jesus. Therefore, taking advantage of an established custom at the Feast he offers to release a prisoner and gives the crowd the choice between Jesus and Barabbas, a notorious criminal. Prompted by the religious rulers, the crowd choose Barabbas and in a frenzy call for Jesus to be crucified. Pilates washes his hands of the matter and the crowd cry out ‘his blood be on us and on our children.’ Pilate then orders Jesus to be scourged and crucified. He is stripped, mocked, and beaten by the Roman soldiers who dress him in a purple robe and push a crown of thorns into his scalp. Struggling to carry his cross on the Via Dolorosa (the way of suffering) due to the scourging and beatings and resultant loss of blood, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry the cross to Golgotha. Jesus refuses wine mixed with gall to numb his pain and suffering. He is crucified at 9am, the time of the morning sacrifice, and a sign is fixed above his head that mockingly declares ‘This is Jesus, King of the Jews.’ Two criminals are crucified either side of him representing the saved and the unsaved (the wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats) He is decried and derided by the chief priest, scribes and elders standing nearby.
At 12 noon, darkness falls until 3pm, the time of the evening sacrifice. Then Jesus cries aloud ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ as he bears the sin of the world. The he cries out one last time (it is finished, cf. John 19) and yields up his spirit. The Temple of the curtain is torn in two, the earth shakes, and rocks split apart. Dead saints rise from their tombs. A centurion observing all declares, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!’ We are informed that ‘Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee’ have followed Jesus and witnessed the horrific events. Joseph of Arimathea gains permission from Pilate to take, prepare, and bury the body of Jesus in a new tomb that he owned. Jesus is laid therein, and a huge stone is placed in front of the entrance. The chief priests and Pharisees, aware of Jesus’ claims and fearing his disciples might steal his body, get permission from Pilate to seal the stone and station a guard at the entrance to the tomb.
Bible Challenge: Day 28
Bible Reading: Genesis 28 & Matthew 28
Genesis 28 begins with Isaac’s advice to and blessing upon Jacob prior to the latter’s departure for Paddan-aram. Echoing Rebekah, Isaac tells his son not to marry a Canaanite woman but rather he is to go and seek a bride from his mother’s brother, Laban’s daughters. Esau, aware of his father’s advice to and blessing of his brother, marries a daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. The remainder of the chapter tells the story of Jacob’s dream. On route to Haran, Jacob camped and lay down to sleep with a stone for a pillow. While he slept, he dreamed of a ladder that reached into the heavens with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it. And the LORD God revealed himself and renewed the Covenant promise that he had made with Abraham and Isaac with Jacob. When he awakes, Jacob is conscious of God’s presence and declares: “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” Jacob takes the stone he had slept upon, sets it up as a monument and pours oil upon it in a ritual act naming the location Bethel, meaning House of God. He vows to God pledging: “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Matthew 28 documents the triumphant and joyous conclusion to the Lord Jesus’ earthly ministry in his glorious bodily resurrection and his Great Commission to his church. After the Sabbath, early in the morning on the first day of the week (Sunday), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb. They are confronted with an earthquake and then encounter an angel of God who sits upon the stone which had been used to seal the entrance to the tomb. He tells the women that Jesus has risen and shows them the place where his body had been laid. He then commands them to go tell the apostles and other disciples the good news and to make for Galilee where Jesus will meet them. On their way to tell the disciples they meet the risen Jesus whom they worship. On receiving news that Jesus has risen the chief priests bribe members of the guard to say that his disciples had stolen his body. The Gospel ends with Jesus appearing to his apostles and the church on a mountain in Galilee. He declares: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
To ponder! How are we fulfilling Christ’s commission today?
Bible Challenge: Day 29
Bible Reading: Genesis 29 & Mark 1
Genesis 29 tells the story of how Jacob came to marry Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel. Jacob, the deceiver himself is deceived but God will use the ruse, as we will see, to bring to fruition the foundation of a nation that will be the children of Israel. Near to reaching his destination, Jacob stops at a well where flocks of sheep were regularly watered. There he providentially encounters Laban’s youngest daughter, Rachel, and returns with her to her father’s house. Laban warmly receives him and invites him to stay. Jacob falls in love with the beautiful Rachel and asks Laban for her hand in marriage. Laban agrees but insists Jacob must work seven years as the price for his daughter’s hand. At the end of the period Laban throws a feast but dupes Jacob into unknowingly taking Leah, his eldest daughter rather than Rachel in marriage. Jacob is compelled to work another seven years to receive Rachel as his bride too. We are told that Laban gave Zilpah, one of his household servants, to Leah, and Bilhah to Rachel, the significance of which will be revealed later. Jacob favoured Rachel but the LORD took pity on Leah and she bore Jacob, four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, while Rachel remains childless.
Mark 1 commences with the words: ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God’ which succinctly and wonderfully encapsulate the substance of the book. Gospel means good news. This is the good news about Jesus whose name literally means ‘God saves’. He is the son of Mary but also the Son of God – possessing two natures in One glorious person. He is God’s Christ, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah, meaning God’s appointed and anointed Prophet, Priest, and King who was to come in the fulness of time. Mark has no nativity account but begins with the ministry of John the Baptist who was sent as foretold in the Old Testament scriptures to prepare the way for God’s Christ. John called people to repentance and baptism in the River Jordan. He proclaimed the One whose sandal he was not worthy to stoop down to untie, who would baptise with the Holy Spirit. John baptises Jesus and ‘he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Jesus is driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit at the outset of his earthly ministry. He is the second Adam who has come to keep God’s covenant and put right all that was put so badly wrong in the Fall. The wilderness reminds us of the Fall. There Jesus remains faithful to God by resisting Satan’s temptations unlike Adam and Eve at the beginning. After John’s arrest, Jesus calls the people of Galilee to repent and believe the gospel. He calls his first disciples; Simon (Peter) and Andrew, James and John to follow him and become fishers of men. He teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum on a Sabbath Day and heals a man with an unclean spirit. Staying at Peter’s home, he also heals Peter’s mother-in-law who was ill with a fever. Word quickly spreads about Jesus’ remarkable teaching and healing power. Therefore, at sundown, when the Sabbath ends many people are brought to Jesus for healing and crowds gather outside Peter’s home. Before sunrise, next morning, Jesus retires to a quiet place to pray, teaching us the importance of making time for prayer. He then goes throughout Galilee preaching, teaching. and healing. Chapter 1 concludes with Jesus curing a leper who contrary to the Lord’s instruction bears testimony near and far so that Jesus’ popularity rapidly grows and spreads throughout the region.
To ponder! The Christian call is to follow Jesus.
Bible Challenge: Day 30
Bible Reading: Genesis 30 & Mark 2
Genesis 30 continues with the theme of the origins of the children of Israel (Jacob). It begins with Rachel lamenting her barrenness. She persuades Jacob to father surrogate children with her servant, Bilhah. Consequently, the union of Jacob and Bilhah bear two children: Dan and Naphtali. Leah has ceased bearing children and therefore she similarly persuades Jacob to father children with her female servant, Zilpah, resulting in the births of Gad and Asher. Later when Reuben is grown up, he takes mandrakes to his mother Leah. Rachel trades her bed with Jacob to Leah for the mandrakes. Leah subsequently again conceives and bears a further two sons in turn who are named Issachar and Zebulun, and a daughter, Dinah. Then we read ‘God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the LORD add to me another son!” After Joseph’s birth, Jacob demands to be released from his obligation to Laban. The time has come to return home with his sizeable family and household. Laban acknowledges his indebtedness to Jacob and agreement is reached that Jacob will take as his wages the black, speckled, and spotted lambs and goats from Laban’s flock. Laban, however, again attempts to deceive Jacob by removing the said animals from his flock in advance. Jacob nevertheless outsmarts him and leaves the wiser and the wealthier for it.
Mark 2 begins with Jesus’ return to Capernaum. Crowds gather to see and hear Jesus and to have him heal their loved ones. As a result, Peter’s home is full of people. A paralytic man is carried to the house by four friends, but they cannot gain access due to the throng. However, such is their faith in Jesus and their love for their crippled friend that they get access via the roof and lower the paralytic to Jesus who rewards their conviction, confidence, and commitment by healing him. Jesus uses this episode to teach about faith and to reveal the source of his authority and power. Afterwards, near to the seashore, Jesus encounters Levi (Matthew), the son of Alphaeus, a tax collector for the Roman authorities. Tax collectors were despised by the religious for their service to Rome and by the people because they made a fortune by charging interest. Jesus, however, effectually calls Levi to follow him. Later Jesus is confronted by certain scribes of the Pharisees who demand to know why he fellowshipped with sinners and tax collectors? Jesus tells them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Then Jesus gives an explanation as to why his disciples did not fast like the Pharisees or the followers of John the Baptist. He says, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.” The chapter concludes with the Pharisees accusing Jesus and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath. Again, Jesus corrects them by pointing out that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” Thereby revealing his authority and sagacity.
To ponder! Only sinners need a Saviour.
Bible Challenge: Day 31
Bible Reading: Genesis 31 & Mark 3
Genesis 31 continues with the story of Jacob’s departure from Paddan-aram and his uncle Laban. God communicates his will to Jacob in a dream that the time has come for him to return to his kindred and the Land of Promise. Despite being cheated by his uncle ten times, God has providentially provided for Jacob and blessed him with wives and children and prospered him materially. Fearing the acrimony of Laban, Jacob’s flees with his family and livestock only to be pursued by Laban. God warns Laban not to harm Jacob, whom he confronts in the hill country of Gilead. Rachel’s theft of household goods remains undetected. And Jacob and Laban erect a memorial stone and make a covenant (agreement) of mutual peace and goodwill before God. The chapter ends with Laban’s departure after kissing and blessing his grandchildren and daughters.
Mark 3 begins with Jesus in a synagogue on the Sabbath Day asking his religious accusers, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” Their silence, however, betrays their malice and ignorance. Jesus, angered and grieved at the callousness of those that were supposedly spiritual shepherds of God’s people proceeds to heal a man with a withered hand. This provokes the Pharisees into conspiring with Herodians (Hellenistic Jews) to destroy him. Jesus withdraws to the coast and vast crowds from Galilee and Judea and beyond gather to hear him and be healed, declaring “you are the Son of God”. Jesus commands them not to advertise the fact, for the time of his passion was yet to come. Jesus then called his followers to join him on a mountain where he appoints twelve apostles to preach and cast out demons. These men, except for Judas Iscariot, will be the founding fathers or pillars in the New Testament church. They will teach authoritatively of what they have seen and heard from Jesus. On returning home, Jesus is met by adoring crowds, but some members of his family are dismissive of him. Scribes appear and accuse Jesus of being possessed by an evil spirit. He refutes their egregious claim and warns them that ‘whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”’ The chapter closes with Jesus telling a crowd of people that “whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother”. What is the will of God but to believe on Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, whom the Father sent. In him, we receive the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, ‘Abba, Father’.
To ponder! In and through Jesus we become the beloved children of God and are called to walk before him and one another in love.
Bible Challenge: Day 32
Bible Reading: Genesis 32 & Mark 4
Genesis 32 sets the scene for Jacob’s reunion with Esau his brother after his grave betrayal of him some twenty years previously. Jacob encounters angels of God on route and names the place, Mahanaim, meaning ‘this is God’s camp’. Jacob sends messengers ahead to his brother in Edom in the hope of gaining his acceptance and approval. On hearing that Esau was on his way to meet him, Jacob fears the worst and takes the precaution of dividing his household, possessions, and livestock. He prays to God for deliverance, pleading God’s grace and mercy. And then sends servants ahead with a substantial gift of livestock in the hope of appeasing his brother. That night Jacob crosses the Jabbok with Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, Bilhal, and their children. Alone, he strives with God in prayer. We read that he wrestled with a man until the breaking of day. The man is to be taken for a Theophany or Christophany, an Old Testament revelation of the pre-incarnate Son. He puts Jacob’s hip out of joint but Jacob refuses to let him go until he blesses him. Jacob is renamed ‘Israel’ because he had striven with God and with men and prevailed. Jacob names the place Peniel saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”
In Mark 4, the Lord Jesus teaches from a boat a great crowd gathered by the seashore. He begins with the Parable of the Sower and tells the people that the seed is sown liberally but it only bears fruit in good soil, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold and some hundredfold. He afterwards explains the purpose of his teaching in parables and the meaning of this actual one. The seed sown is the word (the gospel). Some immediately reject it. Others receive it joyfully but when faced with trials and troubles quickly fall away. While some prefer the things of this world more than the Christ who is proclaimed therein. However, many accept it, and are productive and prosper. Jesus then goes on to remind his disciples of the purpose of their call. That is, of their need to utilise their gifts and graces to be faithful and fruitful. And this teaching he reinforces in the parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed. The Kingdom of God is like the seed sown. It grows in stages or order, often imperceptibly but then it is evident, until eventually comes the harvest. The mustard seed is tiny and yet it grows into a sizeable tree and so it is with the kingdom of God. The chapter concludes with Jesus and his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee when a storm arises. His disciples are terrified and call to Jesus who is sleeping in the stern. ‘“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”’
To ponder! “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Bible Challenge: Day 33
Bible Reading: Genesis 33 & Mark 5
Genesis 33 records the reunion of Jacob and his brother Esau, whom he had robbed of his birth right and blessing many years past. Jacob, seeing his brother approaching with 400 men, and fearful for his life and the lives of his wives and children, divides his family and servants between Leah and Rachel, hoping that in the event of an attack some may escape. Rachel and Joseph are possibly last on account of Jacob’s favouritism. On Esau’s arrival, Jacob bows down to the ground seven times to show contrition. Esau, however, unexpectedly, embraces his brother, kisses him, and weeps with emotion. Jacob’s family courteously introduce themselves and bow before Esau. Jacob then presents gifts which Esau initially refuses but is persuaded to accept by his relieved brother. They part company. Esau heads back to Seir while Jacob firstly settles at Succoth. Finally, he makes his way to Shechem in the Land of Promise, where he purchases a plot of land from the sons of Hamor. There he pitches his tent and builds at altar to give praise to the God of Israel.
In Mark 5 Jesus and his disciples have crossed the Sea of Galilee to the land of the Gerasenes. There he encounters a man possessed by evil spirits and who had consequently been ostracised from Gerasene society. He had been forced to live among the tombs at a local burial ground. He had often been shackled and chained but had repeatedly broken his bonds. Evidently, people were afraid of this poor soul who endlessly cried out and cut himself. ‘And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.”’ Jesus commands the evil spirit/s whose name is Legion (meaning many) to come out of the man. The evil spirits are banished to nearby pigs who rush down the hillside into the sea and are drowned. The herdsmen fled to the city and told the people what had happened. They in turn gather to see the former demon possessed man, sitting, clothed, and in his right mind and they are amazed and afraid. Remarkably, they appear to place a higher premium on the financial loss of the pigs rather than the miraculous healing, and they plead with Jesus to leave their country. The man who had been healed and made whole asks to accompany Jesus, but the Lord tells him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” The man therefore travelled throughout the Decapolis (10 cities in the region) telling others what Jesus had done for him and all marvelled.
On returning to Capernaum, Jesus is met by Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue who implores him to heal his daughter who is near to the point of death. On route to Jairus’s home, crowds throng Jesus and a woman who had been haemorrhaging blood for many years reaches out in faith and touches Jesus’ garment. She is immediately healed. Jesus identifies the woman and says: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Just then, one of Jairus’s servants appears with the sad news that his daughter has died, but Jesus, overhearing, says, “Do not fear, only believe.” Jesus, takes Peter, James, and John to the house where they are met with people mourning the loss of the young girl. Jesus assures them that the child is not dead but sleeping. He then takes her parents into the room and taking the child by the hand says to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately, the girl arises and gets to her feet to the amazement, relief, and unmitigated joy of all. Jesus bids them not to advertise the miracle and to give the girl something to eat.
To ponder! Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Ps.133:1).
Bible Challenge: Day 34
Bible Reading: Genesis 34 & Mark 6
Genesis 34 concerns the rape of Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob and Leah, and the resultant violent revenge of her brothers. She was raped by Shechem, the son of Hamor, the Hivite. He was a prosperous and powerful figure and is described as a prince in the land. Desirous of Dinah, he forcefully seized, defiled, and humiliated her. And afterwards, besotted, seeks her hand in marriage. Jacob when told, initially holds his peace but his sons when they hear the news are indignant and enraged. Hamor approaches Jacob and his sons with a view to securing Dinah as a wife for Shechem. He offers a substantial bride-price in return. Additionally, he seeks a general agreement that would allow marriages between the children of Israel and the Hivites (Canaanites). The sons of Jacob contrive to agree on the condition that all the Hivite males are circumcised. Three days after the Hivites are circumcised and still recovering from the painful procedure, Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, slaughter them all, including Hamor and Shechem, the rapist. They plunder the city and appropriate the livestock. Jacob when told fears the vengeance of other Canaanites and Perizzites living in the region, but Simeon and Levi remain unrepentant.
In Mark 6 Jesus has travelled to his hometown of Nazareth and is teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day. The people are astonished at his teaching and wisdom. And yet aware of his background and knowing his family they take offense and reject him. They thereby fulfil the adage that ‘familiarity breeds contempt’! Jesus responds by saying that “A prophet is not without honour, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Marvelling at their unbelief, he departs and teaches in the nearby villages. He then sends out the twelve apostles with authority to preach repentance, cast our evil spirits, and heal. They are to travel in pairs and rely on God’s grace for provision. Jesus is hereby preparing them for the Great Commission prior to his ascension. Meanwhile, Herod, when he hears of Jesus’ ministry fears that Jesus is John the Baptism risen from the dead. Herod had John imprisoned and executed to satiate Herodias, his wife’s murderous hunger for revenge after John had condemned their adulterous relationship.
After the disciples return to Jesus, they seek rest in a desolate place. However, such was Jesus growing popularity that their location was soon known, and large crowds gathered. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach them. When the hour is late and the people are hungry, Jesus has compassion on them and miraculously feeds 5000 with five loaves and two fishes. ‘And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish.’ The twelve baskets symbolise the 12 tribes that comprise the children of Israel, indicate that there is an abundance of grace in Jesus for all the Israel of God. Jesus then dismisses the crowd and sends his disciples to Bethsaida by boat ahead of him while he retires to pray. While making a difficult crossing against wind and tide, a violent storm arises between 3am and 6am, leaving the disciples greatly afraid. However, Jesus appears to them walking on the water. He reassures them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” He joins them and the raging winds and torrential waves cease, leaving his followers astounded by his authority and actions. On making land in the region of Gennesaret, Jesus is thronged by crowds. He travels throughout that region teaching and healing the sick.
To ponder! Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[i] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom.12:19).
Bible Challenge: Day 35
Bible Reading: Genesis 35 & Mark 7
Genesis 35 begins with God’s command to Jacob to move to Bethel with his family. This was the place where he had encountered God when he had fled from his brother, Esau. There he is to settle and build an altar to worship the LORD. Jacob obeys God but prior to setting off, he buries the foreign gods (idols) that members of his family had accumulated next to a Terebinth tree close to Shechem. These likely included the idols that Rachel had stolen and hidden from her father. God judged and distracted the surrounding peoples who might have hampered Jacob and his household’s departure. On arriving at Bethel, Jacob and his family worship God. Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, dies shortly thereafter and is buried under an oak tree. God appears to Jacob again reminding him of the significance of his change of name to Israel. God renews his Covenant with Jacob and his progeny. Jacob and his heirs, in turn, are to be faithful and fruitful. Rachel gives birth to Benjamin after a complicated labour and sadly dies shortly afterwards. She is buried on the way to Ephrath which is Bethlehem. Then follows a list of Jacob’s twelves sons. The chapter concludes with Jacob’s reunion with his elderly father, Isaac, at Mamre, and the latter’s death shortly thereafter. He is buried by his sons, Jacob and Esau.
In Mark 7 Jesus is again accosted by Pharisees and Scribes who demand to know why his disciples were failing to keep the religious traditions and rites of their forebears. Their accusation has reference to the ritual washings that were a regular feature of Pharisee piety. Jesus condemns their hypocrisy citing God’s word from the Book of Isaiah. He tells them “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” He points out to his detractors that they placed a higher premium on their traditions than they did on God’s word. Indeed, they made void the word of God by their traditions. And he gives an example to prove his point. He then calls the people to him and explains to them that the cleansing that God requires and works in people by his grace is internal rather than external. Defilement lies within rather than out-with. “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Jesus then travels to the land of Tyre and Sidon where a Gentile woman pleads with him to remove an evil spirit and heal her daughter. While Jesus’ earthly ministry was primarily to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (the Jewish people), the Syrophoenician woman’s faith and persistence are rewarded. She returns home to find the demon gone from her child. The chapter ends with Jesus in the region of the Decapolis. A deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus to be healed. The Lord ‘put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.’ Jesus charges the man and those with him not to proclaim his healing power, but they defiantly and enthusiastically spread the word near and far. And more people marvel at God’s grace in Jesus.
To ponder! ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Ps.119:105).
Bible Challenge: Day 36
Bible Reading: Genesis 36 & Mark 8
Genesis 36 contains a genealogical record of Esau’s descendants. Jacob’s brother, you will recall, married two Canaanite women and a daughter of Ishmael. With them he fathered five sons and prospered in the land of Canaan. However, after Jacob’s return from Haran with a large household and sizeable flocks of livestock to pasture, familial and territorial considerations compelled Esau to move and settle in the land of Seir which is Edom. There his family grew and flourished. And the remainder of the chapter lists the generations of Esau and their dwelling places. From Esau descended chiefs and kings of Edom.
Mark 8 begins with Jesus having compassion of another great crowd of people who were hungry having been with him three days. Jesus takes seven loaves and a few fishes and feeds a multitude numbering four thousand. All ate and were satisfied and seven baskets full were left over. Again, symbolising the abundance of grace in Christ for Gentiles, as well as Jews. Afterwards, Jesus and his disciples travel to the region of Dalmanutha. There he is confronted by argumentative Pharisees who demand a sign from heaven from him. The Lord tells them that no such sign would be given to that generation. On the other side of the Sea of Galilee, he tells his disciples to beware of the leaven (sin) of the Pharisees and Herodians. And he asks then if they understood the significance of the twelve and seven baskets full of bread and fish left over after he had fed the five thousand and four thousand respectively.
At Bethsaida, Jesus heals a blind man. This functions as an acted parable. For Jesus opens the eyes of the understanding of his followers. Jesus is teaching them in word and by example. At Caesarea Philippi in response to his question “Who do people say that I am?”, Peter professes ‘you are the Christ.’ ‘Christ’ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew ‘Messiah’, having reference to God’s appointed and anointed Prophet, Priest, and King foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus tells him to keep this knowledge to himself for now and then proceeds to inform his followers that the Son of Man ‘must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.’ He goes on to rebuke Peter for contradicting him. The chapter concludes with Jesus teaching a crowd that included his disciples. He says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life[ will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” He warns them that those that are ashamed of him and who reject him, he will similarly reject when he comes in the glory of his Father with his holy angels.
To ponder! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.
Bible Challenge: Day 37
Bible Reading: Genesis 37 & Mark 9
The primary focus of Genesis 37 is Jacob’s youngest son, Joseph. We are taught that Jacob loved him best and showed him favouritism. He presented him with a robe of many colours to the envy of his other sons. Joseph in turn was aloof and supercilious which he displayed in the bad report he gave to his father of his stepbrothers. Such behaviour only added to their resentment of him. Joseph had a dream in which their sheaves bowed down to his one. He then shared it with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, who understanding the symbolism therein that they should serve him were indignant. He then had another dream in which the sun, moon, and stars similarly bowed before him. Again, he shared it with his father and brothers who understood what the figurative language meant. Consequently, his father rebuked him. ‘Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?”’ Moreover, his brothers’ jealousy and resentment intensified. Later Joseph is sent by Jacob to seek out his brothers who were pasturing the flocks near Shechem. He finally locates them at Dothan. When his brothers saw him approaching, they conspired to kill him, but Reuben’s intervention saved Joseph’s life. Instead, they stripped him of his multi-coloured robe and threw him into a pit. Just then a caravan of Ishmaelites passed by on their way to Egypt with gum, balm, and myrrh to trade. Judah persuaded his brothers to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites from whom they received 20 shekels of silver in return. They took Joseph to Egypt. Joseph’s brothers returned to their father with Joseph’s bloodied robe and cruelly tell Jacob that Joseph was devoured by a wild animal. Jacob is grief-stricken and inconsolable. Meanwhile, the Midianites have sold Joseph to Potiphar who was a leading officer in Pharaoh’s army.
Mark 9 begins with the Transfiguration of Jesus. The Lord takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain and there he reveals his divine glory. Moses and Elijah appear before him, representing the Law and the Prophets which point to Christ. And the Father’s voice is heard from the glory cloud “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Afterwards, Jesus commands his apostles to tell no one what they had seen and heard until after his death and resurrection. He then answers a question about an Old Testament prophecy about the coming of Elijah, who would prepare the way for Messiah. Jesus explains that he did come, referring to John the Baptist. Jesus then admonishes his followers for their lack of faith after they had failed to cast out an unclean spirit from a child.
He tells them, ‘All things are possible for one who believes.” At that the father of the child cries out in desperation, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus, compassionately, casts out the evil spirit and presents the boy healed and whole to his father. He tells his disciples that such evil spirits can only be banished by prayer, reminding them of their dependency on God’s grace and power.
Jesus then again foretells his betrayal, death, and resurrection. On returning to Capernaum, Jesus asks his disciples what they had been arguing about on the road. Knowing that they had been disputing over who was the greatest, Jesus ends their silence by teaching them an important lesson about greatness in his kingdom. He tells them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” He then takes a child and says, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” He makes clear that the Christian call is to humble, faithful, and loving service. Answering the Apostle John who had been disturbed to see and hear a man casting our demons in Jesus’ name, Jesus tells him that those who are not against him are for him. The chapter concludes with the Lord Jesus warning his followers of the seriousness of sin and its grave consequences. He tells them to be salt of the earth and to be at peace with one another.
To ponder! Prayer is impotence crying out to Omnipotence.
Bible Challenge: Day 38
Bible Reading: Genesis 38 & Mark 10
Genesis 38 tells the salacious story of Judah and Tamar and reads something like a Hollywood Movie script. Judah fathered three sons, Er, Onan, and Shelah. When Er reached adulthood, Judah chose Tamar as a suitable wife for his eldest son. Er, however, was wicked and the LORD put him to death. We are not expressly told that he had mistreated Tamar, but it seems likely given the judgement that came upon him. She was childless when she became a widow. Therefore, Judah told Onan, “Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” This ancient tradition known as Levirate Marriage was later enshrined in Jewish Law (Deut. 25:5-10). It was designed to protect inheritance rights and provide for widows. Onan understanding that the child would not be his in a legal sense deceived Tamar and his father. Consequently, the LORD also put him to death. Judah therefore tells Tamar to return to her father’s house and wait for his youngest son, Shelah, to come of age. Given the deaths of his two other sons, Judah, however, was naturally reluctant to recall Tamar when Shelah reached the age of maturity.
Sometime after Judah’s wife died, he travelled with his friend, Hirah, the Adullamite, to Timnah, to shear his sheep. Tamar, smarting over the fact the Shelah had grown up but had not given his hand to her in marriage, exchanged her widow’s garments for a veil and awaited Judah at the entrance to Enaim which was on route to Timnah. Judah, thinking she a prostitute solicited sex from her. She agreed for the cost of a young goat but insisted that Judah should pledge his signet, cord, and staff until she received payment. Tamar thereby conceived a child by Judah. When Judah sends his friend back to Enaim with the young goat to exchange for his pledge, he returns with the news that there was no prostitute there. They agree to keep the matter secret to save face. Three months later Judah discovers that Tamar is pregnant. He is outraged and demands that she be put to death for immorality. Tamar, however, sends Judah’s signet, cord, and staff back to him and asks that he identify them. Judah is exposed and ashamed and declares, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” Tamar’s life is spared. She has twin boys named Perez and Zerah who struggled together to be born first. From the former’s line will come David and eventually his son and Lord.
Mark 10 begins with the Lord Jesus in the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Crowds have gathered and some Pharisees seeking to discredit him ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus directs them to the Law of Moses and points out that at the beginning God meant marriage for life. ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’’ Divorce he insists, is evidence of hardness of heart. It is a consequence of the Fall and the fallen nature and is therefore permitted in exceptional circumstances. Jesus next rebukes his disciples for preventing parents from bringing their children to him to bless. “To such”, he says, “belong the Kingdom of God”. Then comes a rich young man wanting to know what he must do to inherit eternal life. He did not understand that salvation is of grace. Jesus points him to the Law but exposes thereby his love of money. He loved his wealth and the possessions, prestige, and power that came with it more than God. Disheartened, he goes on his way sorrowful. And Jesus teaches his followers how difficult it is to enter the Kingdom of God because no one can perfectly and perpetually keep the Law (except One!). “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Salvation is of grace. It is a gift from God in Jesus, the Christ. The Lord Jesus goes on to teach his disciples that they will nevertheless be rewarded for their faith and faithfulness. “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Jesus then for the third time foretells his betrayal, passion, death, and resurrection. James and John ask to sit at his side in his coming kingdom. Jesus points out that it is not in his gift but the Father’s. And goes on to remind them that ‘whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”’ The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a blind beggar called Bartimaeus at Jericho, who persevered by faith in calling upon Jesus to open his eyes. Jesus says, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And he immediately recovered his sight.
To ponder! Following Jesus necessitates loving service to others.
Bible Challenge: Day 39
Bible Reading: Genesis 39 & Mark 11
Genesis 39 tells the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. You will recall that Joseph had been sold by his brothers to the Ishmaelmites, who in turn had sold him to Potiphar, who was a prominent officer in Pharaoh’s army. The LORD was with Joseph who showed himself to be conscientious, trustworthy, and productive in the service of his new master. Consequently, in time, he was entrusted with the oversight of Potiphar’s household. The LORD blessed him and his labours and as result all prospered. Potiphar’s wife, however, was attracted to Joseph and made advances towards him, urging him to lie with her. Joseph’s refusal only intensified her desire for him. But Joseph would not break Potiphar’s trust. He told her, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Nevertheless, on an occasion when they were alone in the house, Potiphar’s wife made a physical advance. Joseph fled leaving her holding his garment. Incensed that Joseph had rebutted her, she cried out and made false accusations of attempted rape against Joseph. Potiphar was enraged and had Joseph incarcerated. ‘But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.’
Mark 11 begins with Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Preparations are made and Jesus rides into the capital on the first day of the week sitting upon a colt. Herein marks the beginning of Holy Week. Here is the Servant King who came to serve and give his life a ransom for many. Crowds lines the road up to the Holy City. Many lay their cloaks on the road in front of him in an act of homage, while others wave palm branches, a symbol of national identity and triumph. Here is the King of the Jews who is no other than the King of kings, and Lord of lords. The crowds adoringly shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus enters the city and its Temple. Here is the God-man in their midst! The following day coming from Bethany, Jesus curses a fruitless fig-tree, a symbol of contemporary Israel. He cleanses the Temple declaring, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” Later, while passing the fig tree that he had cursed and seeing that it had withered, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach his disciples about the importance of faith, prayer, and forgiveness. On returning to the Temple, Jesus is confronted by the religious rulers who demand to know on whose authority he had so spoken and acted. Jesus confounds them however by asking his own question. “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” Their resultant silence exposes their duplicitous and calculating nature. Jesus leaves without answering their question.
To ponder! “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the LORD. He is with you in giving judgment. 7 Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.” (2Chron.19:6-7).
Bible Challenge: Day 40
Bible Reading: Genesis 40 & Mark 12
Genesis 40 begins with Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker being imprisoned for an offence against the ruler of Egypt. The captain of the guard appoints Joseph to attend them while in his custody. One morning Joseph finds both men disheartened and enquires as to why they were downcast. Both confide to having had a dream, but they did not understand its meaning and there was no interpreter at hand to explain it to them. Joseph, confident that God would grant him understanding of the dreams, said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” And so firstly, Joseph interprets the cupbearer’s dream explaining that he would be released from confinement back into Pharoah’s service within three days. Joseph therefore asks the cupbearer to recommend him to Pharaoh’s and draw the ruler’s attention to the miscarriage of justice that has led to Joseph’s imprisonment. The chief baker then similarly asks Joseph to interpret his dream also. Joseph tells him that unlike the cupbearer, he will be hanged within three days and birds will feast on his flesh. On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, the cupbearer was restored to favour as Joseph had rightly said. And the baker was executed by hanging. The chapter concludes ‘Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.’
Mark 12 begins with Jesus’ condemnation of the religious authorities in the Parable of the Tenants. He exposes their hypocrisy and murderous intent. Quoting Psalm 118, Jesus tells them that ‘the stone the builders rejected’, referring to himself, ‘has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes.’ The rulers rightly perceive that Jesus is speaking of them but afraid of the people, they depart to plot his destruction. Then Pharisees and Herodians are sent to entrap him. They ask him ‘if it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not.’ Jesus, once again reveals their duplicity and leaves them dumbfounded by his response. Showing them a coin, he says, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Then come the Sadducees (the priestly party) determined to gain kudos for discrediting him. They ask a hyperbolic question on the theme of the resurrection which they themselves rejected. Jesus tells them that they neither know the scriptures, nor the power of God. He assured them that God was not the God of the dead but of the living. Responding to a question from a scribe as to which is the most important commandment, Jesus cites the Shema (Deut.6:4) and summarises the two tables of the Moral Law encapsulated in the Ten Commandments. We are to love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbour as ourselves. The questioner agrees, and Jesus tells him that he is not far from the kingdom of God. Jesus moves on to teach in the Temple, quoting Psalm 110, he implicitly applies it to himself. He was David’s son and Lord. Additionally, he warns the people to beware of the pretentiousness, ambition, and avarice of the scribes. The chapter concludes with Jesus sitting opposite the treasury and contrasting the sacrificial giving of a poor widow with many rich people.
To ponder! What does it mean to love God?
Bible Challenge: Day 41
Bible Reading: Genesis 41 & Mark 13
Genesis 41 records Joseph’s release from incarceration and his meteoric rise to prominence and power in Egypt. The chapter begins with Pharaoh, disturbed and dispirited by two dreams that he did not understand. He summoned his magicians and sages, but none of them could interpret his dreams. His chief cupbearer, however, recalled how Joseph, the young Hebrew, had accurately interpreted his dream and the dream of the chief baker while they were in custody two years back. And so, Joseph, shaved, washed, and re-clothed was called and presented to Pharaoh. Joseph revealed the meaning of the ruler’s dreams, telling him that God was forewarning him what he was about to do. Joseph explained that “There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, 30 but after them there will arise seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, 31 and the plenty will be unknown in the land by reason of the famine that will follow, for it will be very severe.” Joseph therefore advised Pharaoh to set aside provision in the years of plenty to alleviate the shortages and danger of starvation during the famine. He suggested that Pharaoh appoint a ‘discerning and wise man’ and regional overseers to implement and manage the operation. Consequently, Pharaoh chooses Joseph and gives him authority over all in his kingdom. The symbols of office, power, and prestige are conferred upon Joseph by Pharaoh, who also provided Joseph with a wife in Asenath, the daughter of his High Priest. Joseph at thirty years of age therefore finds himself Lord of all Egypt, and in the prime of life. His marriage is blessed with two children, whom he named Manasseh and Ephraim. During the years of plenty, Joseph laid up stores for the coming famine. So that when it hit as foretold the people were dependent upon Joseph for relief.
Mark 13 mirrors Matthew 24 and foretells the coming destruction of the Temple, and Jerusalem, and the wicked people of that generation. Jesus tells his disciples that not one of the great blocks of stone that comprised the Temple’s outer walls would be left standing upon another. Peter, James, John, and Andrew ask him privately when this grave judgement will fall, and he warns them against being led astray and urges them to keep alert. He tells them that they will face hardships and hatred for Love’s sake but assures them that if they persevere, they will be saved. When they see the abomination of desolation [Roman ensign?] standing in the Holy Place they are to flee to the mountains for safety. Jesus then explains in figurative or apocalyptic language that seismic change is coming when the Son of Man appears on the clouds with great power and glory. He will send out his angels (messengers) to gather in his people. Using the metaphor of a fig tree, he says, ‘Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.’ The chapter ends with the Lord telling his followers that no one knows the exact day and hour but the Father. Therefore, they must “Be on guard, [and] keep awake.”
To ponder! I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Ps.121:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 42
Bible Reading: Genesis 42 & Mark 14
In Genesis 42 we read that the famine Joseph had foretold for Egypt had also badly impacted the land of Canaan. Jacob therefore hearing that there was grain available for sale in Egypt sends ten of his sons to purchase some to avert starvation. He keeps Benjamin, his youngest son, Joseph’s brother, at home with him, fearful that harm might befall him as it did Joseph. Jacob’s sons appear before Joseph who is governor of all Egypt and in charge of the purchase and distribution of foods. He immediately recognises them and remembers his dream that they would bow before him. They did not, however recognise him. And so, Joseph plays a ruse on his desperate brothers who had sold him into slavery. He accuses them of being enemy spies and puts them to the test. One of the brothers must go home and return with Benjamin. The rest are placed in custody for three days. On the third day Joseph tells them: ‘“Do this and you will live, for I fear God: 19 if you are honest men, let one of your brothers remain confined where you are in custody, and let the rest go and carry grain for the famine of your households, 20 and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die.”’ Burdened with guilt for what they had done to Joseph, Reuben interjects that they were being punished for their wicked action years earlier in their betrayal of their brother. Joseph hearing them speak weeps but turns away to conceal his emotion. Simeon is confined and the others return to the Land of Promise with grain. On reaching their lodging place on route home, one of the brothers discovers the money used to purchase the grain in one of the sacks where the animal fodder was kept. They fear God’s judgement. On returning home they tell Jacob everything but despite Reuben’s pleas, Jacob is reluctant to let Benjamin return to Egypt with them.
Mark 14 begins two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The religious authorities are conspiring how they might capture and kill Jesus. At Bethany, a short distance from Jerusalem, in the home of Simon the former leper, a woman generously and lovingly anoints Jesus for his forthcoming death and burial. Meanwhile, Judas Iscariot was bribed by the religious rulers to betray Jesus. Preparation has been made for Jesus to share his final Passover meal with his disciples in an Upper Room in Jerusalem. That evening at the Passover, Jesus informs his close followers that one of them will betray him and that there will be grave consequences for that man. He then instituted the Lord’s Supper as a perpetual sign and seal of God’s grace to his people through the body and blood (person and sacrificial work) of Christ. After singing a psalm (113-118 were sang at the Passover Feast), Jesus foretells his disciples fearful flight and Peter’s denial. From the Upper Room they travel the short distance to Gethsemane where Jesus asks his followers to watch and pray. He prays “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” His disciples fail to watch and pray, and he tells them to beware for ‘the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak’. His hour has arrived. Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus with a kiss and the armed Temple Guard that he has brought with him violently seize Jesus. The disciples flee as foretold. Jesus is taken to the High Priest’s residence where the religious authorities have gathered to condemn him. Peter follows from a distance and waits in the courtyard warming himself by a fire. False accusations are made against Jesus to no avail. Therefore, clearly infuriated, the High Priest, the chief inquisitor, demands to know, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus gives affirmation and tells them “And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” He is dramatically condemned for blasphemy and subsequently spat upon and beaten by the religious rulers and their guards. Peter meanwhile denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster had crowed twice just as Jesus had prophesied. He breaks down and weeps.
To ponder! For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes (1Cor.11:26).
Bible Challenge: Day 43
Bible Reading: Genesis 43 & Mark 15
Genesis 43 records the reunion of Joseph and his fbrothers. The famine was severe throughout Canaan. And after the grain supplies purchased from Joseph, whom they had not recognised, were consumed, Jacob again commands his sons to go back to Egypt for further rations. Judah points out that they cannot return without also taking Benjamin with them as the Egyptian Governor (Joseph) had insisted. Judah makes a pledge for Benjamin’s safety. Jacob reluctantly relents and tells his sons to take gifts to the Governor with double the money so they could return the sum found in the animal’s fodder sack. Fearing the worst, he hoped in God’s mercy. When they arrived in Egypt, Joseph called his steward to prepare a feast and sent an invitation to his brothers to join him at his home. They, however, anxious, and afraid, approached tentatively, thinking the Governor was going to enslave them and acquisition their possessions. Joseph’s steward, on the contrary, cuts short their apologies and says, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Simeon was then restored to them, and they were shown hospitality while they awaited the Governor’s entrance. When Joseph arrived, they presented their gifts to him and bowed before him in an act of homage. Joseph enquires after their father and is compelled to leave the room to conceal his emotions when seeing his younger brother, Benjamin. Food was then served according to Egyptian custom. Joseph shares his table with his brothers and showed favouritism to Benjamin. Nevertheless, all drank and were merry.
Mark 15 begins with Jesus being handed over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, by the religious authorities to be sentenced to death. Pilate recognises Jesus’ innocence and is therefore amazed at his silence. Unknown to Pilate, Jesus is therein fulfilling Isaiah 53:7, ‘He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.’ The Governor nevertheless seeking to spare Jesus, takes advantage of an annual custom, in offering to release a prisoner at the Feast. He gives the crowd the choice of Jesus or Barabbas, a notorious criminal. They choose the latter and prompted by the religious authorities cry out for Pilate to crucify Jesus. He is therefore scourged and led away to be crucified. Jesus is mocked and beaten on the way to his crucifixion. Due to the toll of heavy beatings and resultant blood loss from the scourging, Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’s cross to Golgotha. He is crucified at the time of the morning sacrifice between two criminals. And a sign is fixed above his head which reads, ‘The King of the Jews.’ He is ridiculed and reviled by his enemies observing the macabre scene. At 12 noon darkness descends. And at 3pm, the time of the evening sacrifice, Jesus echoing the words of Psalm 22 cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” as he bears the sin of the world. Afterwards he breathes his last and the centurion standing nearby declares, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Woman disciples who had followed him from Galilee observe his crucifixion and burial. Joseph of Arimathea courageously secures permission from Pilate to bury Jesus’ body. He takes Jesus down from the cross, wraps his body in a new linen shroud, and lays him in a new tomb. He rolls a stone to seal the entrance to the tomb. The chapter concludes with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joseph, watching these final duties.
To ponder! And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him (Mk.15:17).
Bible Challenge: Day 44
Bible Reading: Genesis 44 & Mark 16
In Genesis 44 Joseph tricks and tests his brothers. His goal is to be reunited not only with them but with his father also. Therefore, he instructs his steward to plant the money that his brothers had used to pay for new supplies of grain back in their refilled grain sacks. And he further orders a silver cup to be planted in Benjamin’s grain sack. Next morning as the brothers make for home, they are stopped and searched by Joseph’s head steward, who accuses them of repaying evil for good. The search not surprisingly uncovers the money, and additionally the cup is found in the youngest brother’s possession. Grasping the seriousness of the situation, Judah pleads for the life of Benjamin for the sake of his father, Jacob. He points out that his failure to return home with Benjamin would likely result in his father’s death due to grief. Judah therefore supplicates Joseph’s high-ranking steward, “Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. 34 For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.”
Mark 16 begins with the glorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the tomb. On the first day of the week (hence the Lord’s Day), Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Salome went to the tomb only to find the stone rolled back and a heavenly messenger awaiting them. He tells them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” Alarmed and astonished, the women flee. Mary Magdalene (and the other Mary) encounters the Risen Jesus and immediately afterwards runs to Peter and the other apostles to share the amazingly good news. The apostles are unconvinced. Jesus similarly appears to a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus which account is expanded upon in St Luke’s Gospel as we will read in time. Later Jesus appears to the eleven apostles who are sharing a meal and rebukes them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. He then gives them the Great Commission. “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Signs of his presence and power will follow among his people. These are given to affirm his authority and the authenticity of the Good News proclaimed in his name. Afterward, the Lord Jesus ascends into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God, the Father.
To ponder! All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me (Mt.28:18). What do Jesus’ words mean to you?
Bible Challenge: Day 45
Bible Reading: Genesis 45 & Luke 1
In Genesis 45 Joseph finally reveals his true identity to his brothers. He weeps loudly as he does so. His brothers’ initial reaction is one of dumbstruck dismay. Joseph however swiftly allays any fears of repercussions for their betrayal years earlier. He tells them, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Joseph then urges them to return home and tell their father, “Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’” Joseph embraces Benjamin and kisses him and then all the brothers in turn. When Pharaoh is informed, he responds positively with rich provision of foodstuffs, money, and livestock for Joseph’s family. The brothers return home and share the good news with their father, Jacob. He is initially doubtful but is convinced by their enthusiasm and the gifts they have brought home. “It is enough”, he says, “Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
Luke 1 begins with a dedication to Theophilus which name literally means ‘friend of God’. Then follows the birth narratives of John the Baptist, the forerunner, and Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. The angel Gabriel reveals to Zechariah, a priest, that his prayers have been heard and his wife Elizabeth will conceive and bear a child, who will be great before the Lord. “And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” Six months later Gabriel similarly appears to the Virgin Mary at Nazareth. She was engaged to Joseph who was a descendent of King David. He tells her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.” She will supernaturally conceive and bear a son who is to be called Jesus, meaning ‘God saves’, for he will save his people from their sins. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” The angel allays the Virgin’s bewilderment by assuring her that she will miraculously conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary, the second Eve, responds, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
There follows the joyous scene of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth her cousin. Elizabeth moved by the Spirit declares, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Then follows Mary’s song, the Magnificat, called after her words, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Three months later John (the Baptist) is born to Elizabeth and is circumcised and named by his father Zechariah in obedience to God’s command. Thereafter, Zechariah regains his speech and there follows his song or prophecy, referred to as the Benedictus. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.” And looking at his son, he adds, “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways”. The chapter ends by informing the reader that Zechariah’s son, John, grew strong, both physically and spiritually.
To ponder! And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Rom.8:28).
Bible Challenge: Day 46
Bible Reading: Genesis 46 & Luke 2
In Genesis 46 Jacob (Israel) travels from Canaan to settle in Egypt with all his household, including his children and their children and all their possessions. He stops on route at Beersheba to worship the LORD, and God offers his reassurance. “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes.” There follows a list of names of Jacob’s descendants who settled with him in Egypt. They numbered seventy in total excluding his son’s wives. The reminder of the chapter records Joseph’s resultant emotional reunion with his father, Jacob, at Goshen. Jacob says to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” Joseph then instructs his brothers and wider family that when Pharaoh calls them and asks them what their occupation is they are to reply that they are keepers of livestock rather than shepherds for every shepherd is an “abomination to the Egyptians”.
Luke 2 records the birth narrative of Jesus. He is born at Bethlehem as foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. He is wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph. An angel appears to shepherds watching their flocks by night and reveals the good news of great joy that is for all people. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” A heavenly choir praise God singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” The shepherds make their way to Bethlehem and locate the baby Jesus, with his mother, Mary, and Joseph. They return to their flocks glorifying and praising God for what they had been so privileged to see and hear. On the eighth day, Jesus was circumcised and so named. At the time of purification according to the Law, Jesus was presented at the Temple. Sacrifice was made in thanksgiving to God. Simeon, an elderly priest, who had longed for this day, reverently declared, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” While Mary and Joseph marvelled in response, Simeon blessed them and further foretold, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” An aged prophetess, called Anna, who regularly worshipped at the Temple gives thanks to God for Jesus and proclaims him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. The family return home to Nazareth, where Jesus grew and become strong. Filled with wisdom, the favour of God was upon him. The chapter concludes with the story of Jesus having attained the age of twelve, and accompanying his family to the Temple to commemorate and celebrate the Feast of the Passover. On the return journey it is discovered that Jesus is missing. His family return to find him in his Father’s House (the Temple) astounding the teachers of the Law with his theological understanding and knowledge. The final verse simply states, ‘And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man.’
To ponder! ‘But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.’ Should we not do likewise?
Bible Challenge: Day 47
Bible Reading: Genesis 47 & Luke 3
In Genesis 47 Joseph informs Pharaoh that Israel and his dependents and descendants had now arrived in Goshen. Pharaoh summons five of Joseph’s brothers before him and reaffirms his promise of granting them the best land to live and work. Pharaoh grants them charge of his livestock. Then Joseph presents his father Jacob to Pharaoh. Afterwards he settles his father and family in the land of Rameses and provides them with food. We then read of how the famine had exerted a heavy toll on the people of the land. Having exhausted their finances on purchasing food from Joseph, they then were compelled to exchange their livestock for food. And after the animals were gone and there was no end of the famine, they were forced to surrender their landholdings and their very freedom, becoming servants to Pharoah and the Egyptian State. Only the priesthood was exempt because it enjoyed the patronage of Pharaoh. As a result, the people pledged to give one fifth of the produce of their lands to Pharaoh in perpetuity. Israel, nevertheless, stayed in Goshen. ‘And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. 28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years.’ The chapter concludes with Jacob obtaining from Joseph his promise to bury his father’s bodily remains in the land of promise rather than Egypt after he died.
Luke 3 records the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist who at God’s appointed time ‘went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.’ He did so in fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecy found in the Book of Isaiah. He was “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
He urged the people to repent and be baptised. He urged them to bear fruit in keeping with their profession of faith, and of the consequences of their failure to do so. He urged the people to be holy, honourable, and honest. He made clear that he was not the Christ whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. Messiah was coming and would baptise with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John, who was the herald and forerunner, baptised Jesus in the River Jordan to mark the onset of our Lord’s earthly ministry. He saw the Spirit descend upon him in the form of a dove, a symbol of peace, pointing to the Prince of Peace, who would make peace through the blood of his cross. And he heard the voice of the Father from heaven saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” John was soon afterwards imprisoned for reproving Herod the Tetrarch’s for his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife, Herodias, and for other wicked acts. We are informed that Jesus was around thirty years of age when he began his earthly ministry. There follows the legal genealogy of Jesus via Joseph down to Adam, the son of God.
To ponder! “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” (Hos.12:6).
Bible Challenge: Day 48
Bible Reading: Genesis 48 & Luke 4
In Genesis 48 Joseph presents his two sons to his dying father, Jacob, to bless. Both Manasseh and Ephraim were born in Egypt, but they too are heirs of the covenant promises of God. Jacob is weak and his sight is now impaired. Joseph therefore brings his two sons forward to his father at his request. Jacob (Israel) expresses his thankfulness to God. He says, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.” Joseph bows before God and his father in a show of respect and then presents his sons for his father to lay hands on and bless. Israel however crosses his hands to give the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger. He blesses them before Joseph with the words, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” In the process, Joseph notices that his father has placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head and seeks to reverse the order, but Israel assures him, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”
He then explains that he is about to die and reassures Joseph that God is with him and will bring him back to the land of promise. Israel bequeaths land to Joseph that he had won from the Amorites.
Luke 4 begins with the Temptation of Jesus. He is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to confront and defeat the Evil One at the outset of his earthly ministry. Here is the Second Adam who will remain faithful to God, his word, and covenant, unlike the first Adam. He resists the Devil’s lures of prestige, power, and possession by remaining faithful to his Father and his mission. His cross must come before his crown and glory. Jesus then returns in the power of the Spirit to the region of Galilee where he teaches in the synagogues. At Nazareth, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61 and declares, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The congregation marvel at his teaching. Jesus answers their questions and responds to their scepticism, born of familiarity, by recourse to scriptural examples. They force him from the synagogue, however, and attempt to throw him off a cliff. Jesus then travels to Capernaum where on the Sabbath Day he amazed the people with his teaching in the synagogue there. He also heals a demon-possessed man. Notably, the evil spirit understands that he is the ‘Holy One of God’. On returning to Simon Peter’s home, he discovers Simon’s mother-in-law sick and heals her. When the Sabbath ends crowds with sick loved ones gather outside the house. And Jesus heals them. He silences the evil spirits who declared you are ‘the Son of God’. Before dawn Jesus sought a quiet place to pray. The chapter concludes with Jesus in the region of Judea where he preaches good news in the synagogues.
To ponder! ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding’ (Pro.9:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 49
Bible Reading: Genesis 49 & Luke 5
Genesis 49 provides an account of Jacob gathering his twelve sons to his death bed to bless them before he breathes his last. Reuben, the eldest, he describes as preeminent in dignity and power but as unstable as water. Simeon and Levi will be divided and scattered in Israel on account of their cruelty, violence, and murder. On the contrary, ‘the sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.’ Zebulun shall settle by the sea and be a haven for sailors. Issachar will carry burdens and be strong. Dan shall judge the people. Gad will pursue raiders. Asher shall yield royal delicacies. Naphtali is likened to a wild doe that bears beautiful fawns. Joseph shall be fruitful and agile. God’s rich blessing will be with him. Benjamin is likened to a ravenous wolf. These brothers represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the foundation of a nation that will settle in the Promised Land. After blessing each of his sons in turn, Jacob commands that his bodily remains be buried alongside Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah’s in the cave ‘in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place.’ Jacob then breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Luke 5 begins with Jesus by the lake of Gennesaret where he calls his first disciples to come follow him. Simon, James, and John were fisherman. Jesus demonstrates his power and wisdom to them by filling their empty fishing nets to their amazement. He then bids them follow him to become fishers of men. They leave everything to follow him as disciples who will become apostles and founding fathers of the New Testament church. Sometime afterward Jesus heals a leper who cried to him, ‘“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.’ News spread of Jesus’ miraculous power and his popularity grew to the extent that he had to seek out desolate places to pray. Then follows Luke’s account of Jesus’ healing the paralytic man whose friends had lowered him to Jesus through the roof because they could not gain access to the house on account of the throng. ‘And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”’ As a result, some scribes and Pharisees accuse Jesus of blasphemy. For only God can forgive sins! Jesus responds by declaring that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. Jesus then effectually calls Levi (Matthew), a tax collector to follow him. Levi throws a feast in celebration at which Pharisees and scribes are present. They complain that Jesus and his disciples are eating and drinking with sinners. Jesus tells them however that “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” The chapter concludes with Jesus explaining why it was inappropriate for his disciples to fast like others did while he was with them.
To ponder! these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (Jn.20:31).
Bible Challenge: Day 50
Bible Reading: Genesis 50 & Luke 6
Genesis 50 begins with Joseph’s mourning his father’s death. He orders Jacob’s body to be embalmed which process took forty days. The Egyptians also mourned in a show of respect for Joseph and his father. Afterward, Joseph gained permission from Pharaoh to take Jacob’s bodily remains back to Canaan to be buried there as he had promised his father. Therefore, Joseph, his brothers, and adult members of their household, accompanied by Egyptian dignitaries, officials, and servants travelled to Mamre in a sizeable funeral procession. In keeping with custom, they made great lamentation. The Canaanites hearing their mourning at Atad beyond Jordan, renamed the place as a memorial. After the burial of Jacob with his fathers, all returned to Egypt. Fearing now that their father was dead that Joseph would exact his revenge on them for selling him into slavery many years earlier, they concocted a story. They claimed that their father had left a message prior to his death pleading that Joseph might forgive their transgression. Therefore, his brothers bowed before him and sought his mercy. In response, Joseph wept and reassured them. “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” The chapter concludes with Joseph’s death in Egypt at the age of 110. He lived to see Ephraim’s children to the third generation and the children of Machir, the son of Manasseh be counted as his own. Joseph informed his brothers that God would resettle them in the Promised Land. And he made them pledge to transfer his remains from Egypt when that day arrived. Joseph’s body was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
Luke 6 begins with Pharisees questioning Jesus over the legality of his disciples’ plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath Day. Jesus corrects their erroneous assumptions by recourse to the scriptures. He furthermore tells them that “the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” On another Sabbath, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in a synagogue to the consternation and fury of his religious detractors. Afterward, Jesus ascends a mountain and prays before calling his disciples to him. He chooses twelves, whom he names apostles. On descending the mountain to a level place, Jesus them instructs his followers and a great crowd that had gathered before him in Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins with four beatitudes, followed by four woes. He then instructs his people to love their enemies and do good to all. He tells them to “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” He then goes on to teach them about judging others. They are not to condemn others but be willing to forgive. They are to avoid hypocrisy by repenting rather than scolding others for their infractions. Jesus says that a “good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil”. The chapter concludes with Jesus likening the person who hears and heeds his word to someone who builds his house on a solid foundation. Jesus is the Rock on which we build for stability, security, and strength.
To ponder! This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him (Ps.18:30).
Bible Challenge: Day 51
Bible Reading: Exodus 1 & Luke 7
The Book of Exodus begins by recording the names of Israel’s sons that settled in Egypt with their families. They totalled 70 in number and from them the people of Israel ‘were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.’ In time however a new king and regime began to raise concerns about the Israelites loyalty to the Egyptian State. They feared that in the event of war Israel’s number and prosperity could be turned against them. So, Pharaoh ordered taskmasters to afflict the Israelites with heavy burdens. And in time Hebrew forced labour built the store cities of Pithom and Raamses. And yet the children of Israel continued to flourish, and so Pharaoh ruthlessly made them slaves, appointing them to hard service with mortar and brick. He then commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all male Israelite babies, but those women they feared God more than man and defied the royal diktat. And the descendants of Jacob continued to multiply and thrive. Finally, exasperated by the midwives’ failure to execute his order and their resultant excuse, Pharaoh commanded all the people to cast every male child born to the Hebrews into the River Nile but spare their daughters.
Luke 7 begins with Jesus healing the servant of a centurion. The officer who was known for his integrity and generosity in funding the building of a local synagogue sent elders of the Jews to supplicate Jesus. As Jesus approached his home, the centurion sent friends to say to the Lord, “just say the word and let my servant be healed.” Jesus marvelled at his response and told a crowd that had gathered, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent to Jesus returned to the house, they found the servant healed. Next, at Nain, Jesus restored to life the son of a poor widow who had died and whose body was being carried to the place of burial. Jesus touched the dead son and said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And he did so. ‘Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”’ And news, unsurprisingly, spread near and far. Then messengers came from John the Baptist seeking reassurance that Jesus was God’s Christ, the Messiah prophesied, whom John preceded to prepare the way. Jesus tells them to go back to John and tell him: “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Afterward, Jesus addresses a crowd about the ministry of John. And declares that John was the greatest of the Old Testament prophets and yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than him. He condemned the fickleness of that generation that criticized and scolded John for his austerity and yet also Jesus for his generosity and willingness to sit and drink with tax collectors and sinners. Later at the home of a Pharisee, a woman described as a sinner appeared as the company were dining together and taking perfumed ointment, she anointed Jesus with it while weeping and kissing his feet in an act of devotion to the consternation of the Pharisees present. Jesus uses her extravagant gesture to teach Simon an important lesson about forgiveness and indebtedness, and about gratitude for grace. Jesus tells the woman “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Prompting those present to ask among themselves “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
To ponder! Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Eph.4:32).
Bible Challenge: Day 52
Bible Reading: Exodus 2 & Luke 8
Exodus 2 begins with the birth of Moses who was of the tribe of Levi. When he was born, his mother hid him from harm but after this was no longer possible, she crafted a basket, made it waterproof, and laid baby Moses in it and placed him among the rushes at the side of the Nile. Moses’ older sister was posted to observe her younger brother. Pharaoh’s daughter found the child and took pity upon him. Through the intervention of Moses’ sister, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted the child and unknowingly employed Moses’ mother to raise him. ‘When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.” When Moses became a young man, one day he came across an Egyptian violently mistreating a Hebrew slave and he intervened killing the Egyptian. Discovering that Pharaoh had heard what Moses had done, he fled Egypt to Midian. There he went to the rescue of a priest’s daughters who had been prevented from watering their flocks by certain shepherds. Moses was consequently shown hospitality by Reuel, the priest in question, and in time married Zipporah, his daughter. Their union bore a son whom Moses named Gershom because “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.” Sometime later, when there was a new Pharaoh on the throne of Egypt, the children of Israel cried to God to deliver them from slavery and oppression. And God heard their groaning, and remembered the covenant that he had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ‘God saw the people of Israel—and God knew.’
Luke 8 begins with Jesus proclaiming the good news of the kingdom in many towns and cities. He attracted huge crowds wherever he went. He was accompanied by the 12 apostles and Mary Magdalene, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s chief steward, and Susanna, all of whom he had healed of evil spirits and infirmities. Then follows the Parable of the Sower which Jesus taught to a large crowd. Afterwards he explains the purpose of parables and the specific meaning of the Parable of the Sower to his disciples. He makes clear that their responsibility is to sow the seed of the word liberally. His word however will only germinate and bear much fruit in “honest and good hearts.” He then teaches them the importance of using their gifts and graces. Telling them, “Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” When informed that his mothers and brothers had arrived, he states that his mother and brothers are those who hear and heed the word of God.
Sometime afterward, on the sea of Galilee, Jesus calms a stormy wind and raging sea in response to the terrified cries of his disciples. Teaching them thereby an invaluable lesson about faith and about his person and power, which is the source and sum of faith. Jesus and his followers sail to the country of the Gerasenes where he drives ‘Legion’ from the Gerasene demoniac, leaving the formerly deranged and ostracised man sitting, clothed and in his right mind. Tragically, the locals more concerned about the herd of pigs that perished in the sea than the poor demon-possessed man restored to newness of life, beg Jesus to depart their region. The man healed however goes throughout the country proclaiming Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus restoring to life Jairus’s 12-year-old daughter and healing a woman who had suffered loss of blood for 12 years. The passage begins with Jairus, the ruler of a local synagogue, begging Jesus to heal his daughter who was at the point of death. On route to Jairus’ home the fringe of Jesus’ garment is touched by the woman with the discharge of blood who in desperation reaches out to Jesus in faith for healing. She is healed immediately and identifying her, Jesus says, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” At that point, news comes that Jairus’ daughter has died, but Jesus, hearing says, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And taking Peter, James, and John, along with Jairus and his wife, and ignoring the mourners, Jesus enters the room where the girl lay. Taking her by the hand he commands her to rise. She did so and received some food to the amazement, relief, and delight of her parents and others.
To ponder! What difference can faith make to our lives?
Bible Challenge: Day 53
Bible Reading: Exodus 3 & Luke 9
Exodus 3 records Moses encounter with God in the burning bush. Moses was shepherding his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian’s flock when he came to Mount Horeb. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire amidst a bush. Note the use of the definite article ‘the’ Angel of the Lord. Herein we have a Christophany or Theophany, an appearance of the preincarnate Christ, the Son of God. The bush was burning but it was not consumed. And as Moses gazed into the bush, God called his name, “Moses, Moses”. God tells him, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” God declared that he was the God of Moses’ forebears, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He informed Moses that he had heard the cries of the enslaved children of Israel in Egypt. He knew about their suffering and was about to liberate them and lead them to a good and broad land, one flowing with milk and honey, that was occupied by Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. God tells Moses to go back to Egypt and confront Pharaoh with a view to leading the children of Israel out of slavery. God then reassures Moses, who was naturally hesitant, “I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” God then tells Moses “I AM WHO I AM.” He is the self-existent and self-sufficient God, infinite, eternal, and immutable. God further tells him, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God goes on to give assurance to Moses that the people will hear and heed him but he must tell the elders of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ God explains that Pharaoh will have to be compelled by a mighty hand. And so, God will strike fear into the Egyptian with wonders and judgements after which Pharaoh and his subjects will let the Hebrews leave. They will do so with many possessions.
Luke 9 begins with Jesus sending out his apostles to preach the gospel and heal the sick in his name. They are to take nothing with them but rely on God’s gracious provision. At this time Herod the tetrarch was perplexed to hear news of Jesus’ ministry. He thought that Jesus was John the Baptist, whom he had put to death, risen from the grave. After the return of the apostles from their mission which was preparatory to the Great Commission, they gathered at Bethsaida where Jesus taught the people and healed the sick. He went on to miraculously feed 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. All ate and were satisfied and 12 basket-full of broken pieces were leftover reminding the children of Israel that there is plenteous grace in Jesus. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ of God.
Jesus then declares to his disciples, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” He goes on to instruct them “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Furthermore, he assures them that there were those standing before him who will not die before seeing the Kingdom of God come in power. Eight days later, he took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. He is transfigured before them displaying his divine glory. Moses and Elijah appear before him representing the Old Testament Law and Prophets that point to Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. A cloud then appears, and the voice of the Father is heard declaring, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” The following day Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit that the disciples had failed to exorcise in his absence. Jesus admonishes their lack of faith. And the crowd present marvels at the majesty of God. Jesus afterwards, once again foretells his coming betrayal and death. He teaches his disciples about greatness through service to others. And that those not against him were for him. Rejected by a Samaritan village, he rebukes James and John who want him to call down fiery judgement upon it. The chapter concludes with the Lord reminding his disciples about the cost of following him. “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
To ponder! What place the cross in the Christian life?
Bible Challenge: Day 54
Bible Reading: Exodus 4 & Luke 10
Exodus 4 begins with God providing further reassurance to Moses who doubted that anyone would believe or listen to him. So, God gave him signs to use to authenticate that God had sent him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and slavery. God tells him that if they still do not believe, he is to take water from the Nile which will become as blood on the dry ground. Then Moses further tried to excuse himself from God’s call and commission. He says, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” But God again insists that he will be with Moses and teach him what to say. Moses continues to object and pleads that God send someone else. God admonishes Moses but appoints Aaron, Moses’ brother to speak on his behalf the words that God conveys to Moses.
Moses returns home, gains Jethro’s blessing, and sets off with his wife and children for Egypt equipped with the staff that God had given to him. God commands him to tell an intractable Pharaoh ‘Thus says the LORD, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’” On route to Egypt, fearing God’s judgement due to Moses’ failure to apply the sign and seal of God’s covenant to his sons, Zipporah circumcises the boys and touches Moses’ feet with their foreskins in a symbolic act. She says to her husband, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” The chapter concludes with God directing Aaron to go into the wilderness to meet Moses. They embrace and then Moses instructs Aaron in the word of God he was sent to communicate. So, they together go and gather the elders of Israel and Aaron speaks the word that God had delivered to Moses. ‘And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.’
Luke 10 begins with the Lord Jesus sending out 72 disciples who are to go into every town and village in pairs preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing people. They are to rely on God’s grace. Jesus tells them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Jesus then pronounces woe upon Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their rejection of God’s Christ. The 72 disciples sent out to proclaim Jesus Christ then return rejoicing in their triumph over the forces of darkness and in the power of Jesus’ name. Jesus consequently thanks the Father in the Holy Spirit and declares, “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then follows The Parable of the Good Samaritan which Jesus taught in response to a question by a lawyer about who his neighbour was that he was compelled to love by the Moral Law? Jesus teaches that we are to show compassion and be merciful to all. The chapter concludes with Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary, where Martha was much distracted by serving their house guests. She asks Jesus to order her sister to lend her a hand, but Jesus insists that Mary, her sister, had chosen the better portion for she had prioritised sitting at the feet of Jesus where she listened and learned from his teaching.
To ponder! This is my beloved Son, listen to him (Mk.9:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 55
Bible Reading: Exodus 5 & Luke 11
Exodus 5 begins with Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh on God’s behalf and declaring, “Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.” Pharoah, however, responds, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” Pharaoh furthermore feeling offended at the request, calls his taskmasters and insists that heavier burdens be laid on the children of Israel. They were no longer to be supplied with the straw necessary for making bricks and their output quota was to be increased. Complaints or a failure to comply was to be met with physical beatings. Israelite pleas to Pharaoh fell on deaf ears. And so, frustrated, and fearful they turned on Moses and Aaron because they said, “you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” The chapter concludes with Moses crying out to God, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”
Luke 11 begins with Jesus teaching his disciples to pray in response to a request from the Apostle John. He provides them with a model prayer as a helpful example containing as it does the component parts of prayer which includes, adoration, confession, supplication, and intercession. Jesus tells them, “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” He assures them of the Father’s love and goodness and consequently they will pray in the Holy Spirit. After exorcising an unclean spirit that had rendered a man mute, Jesus’ detractors accuse him of being in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus wisely refutes their wicked accusation and tells them, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Jesus then warns them about the danger of an unclean spirit which if allowed to return after being expelled will makes things worse than at the first. In response to a woman who volubly said, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Jesus goes on to condemn that generation as evil and insists that no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. “The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” Jesus bids them let their light shine. He teaches that “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.” The chapter ends with Jesus pronouncing a series of woes on the Pharisees and scribes for their hardness of heart, hypocrisy, and hatefulness. The blood of the Old Testament martyrs will be required of that generation. The scribes and Pharisees continue with their attempts to discredit him.
To ponder! “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come” (Lk.11:3).
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 56
Bible Reading: Exodus 6 & Luke 12
Exodus 6 begins with God’s response to Moses’ lamentation. “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” God reminds Moses of the covenant he made with his forebears, and that he is God Almighty. He retells Moses that he is conscious of the suffering of the children of Israel and has heard their cries for deliverance. And he will set them free and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey. God therefore instructs Moses to go tell his people he is about to redeem them with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgement. “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.” Moses thus communicated God’s good news to his fellow Israelites but due to their ‘broken spirit and harsh slavery’ they remained unresponsive. So, God commands a reluctant Moses to go back to Pharaoh and convey his revealed will. There follows the genealogies of Moses and Aaron. The chapter concludes with Moses’ words, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?”
Luke 12 begins with Jesus warning his disciples of the leaven (sin) of the Pharisees which was hypocrisy. Jesus tells his friends to fear God rather than man. He bids them acknowledge him before others. For those who deny him will themselves be denied before the angels of God. His disciples are to rely upon the Holy Spirit but those that blaspheme against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Jesus then tells a crowd that had gathered to him the Parable of the Rich Fool who had laid up treasures to relax, eat, drink, and be merry, without thought for God and eternity. He then goes on to tell his followers to be anxious for nothing but in faith trust in God for his gracious provision. They are to seek first his kingdom trusting that the other things like food, drink, and shelter, will follow. Jesus says to his people, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” And goes on to further say that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Additionally, Jesus instructs his disciples to stay alert for they know not the hour or day of his second coming (Parousia). In response to Peter’s question as to whom this teaching applied, Jesus replies with a parable about a faithful and wise manager and his servants and concludes with the words, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Jesus insists that he has not come to give peace on earth but rather division. For many, sadly, will reject him and rail against the faith. The chapter ends with Jesus’ warning all to rightly interpret the times and make good judgements.
To ponder! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Bible Challenge: Day 57
Bible Reading: Exodus 7 & Luke 13
Exodus 7 records Moses and Aaron’s encounter with Pharaoh and the resulting first judgement upon Egypt. The LORD communicated his will to Moses and said, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land.” God however will harden Pharaoh’s heart. And the ruler of Egypt will remain defiant. And so, the LORD will multiply signs and wonders through the instrumentality of Moses and Aaron who are 80 and 83 years of age at this point. God will deliver his people and lead them to the Promised Land by great acts of judgement. When Pharaoh asked them to authenticate that their message was from God, Aaron threw his staff on the ground, and it became a serpent. In response, Pharaoh summoned his wise men, sorcerers, and magicians and they emulated Aaron’s action, but Aaron’s staff consumed their ones, symbolising God’s power over the gods of Egypt. Pharaoh’s heart nevertheless remained hardened, and he refused to listen to God’s word delivered by his servants with signs and wonders. Therefore, in compliance with God’s revelation, Moses confronted Pharaoh in God’s name and struck the River Nile with his staff and it turned to blood, polluting the water supply and killing the fish therein, so that it stank. Pharaoh, nevertheless, remained recalcitrant. The chapter concludes by telling the reader that seven full days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile.
Luke 13 begins with Jesus teaching people that they had to repent or they would perish. Then follows the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree in which Jesus teaches the vital importance of fruitfulness, that is using the gifts and graces received from God faithfully and productively (See John 15:1-11, Galatians 5:22-23). Afterward, while Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath Day, he heals a woman who had suffered from a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was immediately and miraculously healed, and she glorified God. Rather than rejoicing in this gracious and compassionate act, however, the ruler of the synagogue castigated Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Such was the legalistic mindset of the Lord’s enemies. Jesus rebukes the ruler for his ignorance and hypocrisy. And then goes on to liken the kingdom of God to a mustard seed which starts out small and seemingly insignificant but grows into a mighty tree that provides shelter for the birds of the air. Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem teaching in many towns and villages on route. He instructs the children of Israel, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” They must do so by repentance and faith in this time of salvation before the door is locked and judgement comes upon them and they hear the grave words of Jesus, saying, “Depart from me, all you workers of evil!” Nevertheless, Jesus alludes to the incorporation of the Gentiles iinto his kingdom by concluding that “people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
To ponder! Thinking on the respective ages of Moses and Aaron in today’s reading reminds me of the words of the psalmist! ‘The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.’ Never let anyone tell you that you are too old to serve the LORD. There is no retirement age in God’s church.
Bible Challenge: Day 58
Bible Reading: Exodus 8 & Luke 14
Exodus 8 covers the second, third, and fourth plagues unleashed on Egypt because of Pharaoh’s obstinacy and defiance of God. The chapter begins with God telling Moses to return to Pharaoh with God’s command to let his people go that they might serve him. Non-compliance, however, brings a plague of frogs from the Nile as threatened. Pharaoh then summons Moses and Aaron and pleads with them to intercede with the LORD to take away the frogs. Pharaoh promises his obedience if God does so. God did so, but Pharaoh exploiting the respite ‘hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.’
Therefore, the LORD told Moses to instruct Aaron to strike the dust of the earth with his staff which he did resulting in gnats swarming all over the land. Pharaoh’s court magicians were stumped and conceded “This is the finger of God” but Pharaoh refused to hear and heed God. Moses was sent back to Pharaoh from God to warn him that if he will not comply then a plague of flies will be unleashed upon Egypt with the notable exception of Goshen where the children of Israel dwelled. “Thus I will put a division between my people and your people.” The Egyptian ruler feigned conformity in response to Moses’ pleas but again he hardened his heart and refused to set God’s people free.
Luke 14 begins with Jesus healing a man with dropsy at the home of a ruler of the Pharisees on the Sabbath Day to the consternation of his detractors. Jesus, nevertheless, exposes their folly and leaves them dumbstruck. He goes on to teach those present the Parable of the Wedding Feast in which he emphasises the need for humility. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus then teaches his host the importance of giving hospitality in expectation of nothing in return. And subsequently adds the Parable of the Great Banquet in response to a comment from a guest who says, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Jesus teaches them that there was a man who held a banquet and sent out his servant to invite his guests but they each in turn made excuses. And so, the host ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And finding there was room for more, ‘the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’” Later, addressing a crowd that had gathered to him, Jesus taught them the priority and cost of discipleship. He concludes by telling them, “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” We must walk the walk as well as talk the talk!
To ponder! “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Bible Challenge: Day 59
Bible Reading: Exodus 9 & Luke 15
Exodus 9 picks up where chapter 8 leaves off with God sending Moses back to Pharaoh demanding the liberty of the Hebrews to serve the LORD. Non-compliance will result in a severe plague upon all Egypt’s livestock, including horses, donkeys, camels, herds of cattle and flocks of sheep. Those belonging to the children of Israel, however, will be spared the judgement to powerfully demonstrate the sovereignty of Israel’s God. The following day Egypt’s livestock was struck down and was decimated but the Hebrews was spared. Yet, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to relent. And so, God instructed Moses and Aaron to take soot from a kiln and throw it in the air before Pharaoh and it produced a plague of boils on man and beast and yet again Pharaoh continued in his obstinacy. Again, the LORD sent Moses back to Pharaoh urging him to comply lest a plague of very heavy rain and hail be unleashed on the country. God however, reveals his grace and mercy to Pharaoh through Moses, “For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. 16 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” This time while Pharaoh took aversive action, he nevertheless, remained recalcitrant. And the LORD sent heavy hail with thunder and lightning over all the land apart from Goshen. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron in response and confessed, “This time I have sinned; the LORD is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Plead with the LORD, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.” Tragically, however, when the rain, hail, and thunder ceased, Pharaoh sinned and hardened his heart and reneged on his promise to let God’s people go.
Luke 15 begins with Pharisees and scribes complaining that Jesus received and ate with sinners. Jesus responds by sharing the Parable of the Lost Sheep and concludes by telling them that “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” To reinforce his point, he adds the Parable of the Lost Coin, followed by the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son. Therein he conveys the ego-centric nature and folly of sin in the example of the younger son. It is worth nothing that sin has ‘I’ at its heart! The younger son demands and receives his inheritance from his father, which he indulgently and decadently squanders in a distant land. He is left impoverished and debased, compelled to eat the leftover pods that were fed to pigs which were declared unclean animals by the Old Testament Law. He then repents and believes. He confesses his sin and returns to his father’s home. Repentance is a turning from and a turning to. Faith, which accompanies it, is marked by confidence, conviction, and commitment. Thus, the younger son comes to his senses, he recognises his folly, and sets out back home to his father (repentance) trusting that he would be shown grace and mercy (faith). As he approaches home full of trepidation, he is met by his father running to meet him with his arms open wide ready to embrace him. Herein is symbolised the love of God. The father instructs his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.’ The older brother, however, is angered, resentful, and jealous at his father’s response. The father does not admonish him but rather reassures him with the gracious and loving words, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
To ponder! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit (Ps.51:10-12).
Bible Challenge: Day 60
Bible Reading: Exodus 10 & Luke 16
Exodus 10 begins with God informing Moses that he had hardened the hearts of Pharaoh and his servants to reveal his power and glory to the children of Israel. And as a sign for future generations. Moses and Aaron therefore approached Pharaoh once again and demanded in the name of the LORD that he humble himself before God and set at liberty God’s people to serve him. Otherwise, God was going to unleash a plague of locusts to consume what was not destroyed by the rain and hail. This time, Pharaoh’s fellow Egyptian servants also pleaded with him to relent and free the Hebrews. Pharaoh swithered but stubbornly refused to fully comply and as a result Moses stretched forth his hand and God unleashed a great east wind with swarms of locusts that consumed all the remaining fruits and vegetation over the whole land, leaving it barren and desolate. Pharaoh again summoned Moses and Aaron and confessed his sin to the LORD and sought forgiveness. The LORD then sent a mighty west wind which blew the locusts off the land into the sea. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not let God’s people go. So, God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand once again, and there was darkness over all the land for three days except for Goshen where the children of Israel lived. Pharaoh relented in part but again showed himself recalcitrant. He commanded Moses, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.” 29 Moses said, “As you say! I will not see your face again.”
Luke 16 begins with Jesus teaching his disciples the Parable of the Dishonest Manager. He teaches by this example that “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” Jesus makes clear that a person cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and money (mammon). The Pharisees are highly critical of Jesus’ teaching due to their love of money. But Jesus assures them that while they might fool the people, God’s knows what is in their hearts, and his Law will condemn them. Jesus then adds teaching about divorce and remarriage before concluding the chapter with the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived luxuriously while Lazarus, plagued by sores, waited at the rich man’s gate for scraps. When the poor man died, he was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and found himself in torment in Hades. He was able to look up and see Abraham and Lazarus at his side. He therefore calls to Abraham for mercy and to Lazarus to come to his aid but the gulf between the two is a great chasm which is fixed forever. He begs that his family be warned but is told, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” Moses and the Prophets is another way of saying the Law and the Prophets or the Old Testament scriptures.
To ponder! …I do not want the holy church proved by human documents but by divine oracles (Augustine of Hippo).
Bible Challenge: Day 61
Bible Reading: Exodus 11 & Luke 17
In Exodus 11 God communicates his will to Moses, explaining that he was about to unleash one final plague upon Pharaoh and his kingdom. After which he will let God’s people go. The Hebrews are to ask for gold and silver from their Egyptian neighbours as a recompense for their enslavement. By this time Moses was greatly respected among all in Egypt. He declared, “Thus says the LORD: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, 5 and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle.” Great lamentation will follow throughout the nation like there had never been before, but no one will dare lay a hand on the children of Israel. The people will nevertheless urge them to leave. Despite the grave warning, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he refused to listen.
Luke 17 begins with Jesus warning his disciples “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” He goes on to teach them about the seriousness of sin and its consequences, and of the need for repentance and forgiveness. In response, the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. The Lord then teaches them an important lesson about duty and responsibility as those called to serve. On route to Jerusalem in the border region between Galilee and Samaria, Jesus passes through a village and is met by ten lepers who cry out to him for mercy. Jesus tells them to present themselves to the priests, and as they trust and obey him, they are cleansed of their leprosy. One of those healed was a Samaritan. He alone turned back, and praising God aloud, fell in thanksgiving at the feet of Jesus. Jesus says to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Asked by Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus declares that it “is not coming in ways that can be observed”. The chapter concludes with Jesus expanding upon this theme to his disciples. They are not to allow themselves to be misled by others pointing to visible signs of his coming. Jesus forewarns his followers to be always in a state of readiness, but he emphasises the sudden nature of his coming in judgement upon that generation.
To ponder! We walk by faith, not by sight (2Cor.5:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 62
Bible Reading: Exodus 12 & Luke 18
Exodus 12 records the institution of the Passover. God instructs Moses and Aaron who will in turn direct the children of Israel. Each household or a combination of households is to sacrifice an unblemished lamb on the fourteenth day of the tenth month. They are to apply some of the blood to their door frames and then consume the roasted lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. They are to eat in haste and leave nothing. For the LORD will pass through the land of Egypt that night and strike all the firstborn, both man and beast in judgement. He will thereby definitively demonstrate his power over the gods of Egypt. However, ‘The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.’ They are afterwards to keep the Passover Feast annually as a memorial to God’s gracious deliverance. Thereafter follows the details of how they are to keep the week-long feast with its preparatory ritual of removing all leaven from their homes, eating unleavened bread for a week, and culminating in the Passover meal which typified and anticipated Jesus, the Passover Lamb, sacrificed for the sin of the world. So, Moses instructed the people, who responded by worshipping God and keeping his commands. The LORD struck down the firstborn of Egypt, resulting in great lamentation throughout the land. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told them “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. 32 Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!” The children of Israel, six hundred thousand men in number, in addition to women and children, therefore plundered Egypt and journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. They had dwelt in Egypt for 430 years in total. There follows God’s command as to who was eligible to keep and share the Passover.
Luke 18 begins with the Parable of the Persistent Widow where Jesus teaches his disciples to continue in prayer and not lose heart. Such perseverance, endurance, conviction, and confidence are marks of faith. He then told them the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector to emphasise the importance of humility before God and others. He reminds them that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Afterward, Jesus admonishes his disciples for preventing parents from bringing their children to him to be blessed. For to such belong the kingdom of God. Then Jesus exposes the misconceptions and misplaced devotion of a rich ruler who did not understand his need of grace and who loved his wealth more than God. He then assures his followers that “no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” Then for the third time Jesus foretells his forthcoming betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing a blind beggar on his approach to Jericho. Responding to cries for mercy, Jesus says, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And so, it is metaphorically speaking, with all who believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
To ponder! Faith routes us to and roots us in Jesus.
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 63
Bible Reading: Exodus 13 & Luke 19
Exodus 13 begins with the LORD commanding Moses to consecrate to God every firstborn male child and beast among the children of Israel. Then Moses addressed the Israelites in readiness for their journey to the land of milk and honey. He instructed them to remember to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread culminating in the Passover Meal, saying, “And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. 10 You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.” Similarly, Moses went on to explain that “Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem” as a memorial to God’s saving grace in Egypt when he spared the firstborn among the children of Israel. God led his people out of Egypt by way of the wilderness and the Red Sea. Moses also took Joseph’s bones for burial in the Promised Land. And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Luke 19 begins with the conversion of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, who climbed a sycamore tree on the outskirts of Jericho to see Jesus. Zacchaeus then showed hospitality to Jesus, and became holy, humble, and honest as evidence of God’s transforming grace. He promised to generously give to the poor and make restitution to anyone he had defrauded. Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus then taught the people the Parable of the Ten Minas and hence of the importance of using one’s gifts and graces productively in service to God and others. He summarises its teaching by saying, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” He also makes clear that his enemies will face grave judgement. Then follows the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on the first day of the week (the Lord’s Day) and the beginning of what has come to be called ‘Holy Week’. Preparations have been made. The time has come. And Jesus rides into Jerusalem sitting on the foal of a donkey in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Despite the efforts of some Pharisees to silence the crowd, the throng shout in unison, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Jesus, however, as he approaches the Holy City, weeps, and declares, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Jesus’ words were fulfilled within the generation when a Roman army sacked the city and slaughtered the people in AD70! On arriving in the capital, Jesus drives the sellers and money changers from the Temple, condemning the authorities for turning God’s house of prayer into a den of robbers. He teaches the people therein, while the religious authorities devise how they might destroy him.
To ponder! Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zech.9:9).
Bible Challenge: Day 64
Bible Reading: Exodus 14 & Luke 20
Exodus 14 records God’s deliverance of the children of Israel through the Red Sea and his destruction of Pharaoh and his army. God gave command to Moses to have his people encamp where they would be in full view of Pharaoh. God knew that Pharaoh would pursue them, and the LORD was determined to demonstrate his glory and sovereignty over Pharaoh and his gods. And so, Pharaoh regretting his decision to let the children of Israel go, gathered his charioteers and army, and pursued the Hebrews, as God had foretold. The Israelites were terror-struck at the sight of Pharaoh and his army approaching them. They cried to God for deliverance and criticised Moses for his leadership, fearing they were to perish in the wilderness on the point of an Egyptian sword.
Moses, in response, urged them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” God then instructed Moses to tell the people to advance. He was to lift his staff and the sea would part before them. The Egyptians will pursue them, but the LORD will not permit them to lay a hand on his people.
God was present to protect them and to display his power. Moses therefore stretched out his hand over the sea and a great east wind blew and parted the sea, and the people advanced over dry land. The Egyptians followed them, but God intervened causing panic among Pharaoh’s forces. Again, the LORD commanded Moses to stretch forth his hand over the sea. He did so, and the sea returned to its normal course and overwhelmed Pharoah and his army. ‘Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.’
Luke 20 begins with the religious rulers challenging Jesus’ authority in the Temple where he had returned to proclaim the Good News. He leaves them speechless by responding with his own question about the source of John the Baptist’s authority. He thereby exposes their deceitfulness. Jesus then taught the Parable of the Wicked Tenants leaving his enemies in no doubt that he was referring to them. Referencing Psalm 118, Jesus tells them, “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
The scribes and chief priests therefore seek to entrap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, hoping to accuse him before either the people or Caesar depending on his response. Again however, Jesus confounds and silences them with his reply. “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Afterward, Sadducees similarly attempt to get the better of Jesus with a hyperbolic question on the theme of the resurrection. Jesus not only exposes their folly but also their ignorance, rendering them silent before him. He then poses his own question based on Psalm 110. “How can they say that the Christ is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the Book of Psalms, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ The chapter concludes with Jesus warning his disciples to beware of the proud and hypocritical scribes.
To ponder! "The Psalms are the steady, sustained subcurrent of healthy Christian living" (NT Wright).
Bible Challenge: Day 65
Bible Reading: Exodus 15 & Luke 21
Exodus 15 contains Moses’ commemorative and celebratory song. It is a hymn of praise to God for his glorious deliverance and redemption of the children of Israel and for his triumphant judgement on Pharaoh, his army, and the gods of Egypt. Moses sings, “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.” He reflects on the LORD’s steadfast love and redeeming grace and recounts the tragic demise of Pharaoh and his forces in the Red Sea. And concludes with the victorious words, “The LORD will reign forever and ever.” Then the prophetess, Miriam, who was Aaron’s sister, led the women in song with tambourines and dancing in a joyous procession. Afterward, Moses guided the people into the wilderness of Shur. Without water and thirsty, on the third day they discovered water but it was bitter and so they named the place Marah. Frustrated and dehydrated, the people complained to Moses who in turn cried to the LORD. God answered his prayer by making the water drinkable and he added a statute and rule for Israel. He declared, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.” The people thereafter arrived at Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. There they made camp. The numbers twelve and seventy carry symbolic significance in the Bible. Twelve reminds us of the twelves tribes which in this context communicates the abundance of supply for all God’s people. And seventy, comprising as it does two perfect numbers speaks of perfection and completeness. Moses will later appoint seventy elders to oversee Israel. Similarly, Israel will much later spend seventy years in captivity in Babylon.
Luke 21 begins with Jesus commending a poor widow for her generous offering at the Temple. He then goes on to foretell the coming destruction of the Temple. Not one stone will be left standing upon another! In response to his disciples’ question, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” Jesus warns them to be on their guard lest they be led astray. He forewarns them of wars, earthquakes, famines, disease, and persecution and consequently urges them to persevere, assuring them of salvation. Jesus further specifically warns them that when they see Gentile armies approaching Jerusalem they must flee to the mountains for safety, which prophecy was fulfilled within a generation in AD70. Deploying figurative, or apocalyptic language and symbolism, familiar to readers of the Old Testament, Jesus foretells seismic change will take place when the Son of Man comes in power and great glory. To reinforce his teaching, he tells them the Parable of the Fig Tree and concludes, “So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Jesus again urges his followers to remain awake, alert, disciplined, and diligent. And the people filled the Temple to hear him teach.
To ponder! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Ps.27:14).
Bible Challenge: Day 66
Bible Reading: Exodus 16 & Luke 22
Exodus 16 begins with the children of Israel setting off from Elim into the aptly named wilderness of Sin located between Elim and Sinai. There the people grumbled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron accusing them of putting their lives at risk due to hunger. The LORD however tells Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” And so, Moses and Aaron communicated this good news to the people who would encounter God’s glory in his gracious provision of manna from heaven. They similarly made God’s stipulations known and warned the people that their criticism and complaints against Moses and Aaron were essentially grumblings against the LORD whose messengers and servants they were. Aaron then addressed the people and the glory of God appeared in a cloud and the LORD again communicated his will to Moses.
In the evening quails covered the camp and, in the morning, dew lay on the ground which left a residue of flake-like substance that the people were to eat. They called it manna and likened it to coriander seed made into wafers that tasted like honey. There was enough for everyone who were charged not to take more than they could consume. ‘But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.’ Double provision was to be gathered and was miraculously preserved to ensure the sanctity of the Sabbath Day. Nevertheless, some people defied the command. And the LORD admonished Moses for their failure. And so, the people rested on the Sabbath Day. The LORD also commanded Moses who in turn told Aaron, “Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations.” The people of Israel would eat manna in the wilderness for forty years.
In Luke 22 the religious authorities are plotting Jesus’ death as the Passover approaches. Judas Iscariot, seduced by Satan, accepts a bribe to betray Jesus. On the day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover lamb was sacrificed preparations were made for Jesus to commemorate the Passover with his apostles. There in the Upper Room in Jerusalem, he kept the feast with his followers and instituted the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Then Jesus said, ‘But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” 23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.’ Afterward, Jesus intervened in a dispute among his disciples about who was the greatest and who would sit where in his coming Kingdom. He points out that the way to greatness in God’s kingdom is through humble service but assures them of their reward. He then, and despite Peter’s protestation, foretells Peter’s threefold denial. He assures his disciples that the scriptures must be fulfilled, and they go out to the Mount of Olives to pray. He bids them watch and pray that they enter not into temptation.
Jesus then separates himself from them and prays, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.’ Shortly afterward, Judas Iscariot appears with the Temple Guard and betrays Jesus with a kiss. There follows the miraculous healing of the servant of the High Priest whose ear had been sliced off by Peter’s sword. Jesus forbids resistance and yet is forcefully taken into custody. He is taken to the residence of the High Priest where the religious establishment is awaiting him. Peter bravely follows but when questioned at a fireside in the courtyard, denies even knowing the Lord, just as Jesus had foretold. He leaves, weeping inconsolably. Meanwhile, Jesus is mocked and beaten by the guards in readiness for his interrogation. At dawn, the Council makes accusations against him and condemns him as a blasphemer.
To ponder! Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1Cor.5:7-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 67
Bible Reading: Exodus 17 & Luke 23
In Exodus 17 the people continuing their journey towards the Promised Land find themselves without water at Rephidim. Consequently, they complained and quarrelled with Moses who responded, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” His words however, fell on deaf ears. The people, fearing that they and their livestock would perish from dehydration grumbled even more and grew hostile towards Moses. Moses therefore sought the LORD’s guidance and God instructed him to lead the people to Mount Horeb where he was to strike a rock with his staff and water would spring from it. Moses did so before the elders of Israel and named the placed Massah and Meribah because the people had tested and quarrelled against the LORD. When Amalek attacked the children of Israel, Moses commanded Joshua to gather men to fight. Moses would stand on the hilltop with his staff in his uplifted hands and intercede with God for their deliverance and victory. Whenever Moses held up his hands in prayer, Israel prevailed, but when he lowered them Amalek advanced. Therefore, when he got weary, Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on either side. Joshua and his fellow Israelites triumphed by dusk. Afterwards, God instructed Moses to write down the account and recite it to Joshua. There they built an altar and called it ‘The LORD is my banner’.
Luke 23 begins with Jesus being dragged before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, by the religious authorities, who no longer accuse him of blasphemy but of sedition and treason. They did so, understanding that this charge carried the death penalty if found guilty. Pilate therefore, asks Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus responds, “You have said so.” Pilate sees through the ruse of the religious authorities and declares “I find no guilt in this man”, but these rulers become more urgent and strident in their accusations and demands. Pilate, reluctant to comply, and discovering that Jesus was a Galilean, orders that Jesus be tried by Herod (the Tetrarch) who enjoyed jurisdiction over Galilee under Roman overlordship. Herod questions Jesus at length, while the chief priests and scribes maliciously malign Jesus from the side-lines. So, Herod and his guards treat Jesus with contempt. They mock him and dress him in clothing fit for a king and send him back to Pilate, who reaffirms that Jesus has done nothing worthy of the death penalty. But the people, stirred up by the religious establishment, make choice of a criminal over Jesus and loudly cry ‘crucify him, crucify him.’ To keep the peace, Pilate relents, and Jesus is sentenced to death by crucifixion. Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus’ cross to the place of execution. Many women weep and mourn on the Via Dolorosa but Jesus bids them grieve for the judgement coming upon that generation. Jesus is crucified at Golgotha with a criminal on either side of him, representing the saved and the unsaved, sometimes metaphorically referred to as the sheep and the goats, or the wheat and the tares. Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”, while soldiers cast lots for his clothing, and others scoff and mock him. A sign is placed above his head which reads, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ While one of the criminals rails on Jesus, the other seeks mercy. Jesus promised him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” At midday, darkness covers the scene until 3pm in the afternoon, the time of the evening sacrifice. The curtain concealing the Holy Place in the Temple is torn in two, and Jesus yields his spirit to God. Joseph of Arimathea receives permission from Pilate to bury Jesus’ body in a new tomb. Wrapping Jesus’ body in a shroud he lays him in the tomb and seals the entrances with a huge rock. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was approaching. Certain women followers of Jesus observe his crucifixion and burial and are determined to return with spices and ointments to anoint Jesus’ remains after the Sabbath.
To ponder! You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
Bible Challenge: Day 68
Bible Reading: Exodus 18 & Luke 24
Exodus 18 records Moses' reunion with Jethro, his father-in-law, along with his wife and two sons, and Jethro’s wise advice to Moses to delegate authority and responsibility. Having heard what God had done for Moses and the children of Israel, Jethro sent word to Moses and then travelled with Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer to meet him at Mount Horeb. There before Moses, Jethro praises God for his glory, greatness, and grace. And they offered sacrifice and worshipped the LORD. The following day, observing the demands placed on Moses by the people inquiring of God and seeking counsel and justice, Jethro offered sage advice. He told Moses, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.” And so, Jethro advised Moses to continue in his role of intercessor and mediator between God and the people, but he urged him to choose “able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times.” Weighty matters, he suggested, should be brought to Moses but less significant issues should be left for others to judge. Thereby, others would share and bear Moses’ burden. He concluded, “If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.” Moses did as his father-in-law suggested. And Jethro returned home to Midian.
Luke 24 begins with Jesus’ glorious resurrection. At dawn on the first day of the week, the women who had observed Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial went to his tomb to anoint his body. They encountered two men (angels) in dazzling apparel who tell them that Jesus has risen just as he foretold. Amazed, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and others rush to share the good news with the eleven apostles in Jerusalem. While doubting, Peter swiftly investigates and finds the tomb empty, except for the linen shroud Joseph had wrapped Jesus’ dead body in, and he marvelled. That same day Jesus appeared to two dispirited and dejected disciples on the road to Emmaus. Questioning them, they told him all that had happened, but they failed to recognise him. Jesus responded, ‘“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.’ Later, as Jesus broke bread, blessed it, and gave it to them, their eyes were opened and they recognised him and declared to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” They returned to Jerusalem and as the women did, they shared the glad tidings with the apostles and others. Jesus then appears to them and fellowships with them. And they all rejoice and praise God. Jesus again points them to the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies concerning his life, death, and resurrection and that repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem. Jesus bids them stay in Jerusalem until they receive the promise of the Father, the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The chapter and with it, Luke’s Gospel, concludes with Jesus’ ascension into heaven. ‘And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.’
To ponder! What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to you?
Bible Challenge: Day 69
Bible Reading: Exodus 19 & John 1
In Exodus 19 the children of Israel have camped below the slopes of Mount Sinai while Moses climbed the mountain to meet with God. There the LORD communicated his will to Moses to herald to the people. God asks them to remember what he had done for them in delivering them from slavery in Egypt and of his judgement of Pharaoh and his kingdom. God said, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Moses told the people and they, in turn, pledged their trust and obedience to God. The LORD foretold his appearing in a cloud (theophany) and that the people would hear his voice and believe that Moses was his messenger and mediator. And so, Moses told the people to sanctify themselves in preparation for an encounter with God on the third day. Stipulations were given on the pain of death. On the third day, Moses led the fearful people before the LORD. There was thunder, lightning, thick cloud, and the sound of a trumpet. Then LORD appeared on Mount Sinai, called Moses, and instructed him, “Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, lest he break out against them.” Moses did as he was told.
John 1 begins with the divinity of the eternal Word, the Son of God, who became flesh in the person of Jesus, the Christ. He dwelt among us, revealed God’s glory, saving grace, and truth. He was God’s agent in the creation of all things. ‘All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.’ He is the source and spring of life and light. Next, the focus switches to the ministry of John the Baptist as the forerunner who came to bear witness to the Light. The author of this Gospel is the Apostle John who points out that God came to his ancient people in the person of Jesus, but they (generally speaking) did not receive him. Indeed, they rejected him. However, all who did receive and believe in him became children of God by grace. There follows the testimony of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord as foretold by the Prophet Isaiah. John called the people to repent and be baptised in the Jordan River. When Jesus approached him, he loudly declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’” When John baptised Jesus, he saw the Spirit of God descend upon him like a dove, a symbol of peace. He told the people that Jesus was the Son of God. Thereafter, Jesus calls his first disciples who will become apostles. Andrew was the first to follow Jesus. He immediately told his brother, Simon (Peter), “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus who in turn calls him to follow him. Next, Jesus called Philip, who in turn informs Nathanael. Nathanael doubted that anything good could come out of Nazareth, not knowing that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. When Jesus saw him, he said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” The chapter concludes with Jesus assuring Nathanael that he “will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
To ponder! “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.” Jesus reveals the Father.
Bible Challenge: Day 70
Bible Reading: Exodus 20 & John 2
Exodus 20 contains the Moral Law in the form of 10 Commandments communicated to Moses by God and written on two tablets of stone. They summarise how to love the Lord God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love one’s neighbour as oneself. The Moral Law was originally written on man’s heart at creation for God is love, and man, male and female, was made in the image and likeness of God. Sadly, however, that image and likeness was stained and sullied by the Fall. And so, the law shows us our need of grace, and points us to the Saviour and our need for sanctification. The goal is love – for God and others. Note how grace precedes law. God introduces his commandments by saying, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” The gift of salvation comes before sanctification. Help before holiness. We do not make ourselves well and then approach the Physician! There follow the 10 Commandments. The first four show us how to demonstrate our love for God, and the remaining six teach us how to love our neighbour. They are in a negative format but that does not negate the positive counteraction which is implicit therein. Therefore, we love God and our neighbour not only by eschewing wrongdoing, but by positively doing good. Moses sought to reassure the children of Israel who observed the signs and wonders on Mount Sinai and who therefore kept their distance from God. He said, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” Then the LORD instructed Moses to teach the people as God’s prophet. Israel was prohibited from making images of God out of silver and gold like the nations around them did. They are to be given instruction on building altars and making sacrifices to God which anticipate and point to Jesus. And God promises to be with them and bless them.
John 2 begins with Jesus and his mother, Mary, as guests at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. There, Jesus miraculously turned water into wine at the prompting of his mother. This John describes as a first sign pointing to his greatness, goodness, and glory. The new wine, furthermore, anticipates the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. His disciples believed in him. And along with his family, they returned to Capernaum where they stayed for a few days. At the Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem in observance of the Old Testament Law. At the Temple, he encountered people selling animals for sacrifice and money changers. Making a whip of cords, he drove them from the building admonishing them, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” When asked for a sign to confirm his authority for so acting and speaking, Jesus declares, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The authorities take him to mean the literal Temple, but Jesus is referring to his own body and hence to his death and resurrection. Many claimed to believe in Jesus when they saw the signs he was doing, but Jesus knew what was in their hearts refused to entrust himself to them.
To ponder! For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart (1Sam.16:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 71
Bible Reading: Exodus 21 & John 3
Exodus 21 begins with general laws on the treatment of Hebrew slaves (indentured servants). This type of slavery was common in the ancient world. Slaves were to be given their freedom after 6 years of service. Those who loved their master were given the option to remain in servitude and were subsequently marked out for life. Married slaves were to be released together when the time came, and certain protections and rights are here legislated for women servants. There follow various laws anent murder, assaults and cursing against parents, theft, and violence towards others which carried the death penalty. Thereafter additional laws
on the treatment of slaves and pregnant women enshrine the principle of an ‘eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.’ Then come laws for redress from death or injury of or from livestock. The chapter concludes with laws of restitution.
In John 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, curious to know more about Jesus, came to him at night. He probably awaited nightfall to avoid criticism and possible condemnation from his fellow Pharisees if he was to be seen with Jesus. He asks, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus tells him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus mistakenly interprets Jesus’ words in a literal manner, but Jesus corrects him, pointing out that he was speaking of spiritual regeneration. Jesus furthermore alludes to his divinity, mission, and mediation by drawing Nicodemus’ attention to the Son of Man who like the serpent in the wilderness (see Numbers 21) must be lifted up for the salvation of others, which anticipates and foretells his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. There follows, possibly the best-known verse in the Bible where Jesus declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus makes clear that he has come not to condemn the world but to save it. He is the Light that has come into the world to dispel the darkness. And yet many will prefer the darkness because their works are evil. Afterward, Jesus and his disciples travel to Aenon near Salim in the Judean countryside where John the Baptist was baptising. There Jesus’ disciples also baptised people that repented and believed. John the Baptist bore witness to Jesus saying, “He must increase, but I must decrease… He who comes from heaven is above all.” The chapter concludes with the revealing statement, ‘Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.’
To ponder! What does it mean to be born again?
Bible Challenge: Day 72
Bible Reading: Exodus 22 & John 4
Exodus 22 continues with various laws of restitution designed to recompense victims of injustice. Understandably they deal primarily with agrarian cases. They are also preparing the children of Israel for statehood when they take possession of the Promised Land. Unlike the Moral Law these national laws were applied to Israel during the Old Testament period. Nevertheless, reading through these laws provides us with an invaluable insight into God’s will for his ancient people. Moreover, they often contain principles that are still applicable. Then follows from verse 16 various social justice laws. The purpose of these laws is to reinforce Israel’s status and calling as a people sanctified and set apart to love God and neighbour as a witness to the world. They are a people consecrated to God. And with that comes not only rights but also responsibilities.
In John 4, Jesus, while travelling to Galilee from Judea, passes through Samaria. There at Jacob’s well near Sychar he encounters a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water. It was midday, and hence the hottest time of the day, which is possibly suggestive that the woman was an outsider in her society. Jesus engages her in conversation and asks her for a drink. He goes on to tell her, “whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jesus reveals the woman’s past and in response, she calls him a prophet. She goes on to point out the religious differences between Samaritans and Jews. Jesus responds by telling her that salvation is of the Jews and the hour was at hand “when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Jesus further assures the woman that he is the Messiah both Samaritans and Jews awaited. When Jesus’s disciples appear, however, they marvel that he is speaking with a Samaritan woman. The woman however returned to the town and urged the people to come to meet and judge whether Jesus was the Christ. The disciples meanwhile were urging Jesus to eat some food to which he replied, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” Many Samaritans believed because of the woman’s testimony. Jesus was persuaded to stay a couple of days and many more believed after meeting and hearing Jesus teach. They declared Jesus the Saviour of the world. Jesus afterward returned to Galilee where he received a warm welcome. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing an official’s son at Capernaum. ‘The official in desperation pleaded with him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed Jesus and went on his way.’ It was at that very moment, he later discovered, that his son began to recover. This was the second sign pointing to God’s grace and greatness in Jesus.
To ponder! There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise (Gal.3:28-29).
Bible Challenge: Day 73
Bible Reading: Exodus 23 & John 5
Exodus 23 continues with various laws designed to perpetuate harmony, peace, and prosperity among the children of Israel. They are not to slander, spread misinformation, or pervert the course of justice. They are to assist one another, helping in the rescue and recovery of livestock. They are to protect the poor and guard against bribery and corruption. They are to be empathetic to refugees because they to were sojourners in Egypt. They are to let agricultural land rest and lie fallow on the seventh year. They and their livestock are to rest on the Sabbath Day. They are to avoid all other gods. Three religious feasts are mandated for Israel annually: the Feast of Unleavened Bread culminating in the Passover; the Feast of Harvest; and the Feast of Ingathering. Among the cultic laws they are prohibited from using leavened foods with their blood sacrifices; they are to offer the best of their firstfruits to the LORD; and they are not permitted to boil a young goat in its mother’s milk. There follows God’s promise to guide his people to the Land of Promise by his Angel (messenger). He will protect and prosper them but they in turn must hear and heed his word. God will remove the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites for their sin but Israel must take care to avoid the allure of their gods by destroying their statues and symbols. God says, ‘You shall serve the LORD your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you. 26 None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.’ God promises his protection against the dispossessed enemy nations. He assures his people that they will possess the land given to them by God, but they must not enter into agreements with these nations or their gods, or permit them to dwell again in the land “lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”
John 5 begins with Jesus healing an invalid at a pool next to the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem. The man, paralysed for thirty-eight years, was miraculously transformed. Jesus commanded him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk”, and he did so. However, it was the Sabbath Day, and when some legalistic religious observers saw the man carrying his bed (mat) they admonished him for breaking the Sabbath law. Later, Jesus approached the man in the Temple who in turn pointed out Jesus to his accusers. They arrogantly and foolishly, therefore, persecuted Jesus as a lawbreaker. The Lord answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working”, but this made them even more determined to kill him as they perceived he was ‘even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.’ There follows Jesus’ address to his adversaries. He points out his unique relationship to and with the Father, who loves him. The Son has come to do his Father’s will and greater works will follow. And just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son does likewise. The Father, moreover, has handed over judgement to the Son that all people may honour him. Jesus declares, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” Jesus assures them that even the dead will hear his voice. He tells them not to marvel “for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” The chapter concludes with Jesus condemning the ignorance of his religious antagonists for their failure to heed the testimony of God through the ministry of John the Baptist and God’s abiding word in the scriptures. Jesus declares, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”
To ponder! but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (Jn.20:31).
Bible Challenge: Day 74
Bible Reading: Exodus 24 & John 6
In Exodus 24 God confirms his covenant with Israel. He summons Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders to draw near and worship him. Again, Moses communicates God’s word to the people. And Moses also wrote down all the words of the LORD. He furthermore built an altar at the foot of the mountain and twelve pillars symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel. After making sacrifice, Moses took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded by declaring, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” And Moses took some of the blood of the sacrifices offered to God and applied it to the people saying, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Then Moses accompanied by Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders ascended the mountain where they encountered God. They beheld God and ate and drank. Moses, assisted by Joshua received two tablets of stone with the law and the commandment which God had given to them. The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai and cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day, God, whose appearance was like a devouring fire, called to Moses who ascended the mountain and was covered by the cloud. He was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
John 6 begins with Jesus and his disciples on the far side of the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him and after teaching his followers, he miraculously fed the crowd numbering five thousand with five barley loaves and two fishes. After everyone had ate and were satisfied, they collected twelve baskets full of fragments which symbolised the abundance of God’s grace for all the Israel of God. ‘When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving that the people wanted to make Jesus king, he withdrew from them. That evening as Jesus’ disciples were crossing back over the Sea of Galilee a storm arose and the sea became dangerously rough. Jesus appeared to his fearful disciples walking on the water. He told them not to be afraid and stilled the storm and sea. At Capernaum, Jesus told the crowds, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Jesus told them that to do the work of God is to believe on him and goes on to declare, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” He further makes clear that it is the will of the Father that all believe on him for eternal life. Responding to his detractors at the synagogue, he says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” He reiterates that he is the true Bread of Life and “the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” His opponents, however, familiar with his family background and taking his figurative language in a literal sense continue in unbelief. Additionally, many disciples also found what Jesus was saying hard to accept. He admonishes them for taking offense and makes clear that they require God’s grace. Many abandoned him but Peter responding for the apostles and close disciples said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus reveals that one of them has an evil spirit and will betray him, referring to Judas Iscariot.
To ponder! I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them (Hos.11:4).
Bible Challenge: Day 75
Bible Reading: Exodus 25 & John 7
In Exodus 25 God calls those whose hearts are moved to make contributions towards the construction of a Tabernacle and an inner sanctuary for worship. It will symbolise God’s dwelling in their midst. They are to provide ‘gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats' hair, 5 tanned rams' skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.’ They are to build it according to God’s exact directives. There follow instructions for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. It is to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with the purest gold. It is to possess rings and poles so that it is not touched in transport. It will contain God’s testimony to Israel. The mercy seat will top the ark containing two gold cherubim facing inward on either side. ‘There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.’ The ark is a type of which Jesus Christ is the antitype and fulfilment. Additionally, the craftsmen are to make a Table with the same materials for the bread of God’s presence, again symbolising the Bread of Life, along with plates and dishes for incense, and flagons and bowls for drink offerings. An ornate golden lampstand is similarly to be made with three branches on each side with cups and utensils. It will bear witness to the Light of the World.
John 7 begins in Galilee with the Feast of Booths approaching and Jesus’ brothers challenging him to go through Judea publicly declaring his glory and demonstrating his greatness in good works. Although they themselves did not yet believe and were aware that the religious authorities were plotting to murder him. In response, Jesus tells them “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.” Jesus, nevertheless, in accordance with the law, goes to Judea to keep the Feast. People there are speaking about him, but no-one did so openly because of fear of the authorities. The religious rulers marvelled when he taught in the Temple with authority and wisdom and yet had not been formerly trained in theology. Jesus assures them that “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.” He furthermore condemns their hypocrisy, theological error, and evil in seeking his death for healing on the Sabbath. He tells them, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.” While the authorities looked for an excuse to arrest him, they could not because his time had not yet come. Many, nevertheless, believed Jesus. Therefore, the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him, but he confounds them. On the final day of the Feast, Jesus declares, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” He was referring to the Holy Spirit who would be poured out upon the church after his ascension. Jesus’ words cause division among the people. Some think he is a prophet, others recognise that he is God’s Messiah, while others want him arrested and put to death. The chief priests and Pharisees accuse the officers sent to arrest Jesus of being deceived and blame those people who believe on him of theological ignorance. Nicodemus intervenes, however, and says, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
To ponder! Jesus is the true ark, the Tabernacle of God’s abiding presence.
Bible Challenge: Day 76
Bible Reading: Exodus 26 & John 8
Exodus 26 contains God’s instructions for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle which was a portable Temple. It will be replaced by the solid and settled stone structure at Jerusalem in the reign of King Solomon, David’s youngest son. It symbolised God’s holy dwelling amidst his people and taught the children of Israel important theological truths about God and how he was to be approached and worshipped. The instructions are clear and require little if any commentary other than to say that one is struck by the rich colours and beauty of its curtains and furnishings as well as its symmetry and the symbolism in its design. Most noteworthy is the directive ‘And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. 34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And you shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table, and you shall put the table on the north side.’ The Tabernacle conveyed important information about God in much the same way that later Gothic Cathedrals were Christ-focussed and Christ-centred in their design and purpose.
John 8 begins with Jesus teaching the people in the Temple at Jerusalem. While there, the scribes and Pharisees drag a woman before him who had been caught in an adulterous relationship. No mention is made of her male partner. The scribes and Pharisees are less concerned with the intricacies of the Old Testament law than they are determined to discredit and entrap Jesus. While the law of Moses had made adultery a capital offence, by the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry such lethal punishment was reserved to Caesar’s representatives. Had Jesus agreed with the scribes and Pharisees, they could have accused him of sedition and rebellion to the Roman authorities, had he upheld Roman Law, they hoped to accuse him of antinomianism (anti = against, nomian = law) and possibly heresy. Jesus, however, writing in the sand with his finger, symbolising God’s giving of the Moral Law, says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, from the eldest to the youngest, they left, leaving the woman with Jesus, who tells her, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it.
Sometime afterward, Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This infuriated the Pharisees who accuse him of falsehood, but Jesus reaffirms that the Father bears testimony to him. He further adds, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” Jesus adds, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.” By contrast, he assures his followers, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The chapter concludes with Jesus furthermore condemning his enemies who staked their claims on their Abrahamic heritage and inheritance. He insists that they have the Devil for their father because they were seeking to kill him and would not acknowledge the truth. They in turn apply the sectarian card by accusing Jesus of being a Samaritan and then adding that he was demon-possessed. Jesus rebukes them pointing out that “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus words enrage them to violence. They picked up stones to throw at him, but he escapes their fury.
To ponder! ‘So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 77
Bible Reading: Exodus 27 & John 9
Exodus 27 continues God’s instructions for the construction of the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The altar is to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze with horns on each corner and with loops and poles for portability. Then follows the dimensions and pillars of the court of the Tabernacle with its hangings of fine twined linen. The base of the pillars are to be bronze with silver hooks and fillets. ‘For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework.’ The utensils and pegs are similarly to be made of bronze. The chapter concludes with God telling Moses to command the Israelites to provide pure beaten olive oil for the lamp which is to burn continually and be maintained by the priests as a sign of God’s presence. It is to stand in the tent of meeting outside the veil ‘that is before the testimony’.
In John 9 Jesus heals a man born blind. He is asked by his disciples if the blind man’s impairment was a judgement for his sin or the sin of his parents. Jesus replies, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Jesus then proceeded to anoint the blind man with mud mixed with saliva. He told him to wash it off in the Pool of Siloam. He did so and he returned seeing. People understandably marvelled and the formerly blind man was presented to the Pharisees. They were divided in their opinion of Jesus. Because Jesus healed the blind man on the Sabbath Day some denounced him, but others defended him. Some of the religious leaders questioned whether the man had ever been blind and so his parents were called and interrogated. Aware of the opposition to Jesus, and fearful of reprisals, the formerly blind man’s parents affirm that their son was blind from birth and that he can now see, but they did not identify Jesus as his healer. Rather, they insisted the rulers ask their son. So, the former blind man is again brought before the religious rulers who accuse Jesus of being a sinner. The man tells them, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” Dismissing the man, Jesus’ detractors once again only managed to expose their arrogance and ignorance. Afterward, Jesus sought out the man and responding to Jesus’ question if he believed in the Son of Man, he confidently confessed, ‘“Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” The chapter ends with Jesus telling his antagonists that their guilt remains.
To ponder! ‘Amazing grace. How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.’
Bible Challenge: Day 78
Bible Reading: Exodus 28 & John 10
Exodus 28 contains detailed instructions on the liturgical garments to be worn by the priests serving in the Tabernacle. They are described as holy garments designed to express glory and beauty. They include a breast piece, an ephod, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash which were to be made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. The names of the twelve sons of Israel were to be engraved on two onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, attached to the shoulder pieces of the ephod with two chains of pure gold. The breast piece was to be adorned with four rows of precious stones. The first row was to comprise sardius, topaz and carbuncle stones. The second an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. The third a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper stone. These were to represent the children of Israel and were to be set in filigree gold engraved with the names of each tribe. ‘So Aaron (the High Priest) shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD. 30 And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD.’ Then follows instructions for the blue robe with pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns around its hem with bells of gold. ‘And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the LORD, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.’ Additionally, they were to make a plate of pure gold with the inscription, ‘Holy to the LORD’ engraved on it and have it fastened to the High Priest’s turban. ‘It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.’ Embroidered coats, sashes, caps with linen undergarments were to worn by those ordained and consecrated to serve as priests.
In John 10 Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd and begins by pointing out that there is only one way to enter the sheepfold. He “who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.’ Jesus is the door of the sheep. He says, “If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”, referring to his forthcoming death and resurrection. He speaks of other sheep (Gentiles) not of this fold (Jews) who will also hear and heed his voice so that there will be one flock (the church) and one Shepherd (the Lord Christ), anticipating the Good News and the Great Commission. He makes clear that it is the Father’s will he has come to do. Again, his teaching causes a stir and division among his hearers. It is the Feast of Dedication and while in the Temple precincts Jesus is pressed for an answer whether he is the eagerly anticipated Messiah. ‘Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”’ Jesus’ response sparks outrage and accusations of blasphemy, and some hastily pick up stones to throw at him. Jesus, however, admonishes them and affirms that he and the Father are one before evading their attempts to have him arrested. He travels to the place where John had baptized people in the Jordan River to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry and there many believe on him.
To ponder! The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Bible Challenge: Day 79
Bible Reading: Exodus 29 & John 11
Exodus 29 contains detailed instructions for the consecration and ordination of priests. Designated unblemished livestock are to be offered for sacrifice with unleavened bread and wafers smeared in oil. The priests are to be anointed with oil poured on their heads. The laying of the priest’s hands on the head of the animal to be sacrificed symbolised the peoples’ association with it and hence the substitutionary nature of the offering. Bulls were to be offered for sin offerings and rams for burnt offerings. The rites and rituals related to the different sacrifices are clear and precise with the application of blood to the altar and priests anticipating the supreme and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. And so, “this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day regularly. 39 One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight” – pointing to Jesus’s crucifixion at the time of the morning sacrifice and his death at the time of the evening one. The chapter also itemises portions reserved for the priests serving in the Tabernacle. It ends with God’s promise to meet his people there. It is a special place sanctified for his glory. God says, “I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.” God now dwells with his people in the body of Christ the true and everlasting Temple of God.
John 12 begins at the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus at Bethany, a short distance from Jerusalem. The Passover is fast approaching, and Jesus is preparing for his Triumphal entry to Jerusalem, and his passion, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. While Martha is serving, Mary her sister, anoints Jesus with expensive oil and wipes his feet with her hair in an act of loving homage. Jesus rebukes Judas Iscariot who complains that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. He says, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” Discovering Jesus’ whereabouts, a large crowd gathered prompting the chief priests to plot the murder of Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead. The next day marked Jesus’ triumphal entry into the Holy City sitting upon the colt of a donkey in fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Cheering crowds lined the route into Jerusalem waving psalm branches and declaring, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” The religious rulers were indignant that so many people were welcoming and following him. Hellenistic Jews also sought Jesus who told them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” He assured them that all who served him will be honoured by the Father. He then added, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Jesus assures them that when he is lifted up upon the cross he will draw all people to himself. He bids them believe in the Light that they might become sons of light. Many however, continued in unbelief while others secretly believed but because of their fear of the religious authorities they dared not profess Jesus publicly. The chapter concludes with Jesus declaring, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” He was given the name Jesus, after all, because he will save his people from their sins.
To ponder! Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the LORD has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Bible Challenge: Day 80
Bible Reading: Exodus 30 & John 13
Exodus 30 begins with instructions for the construction of the altar of incense for the Tabernacle. It is to be made of acacia wood and is to be overlaid with gold. Like the other furnishings for the Tabernacle, it must have rings and poles for portability. It is to be placed before the veil leading to the ark of the testimony and the mercy seat. Aaron and his successors are to burn fragrant incense upon it daily, representing the prayers of God’s people. Once a year the high priest will make atonement for it with the blood of the sin offering. ‘It is most holy to the LORD’. Then God instructed Moses to take a census of the people. All adults over the age of twenty were to pay a half shekel ransom (tax) for the maintenance of worship. Next, God issued instruction for a bronze basin and stand for the ritual cleansing of the priests serving the Tabernacle which was to be situated between the tent of meeting and the altar. The chapter concludes with detailed instructions listing the ingredients and measures to be applied in the production and application of the oil that was to be used in the anointing and consecrating of the priests and the Tabernacle furnishings as well as the incense used in Tabernacle worship. The misuse and misapplication of these items carried the serious penalty of excommunication.
John 13 begins in the Upper Room where Jesus and his disciples have gathered to commemorate and celebrate the Passover. The Evil One has entered the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus who is conscious that his hour has arrived. Removing his outer garments and taking a towel and pouring water into a basin, Jesus stoops down and begins to wash his disciples’ feet in an act of humble loving service. He responds to Peter’s objections by telling him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” Peter then eagerly consented. Afterward, Jesus asks them if they have understood what he had done to them? He tells them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” He goes on to reveal that one of them is about to betray him as foretold in the scriptures. While the revelation troubles his apostles and prompts John to ask Jesus, “Is it I, Lord”, Jesus identifies Judas Iscariot by handing him a morsal of bread. While the other apostles do not immediately comprehend, Judas abandons the Light for the dark and goes out into the night. Jesus declares, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.” He further declares, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The chapter concludes with Jesus telling Peter that he would deny even knowing him three times before the rooster crows!
To ponder! If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing (1Cor.13:1-3).
For Thursday
Bible Challenge: Day 81
Bible Reading: Exodus 31 & John 14
Exodus 31 begins with further instructions for building and beautifying God’s Tabernacle. He has bestowed upon certain individuals the requisite gifts and graces for the work. And so, God has chosen and filled Bezalel from the tribe of Judah ‘with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.’ And similarly, he has called and equipped Oholiab from the tribe of Dan to assist and oversee others in the construction of the Tabernacle, its furniture, furnishings, as well as the priestly garments, anointing oil, and fragrant incense, as God commanded. Moses is also told to “speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you.” It was a sign and regular reminder that God was their Creator, Lawgiver, and Benefactor. Profanation of the Sabbath was decreed a capital offense for the children of Israel. After communicating his will to Moses on Mount Sinai God gave to him ‘the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.’
John 14 begins with Jesus telling his disciples not to be troubled and afraid. He is going to his Father’s house where he will prepare a place for them. He will come again and take them to himself. In response to Thomas’s question, he assures them that he is the way, the truth, and the life. And that no one can come to the Father except through him. To know Jesus is to know the Father. He tells Philip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” And adds, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Jesus assures them if they love him and demonstrate it by keeping his commandments, the Father will send them another Helper, the Spirit of Truth to enlighten, empower, and encourage them for faithfulness and fruitfulness in their ministry. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” While he must shortly leave them, physically speaking, he will be always with them by his Spirit who will guide and direct them, and authorise and authenticate their apostolic witness. The chapter concludes with Jesus telling them, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.”
To ponder! ‘What God requires of us he himself works in us, or it is not done. He that commands faith, holiness, and love creates them by the power of his grace.’ (Matthew Henry).
Bible Challenge: Day 82
Bible Reading: Exodus 32 & John 15
While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving God’s law and instructions for worship, the Israelites grew impatient. They gathered to Aaron and insisted, “make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Aaron foolishly complied and after receiving the requisite gold jewellery from the people, he had it melted down and fashioned into a golden calf. He set up an altar before it and made a proclamation, declaring, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” And so, the following day they presented burnt and peace offerings, and ‘the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.’ In response, the omniscient LORD told Moses that his people had corrupted themselves. He said, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. 10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.” Moses interceded for the people and implored God to remember the covenant he had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. And the LORD mercifully relented. Therefore, Moses took the two tablets of the testimony and made his descent down the mountain. He was enraged when he saw the golden calf and the people dancing before it. Throwing the two tablets of stone against a rock he broke them, a symbol of Israel’s breaking God’s holy law and the promise they had made to him. Moses incinerated the gold calf, scattering its ashes on the water which he then commanded the people to drink. He then admonished Aaron for his complicity. However, rebellion broke out in the camp which prompted Moses to stand in the gate and ask, “Who is on the LORD's side? Come to me.” The sons of Levi gathered to him, and he commanded them to put the rebels to the sword. Some three thousand were put to death as a result. Moses subsequently reassured the sons of Levi that God would bless them for their valiant service. The following day Moses addressed the people and told them, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” He therefore pleaded for God’s forgiveness but the LORD sent a plague upon the people for their sin.
In John 15 Jesus uses the symbolism of a vine to teach his followers an invaluable lesson about living in communion with him. He declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Jesus urges his disciples to abide in him which is by faith. Just as the purpose of vine branches is to bear fruit, so it is with Christians. And just like a vine branch broken off from the vine stops bearing fruit and slowly withers and dies so it is, spiritually speaking, with those that fail to abide in Christ. Without him he tells them they can do nothing. Moreover, it is the Father’s will, and for his glory, that they bear much fruit. Jesus has chosen them for this very purpose. To do so, Christians must love God and keep his commandments. Jesus adds, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” He then goes on to command his followers to love one another as he loved them. He no longer calls them servants but friends. He then informs them that they will be hated by the world for his sake. He says, “A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” The world’s unjustified hatred of God will fuel the persecution of his followers. However, Jesus assures his people that the Helper, who is the Spirit of truth, will comfort them and enable them to continue communicating the gospel and bearing much fruit.
To ponder! the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal.5:22:23).
Bible Challenge: Day 83
Bible Reading: Exodus 33 & John 16
Exodus 33 begins with God commanding Moses to continue the journey to the land he had promised to his forebears. He promises to send an angel to lead them and he himself will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites. It is a land flowing with milk and honey. However, God declares that he will not go among them ‘lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” When they heard, the people mourned, removed all ornamentation, and set off from Mount Horeb. Therefore, Moses pitched the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. When he entered the tent, a pillar of cloud descended, and the LORD spoke with Moses ‘face to face, as a man speaks to his friend’. The people would then worship at the door of their tents. Afterward, when Moses returned to the camp, Joshua was left behind to guard the Tent of Meeting. Moses also pleaded with God to graciously reveal himself and his ways that he and his fellow Israelites might be faithful and find favour again with God. “For how shall it be known that I have found favour in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” Moses asked to see God’s glory. ‘And the LORD replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” And so, God assured Moses that he would be sheltered in the clefts of a rock and covered by the hand of God and would then be given a glimpse of his back.
John 16 continues Jesus’ discourse recorded in the previous chapter. He reiterates that the apostles and disciples will face persecution and even martyrdom for their faithfulness. He also assures them, “it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment”. The Spirit will guide them into all truth and glorify Christ. Anticipating his crucifixion, death, and resurrection, Jesus tells them, “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” He tells them that their sorrow will be turned to joy and whatever they ask the Father for in his name he will give it to them that their joy may be full. Jesus assures them of the Father’s love for them and that he is returning to the Father. The hour is fast approaching when they will be scattered but he will grant them his peace. The chapter concludes with the Lord Jesus urging his followers to take heart because he has overcome the world.
To ponder! To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified (Isa.61:3).
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 84
Bible Reading: Exodus 34 & John 17
In Exodus 34 the LORD commands Moses to prepare another two stone tablets to replace the ones he had broken. Moses followed God’s instructions and God revealed himself to him once more on Mount Sinai. ‘The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Moses then worshipped God and pleaded with him to show mercy and grace by forgiving Israel’s sin and restoring the fellowship that had been consequently lost. The LORD then renews his covenant with them and promises to do awesome things before them and for them. He will drive out the sinful inhabitants of the Promised Land, but the children of Israel must take great care not to enter into any agreement with them. They are to remove their places of worship lest they become a snare to them. And they are prohibited from intermarrying with them. They are forbidden to make images of gods. They are to keep the Feasts of Unleavened Bread with the Passover, and the Feasts of Weeks and Ingathering that God appointed for them. ‘And the LORD said to Moses, “Write these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.’ When Moses returned to the people, his face was aglow. Aaron and others were afraid, but Moses communicated the word of God to them and then veiled his face. And so, afterward, when Moses met with God, he unveiled his face and veiled it again when he passed on God’s revelation to the Old Testament church.
John 17 contains Jesus’ high priestly prayer to his Father in heaven. He prays, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Jesus has accomplished the work his Father sent him to do. He has fulfilled the Law. He has kept God’s covenant as the second Adam which he will sign and seal with his precious blood.
Jesus has revealed the Father and his will to those given to him by the Father and they have been faithful except for the son of destruction (Judas Iscariot) that the scripture might be fulfilled. Jesus moreover intercedes for his followers, that the Holy Father will be with them and bless them and that their joy might be full. He asks the Father to guard them from the Evil One and adds, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” Jesus, moreover, prays for those who will believe the apostolic revelation and that his church may be united in loving communion with God and one another in and through him. He expresses his desire that they may eventually be with him and behold his glory. Jesus’ prayer concludes, “O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
To ponder! Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Heb.7:25).
Bible Challenge: Day 85
Bible Reading: Exodus 35 & John 18
Exodus 35 begins with Moses addressing the children of Israel and reminding them of God’s command to keep the Sabbath Day holy and of the grave consequences for disobedience. He then reminds them of the command to make financial and other material contributions for the construction, adornment, and maintenance of the Tabernacle and the worship of God. And adds, “Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the LORD has commanded” before listing the items, furnishings, and garments required. After the congregation departed there returned all those whose hearts and spirits had been stirred by Moses’ address. Men and women alike made their freewill offerings and provided the necessary gifts and graces for the construction of the Tabernacle. The chapter ends with Moses urging the people to see how the LORD has provided the necessary talents, treasures, and time for the completion of his place of worship.
John 18 begins with Jesus leading his disciples to a garden by the brook Kidron. Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ betrayer, who knew the place well, leads armed soldiers from the religious rulers to arrest Jesus by force. Jesus willingly reveals himself to the soldiers and agrees to accompany them if they let his disciples go. Peter, determined to defend the Lord Jesus cut off the ear of Malchus, the High Priest’s servant, but Jesus tells him, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Jesus then heals Malchus, which incident is recorded in the synoptic gospels. The Lord is taken to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. Peter follows and denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows, as foretold. Meanwhile, Jesus is interrogated by Annas who demands to know more about Jesus’ disciples and his teaching. Jesus responds by telling him,
“I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” An officer of the Temple Guard strikes Jesus in response. And Annas hands him over to Caiaphas to continue the inquisition. From there, Jesus is dragged before the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, who demands to know what charge had been made against him. He tells the religious authorities to try Jesus themselves, but they insist otherwise because their Jewish courts no longer had the power to pronounce the death penalty. And they were determined to have Jesus put to death. Pilate then asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews? Jesus tells him, ‘“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”’ Pilate openly declares that he can find no fault in Jesus, and in keeping with a custom that a prisoner is released at the time of the Passover, he offers to free him. But incited and stirred on by the religious leaders, the people choose a criminal, Barabbas, instead.
To ponder! “What is truth?”
Bible Challenge: Day 86
Bible Reading: Exodus 36 & John 19
Exodus 36 provides a record of the construction of the Tabernacle. It begins, ‘“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the LORD has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”’ They received the necessary materials from the contributions made by the people who continued to make freewill offerings daily until there was sufficient materials for the completion of the work. There follows a detailed description of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings in accordance with the instructions given by God and communicated to the children of Israel by Moses.
John 19 begins with Jesus being flogged on Pilate’s order. A crown of thorns is pressed into his scalp by soldiers who beat and mock him. Pilate has a purple robe placed on Jesus and declares to the bloodthirsty crowd, “Behold the man!” The chief priests and the officers associated with them cry out’ “crucify him, crucify him.” Jesus tells Pilate, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” Pilate attempts to have Jesus spared and set free but the religious authorities insist, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” And so, Pilate wishing to avoid having his reputation tarnished by political turmoil, again asks the crowd before handing Jesus over to be crucified. They crucify Jesus outside the city walls at Golgotha. Criminals are similarly crucified either side of him, which symbolise the sheep and the goats, the wheat and the tares, the saved and the unsaved. Pilate orders an inscription to be nailed to the cross above Jesus’ head which reads, in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Soldiers cast lots for Jesus garments, while his mother, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stand at the foot of the cross. Jesus addresses his mother, saying, “Woman, behold, your son!” and the apostle John saying, “Behold, your mother!” ‘And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.’ Jesus added ‘I thirst’ before finally crying out, “It is finished.” He has accomplished and completed his mission. He bows his head and gives up his spirit. In fulfilment of the scripture, none of his bones are broken (to hasten death) but his side is pierced with a spear and out pours blood and water symbolising salvation and life, justification, regeneration, and sanctification. Joseph of Arimathea receives permission from Pilate to bury Jesus’ body. He is helped with the final duties by Nicodemus, who had visited Jesus by night. They bury Jesus in a nearby tomb and seal its entrance.
To ponder! “It is finished!”
Bible Challenge: Day 87
Bible Reading: Exodus 37 & John 20
Exodus 37 continues with detailed descriptions of the construction of the furniture for the Tabernacle made in conformity to God’s will and delivered through Moses. There follows the making of the Ark of the Covenant of acacia wood and overlaid in purest gold. It was placed in the Holy of holies where the atoning sacrificial blood would be sprinkled on its mercy seat once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. In it, Moses would place the two Tablets of Stone with the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God. Then follows the Table crafted out of the same materials with its vessels of pure gold. Plates and dishes for incense, and bowls and flagons for drink offerings. Next follows the seven-branched golden lampstand (menorah) with its intricate adornments of cups, buds, and blossoms and its tongs, trays, and utensils of the finest gold. The chapter concludes with Bezalel similarly crafting the altar of incense with its rings and poles. ‘He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer.’
John 20 begins with the Lord Jesus’ glorious resurrection on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene finds the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid empty and speedily shares the news with Peter, who accompanied by John, finds the tomb as Mary had said. The linen burial cloths and face-covering with which Joseph and Nicodemus had dressed Jesus' body lay folded within. Believing but not fully comprehending they return home. Mary stood weeping at the tomb and peering in saw two angels who asked her why she was weeping. Turning around, conscious of someone’s presence, whom she mistook for the gardener, Jesus asks her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” When Jesus says her name, she lifts her head and sees that it is Jesus who has risen from the dead. He tells her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary, filled with joy, runs to the apostles and conveys the gloriously good news. That evening, Jesus appears to his apprehensive apostles and says, “Peace be with you.” He shows them his side and the marks made by the nails in his hands, and declares, “As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you.” He breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” Thomas who had been absent when Jesus appeared to the disciples remained skeptical but eight days later Jesus appears to him also, and says, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The Gospel according to John concludes by informing the reader, ‘these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.’
To ponder! The word in scripture reveals the Word Incarnate.
Bible Challenge: Day 88
Bible Reading: Exodus 38 & John 21
Exodus 38 continues with the construction of the furniture and furnishings for the Tabernacle. Bezalel and others make the altar for the burnt offerings out of acacia wood overlaid with bronze with its rings and poles and horns on each corner. They also crafted its utensils: pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans. Then afterward a bronze basin and stand were made for the women that served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Thereafter follows the construction of the court with its multiple hangings of fine twined linen, solid bronze bases, adornments of silver, and striking embroideries made out blue, purple, and scarlet threads. The chapter concludes by acknowledging the contributions of Moses, Bezalel, and Oholiab in the construction of the Tabernacle, and the quantities of gold, silver, and bronze freely given by the children of Israel.
John 21 begins with Jesus appearing to his followers at the Sea of Tiberius. His disciples had been fishing but had caught no fish and Jesus called them and told them to cast their net to the right-hand side of their boat and their net was soon filled. In response, John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” It was breakfast time and Jesus fellowshipped with them. He ‘came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.’ Afterward, Jesus asked Peter three times ‘do you love me?’ in response to Peter’s earlier three-fold denial. He bids Peter feed his sheep and lambs, assuring him thereby that he was fully forgiven. Jesus goes on to foretell Peter’s martyrdom for love’s sake. He urges him, “Follow me.” The chapter, and with it the Gospel according to John, ends with John’s personal testimony in which he debunks a misunderstanding that had emerged among the early church. He concludes by stating, ‘Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.’
To ponder! “Follow Me!”
Bible Challenge: Day 89
Bible Reading: Exodus 39 & Acts 1
Exodus 39 contains a record of the making of priestly garments for the high priest and others ministering in the Holy Place. The ephod comprised gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads with fine twined linen. Onyx stones, set with gold filigree and engraved, adorned the shoulder pieces to remind Israel of her special status before God. Similarly, the breast-piece with its four rows of precious stones of sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, jacinth, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper, enclosed in gold filigree, and with the names of the twelve tribes engraved and held in place with chains and rings of gold was a work of art. Thereafter follows details of the robes made of blue, purple, and scarlet threads with their decorative bells and pomegranates hanging from each hem. Coats, turbans, caps, undergarments, and sashes of the same colours were also produced. A gold plate fixed to each turban was engraved with the words, ‘Holy to the LORD’. The chapter ends with a summary of the finished works and concludes, ‘And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the LORD had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them.’
The Acts of the Apostles is volume two of St Luke’s history of Jesus’ earthly ministry continued through his church in the power and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And so, Acts 1 begins, ‘In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.’ After giving his church the Great Commission, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit who would enlighten, equip, and energise them for their mission to the world. They are to be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, and throughout Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After Jesus had told them these things, he ascended into heaven in a cloud. ‘And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”’ Returning to the upper room in Jerusalem from Olivet, the eleven apostles devoted themselves to prayer with the women disciples, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers. Then Peter addressed the church numbering about 120 souls and reminded them that the scriptures had been fulfilled in Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus and subsequent death. It was therefore needful to re-establish the full complement of apostles, numbering 12 as the new spiritual Israel. “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” Two candidates were proposed – Barsabbas and Matthias. They prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” They cast lots, and Matthias was chosen. The casting of lots was not prescriptive but rather was designed to emphasise that Matthias was God’s choice.
To ponder! And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt.28:18-20).
Bible Challenge: Day 90
Bible Reading: Exodus 40 & Acts 2
Exodus 40 provides a record of the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle. The LORD commanded Moses to erect the Tabernacle and to arrange its furniture and furnishings as instructed on the first day of the first month. “Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy.” Then Aaron and his fellow priests must ritually wash before being anointed and ordained for ministry therein. “And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.” All was done in accordance with God’s instruction and Moses oversaw the completion of the works. Then the cloud indicating God’s presence covered the tent of meeting, and ‘the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle.’ The cloud’s absence was a sign to the children of Israel to move location. They were not permitted to up-camp while the cloud remained. ‘For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.’
Acts 2 begins with the church gathered at Pentecost when God anointed them with the Holy Spirit as promised. ‘[S]uddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” They were each filled with the Spirit and were able to speak in foreign languages to communicate the Good News to people from numerous countries and regions that had assembled in Jerusalem to commemorate and celebrate Pentecost. Folks were amazed and astounded to hear the apostles and other disciples proclaiming Christ. “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” Some listened intently while others mockingly accused the Christians of being drunk.
Peter, standing with his fellow apostles, addressed the large crowd, and declared they were not drunk as some thought but rather they were the recipients of the Holy Spirit as prophesied in the Old Testament Book of Joel. This marked the last days and was a time of seismic change when God’s people shall proclaim God’s word and willingly serve him. And all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Peter, therefore, preached Jesus Christ. He spoke of his person and mighty works. He proclaimed his death and resurrection in accordance with the definite plan and foreknowledge of God. He quoted Psalm 16 as foretelling the death and resurrection of Jesus, David’s son and Lord. Peter, moreover, spoke as an eye-witness and alluded to Christ’s ascension, authority, and mediation at the right hand of God the Father. He quoted Psalm 110 as similarly foretelling Jesus’ lordship. He concluded his sermon with the words, “Let all the house of Israel, therefore, know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Many responded positively and asked what they should do. Peter told them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Some three thousand do so in response, and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, the fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers, as members of Christ’s church. The church was united in worship, work, and witness, and enjoyed the grace of God and the goodwill of many people.
To ponder! ‘We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.’ (GK Chesterton).
Bible Challenge: Day 91
Bible Reading: Leviticus 1 & Acts 3
Leviticus 1 begins with the LORD communicating his will to Moses for Israel from the Tent of Meeting concerning how he was to be worshipped by his people. Burnt offerings were to be livestock without blemish anticipating Jesus who was without sin. Instructions were separately given for bulls, sheep, goats, turtledoves, and pigeons. The laying on of hands emphasised the vicarious or substitutionary nature of the sacrifice, again pointing to Jesus who died for the sin of the world. The priesthood was directed to apply the blood of the sacrifice. ‘And the priest shall burn all of it on the altar, as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD.’
Acts 3 begins with the apostles Peter and John making their way to the Temple for morning prayer. At the Beautiful Gate which was one of the entrances to the Temple precincts, they encountered a man lame from birth. Peter said to him, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” The man did so and to the amazement of onlookers entered the Temple with them walking, and leaping, and praising God. At Solomon’s Portico Peter courageously but courteously and with conviction addressed the crowd that had gathered. He makes clear that it was the healing power of God in Jesus’ name that healed the lame man. He points out that they had not only denied the Holy and Righteous One, but they had murdered the Author of Life. However, he adds that they had acted in ignorance and therefore directs all to faith in Jesus. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” Peter declares that God’s promise of the Prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15 is fulfilled in Jesus and backs up his statement by recourse to other Old Testament scriptures. He concludes, “You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
To ponder! “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen” (Deut.18:15). “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt.17:5).
Bible Challenge: Day 92
Bible Reading: Leviticus 2 & Acts 4
Leviticus 2 provides detailed instructions on the grain offerings to be made in the Tabernacle. These must be made of fine flour and be offered with oil and frankincense. The ‘priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 3 But the rest of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the LORD's food offerings.’ Baked grain offerings brought to the Tabernacle had to be made with unleavened ingredients mixed with oil. All offerings were to be made with salt. ‘You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.’ If making a grain offering of firstfruits to the LORD it had to contain the fresh ears, be roasted with fire, and be crushed new grain.
Acts 4 begins with the religious authorities having Peter and John arrested for preaching the gospel. Not only were they enraged that the apostles were preaching Jesus whom they had put to death with Roman consent, but they were annoyed that many were believing the Good News. And so, we are told that the church grew to around 5000. Peter and John were arraigned before the council of religious rulers including the high priest, Annas, Caiaphas, and members of their family, who demanded to know, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Peter, filled with the Spirit, as Jesus had promised, courageously declared to their inquisitors, “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” The boldness of the apostles surprised the authorities who had dismissed them as uneducated Galilean fishermen. Nevertheless, they could not deny that the lame man was now able to walk. After conferring in private, the council prohibited Peter and John from continuing to preach and do good works in Jesus’ name. The apostles boldly replied, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” After threatening the apostles, the rulers let them go fearing the reaction of the populace if they were to impose a harsh penalty. Peter and John returned to their fellow apostles and the wider church who gave thanks to God in praise and prayer. Citing Psalm 2, they prayed in unison, “for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” The place where they prayed was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The church was one in heart and mind, united to Christ the Head, and they shared their possessions. Barnabas sold a field and gave the proceeds to the church. And the apostles preached the gospel with remarkable power and God’s great grace was on all the church.
To ponder! “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Bible Challenge: Day 93
Bible Reading: Leviticus 3 & Acts 5
Leviticus 3 contains instructions for peace offerings. As with burnt offerings the sheep or goat presented from the herd is to be without blemish. The giver is to lay hands upon the animal and sacrifice it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. And the priests shall sprinkle its blood on the altar and shall offer the fat covering its entrails, and the two kidneys with their fat. It was to be burned on the altar on top of the burnt offering to make a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Moreover, ‘It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, in all your dwelling places, that you eat neither fat nor blood.’
Acts 5 begins with the harrowing story of Ananias and Sapphira who foolishly tried to deceive the church. They sold property and feigned to give all the proceeds to the church while retaining a sum for themselves. Peter confronted Ananias and said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” In response, Ananias suddenly and unexpectedly fell down dead. Three hours later, unaware of what had happened to her husband, Sapphira was similarly confronted by Peter with the same tragic result. And great fear came upon the whole church when news spread of what had happened to the couple.
The apostles taught at Solomon’s Portico at the Temple, healed the sick and exorcised evil spirits, and their reputation continued to grow among the populace. However, the religious authorities, envious of the high esteem in which the apostles were held by the people had them arrested and incarcerated again. The apostles were miraculously released from prison and were told by God’s angel (messenger) to “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” The apostles were soon rearrested and put on trial before the council. The high priest berated them, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the other apostles boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men.” The shared the Good News concerning Jesus. This only enraged the council further who but for the wise intervention of Gamaliel, a Pharisee and respected teacher of the law, desired to put the apostles to death. The apostles were beaten and released with a stern warning not to preach, teach, or heal in Jesus’ name. The chapter concludes, ‘Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.’
To ponder! And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams (1Sam.15:22).
Bible Challenge: Day 94
Bible Reading: Leviticus 4 & Acts 6
Leviticus 4 contains laws pertaining to sin offerings. If a priest unintentionally sinned he was to offer an unblemished bull. He was to present the bull at the Tent of Meeting, lay his hands upon it, symbolically transferring his guilt thereby, and then sacrifice it. ‘And the anointed priest shall take some of the blood of the bull and bring it into the tent of meeting, 6 and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle part of the blood seven times before the LORD in front of the veil of the sanctuary.’ Then he was to apply some blood to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense and pour the rest at the base of the altar of burnt offering. He was to remove the fat from the entrails, along with the kidneys, liver, loins, and burn the remains of the animal outside the camp. Then follows a similar protocol for the collective unintentional sin of Israel. The elders, as representatives of the people (congregation) were to lay their hands on the sacrificial offering. Moreover, a leader that unintentionally sinned was to offer a goat, while a common person was to offer a female goat or a lamb. ‘And the priest shall make atonement for him for the sin which he has committed, and he shall be forgiven.’
Acts 6 begins with the establishment of deacons in the early church. The office originated after a dispute arose between Christians of Hellenist (Greek or Gentile) background and those of Hebrew heritage over the distribution of aid to widows. The apostles declared, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The church complied and chose seven able men full of faith and the fruits of the Spirit. Consequently, God’s word continued to spread, and more and more people believed on Jesus, and even members of the priesthood became ‘obedient to the faith.’ The focus for the remainder of the chapter turns to Stephen, one of the seven chosen, who was ‘full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.’ A contingent of the synagogue of the Freedmen was antagonistic towards the Good News proclaimed by Stephen. They ineffectively disputed with him and accused him of blasphemy. They stirred up others, including elders of the people and scribes and had him seized and dragged before the council where they made false allegations against him. They stipulated, ‘“This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.’
To ponder! preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching (2Tim.4:2).
Bible Challenge: Day 95
Bible Reading: Leviticus 5 & Acts 7
Leviticus 5 highlights certain transgressions that called for confession and the offering to the LORD from the flock a female sheep or goat for a sin offering. ‘And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin.’ For those unable to provide a lamb, two turtledoves or pigeons were an acceptable alternative, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. For those that could not afford turtledoves or pigeons, a tenth of an ephah of fine flour would suffice. No oil or frankincense was to be added to it. The remainder went to the priest. There follow laws for guilt offerings also communicated to Moses by God. For those that committed a breach of faith and unintentionally sinned ‘in any of the holy things of the LORD’ that person was to offer a ram without blemish, valued in silver shekels ‘according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering.’ He also had to make restitution and give to the priest an additional fifth who shall make atonement with the guilt offering. The same applied to those who broke the LORD’s commandments.
Acts 7 provides a record of Stephen’s apologia or defense of the Christian faith and his subsequent martyrdom. Stephen responded to the high priest’s accusation by preaching Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of God’s covenant promises in the Old Testament period. Beginning with Abraham whom God called out of Mesopotamia and vowed to give his descendants the Promised Land, Stephen focused upon the sovereignty, faithfulness, and goodness of God in fulfilling his promises through Isaac, Jacob, and his children. And goes on to show how God was with his people in Egypt and came to their rescue as promised in the days of Moses. He retells the story of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush and the significance thereof and of the Exodus that followed. ‘This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers’, foretelling Jesus, God’s ultimate and supreme Prophet, as well as Priest and King.
Stephen reminded the religious authorities of the folly of Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai and in the wilderness which had its parallels in their own persecution of Christ’s servants. He recalls God’s presence with his people down through the centuries starting with Joshua who led Israel over Jordan and into the land flowing with milk and honey to the days of David and his son Solomon who built the Temple. Quoting Isaiah 66, however, Stephen reminds the religious rulers that God is not confined to man-made structures. He concludes his defense by boldly declaring, ‘“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” The council was enraged by these words, but filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen ‘gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” They attacked Stephen and stoned him to death outside the city. Among the approving antagonists stood a young man called Saul who will soon become a new creation through an unexpected encounter with the Risen Jesus. Before breathing his last, Stephen called out, ‘“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.’
To ponder! Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs (Heb.1:1-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 96
Bible Reading: Leviticus 6 & Acts 8
Leviticus 6 contains instructions for those that sinned against God and their neighbour by deceit, theft, oppression, or false witness. Repentance was to be demonstrated in restitution. The aim was to restore harmony in relationship with God and one’s neighbour. A ram without blemish was to be offered from the flock, or its equivalent for a guilt offering. “And the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.” There follow the LORD’s commands communicated via Moses for Aaron and the priests serving in the Temple. Detailed instructions are provided concerning burnt offerings and grain offerings. These included how the sacrifices were to be offered, presented, and apportioned, as well as how the priesthood was to be arrayed before the LORD. Theologians refer to this as the ‘regulative principle’ of worship. God was to be worshipped as he saw fit and mandated.
Acts 8 begins by informing the reader that a great persecution arose against Christians and Saul, who had approved of Stephen’s murder, ravaged the church, entering homes, he dragged off men and women indiscriminately and had them incarcerated. Nevertheless, those scattered by persecution in Jerusalem shared the Good News wherever they went, and the church expanded its reach and continued to grow. Philip, one the seven deacons referred to in chapter 6 travelled to Samaria where he proclaimed Christ and healed many people. There he baptised Simon, a magician, on his profession of faith. On receiving word of the success of Philip’s ministry in Samaria, the apostles, Peter and John, after praying to God that Christians in Samaria might receive the Holy Spirit, journeyed to Samaria where they laid hands on those that believed, and they too received the gift of the Spirit. Affirming thereby that they were now united and family in Christ. When Simon, the magician, saw that the Spirit had been given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he sought to purchase the gift! Peter rebuked him, saying, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” Simon pleaded for forgiveness. After preaching and teaching in the region, the apostles returned to Jerusalem proclaiming the gospel on route. Meanwhile, Philip was told to travel into the Gaza desert region. There he encountered a high-ranking government official of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians. He was returning home from worshipping God at Jerusalem. Prompted by the Spirit, Philip found him reading the fifty-third chapter of the Book of Isaiah. Philip asked, ‘“Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.’ Philip explained the meaning of the passage as pointing to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and opened up other passages besides all revealing the Good News about Jesus. When they came to water, Philip baptised the Ethiopian Eunach who went on his way rejoicing. Philip made his way to Caesarea preaching the gospel in every town he passed through on route.
To ponder! “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 97
Bible Reading: Leviticus 7 & Acts 9
Leviticus 7 begins with the law of guilt offerings. ‘It is most holy. 2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering they shall kill the guilt offering, and its blood shall be thrown against the sides of the altar.’ The priests were to consume it in the Holy Place. Then follows instructions for the peace offerings which were to be accompanied with unleavened loaves, mixed with oil, unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and loaves of fine flours well mixed with oil. Distinction was made between the use and disposal of thanksgiving offerings and vow and freewill offerings. Flesh that touched anything designated ‘unclean’ was not to be consumed on pain of excommunication. Similarly, the children of Israel were prohibited from eating the fat of an ox, sheep, or goat. Neither were they permitted to consume the blood of birds or animals. God’s word further mandated that ‘For the breast that is waved and the thigh that is contributed I have taken from the people of Israel, out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons, as a perpetual due from the people of Israel.’
Acts 9 provides a record of Saul’s (Paul) conversion after his encounter with the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. Breathing threats and murder against Christians, Saul got permission from the religious authorities to persecute and prosecute followers of Jesus. On route, he was struck by a bright light, and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” Temporarily blinded by the light, Saul was led into Damascus and remained without sight for three days. The Lord Jesus also appeared in a vision to Ananias and told him to go to a Street named Straight where he would find Saul praying. Ananias, knowing Saul’s reputation as an enemy of Christ and his church, was understandably cautious but the Lord insisted, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Ananias found Saul whom he laid hands upon and prayed for. Saul was immediately filled with the Spirit and regained his sight. He was then baptised. A few days later he astounded the people by preaching and teaching in the synagogue that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Enemies of the gospel plotted to murder him, but he made his escape from Damascus by being lowered down from the city walls in a basket in the dark of night by fellow disciples. Returning to Jerusalem, the church was wary of Saul, but Barnabas commended him to the apostles who accepted his conversion as genuine. Saul disputed with Hellenistic Jews who vociferously opposed the good news he proclaimed. Again, a plot was hatched to murder him, and so he was persuaded to go to Caesarea and then on to his hometown of Tarsus. ‘So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.’ The chapter concludes with Peter healing Aeneas who had been paralysed for eight years. As a result, many people at Lydda and Sharon believed on the Lord. At nearby Joppa, Peter was similarly God’s instrument in miraculously restoring a disciple called Tabitha, who had been full of good works and acts of charity, to life after she had fallen seriously ill and subsequently died. Again, the people marvelled and believed on the Lord Jesus and embraced the Christian faith.
To ponder! For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil.1:21).
Bible Challenge: Day 98
Bible Reading: Leviticus 8 & Acts 10
Leviticus 8 concerns the consecration of Aaron and his fellow priests to the ministry of the Tabernacle. The LORD commanded Moses to prepare the priests and the specified sacrifices and assemble the people before the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Moses ritually washed Aaron and his sons and clothed the high priest in his priestly garments comprising, coat, sash, robe, and ephod. He placed the breast-piece on him and added the Urim and Thummim. He finally placed the turban on his head and its the golden plate, the holy crown, as instructed by God. Moses then anointed the Tabernacle and all its furniture before anointing and consecrating Aaron and the priests. The bull of the sin offering was brought to Aaron and his sons, who laid their hands upon it. It was then sacrificed, and Moses applied its blood to the altar before offering the sacrifice to God. Then the ram of burnt offering was similarly offered, followed by the ram of ordination. ‘Moses took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Then he presented Aaron's sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. And Moses threw the blood against the sides of the altar.’ Then the sacrifice was apportioned as stipulated and the wave offering followed. Aaron and the priesthood consumed the flesh along with unleavened bread at the entrance to the tent of meeting. They were commanded to remain there for seven days and nights. And they did all that the LORD commanded through his servant, Moses.
Acts 10 begins at Caesarea with Cornelius, a gentile and centurion in the service of Rome. He was ‘a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.’ God’s angelic messenger told him in a vision to summon Peter who was staying at Joppa in the home of Simon the Tanner. The next day as Cornelius’ messengers were on route to Joppa, Peter, sitting on a rooftop at mid-day also had a vision. He ‘saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”’ God then met Peter’s aversion to eating anything common or unclean according to the Laws given to Israel via Moses, by adding, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happened three times to reinforce the message. It also possibly paralleled Peter’s earlier three-fold denial of Christ and the Lord’s three-fold restitution, as well as corresponding to the three messengers sent by the centurion. Peter accompanied the servants and on arrival at Caesarea he stopped Cornelius from falling at his feet and worshipping him by saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” And added, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” Cornelius shared his vision with Peter who responded, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Peter shared the good news of peace through Jesus Christ and pointed out that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” At that the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word, including Cornelius and his household who were Gentiles. Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he baptised Cornelius and other Gentiles who believed. He remained with them for some days, likely preaching and teaching the fledgling church at Caesarea.
To ponder! So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Gal.3:26-29, NIV).
Bible Challenge: Day 99
Bible Reading: Leviticus 9 & Acts 11
On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron and his sons and the people of Israel to offer sacrifices to the LORD. He declared, “This is the thing that the LORD commanded you to do, that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.” Then Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar and offer your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and for the people, and bring the offering of the people and make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded.” Aaron accordingly sacrificed and offered to God the calf of the sin offering, the ram of the burnt offering, and then presented the people’s offerings of a goat, ox and ram. After offering the sin, burnt, and peace offerings, Aaron lifted his hands and pronounced a benediction upon for the people. The glory of the LORD appeared on the assembled. ‘And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.’
In Acts 11 Peter reported to the church in Jerusalem how Gentiles now also believed the gospel, had been baptised and had received the Holy Spirit. News had reached the church in Jerusalem, and some there had been critical that Peter had been in fellowship with Gentiles. And so, Peter informed his fellow apostles and other members of the church of his vision at Joppa and how it had led to his journey to Cornelius, his household, and others, in Caesarea. And of how the Holy Spirit had fallen upon Gentile believers just as it had on Jewish ones at Pentecost. Peter explained, “And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” His critics fell silent and the church ‘glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”’ The church, scattered by persecution to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch following Stephen’s martyrdom, had initially shared the good news among those of Jewish ethnicity and their numbers grew as people responded in faith and repentance. However, at Antioch Hellenists also gladly received the gospel, prompting the church in Jerusalem to send Barnabas to them. ‘When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.’ Barnabas also travelled to Tarsus where he located Saul and persuaded him to return to Antioch with him. They remained there for over a year teaching the fledgling church. It was there that believers were first called Christians. Responding to a foretelling of famine throughout the known world, the church at Antioch took up a collection for the relief of their brothers and sisters throughout Judea which they entrusted to Barnabas and Saul to deliver to the elders in that region.
To ponder! For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom.10:12-13).
Bible Challenge: Day 100
Bible Reading: Leviticus 10 & Acts 12
Leviticus 10 begins with the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu. Ignoring the strict instructions given by the LORD via Moses on how God was to be approached and worshipped, they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD. ‘And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.’ Moses commanded the sons of Aaron’s uncle, Uzziel, to bury Nadab and Abihu outside the camp. There was to be no funeral rites and Aaron and his fellow priests were to remain serving at the Tabernacle. The LORD then commanded Aaron on pain of death to mandate that no alcohol was consumed when serving in the tent of meeting. He was also to distinguish between the holy and the common, the unclean and the clean, and teach the people the ordinances delivered to Israel via Moses. There follows instruction delivered by Moses to the priesthood concerning the consumption of food offerings designated for the priests and their families. Moses also admonished Eleazer and Ithamar for their failure to adhere to the laws set down. Aaron offered sin and burnt offerings to atone for their sin and Moses gave his approval.
Acts 12 records the martyrdom of James, the brother of John, who was put to death by the sword on the orders of the King Herod Agrippa. He similarly had Peter arrested and intended to hand him over also to be put to death but because it was the Feast of the Passover, he had him incarcerated to await the conclusion of the Feast. The church prayed earnestly for Peter. And God miraculously intervened on the eve of Peter’s being summoned before Herod to be condemned. Peter was shackled with chains between two guards when an angel appeared to him and liberated him. Peter declared, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” Peter went the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark where members of the church were praying. They were amazed by his unexpected appearance. He told them what had happened to him and asked them to pass on the news to James, Jesus’ half-brother, and his fellow apostles. Herod issued a death warrant for Peter, but he escaped to Caesarea. Herod was later struck dead by the Lord while delivering a speech to a political delegation from Tyre and Sidon. ‘But the word of God increased and multiplied.’ Meanwhile, Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem with John Mark in their company.
To ponder! Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap (Gal.6:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 101
Bible Reading: Leviticus 11 & Acts 13
Leviticus 11 differentiates between clean and unclean animals. The people of Israel were permitted to consume ‘Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, but were prohibited from eating camels, rock badgers, hares, and pigs which were designated unclean. They were permitted to eat fish but prohibited from consuming aquatic creatures that did not have fins or scales. Similarly, there follows a list of birds that were not to be eaten. Also, some insects were edible but others that went on four legs that were not jointed above the feet were to be avoided. Contact with an unclean carcass made one unclean until nightfall. There follows further information regarding which animals were unclean and instructions for responding to contact with them. Israel was to consecrate themselves and be holy as the children of God. They were to avoid defilement of any kind. Therefore, ‘This is the law about beast and bird and every living creature that moves through the waters and every creature that swarms on the ground, 47 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean and between the living creature that may be eaten and the living creature that may not be eaten.’
Acts 13 begins with the church at Antioch under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and after fasting and prayer, ordaining and sending Barnabas and Saul to Cyprus and beyond to proclaim the gospel. ‘When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John [Mark] to assist them.’ At Paphos, they enjoyed an audience with the proconsul but they were vociferously opposed by Elymas, a Jewish soothsayer. Saul who from now on will be called Paul, confronted Elymas and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Elymas immediately lost his sight and the proconsul, astonished, believed the teaching of the Lord. Afterward, Paul and his companions set sail for Perga in Pamphylia, while John Mark returned to Jerusalem. From Perga they travelled to Antioch in Pisidia where on the Sabbath Day they taught the people about Jesus from our Old Testament scriptures. Starting with the Patriarchs, and the Exodus, down through God’s covenant with David, Paul revealed Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of scripture prophecy and the One proclaimed by John the Baptist. Paul focussed attention on the death and resurrection of Jesus and assured the people that this was the good news that God had promised to their forebears.
Quoting Psalms 2 and 16 he reaffirmed that they anticipated Jesus’ person, death, resurrection, and ascension to glory. He then applied the teaching to his hearers. “Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” Paul further pleaded with his fellow Jews to believe the gospel and warned them of the consequences of rejecting the Saviour. The people responded positively and desired to hear more. The following Sabbath the whole city gathered to hear the word of God proclaimed by Paul and Barnabas. This infuriated the religious rulers who filled with envy set about discrediting their claims. Paul and Barnabas defended the good news and declared, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” At this, many Gentiles believed began rejoicing and glorified the word of God. And so, the church continued to grow and expand its reach. The religious authorities, however, stirred up powerful opposition against Paul and Barnabas that forced them to leave the region and make for Iconium. The chapter concludes with the encouraging revelation, ‘And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.’
To ponder! ‘The New was in the Old concealed. The Old is in the New revealed.’
Bible Challenge: Day 102
Bible Reading: Leviticus 12 & Acts 14
Leviticus 12 contains instructions for the purification of women after childbirth. A mother was designated unclean for seven days after childbirth. If her child was a boy, then on the eighth day he was to be circumcised. ‘Then she shall continue for thirty-three days in the blood of her purifying. She shall not touch anything holy, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed.’ If her child was a girl, she was designated unclean for two weeks and was to continue in the blood of her purifying for sixty-six days. At the completion of the days of her purifying she was to present a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting which he would offer up to God. The poor could substitute the lamb for another pigeon or turtledove.
Acts 14 begins with Paul and Barnabas at Iconium. They preached Christ in the synagogue and Jews of both Hebrew and Greek background believed. However, some opponents of the gospel stirred up the Gentiles against them. ‘So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.’ The missionaries and their message divided public opinion. Those who were antagonistic plotted to have Paul and Barnabas stoned to death, but they received warning and fled to Lystra and Derbe where undeterred they continued to proclaim the good news. At Lystra, a man crippled from birth was healed and walked through the instrumentality of Paul’s ministry. The people amazed at what they saw, began to worship Paul and Barnabas for Greek gods. The brothers responded, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Jewish opponents arrived in Lystra from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowd against Paul and Barnabas. Paul was seized and stoned outside the city but miraculously survived and accompanied Barnabas to Derbe. There they preached the gospel and taught the fledgling church, edifying and encouraging the Christians there to remain steadfast in the faith. They appointed elders after prayer and fasting for the oversight of the churches in that locality. Returning to Antioch via Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, and Attalia they preached God’s word and commended all to the grace of God. When they returned to Antioch the church gathered and they shared news of what God had done through their ministry and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. There they remained for some time.
To ponder! And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” (Lk.4:8).
Bible Challenge: Day 103
Bible Reading: Leviticus 13 & Acts 15
Leviticus 13 contains laws about leprosy. A person contracting leprosy was to present him/herself to the priest who would pronounce that person unclean. Not all cases were leprous however and so the priest was to re-examine the person after seven days and pronounce either clean or unclean. The leprous person was considered clean (no longer infectious) when the sores healed and turned white but open raw flesh was designated leprous and that person was isolated. There follows detailed descriptions regarding the priest’s examination of the person that had contracted a skin infection in different parts of the body. ‘“The leprous person who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ 46 He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.’ Clothes of leprous people were to be incinerated to help stop the spread of infection.
Acts 15 begins in Antioch where some Christians of Jewish descent had come down from Jerusalem and were insisting that Gentile believers needed to be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas disputed their claim and the church sent them and others to the apostles and church in Jerusalem to settle the issue. On route they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria sharing the good news of what God had done for the Gentiles as well as the Jews in Jesus. And people rejoiced. They were warmly welcomed by the apostles and the church in Jerusalem, but some believers of Pharisaic background continued to insist that Gentiles needed to be circumcised in conformity to the law of Moses. And so, to resolve the matter, the apostles convened a council of the church. Peter addressed the assembly and said, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” Then Paul and Barnabas told the council about their ministry and of what God had done through them for Gentile believers. James, the Lord Jesus’ half-brother who was minister of the church in Jerusalem then affirmed Peter’s ministry among the Gentiles and pointed out that this was God’s will and therefore the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. He concluded, “my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” And so, the apostles, elders and church in Jerusalem composed a letter with their ruling and sent a delegation which included Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Their letter ended, “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: 29 that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” The chapter concludes with the separation of Paul and Barnabas after a dispute about John Mark who joined Barnabas on a return trip to Cyprus. Paul, now accompanied by Silas went through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches.
To ponder! “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” (Isa.45:22).
Bible Challenge: Day 104
Bible Reading: Leviticus 14 & Acts 16
Leviticus 14 contains instructions for the ritual purification of lepers and the cleansing of their homes. The priest was to examine the leprous person outside the camp and if the said person was no longer showing symptoms of the disease but was healed then the priest was to command them to take two clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. One bird was to be sacrificed and its blood mixed with fresh water was to be sprinkled seven times over the person healed as a sign of cleansing. The other bird was to be released as a symbol of freedom from contagion. ‘And he who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes and shave off all his hair and bathe himself in water, and he shall be clean. And after that he may come into the camp, but live outside his tent seven days. 9 And on the seventh day he shall shave off all his hair from his head, his beard, and his eyebrows. He shall shave off all his hair, and then he shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he shall be clean.’ On the eighth day two male lambs without blemish were to be offered for guilt, sin, and burnt offerings along with a grain offering mixed with oil. Detailed instructions for the priestly rituals are then provided. The poor could substitute one lamb with two pigeons or turtledoves. The home of a leper was to be examined by a priest. There follow instructions for removing contaminated materials and cleansing the house. If the contagion re-emerged in the house, it was to be demolished and the stonework, timbers, plasterwork, and interior fabrics were to be removed outside the camp to a site designated unclean. If no further sign of disease emerged after a designated period, the priest would carry out the specified rites for the cleansing of homes.
Acts 16 begins with Paul at Derbe and Lystra where he called Timothy to join him on his missionary travels. Timothy was from a mixed marriage. His mother was Jewish while his father was Greek. Paul therefore, thought it expedient to have Timothy circumcised to ease his reception among the Jews among whom they would communicate the gospel. They visited and strengthened the churches throughout the cities of the region which continued to grow and intimated the declaration made by the apostles and elders of the Jerusalem Council. Guided by the Spirit of Jesus they arrived at Troas via Phrygia, Galatia, and Mysia. There Paul received a vision and ‘a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”’ Perceiving that this was a call from God to go preach the gospel in Europe, Paul made for Samothrace and Neapolis and from there he travelled to Philippi, a leading city in the Roman colony of Macedonia. On the Sabbath he met Lydia in a prayer meeting by the riverside outside the city gates. She was from Thyatira, was a seller of purple goods and therefore a woman of some means, and she was a worshipper of God. ‘The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.”’
While abiding in the city, Paul and Silas exorcised a spirit of divination from a young slave girl in the name of Jesus. Her owners, angered at the loss of income that was sure to result, had Paul and Silas apprehended and dragged before the city magistrates. The missionaries were consequently beaten with rods and imprisoned with their feet shackled. At midnight while Paul and Silas were praying and singing psalms to God, there was an earthquake which shook the prison. The locks on their shackles were miraculously unfastened and the prison doors opened. Paul cried out to the prison guard who awoke and thinking that his prisoners had escaped was about to take his own life, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” ‘Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”’ The Philippian jailer took Paul and Silas to his home, nursed their wounds, and was then baptised, along with his household, and rejoiced in God. The following day the magistrates sent word that the evangelists were to be set free. Paul, however, responded, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” And so, the magistrates, fearing reprisals, came and apologised and led them out of the city. They visited Lydia and encouraged the believers before leaving the city.
To ponder! How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (Rom.10:14).
Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 105
Bible Reading: Leviticus 15 & Acts 17
Leviticus 15 records the law anent bodily discharges. The person with a discharge was designated unclean as was all that he or she touched, including other people. When cleansed that person had to wait seven days, bathe in fresh water, and wash his or her clothes. On the eighth day two pigeons or turtledoves were to be presented to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting who would sacrifice one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.
After an emission of semen, a man was to bathe and was considered unclean until evening. Similarly, when lying with a woman both were designated unclean until evening. Menstrual discharge made a woman unclean for seven days and all that she came into contact with was also so designated. She was to count seven days after her discharge of blood stopped and on the eighth day she was to present two turtledoves or pigeons to the priest at the Tent of Meeting who would offer them up to God as a sin and burnt offerings. ‘“Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst.”’
Acts 17 begins with Paul and Silas at Thessalonica. There, in the synagogue on three consecutive Sabbaths, they proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ and showed from the Scriptures why it was necessary that he be put to death and then rise triumphantly from the grave. Some Jews and many Greeks believed and were consequently added to the church. However, some Jews were antagonistic towards the good news and jealous of the positive response that Paul and Silas had received sought to suppress the gospel. They incited a mob to attack the home of Jason, a Christian, who had shown hospitality to Paul and Silas. Unable to locate the missionaries, they dragged Jason before the magistrates, claiming, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7 and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” Jason was released on payment of security which was in effect a fine. Paul and Silas escaped by night and made their way to Berea where they taught in the synagogue. Many there ‘received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.’ Nevertheless, a Jewish delegation from Thessalonica arrived and stirred up a crowd against them. Paul was evidently the main target of their animus and so some believers journeyed with him to Athens where he was soon met by Silas and Timothy.
While awaiting the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul was aggrieved by the multiplicity of statues to Greek and Roman gods. Moreover, he reasoned with fellow Jews in the synagogue and conversed and challenged Greek philosophers with the gospel in the marketplace which was the customary arena for public discourse in the ancient world. Some were critical and dismissive, but others were curious and desirous to hear more. And so, Paul courteously and courageously addressed the people of Athens at the Areopagus. Perceiving their religiosity, he revealed the one, living, and true God, the Creator of all things, in whom we live and move and have our being. He declared, “we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Some mocked but others were attentive and responsive. Among those that believed were Dionysius, the Areopagite, and Damaris.
To ponder! For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor.1:21-24).
Monday
Bible Challenge: Day 106
Bible Reading: Leviticus 16 & Acts 18
Leviticus 16 takes for its theme the Day of Atonement. It begins with the LORD communicating his will for Aaron and his successors via Moses regarding how they were to approach God and make atonement for sin. They were prohibited from entering the Holy Place and approaching the Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat in any other way but that designated by God. Aaron had to present a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. He had to bathe and then dress in his priestly garments including the turban. He also had to take two male goats and one ram from the congregation for a sin and burnt offering respectively. The two goats were to be presented at the tent of meeting. Aaron was then to cast lots over them. ‘And Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for the LORD and use it as a sin offering, 10 but the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement over it, that it may be sent away into the wilderness to Azazel.’ Then follows detailed instructions on how the bull was to be sacrificed and its blood sprinkled seven times upon the mercy seat for the sin of Aaron and his house, followed by the goat to make atonement for the people. ‘Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.’ Only Aaron and his high priestly successors were permitted to enter the Holy Place at this time. After he had made atonement for his own sins and for the sins of the children of Israel, he was to present the live goat. He was to lay his hands upon it and make confession of sin for the people and then have it released into the wilderness. Afterwards he was to return to the Holy Place, undress and leave his garments there, and then bathe again, redress and present the burnt offering, the remains of which were to be taken outside the camp and incinerated. Further washings were to follow before readmittance to the camp. The Day of Atonement was to be held annually on the tenth day of the seventh month. It was to be a special Sabbath of solemn rest to atone for sin. ‘And this shall be a statute forever for you, that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.”’
In Acts 18 Paul has travelled from Athens to Corinth. There he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla and made a living by making tents. Every Sabbath Day he attended the synagogue and sought to persuade Jews and Greeks alike to accept God’s good news regarding Jesus. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, they found Paul proclaiming Jesus as God’s Messiah to the Jews. When certain Jews rejected his message and reviled him, he rebuked them and carried on his mission by turning to the Gentiles. And this was the regular pattern of Paul’s ministry - to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. At the home of Titius Justus, Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, along with his household, believed the gospel and were baptised, as did many other Corinthians. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And so, the apostle stayed over one and a half years in Corinth preaching and teaching the word of God, and along with it he likely administered the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Nevertheless, Jewish opponents of the gospel appealed to Gallio, the proconsul, to have Paul punished for teaching contrary to the law. And when their appeal was unsuccessful, they resorted to violence against Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue who was evidently sympathetic towards the gospel. After some time, Paul, accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla set sail for Syria. On route, he cut his hair and made a vow. At Ephesus he presented the gospel to the Jews at the synagogue and sought to convince them that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Declining an invitation from believers to stay and minister in that city, he promised to return if God so willed. From Caesarea he journeyed to Antioch and spent some time with the church there, before making for the region of Galatia and Phrygia, where he strengthened Christians in the faith. At Ephesus there was an Alexandrian by the name of Apollos. ‘He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.’ He enthusiastically preached Christ in the Spirit, but his knowledge of the faith was limited. And so, Priscilla and Aquila instructed him to help him grow in knowledge, grace, and accuracy in presenting the gospel. With the approval of the church, he travelled to Achaia where ‘he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.’
To ponder! Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Heb.10:19-22).
Bible Challenge: Day 107
Bible Reading: Leviticus 17 & Acts 19
Leviticus 17 contains God’s command anent the place of sacrifice. Anyone that killed an ox, lamb, or goat had to bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting and offer it as a gift to the LORD lest its bloodguilt be imputed to that person. This was designed to prevent the people offering sacrifice to false gods. “And you shall say to them, Any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice 9 and does not bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting to offer it to the LORD, that man shall be cut off from his people.” Similarly, the consumption of blood was prohibited. ‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.’ Understanding these Old Testament rites and rituals help us understand the true significance of Christ’s sacrifice which they anticipated and typified. As the apostle writes, ‘knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.’ And so God commanded the children of Israel and strangers in their midst that even animals and birds killed while hunting had to have their blood removed before they could be consumed on the pain of excommunication. And anyone that had contact with blood had to wash his clothes and bathe lest ‘he shall bear his iniquity.’
Acts 19 provides a record of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and the riot that was incited by enemies of Christ’s gospel. There he baptised believers and laid hands upon them, and they received the gift of the Holy Spirit which was evident in their ability to speak in foreign languages and prophecy. As was his practice, Paul confidently and courageously taught for three months in the synagogue reasoning and persuading the congregants about the Kingdom of God. However, vociferous opposition arose that compelled Paul to continue his preaching ministry daily at the hall of Tyrannus. He continued in Ephesus preaching and teaching God’s word for two years so that Jews and Greeks alike heard the good news. God worked miraculously through the instrumentality of Paul, so the sick were healed and those possessed by evil spirits were liberated. Seven sons of a high priest called Sceva however fraudulently claimed to have Paul’s gift of exorcism but they themselves ended up being possessed by an evil spirit and fled naked and wounded. This became widely known among the residents of Ephesus, and so more people came to revere the Lord Jesus. Indeed, many renounced the practice of magic and sorcery and burnt their associated books publicly. Afterward Paul resolved to travel to Jerusalem and then onto Rome via Macedonia and Achaia. A disturbance arose in Ephesus concerning Christians who were called the Way after Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life. A silversmith called Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, a Greek goddess, whose temple was in Ephesus, stirred up opposition to the church among his fellow craftsman who were losing trade because people were turning to Christ and forsaking Artemis. They incited others and before long a mob formed and a riot ensued. ‘So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him.’ The town clerk intervened and subdued the crowd. Fearful of repercussions for the city, he persuaded the antagonists to release the brothers and that any complaints they had needed to be dealt with lawfully through the courts. The crowd dispersed.
To ponder! You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).
Bible Challenge: Day 108
Bible Reading: Leviticus 18 & Acts 20
Leviticus 18 defines and prohibits unlawful sexual relations. It begins by reminding the children of Israel that they were not to be like the surrounding nations. They were called to a higher standard. They were to be holy, sanctified, separate, and distinct. They were not to follow the culture but rather the moral code given to them by God. And therefore, sexual relations were forbidden with close family members, or with a woman during her period, or with someone that belonged to another religion. Adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality were also prohibited. “For everyone who does any of these abominations, the persons who do them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 So keep my charge never to practice any of these abominable customs that were practiced before you, and never to make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.”
In Acts 20 Paul takes his leave of the church in Ephesus. From there he spent three months in Greece proclaiming the gospel and edifying and encouraging the faithful. After a plot was hatched against him by certain Jews, he returned to Macedonia accompanied by Luke. Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius, Timothy, Tychicus, and Trophimus who waited for him at Troas, while he and Luke were in Philippi for the Feast of Unleavened Bread. At Troas, late on the evening of the Lord’s Day, Paul administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and preached the word until after midnight to a gathering of believers in an upper room. A young man named Eutychus, overcome by tiredness, sank into a deep sleep and fell from a window ledge, killing him instantly. ‘But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.”’ Eutychus was restored to life to the great relief of all assembled. Food was served and Paul conversed with the church until taking his leave at daybreak.
Paul and his companions then made their way to Miletus via, Assos, Mitylene, Chios, and Samos. He aimed to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost. At Miletus he addressed the elders of the church at Ephesus who had gathered to meet with him. Paul stated how he had humbly yet courageously served the church in Asia with tears and trials. He had taught only what was advantageous to them both in public and from house to house, “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” He explained that he was going up to Jerusalem where he would likely experience further imprisonment and afflictions. He added, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.’ Paul added that he had taught them the whole counsel of God when he was with them providing a solid foundation for growth and maturity He bid the elders, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” He warned them to guard against those that would lead the flock astray by ambition, false teaching, and unbiblical practices and commended them to God and the word of his grace. Paul then prayed for the elders before taking his leave. They wept as the apostle bid them farewell, knowing that they would never see him again.
To ponder! preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching (2 Tim.4:2).
Bible Challenge: Day 109
Bible Reading: Leviticus 19 & Acts 21
Leviticus 19 begins with the LORD’s command to Israel, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Consequently, they are to revere their parents, mark the Sabbath as a holy day, and avoid apostasy and idolatry. They are to adhere to the regulative principle of worship. Moreover, they are to love their neighbour as themselves. They are to make provision for the poor and the stranger. They are to treat one another justly and give due consideration to those with disabilities. They are to be impartial and avoid harbouring bitterness and thoughts of vengeance against one another. Rather they are to keep God’s statutes. There follow various laws anent the breeding of livestock, the treatment of slaves, and the planting and harvesting of fruit trees. Once again, they are prohibited from consuming blood and are to avoid omens and fortune-tellers. They are not to emulate the fashions and practices of the surrounding cultures that cut and tattooed their bodies. They are not to prostitute their daughters. They are to reverence God and the place of worship. They are to avoid mediums and necromancers. They are to honour the elderly. They are to treat strangers well and avoid fraudulent practices. The chapter concludes, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. 37 And you shall observe all my statutes and all my rules, and do them: I am the LORD.”
Acts 21 begins with the course of Paul and his companions’ journey from Miletus to Tyre via Cos, Rhodes, and Patara. There they stayed for seven days with Christians who fearful for his wellbeing urged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Families accompanied Paul down to the beach where they parted after prayer. From there they voyaged to Ptolemais where they were warmly greeted by believers and stayed a day before journeying on to Caesarea where they stayed with Philip the Evangelist who had four unmarried daughters that prophesied. There a prophet from Judea named Agabus took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet and declared, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Consequently, the church pleaded with Paul not to continue to Jerusalem, but he responded, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” His fellow believers, therefore, replied, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” Arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and his companions were lodged with Mnason of Cyprus who was a faithful Christian. The following day they met with James, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus and the elders of the church in Jerusalem and told them how God had assuredly blessed their mission and of how many Gentiles were added to the church. James urged Paul to follow Jewish customs and live in observance to the law while in the capital and attending the Temple, but he reiterated the ruling of the Jerusalem Council concerning Gentile believers. After seven days, zealous Jews from Asia made virulent accusations against Paul after spotting him in the Temple. They labelled him an enemy of their religion and falsely accused him of defiling the Temple by bringing those of Greek background into the holy place. Paul was seized and dragged out of the Temple. His life was spared only by the intervention of the Roman tribune and guard. The tribune, nevertheless, had the apostle arrested, bound in chains, and taken to the city barracks, while a mob was baying for his blood. Paul, however, courageously received permission from the tribune to address his adversaries.
To ponder! Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Mt.5:11-12).
Bible Challenge: Day 110
Bible Reading: Leviticus 20 & Acts 22
Leviticus 20 begins with a prohibition on the pain of death for the pagan practice of sacrificing children to Molech, a false god. Infanticide was a capital offense. Similarly, those that worshipped false gods were to be excommunicated, that is, cut off from fellowship with Israel. Those that made use of mediums or necromancers were also expelled from the Old Testament church. The children of Israel were to consecrate themselves and be holy because the LORD God is holy. Those that cursed their parents were also to be put to death. There follow grave punishments for sexual immorality, including adultery, incest, and bestiality. The people by contrast were to keep God’s rules and statutes. They were to remain separate and distinct from the surrounding nations where such practices were common. The LORD declared, “‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the LORD your God, who has separated you from the peoples. … You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”
In Acts 22 Paul addresses the mob in Jerusalem that had been baying for his blood. He spoke in Hebrew which quietened the crowd to listen to what he had to say. Paul affirmed his Jewish ethnicity, heritage, and background. He explained that he had received a theological education from Gamaliel, a renowned and respected teacher in Israel, and had been zealous for the religious traditions of his forebears. He confessed to being a vociferous and violent persecutor of the church until his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He rehearsed what the Lord Jesus had said to him and recounted his blindness and of being led to Damascus where through the gracious ministry of Ananias his sight was restored to love and serve the Lord Christ and advance his kingdom through the preaching of the gospel. And so, Paul told the people of his baptism and commission, and of how the Lord Jesus had even appeared to him in a vision while in the Temple in Jerusalem and sent him to proclaim good news to the Gentiles. This however further riled and enraged the crowd. The Roman tribune commanded Paul be taken into the barracks and flogged. The apostle, however, pleaded for justice. He asked the centurion in charge of the guard, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?” This revelation was conveyed to the tribune who hearing Paul affirm that he was indeed a Roman citizen by birth summoned the high priest and Sanhedrin to investigate the matter further.
To ponder! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (2 Cor.5:17-19).
Bible Challenge: Day 111
Bible Reading: Leviticus 21 & Acts 23
Leviticus 21 contains instructions anent the appearance and practice of the priesthood. The priest was to avoid contact with the deceased except for close relatives. They were prohibited from making tonsures, or of trimming their beards, or of making cuts on their bodies. ‘They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God.’ Restrictions were made on which women they could marry to avoid scandal or of bringing the name of the sanctuary into disrepute. The death penalty was to be imposed on daughters that practised sexual immorality. The chief priest was not permitted to let his hair hang loose over his clerical garments, nor was he allowed to tear his priestly clothing. Those with disabilities were not permitted to serve in the Tabernacle.
Acts 23 begins with Paul before the Sanhedrin. The apostle addressed the religious authorities courteously, referring to them as ‘brothers’ and stating that he had walked before God in good conscience all his days. The high priest, nevertheless, commanded that Paul be struck in the face. The apostle rebuked the injustice but insisted that he had not known that the order had come from the high priest. And realising that the Council was divided theologically or denominationally into two camps comprising Sadducees and Pharisees, Paul sagaciously made reference to his own theological training and background as a Pharisee and raised the subject of resurrection which the Pharisees believed in but the Sadducees rejected, along with angels and spirits. Before long a great dispute and clamour arose between the two groups with the Pharisees defending Paul’s position. Fearing violence against Paul, the tribune had him removed from the scene and taken back to the Roman barracks. ‘The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”’ Some the Jews antagonistic to the gospel meanwhile plotted to murder Paul and won approval from the high priest and other leaders. A nephew of Paul’s hearing of the plan to assassinate him informed the tribune who in turn ordered that Paul be taken in the night by armed guard to Felix, the Governor at Caesarea. A letter was sent to Felix informing the Governor why Paul had been taken into custody and of the plot against him. The tribune wrote, ‘I found that he was being accused about questions of their law, but charged with nothing deserving death or imprisonment.’ On hearing that Paul was from Cilicia, Felix told him, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” Paul was placed under guard in Herod’s praetorium.
To ponder! Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? (1Tim.3:2-5).
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 112
Bible Reading: Leviticus 22 & Acts 24
Leviticus 22 continues with rules for the priesthood designed to ensure that they did not profane God’s holy name in his service. They were to be vigilant in observing the laws anent those things that God had designated unclean. And there follow a list of such items and practices. Therein they were not only to retain their fitness to minister in the Tabernacle, but they were to provide an example for others members of the Old Testament church. Distinction was made between clerical and lay persons. Only the priests and their immediate households could consume the holy sacrifices offered at the Sanctuary (holy things). ‘They shall not profane the holy things of the people of Israel, which they contribute to the LORD, 16 and so cause them to bear iniquity and guilt, by eating their holy things: for I am the LORD who sanctifies them.” There follow mandates on acceptable offerings which had to be without blemish. “So you shall keep my commandments and do them: I am the LORD.”
Acts 24 provides a record of Paul’s arraignment before Felix. Ananias, the high priest, accompanied by elders and Tertullus a spokesman, had come down to Caesarea from Jerusalem to lay accusations against the apostle. They falsely declared, ‘For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.’ The governor then motioned Paul to reply. The apostle speaking confidently and cheerfully defended his work and witness. Paul denied the charges of sedition and explained why he had travelled to Jerusalem and was found in the Temple. He confessed “that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” Felix who was somewhat acquainted with the Christian faith sympathised with Paul and was reluctant to hand him over to the Jewish ruling authorities or sanction his death. He informed the Jewish delegation that he would only make a ruling after he had heard from Lysias the Jerusalem tribune, and had Paul detained in custody where his fellow believers could visit him. Some days later Paul was summoned to speak with Felix and his Jewish wife, Drusilla, who were curious about the Christian faith. ‘And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”’ Felix summoned the apostle to speak with him on many occasions, anticipating a bribe for Paul’s release, but none was forthcoming. And so, the apostle was detained in prison for two years before Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus as governor.
To ponder! Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Mt.5:11).
Bible Challenge: Day 113
Bible Reading: Leviticus 23 & Acts 25
Leviticus 23 records the appointed feasts for Israel which they were to keep as holy convocations. The children of Israel were to observe the fourth commandment in keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Non-essential work was forbidden. The Sabbath was to be universally observed. Then follows the annual Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month with its accompanying Feast of Unleavened Bread when no work was to be done on the first as well as the seventh day. Then follows details for the observation of the Feast of Firstfruits and the Feast of Weeks with their appointed wave offerings in anticipation and thanksgiving for God’s rich provision. “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.” Thereafter comes the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh month followed by the Day of Atonement with its penitential rituals and rites. ‘It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict yourselves. On the ninth day of the month beginning at evening, from evening to evening shall you keep your Sabbath.’ This was followed by the Feast of Booths on the fifteenth day of the seventh month which was to last for seven days. This was a Harvest Thanksgiving and a memorial to God’s grace in delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt and providing for their needs in the wilderness.
Acts 25 picks up where chapter 24 left off. The Roman Governor, Festus, on route to Caesarea visits Jerusalem. There, the religious authorities again made their case against Paul and requested that he be sent to Jerusalem to answer for the accusation laid against him. We are further told that they had planned to have him murdered. Festus, nevertheless, insisted that a delegation accompany him to Caesarea where they could lay their charges against the apostle. Paul stalwartly defended himself. He claimed that “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” Declining Festus’ invitation to go up to Jerusalem and defend himself before the Jewish religious rulers, Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar. ‘Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”’ And we detect the hand of Providence at work in this development because God has assured Paul that he will bear witness to the good news in Rome. While still at Caesarea, Festus shared Paul’s case with visiting King Agrippa and Bernice. Intrigued, Agrippa asked Festus if he could meet with Paul. And so, Paul was arraigned before Agrippa to be interrogated, with Festus hoping that he might gain an understanding of the charges brought against Paul thereby for his report to Caesar.
To ponder! The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all (Ps.103:19).
Bible Challenge: Day 114
Bible Reading: Leviticus 24 & Acts 26
Leviticus 24 begins with the LORD’s command to his people to provide a regular supply of olive oil to keep the lamps burning in the sanctuary and flour for the twelve loaves of bread that represented the children of Israel before God. These were to be offered every Sabbath Day. Then follows a law anent blasphemy based on a historical precedent. And so, ‘Whoever
blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.’ The chapter ends with the law of retribution with its eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth principle.
Acts 26 contains an account of Paul’s defence of the faith before King Agrippa. The apostle reveals his background as a Pharisee and makes clear that he was being persecuted by his fellow Jews for his biblical belief in the resurrection. Paul could empathise and sympathise with his detractors because he too had once been a zealous opponent of Christ’s gospel and church. He confessed, “I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” He then rehearsed his encounter with the risen Jesus and subsequent conversion and commission on the road to Damascus. The Lord Jesus called and sent him to proclaim the Good News to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, ‘so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Paul then told Agrippa of his faithfulness to the mission he had received, beginning in Damascus, Jerusalem, all Judea and then to the Gentiles of the surrounding nations. The apostle urged Jew and Gentile alike to repent, turn to God, and to walk in faith, hope, and love. And for this the Jewish establishment had seized him and were seeking to have him put to death. Festus interjected, claiming that Paul had lost his mind, but the apostle defended his call, commission, and creed. ‘And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul boldly told him he wanted all to believe the gospel. Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice withdrew and concluded that Paul had done nothing worthy of the death penalty. ‘And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”’
To ponder! ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Bible Challenge: Day 115
Bible Reading: Leviticus 25 & Acts 27
Leviticus 25 begins with a law anent the Sabbath Year. Once the children of Israel possessed the Promised Land, they were to leave their fields fallow every seventh year. It stipulated, ‘in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.’ There follow details on the holy Year of Jubilee. After forty-nines years a trumpet was to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement, a trumpet was to be sounded throughout the land, consecrating the fiftieth year. Liberty was to be proclaimed to all the people and properties acquired were to be returned. They were prohibited from sowing, reaping, or gathering grapes from undressed vines. And God promised his provision and protection if they faithfully kept his statutes. The law anent the redemption of property added further details regarding the restitution of property, land, and people. God’s word stated, “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. 24 And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land.” Moreover, they were to make restitution for and redeem kith and kin as servants of the LORD God.
Acts 27 charts part of Paul’s voyage to Rome in which he found himself shipwrecked. He set off in Roman custody under the guardianship of a centurion named Julius and accompanied by Aristarchus from Thessalonica. They docked at Sidon where Paul was given liberty to visit friends. From there they battled against heavy seas and sailed past Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, until they arrived at Myra. There Paul was transferred to a ship sailing from Alexandria to Italy. From there they made slow headway via Cnidus and Salome until they came to the aptly named Fair Havens close to the city of Lasea. There, Paul’s warning of the evident danger to ship, cargo, and crew, due to the storms was dismissed, after the captain concluded it was wiser to sail on to Phoenix on Crete and harbour for the winter. However, off the coast of Crete they encountered a tempestuous northeaster and violent seas. Storm-tossed, they jettisoned the ship’s cargo, but the gales continued for days. Paul declared, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.” Helplessly they were driven across the Adriatic Sea. Paul urged all 276 to take some food for strength and assured them that their lives would be preserved. They ditched the remaining wheat into the sea. At daylight, they eventually tried to run the ship onto a beach, but it struck a reef. Order was given to abandon ship. Those who could swim swam ashore and those that could not make it safely to land on wooden planks and pieces of the ship. None perished as Paul had foretold.
To ponder! Jesus is our Kinsman-Redeemer. “He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds” (Titus 2:14).
Bible Challenge: Day 116
Bible Reading: Leviticus 26 & Acts 28
Leviticus 26 records blessings for obedience to God’s law and punishments for disobedience. It begins with a reiteration of the prohibition on idolatry and of God’s command to keep his appointed Sabbaths holy and reverence his designated place of worship. God pledged that “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, 4 then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” God promised Israel peace and prosperity for faithfulness. God assured them, “And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” However, Israel would face grave consequences for defiance, disrespect, and disregard of God’s law. The LORD would discipline them sorely. He would withhold his blessing and with it their peace and prosperity. God would break the pride of their power and willful rebellion. “And your strength shall be spent in vain, for your land shall not yield its increase, and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit.” They shall find themselves prey to wild beasts and enemy nations. Brokenness and barrenness will be their lot. Nevertheless, God promised restitution, restoration, and renewal for repentance and renewed faith. “I will for their sake remember the covenant with their forefathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.”
Acts 28 begins with the apostle and others shipwrecked on Malta where they received hospitality. Paul amazed the inhabitants by remaining unaffected after being bitten by a snake. He gained great credit for being God’s instrument in the healing of Publius’s father and many others by prayer and the laying on of his hands. The indebted Maltese ensured that Paul and others were well provisioned for their onward voyage to Italy and Rome. On route they called at Syracuse and Rhegium, and then at Puteoli where Paul stayed with fellow Christians for seven days. On approaching Rome, Paul was warmly met by a delegation of the church in Rome. He was given liberty in the city but had a guard assigned to him. On the third day, he addressed the leaders of the Jews that lived in Rome and explained why he was in the city. While they had heard much about the advance of the Christian faith, they informed the apostle that they had received no intelligence from Jerusalem regarding the case against him. They furthermore requested a meeting to hear more about the faith Paul proclaimed. And so, after some days, they came to the place where Paul was lodging in great numbers. And ‘From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.’ Quoting the Book of Isaiah, Paul told those that rejected the gospel that God’s word had not only foretold Jewish defiance, but it had also prophesised the incorporation of the Gentiles into the church. The apostle, ‘lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.’ Here ends the Acts of the Apostles.
To ponder! “Now therefore fear [reverence] the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. …choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh.24:14-15).
Bible Challenge: Day 117
Bible Reading: Leviticus 27 & Romans 1
Leviticus 27 provides a record of laws anent vows. Because only the priesthood could render service to God in the sanctuary, non-Levites dedicating and pledging service to God were freed from the obligation by making a payment for the maintenance of the Temple worship. There follows a scale for men, women, boys, and girls. Then follows similar instructions for vows offering animals, both clean and unclean, properties, and land. A firstborn male child or animal could not be pledged as they already belonged to the LORD. Moreover, items once devoted could not be redeemed. They were irreversibly set apart for a holy use. The chapter and with it, Leviticus, concludes, ‘These are the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses for the people of Israel on Mount Sinai.’
Romans 1 begins with Paul’s lengthy salutation. He describes himself as ‘a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.’ He is writing ‘To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.’ He commends the Christians in Rome for their faith which was widely recognised throughout the church catholic. He tells them how he had regularly prayed for them and has longed to see them to edify and encourage them and impart spiritual gifts. He is keen to preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike in Rome so that the church there might continue to grow and prosper. Paul writes, ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” The apostle further explains the necessity of the gospel. Unbelieving fallen humanity is living in rebellion against God. They wilfully suppress the truth about God which is manifest in natural and special revelation. They fashioned false gods for themselves and gave free rein to their fallen natures. ‘They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.’ And so, Paul proclaims repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Reconciliation, reformation, and renewal are offered to all in and through God’s gospel.
To ponder! I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, or to defend his cause, maintain the honour of his Word, the glory of his cross. (Isaac Watts).
Bible Challenge: Day 118
Bible Reading: Numbers 1 & Romans 2
Numbers begins and takes it name from God’s command to Moses to take a census of the people of Israel on the first day of the second month in the second year since the LORD had led them out of Egypt. They were to be numbered by clans (tribes) and by their fathers’ houses. Every male over twenty years of age and fit for military service was to be counted. The chiefs of each clan were to assist Moses in compiling the census. There follows a record of the numbers counted tribe by tribe with the notable exception of the Levites. They were exempted on the grounds that they had responsibility for the portable Tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the worship of God. “And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.”
Romans 2 begins with Paul urging his readers not to presume on the riches of God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience. He insists that such graces are designed to elicit repentance – a turning from sin to God. However, he adds, ‘because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.’ The apostle asserts that God will ultimately judge all people without partiality. There is a heaven to gain and a hell to avoid. Glory, honour, and peace await the righteous, while tribulation and distress lie in store for the unrighteous. Addressing those of Jewish ethnicity he insists that their religious heritage is of little or no use to them if they fail to keep God’s moral law and walk in unrighteousness. ‘But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.’
To ponder! ‘Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name’ (Ps.86:11).
Bible Challenge: Day 119
Bible Reading: Numbers 2 & Romans 3
Numbers 2 contains instructions for the arrangement of the tribes encamped around the Tabernacle. The LORD commanded Moses and Aaron to communicate that “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side. There follow directions on which tribes should camp where in relation to the Tabernacle. Each clan was set out according to the major points of the compass - east, south, west, and north. ‘Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard.’ Excluding the Levites, as commanded, the number listed in the camps by companies totalled 603,550. ‘Thus did the people of Israel. According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so they camped by their standards, and so they set out, each one in his clan, according to his fathers' house.’
In Romans 3 Paul begins by pointing out the advantage of the Jewish heritage. The Jews, were, after all, entrusted with God’s special revelation. They were the apple of God’s eye. They were called to be a light to the Gentiles. The unfaithfulness of some did not nullify the faithfulness of others. However, the apostle, quoting Psalm 14 (and 53) goes on to show that there were none righteous before God. Both Jew and Gentile needed to turn to God in faith and repentance. ‘For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.’ Nevertheless, Paul crucially adds the wonderful news, ‘But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.’ There is therefore no place for boasting, pride, or self-righteousness in the law or one’s religious background because salvation is by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians are to keep the Moral Law as a means of sanctification in Christ and to show their love for God and their neighbour as beloved children of God. This is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within the Christian granting him or her the heart and mind of Jesus who perfectly and perpetually kept the law, thereby restoring in us the image and likeness of God that was/is sullied and stained by the fallen nature.
To ponder! God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns (Ps.46:5).
Bible Challenge: Day 120
Bible Reading: Numbers 3 & Romans 4
Numbers 3 focuses on the responsibilities of Aaron’s posterity, the tribe of Levi, who were the priests given charge of the Tabernacle and its worship. They were to guard Aaron and his successor high priests, the priests serving in the sanctuary at any given time, the building and its furnishings, and all access to it. They were to ensure that God’s ritual laws and ordinances were kept in strict observance to his word. The LORD declared, “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the people of Israel. The Levites shall be mine, 13 for all the firstborn are mine.” The Levites were to be listed by father’s house and clan. And there follow their names and the place where each clan was assigned around the Tabernacle. The various clans were then apportioned specific duties and responsibilities regarding the Tabernacle and its furnishings. ‘All those listed among the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron listed at the commandment of the LORD, by clans, all the males from a month old and upward, were 22,000.’ Chapter 3 concludes with God commanding Moses to take a census of all the firstborn males. To make up for the 273 fewer Levites than firstborn males, a redemption price of 5 shekels was to be levied for the maintenance of the sanctuary and its priesthood.
In Romans 4 Paul continues with his theme of justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ for both Jew and Gentile alike. The apostle cites the Old Testament example of Abraham who “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” In other words, he was justified (declared righteous) by faith and not by works of the law. Salvation was and is by grace through faith. It is a gift to be received rather than a reward to be earned. Paul affirms this crucial teaching by reference to Psalm 32 and the words of King David therein. God’s covenant promise made to Abraham assured the patriarch that he would be the father of many nations and therefore had reference to Jews and Gentiles alike. And it was and is to be received by faith. Moreover, he adds, ‘That is why his faith was “counted to him [Abraham] as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.’
To ponder! Jesus is our righteousness, as well as wisdom from God, sanctification, and redemption. (see 1Cor.1:30).
Bible Challenge: Day 121
Bible Reading: Numbers 4 & Romans 5
Numbers 4 contains instructions regarding specific duties for the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites among the Levites. A census was to be taken of all males aged between 30 and 50 years of age within these clans. The sons of Kohath were to have responsibility for the removal, and transportation of the Tabernacle and its holy furnishings. ‘And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.’ The Gershonites were similarly charged with carrying the curtains of the Tabernacle and the Tent of Meeting, with their coverings, hangings, screens, cords, and the equipment for their service. The sons of Merari were assigned the task of carrying the frames of the Tabernacle along with its bars, pillars, bases, pegs, cords, and associated accessories. The census revealed that there were 2750 Kohathites, 2630 Gershonites, and 3200 Merarites aged between 30 and 50. The LORD’s designated age range is evidence that not only strength, but wisdom and experience were to be highly valued in Israel.
Romans 5 begins with Paul’s memorable words, ‘Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ In Jesus we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. In him we are transformed and enabled and equipped to joyfully persevere because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The apostle adds, ‘God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ In and through Jesus Christians have redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. Paul points out how sin and its resultant alienation and death came into our world through the fall of Adam, but restitution, righteousness, and life are re-established in Jesus, the second Adam. ‘For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.’ The apostle concludes by explaining that the law was given to reveal sin, ‘but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Herein is the good news that Christians are not only to believe but also proclaim.
To ponder! we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1Cor.1:23-24).
Bible Challenge: Day 122
Bible Reading: Numbers 5 & Romans 6
Numbers 5 begins with a command to expel from the camp a leprous person and anyone who has made him or herself unclean through contact with the dead. Then follow instructions for confession of sin, recompense, and restitution for wrongs. The remainder of the chapter focuses on those accused of adultery. A husband suspecting his wife of unfaithfulness was to present her before a priest at the Tabernacle. Details follow anent a ritual test for adultery that included grain offerings, as well as holy and bitter water. The chapter concludes, “This is the law in cases of jealousy, when a wife, though under her husband's authority, goes astray and defiles herself, 30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife. Then he shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall carry out for her all this law. 31 The man shall be free from iniquity, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.”
If up to this point in the Letter to the Romans, Paul has largely focussed on the doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, in chapter 6 he turns his attention to the doctrine of union with Christ and sanctification. He writes, ‘We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.’ Consequently, the Christian is not to go on wilfully sinning but is to mortify the fallen nature and walk in the beauty of holiness, cultivating the fruits of the Spirit as instruments of righteousness. We are not to go on sinning that grace may abound as some wrongly thought but rather are called to walk in love before God and one another. The apostle urges believers therefore to consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. ‘For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.’ Paul insists that Christians have been liberated from the sin nature to become servants of God and righteousness, the fruit of which is sanctification and eternal life. ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Note these glorious gifts are IN Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. They are never apart from him.
To ponder! What is sanctification? A: Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness (Westminster Shorter Catechism).
Bible Challenge: Day 123
Bible Reading: Numbers 6 & Romans 7
Numbers 6 contains instructions relating to the Nazirite vow. Those taking the vow were separating and dedicating themselves to the LORD and devoting their attention to God and the things of God for a specified time. During that period, the person under the vow was prohibited from consuming alcohol, cutting his or her hair, or of having close contact with the dead, even close family members. In the event of being in the proximity of a sudden death, the Nazarite was to shave his or her head and offer two turtledoves or pigeons and a lamb for burnt and guilt offerings at the Tabernacle. At the end of the period of the vow the Nazirite was to present him/herself at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and ‘bring his gift to the LORD, one male lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish as a sin offering, and one ram without blemish as a peace offering, 15 and a basket of unleavened bread, loaves of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil, and their grain offering and their drink offerings.’ They were to shave their consecrated heads as a symbol that the vow was complete. The chapter concludes with God’s word to Moses for Aaron and the priesthood who were to bless the people of God with the following benediction: “The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” God declared, “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
In Romans 7 Paul makes clear that the Christian has been released from the Judaic law and the power and ultimate consequence of sin. He writes, ‘now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.’ In and through Christ Jesus God has inaugurated the New Covenant era and therefore gives his people a new heart and a right spirit as promised in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The law (moral) is nevertheless holy, and the commandment is holy, and righteous, and good. It reveals our sin and therefore demonstrates that faith and repentance are not one-off events but rather are a continuous way of life for the Christian. It reminds us that we are ever dependent on God’s grace, love, and mercy in Jesus. The moral law moreover is the way of love, spiritual maturity, and sanctification. The apostle, writing from personal experience points to the ongoing interior battle of the flesh and the spirit. He confesses that good intentions are not always matched with good thoughts, words, or actions. ‘So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?’ He concludes, ‘Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.’
To ponder! ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit (Ps.51:10-12).
Bible Challenge: Day 124
Bible Reading: Numbers 7 & Romans 8
Numbers 7 records the offerings made by the children of Israel at the consecration of the Tabernacle. The chiefs of the tribes and heads of houses presented the offerings of the people to the Levites called to priestly ministry. They ‘brought their offerings before the LORD’, which included ‘six wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle.’ There follows a record of the names of the chiefs of the tribes who each appeared over twelve consecutive days and made their freewill offerings of livestock and grain on behalf of their people. The respective sums of their monetary offerings, along with gifts of gold and silver vessels are also itemised. The chapter concludes by noting, ‘This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed. 89 And when Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim; and it spoke to him.’
Romans 8 continues where chapter 7 ends and begins with the good news, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.’ Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law as the second Adam, and died for our sins, and rose again for our justification ‘in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.’ The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in his people. Those that are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. We have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we can cry Abba Father. The Spirit provides affirmation and assurance that we are God’s beloved children and fellow heirs of God in Christ in whom we shall be glorified. Present hardships and suffering are patiently borne in the hope of the eternal glory that Christians await. Moreover, the apostle intimates that the Spirit is the Christian’s Helper and Counsellor who aids us in prayer and gives assurance that all things are working for the ultimate good of those that love God. ‘For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.’ Praise God for his amazing grace! Therefore, if God is for us who can be against us? Nothing and no-one in all of creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To ponder! No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness Divine,
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. – Charles Wesley
Bible Challenge: Day 125
Bible Reading: Numbers 8 & Romans 9
Numbers 8 begins with the LORD’s instructions for the golden menorah and its seven lamps also made of gold. Then the Levites (priests) were to ritually cleanse themselves and shave their bodies before making their wave, sin, and burnt sacrificial offerings. The people of Israel were to lay hands on the Levites, setting them apart for the worship of God in a symbolic gesture in recognition of their role as intermediaries between God and Israel. God declared, “And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel, to do the service for the people of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement for the people of Israel, that there may be no plague among the people of Israel when the people of Israel come near the sanctuary.” The Levites were to serve in the sanctuary from the age of twenty-five to fifty. From fifty years of age, they were to “minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites in assigning their duties.”
In Romans 9 Paul laments the opposition and unbelief of many of his fellow Jews, especially considering their God-given heritage. ‘They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.’ And yet he insists that God’s word has not failed and cites scriptural quotations to show that God’s sovereign purposes are fulfilled because not all who descended from Israel belonged to Israel. The apostle differentiates between the children of the flesh and the children of promise. He points to God’s choice in election, quoting the example of Jacob and Esau. To reinforce his position, he cites God’s word to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” And concludes, ‘So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.’ Paul in making clear that God is sovereign, and his will be done, then turns to the incorporation of the Gentiles into the church. This was not an afterthought on God’s part but was the fulfilment of his plan and purpose as revealed in the Old Testament scriptures. The apostle cites God’s word from Hosea to cement his teaching, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” Nevertheless, a remnant of Israel will be saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ who was a stumbling block to those that relied on self-righteousness, as God’s word had foretold. “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
To ponder! He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:11-13).
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 126
Bible Reading: Numbers 9 & Romans 10
Numbers 9 provides a record of Israel’s celebration of the Passover in the wilderness. ‘So Moses told the people of Israel that they should keep the Passover. 5 And they kept the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, in the wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the people of Israel did.’ Certain Israelites that had come into contact with a dead body asked Moses why they were prohibited from commemorating the Feast. Moses sought the LORD’s counsel and was told that such individuals or those who found themselves on a lengthy journey should continue to keep the Passover but those who were ‘clean’ and not on a journey who failed to keep the Feast should be excommunicated. Strangers were also to observe the ordinance. The remainder of the chapter concerns the ‘glory’ cloud covering the Tabernacle. At night it had the appearance of fire. This was a ‘Theophany’ a symbol of God’s presence among his people. The children of Israel were to remain camped while the cloud hovered over the Tabernacle but move camp when it moved. ‘At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out. They kept the charge of the LORD, at the command of the LORD by Moses.’
Romans 10 begins with Paul expressing his longing for his fellow Jews to receive God’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He writes, ‘my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.’ Like his former self, they had a zeal but not according to knowledge. Foolishly seeking to establish their own righteousness, they eschewed and rejected God’s gift of righteousness in Christ who is ‘the end of the law for everyone that believes.’ The apostle makes clear that ‘if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ There is no longer any distinction between Jews and Gentiles with regards to salvation for all that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. And for this reason, Paul emphasises the need for the church’s mission to send preachers to proclaim the gospel. He asks, ‘How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent?’ Paul then boldly declares, ‘So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.’ Quoting Old Testament texts that foretold Israel’s unbelief, Paul concludes, ‘But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”’
To ponder! God continues to hold out a hand to disobedient and contrary people.
Bible Challenge: Day 127
Bible Reading: Numbers 10 & Romans 11
In Numbers 10 Moses is to commission the making of two silver trumpets. They were to be blown by a priest. When both were blown it was to be a sign to Israel to assemble before the Tabernacle or to break camp. When only one trumpet was sounded only the chiefs and heads of tribes were to gather to Moses. They were similarly to be used to raise an alarm, particularly in the event of an attack by a hostile nation. Furthermore, God’s word declared, “On the day of your gladness also, and at your appointed feasts and at the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings. They shall be a reminder of you before your God: I am the LORD your God.”
In the second year, on the twelfth day of the second month the cloud that symbolised God’s presence lifted from the tabernacle of the testimony and led Israel from the wilderness of Sinai to the wilderness of Paran. The tribes set out in stages and there follow the order by which they moved camp, included the Kohathites who had responsibility for the transportation of the ‘holy things’ of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Moses bid Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite to “Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the LORD has promised good to Israel” but Reuel made for his own land. And so, Israel set off walking by faith. ‘And the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them three days' journey, to seek out a resting place for them. 34 And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp. 35 And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” 36 And when it rested, he said, “Return, O LORD, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.”
Romans 11 begins with Paul’s assurance that God has not rejected Israel. He points to his own background, knowledge, and experience and supports his proposition by recourse to the Old Testament scriptures. As he did in the days of Elijah, so God has preserved a remnant of his ancient people by his grace. The rest have shown themselves hardened in heart by their defiance and disobedience to God in the rejection of Christ and his gospel. However, their loss has been to the benefit and blessing of the Gentiles who have been incorporated into the church through faith in Jesus. The apostles therefore asks, ‘Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!’ Using the analogy of an olive tree and its branches, Paul points out that just as many of his fellow Jews were pruned and broken off because of their unbelief, so they can also be regrafted back in by grace through faith in Christ. He also warns his Gentile readers to remain faithful lest they too be cut off. He writes that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in and goes on to confidently insist that all Israel will be saved. Quoting Isaiah 59 he states, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” Paul marvels at ‘the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! …36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.’
To ponder! I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose (Isaiah 46:9-10).
Bible Challenge: Day 128
Bible Reading: Numbers 11 & Romans 12
Numbers 11 begins with the Israelites incurring God’s righteous judgement for their grumbling and complaining about their misfortunes. The people implored Moses to intercede with God on their behalf and the LORD relented. However before long they were again complaining about the lack of variety in the food they consumed. They even reminisced on how they ate well in comparison as slaves in Egypt and incurred God’s hot displeasure. Moses, angered by the people’s sorrow, vented his frustration to the LORD. He cried, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favour in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?” Moses, feeling unable to shoulder the burdens of the people, furthermore, pleaded for help. And so, God commanded Moses to choose and consecrate seventy elders to assist him in the government of Israel. God, moreover, would anoint these select men with his Spirit and graciously continue to provide for the needs of his people. When Joshua wanted to stop two of the said elders, Eldad and Medad, from prophesying, Moses responded, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” He thereby anticipated Pentecost and the New Testament era! The chapter concludes with the people yet again incurring the wrath of God for their greed in taking more quails than required.
If in chapters 1-11 Paul provides a theological or doctrinal discourse, Romans 12 marks the beginning of his application of his teaching. The apostle therefore appeals to his fellow Christians to offer themselves to God as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable which is their spiritual worship. Christians are not to conform to the world, but are to be transformed by the renewal of their minds. Christians are to discern and do God’s will which is good, acceptable, and perfect. Paul bids God’s people to be humble and recognise their place in the body of Christ. He writes, ‘so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them’. Paul then identifies certain characteristics that should distinguish the Christian. He urges all, ‘Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.’ Echoing the words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, the apostle urges believers to bless their persecutors rather than curse them. They are to rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep. They are to live in harmony with one another and pursue peace. They are to leave vengeance to God. Christians are to overcome evil with good.
To ponder! For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love (2Peter 1:5-7).
Bible Challenge: Day 129
Bible Reading: Numbers 12 & Romans 13
In Numbers 12 Miriam and Aaron jealously spoke out against Moses in the hearing of the LORD. They asked, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD summoned them to appear before him at the Tent of Meeting and revealed his presence in a pillar of cloud. God admonished them, making clear that while he revealed his will to the prophets via visions and dreams, it was not so with Moses whom God describes as his faithful and humble servant. “With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Consequently, the LORD’s righteous anger was kindled and once the pillar of cloud departed, Aaron turned to Miriam to discover she was leprous. Aaron pleaded with Moses on his sister’s behalf and Moses in turn cried to God to show mercy. Miriam was to be cast out of the camp for a period of seven days and only then would she be healed and readmitted to fellowship with the LORD and his people. ‘So Miriam was shut outside the camp seven days, and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again. 16 After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran.’
Paul begins Romans 13 with an exhortation to the effect that every person should willingly submit to the governing powers whose authority has been given by God. They are God’s servants to implement justice and punish evil doers. Of course, as is made clear elsewhere in scripture, Christians are to obey God rather than men. And so, if the governing authorities enact measures that are contrary to God’s revealed will then the Christian is duty bound to resist. The apostle adds that Christians should nevertheless pay their taxes and be good citizens. They are to be respectful and honourable. They are to avoid debt and are called to keep the moral law, thereby demonstrating their love for one another. ‘Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.’ They are to eschew the works of darkness characterised in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarrelling, and jealousy. Rather they are to put on God’s armour of light. In summary they are to ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.’
To ponder! “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
For Thursday
Bible Challenge: Day 130
Bible Reading: Numbers 13 & Romans 14
In Numbers 14 God commanded Moses to send a leader from each of the tribes of Israel to survey the land of Canaan in readiness for their occupation of it. There follows a list of the names of those chosen for this task. Moses instructed those called, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, 18 and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, 19 and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, 20 and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” They did so and returned from the Valley of Eschol with a cluster a grapes, and some pomegranates and figs. After forty days those sent to spy out the land returned and reported to Moses, Aaron, and the people that the Promised Land was flowing with milk and honey but its inhabitants which included Canaanites, Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites were strong and well-armed, and its cities fortified. Caleb urged Moses and all assembled to go in and occupy the said territory, but others argued on the contrary that “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”
In Romans 14 Paul urges the church in Rome to be considerate of one another. They are not to pass judgement on one another about relatively trivial matters such as what one could eat or drink or regarding holy days. The strong in the faith are to sympathise and empathise with those that are weak in the faith. ‘For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.’ The apostle furthermore points out that we shall all stand before the judgement seat of God to give a personal account. One day, every knee shall bow, and tongue confess before him. Paul warns his fellow Christians therefore, not to be contentious, censorious, or judgemental in such areas. ‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.’ All are urged to speak and act in faith.
To ponder! Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Ps.133:1).
Bible Challenge: Day 131
Bible Reading: Numbers 14 & Romans 15
Numbers 14 records the reaction of the people of Israel to the negative reports given by most of their leaders who had been sent to spy out the Promised Land. The people responded by mourning and moaning about their lot. They vented their criticisms and frustrations at Moses and Aaron and displayed their lack of faith in God. They cried out in unison, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” Aghast, Moses and Aaron fell on their faces, while Joshua and Caleb addressed the assembled throng. They pleaded that on the contrary, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” Only the appearance of the glory of the LORD over the Tent of Meeting prevented Joshua and Caleb being stoned by the crowd. The LORD spoke to Moses and admonished the people for their unbelief and rebellion and warned that they faced disease and disinheritance. Moses, pleaded with God that he would pardon the people for the glory of his name. And that he would thereby demonstrate the greatness of his steadfast love and mercy. The LORD relented but stated that none of those that had rebelled would enter the Promised Land. The only notable exceptions were Joshua and Caleb. The rest would spend forty years in the wilderness where they would die. “I, the LORD, have spoken. Surely this will I do to all this wicked congregation who are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall come to a full end, and there they shall die.” Those that had spied out the land but who had brought a false and negative report each died of plague. And yet the people of Israel ignoring Moses counsel, presumptuously sought to advance and conquer the nearby hill country without God’s presence and power. The chapter concludes, ‘Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and defeated them and pursued them, even to Hormah.’
Romans 15 begins with Paul again urging his fellow Christians to be considerate, compassionate, and caring towards one another. He encourages them to hear and heed God’s word in holy scripture and writes, ‘May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ The apostle shows from scripture that Jesus Christ was and is the hope of both Jews and Gentiles. He prays that the ‘God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.’ Paul commends the church in Rome for its faithfulness, goodness, and knowledge and explains the focus and purpose of his ministry. He states his longing to visit them on route to Spain but has been hindered by doing so by labours elsewhere. Nevertheless, once he has visited Jerusalem, he intends making his way to Rome. He therefore requests that they pray that he ‘may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.’ He concludes by expressing his desire that the God of peace may be with them.
To ponder! … grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).
Bible Challenge: Day 132
Bible Reading: Numbers 15 & Romans 16
Numbers 15 begins with laws anent sacrificial, grain, and wine offerings. These laws were to be applied to everyone. “For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD. 16 One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.” Moreover, from the time the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land they were to dedicate a loaf from the first of their dough to the LORD. There follow laws for making atonement for unintentional sins which equally applied to Israelites and strangers. The unrepentant were to be excluded from the people. And Sabbath-breakers were to be executed. The chapter concludes with God’s command to the Israelites to put tassels on the hems of the corner of their garments with a cord of blue. ‘And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after. 40 So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.’
Romans 16 concludes Paul’s Letter to the Romans and begins with a series of greetings. The apostle commends several fellow Christians for their faithfulness, endurance, and good works. He urges the church in Rome to ‘Greet one another with a holy kiss.’ And informs them that, ‘All the churches of Christ greet you.’ Paul tells them to avoid those that are contentious and divisive and warns them about false teachers who are quick to lead astray the naïve and gullible by their smooth and flattering words. Commending them to the grace of God in Christ, they are to be wise to what is good and innocent to what is evil. He concludes, ‘Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.’
To ponder! “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:45-46)
Bible Challenge: Day 133
Bible Reading: Numbers 16 & 1 Corinthians 1
Numbers 16 tells the story of Korah and others’ rebellion. They gathered the support of 250 chiefs and many of the people of Israel to supplant the place and power of Moses and Aaron as God’s representatives. They stated, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” Moses, aghast at their revolt, replied, “In the morning the LORD will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him.” And he challenged Korah and his company to appear the following day with burning censers before the LORD. Dathan and Abiram refused to accept Moses’ challenge, but Korah and the rest of his company assembled before the Tent of Meeting as the designated time. Moses and Aaron interceded for the people who had been sorely misled by Korah, Dathan and Abiram and bid them, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.” To demonstrate his calling and commission were God-given, Moses told the people that if the LORD was to judge Korah, Dathan, and Abiram with sudden death then they should understand that he was God’s representative. Whereas if they were spared to live to a ripe old age and die of natural causes then his ministry was fraudulent. As soon as Moses stopped speaking the ground split apart and swallowed Korah, his household, and all his belongings. All the people in the vicinity fled in fear for their lives. ‘And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.’ The censers of the 250 men that perished were recovered and hammered into a covering for the altar as a visible reminder to the people that only the descendants of Aaron were permitted to burn incense before the LORD. And yet many people continued to openly vent their opposition and God sent a plague among them killing 14,700. The severity of the said plague was nevertheless shortened by the intercession of Moses and Aaron who made atonement on behalf of Israel.
1 Corinthians begins with Paul’s salutation to the church in Corinth whom he describes as ‘those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours’. The apostle expresses his gratitude to God for the grace bestowed upon them in Jesus Christ. And pleads that there be no divisions among them but rather they be united in the same mind and judgement. He admonishes them for being divided over personalities. For it had been reported to him that some were claiming to be followers of Paul while others favoured Apollos or Peter when they all ought to have been simply followers of and united in Christ. He goes on to remind them that Christ is the wisdom and power of God. ‘For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.’ Paul further reminds them of their calling and of God’s amazing grace in Christ Jesus ‘who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
To ponder! 'Christ is the Saviour of the world. Christ is our Saviour. Christ died for us. Christ died for our sins. Christ offered himself for us. Christ bore our sins upon his back. Christ bought us with his blood. Christ washed us with his blood. Christ came in the world to save sinners. Christ came in the world to take away our sins. Christ was the price that was given for us and for our sins. Christ was made debtor for our sins. Christ hath paid our debt, for He died for us. Christ hath made satisfaction for us and for our sins. Christ is our righteousness. Christ is our wisdom. Christ is our sanctification. Christ is our redemption. Christ is our satisfaction. Christ is our peace. Christ is our goodness. Christ hath pacified the Father of Heaven. Christ is ours, and all His. Christ hath delivered us from the law, from the devil, and hell. The Father of Heaven hath forgiven us for Christ’s sake (Patrick Hamilton, Scottish Protestant Martyr).
Bible Challenge: Day 134
Bible Reading: Numbers 17 & 1 Corinthians 2
In Numbers 17 God commanded Moses to gather twelve staffs representing the twelve tribes of Israel. They were to have the name of each leader etched on them and were to be placed in the tent of meeting before the testimony. God would make one of the staffs to bud as a sign to the people of his presence and power, as well his call and commission. Aaron’s name was placed on the staff representing the tribe of Levi. The following day Aaron’s staff sprouted, and ‘put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds.’ Moses then presented the staff to the people. ‘And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”’ The people realising the folly of their rebellious grumbling, reacted in fear for their lives.
1 Corinthians 2 begins with Paul reminding the church in Corinth that when he had been present among them, he had not relied on lofty speech and human wisdom. Rather, he preached and taught Jesus Christ and him crucified. ‘And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.’ Paul communicated the wisdom of God revealed in the gospel. He insists that Christians have received and are reliant on the Spirit of God to enlighten and enliven them in God’s revelation of himself and his ways. He is the Spirit of truth, wisdom, and spiritual discernment, foretold and promised in the Old Testament scriptures and by the Word Incarnate, Jesus Christ, who told his disciples that the Spirit would lead them into all truth. The apostle therefore rightly concludes, ‘we have the mind of Christ.’
To ponder! “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you (John 16:12-15).
Bible Challenge: Day 135
Bible Reading: Numbers 18 & 1 Corinthians 3
Numbers 18 articulates the unique duties of Levites and priests. While the priesthood served God and his people in a sacerdotal manner in the sanctuary, the rest of the tribe of Levi were to keep guard of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and priests. They were however, prohibited from entering the sanctuary on pain of death. The LORD also told Aaron, “Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to me, all the consecrated things of the people of Israel. I have given them to you as a portion and to your sons as a perpetual due.” There follows a list of the devoted offerings that were to be the preserve and privilege of the Levites, along with the tithes of the people. These were in lieu of the land divided among the other tribes. ‘And the LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.”’ God similarly gave command to Moses to ensure that the Levites also offered their tithes to the LORD. They were to dedicate the first and finest portion.
1 Corinthians 3 records Paul’s rebuke to the church in Corinth for their spiritual immaturity. They had made no progress in their application of the faith. Rather there was jealousy and contention among them. They were divided over personalities. Some claimed to be followers of Paul, but others favoured Apollos. The apostle makes clear that both he and Apollos were merely the instruments that God used in bringing them to faith. They were but messengers and teachers. Using a horticultural analogy, Paul writes, ‘I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labour. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.’ And he reminds them that Jesus Christ in the sole foundation that gives stability and security to the building which is the church. And he will judge all according to their works at the Parousia (second coming). Paul explicitly reminds them that they are God’s holy temple indwelt by the Spirit, and therefore implicitly that they are called to worship, work, and witness accordingly. They are not to idolise and boast in their fellow men but rather glorify God and enjoy him in and through Jesus Christ.
To ponder! And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? (Deuteronomy 10:12).
Bible Challenge: Day 136
Bible Reading: Numbers 19 & 1 Corinthians 4
Numbers 19 contains a reiteration of the laws for ritual purification. God communicated his will to Moses and Aaron to pass on to Israel. The people are to present an unblemished red heifer which had never been yoked. It was to be slaughtered before Eleazar the priest outside the camp. The priest would then sprinkle its blood seven times in the direction of the entrance to the tent of meeting. The animal would then be incinerated, and its ashes ritually buried outside the camp in a clean place. There also follows instructions for the ritual washing of the priest and those assigned the task of burning and depositing the remains of the sacrifice. Additionally, mandatory commands were given for the purification of those coming into contact with a dead body. Specific instructions were issued for what to do in the event of someone dying in the Tabernacle. The chapter concludes by stating, “If the man who is unclean does not cleanse himself, that person shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, since he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. Because the water for impurity has not been thrown on him, he is unclean. 21 And it shall be a statute forever for them.”
In 1 Corinthians 4 Paul begins by explaining, ‘This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.’ He highlights the necessity for faithfulness and again reiterates that God will judge his servants thereby. He will disclose the hidden things of darkness and the purposes of the heart in the fulness of time. The apostle bids his fellow Christians to remain faithful to God’s word, to be humble and grateful as recipients of grace, and to eschew pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. Paul then contrasts his character, attitude, and example, as well as those of his fellow apostles, with those in the Corinthian Church. And authoritatively adds, ‘I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.’ He had become their father in Jesus Christ through the gospel. He therefore urges them to emulate his example. He has sent them Timothy to pastor and teach them the ways of Christ. He concludes, ‘What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?’
To ponder! Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:6-7).
Bible Challenge: Day 137
Bible Reading: Numbers 20 & 1 Corinthians 5
Numbers 20 records the deaths of both Miriam and Aaron. Miriam died and was buried at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. There the people complained and quarrelled concerning the dearth of available water for them and their livestock. They confronted Moses and bluntly stated, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle?” Moses and Aaron turned to prayer and the LORD answered them. He told Moses to strike a certain rock in the presence of the people and demand that it provide them with water. Moses faithfully complied and there was an abundance of water for the people and their livestock. However, the LORD again addressed Moses and Aaron and said to them, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” The place was appropriately named Meribah which means ‘quarrelling’ as a memorial to Israel’s unbelief. Moses then wrote to the King of Edom requesting permission for Israel to travel through his territory. He gave assurances that they would stick to the King’s Highway and would plunder no food or drink. Nevertheless, Edom refused consent and threatened military action against Israel for encroaching on their land. Arriving at Mount Hor, the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and said, “Let Aaron be gathered to his people, for he shall not enter the land that I have given to the people of Israel, because you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah. 25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them up to Mount Hor. 26 And strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron shall be gathered to his people and shall die there.” Moses did as God commanded, and Aaron died on Mount Hor. When Moses and Eleazar returned from the mountain the people mourned Aaron’s death for thirty days.
In 1 Corinthians 5 Paul sharply reproves the church in Corinth for turning a blind eye to sexual immorality among its members – ‘and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans’. The apostle has already made clear to them that they must pursue the ways of Christ and therefore demands that action be taken. They are to expel such impenitent and impious people from the church that God’s name and church be not defiled and in the hope that such sinners will ultimately repent and find redemption. Paul asks, ‘Do you not know that a little leaven [sin] leavens the whole lump?’ He therefore urges those called to be saints to cleanse out the old ‘leaven’. That is to purge the sins of the flesh and pursue the fruits of the Spirit in sincerity, integrity, and truth. ‘For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed’ for that reason. Paul reminds them of their call and differentiates between the church and the world. They are not to fellowship with those Christians that wilfully continue in sexual immorality and greed, nor with idolaters, revilers, drunkards, or swindlers. Rather they are to ‘purge the evil person from among you’.
To ponder! For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy (Lev.11:44).
Bible Challenge: Day 138
Bible Reading: Numbers 21 & 1 Corinthians 6
Numbers 21 begins with Israel’s defeat of the Canaanite King of Arad and the destruction of his cities by God’s enablement. The place was renamed Hormah meaning ‘destruction’ as a lasting memorial to God’s deliverance of his people and granting them victory in battle. On route from Mount Hor to Edom via the Red Sea the people once again lamented their lot and complained to Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Consequently, the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people whose bite proved lethal for some. The people repented and begged Moses to intercede with God on their behalf. God instructed Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” Moses did so and those bitten believed and were healed. The Apostle John points to this incident as prefiguring Christ’s crucifixion and gospel. ‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life’ (John 3:14-15). The Israelites continued their journey skirting the border of Moab and there follows the Song of the Wells – a paeon of praise to God for his gracious provision of water. They then defeated the armies of the King of the Amorites and won possession of Amorite cities, land, and goods. And again, follows a song in celebration of deliverance and victory. The chapter concludes with Israel’s defeat of the King of Og. God told Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.” And so, they won another decisive battle and took possession of his land also.
In 1 Corinthians 6 Paul admonishes the Corinthian Christians for filing lawsuits against each other. He writes, ‘I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, 6 but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?’ He tells them that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. And adds, ‘Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.’ Therefore, they are to mortify the flesh and live in the Spirit. They are to eschew the ways of the world but practice the ways of God and godliness. They are to rely on God’s grace, exercise self-control, and flee from sexual immorality as members in the body of Christ. The apostle concludes, ‘Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.’
To ponder! For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?— 32 the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless (Psalm 18:31-32).
Bible Challenge: Day 139
Bible Reading: Numbers 22 & 1 Corinthians 7
Numbers 22 begins with Balak, the King of Moab’s, request to Balaam, the son of Beor at Pethor. No doubt, aware of Israel’s recent triumphs in battle and conquests of neighbouring nations, and fearful for the safety of his realm, he sent elders from Moab and Midian to Balaam who was a prophet or mystic. He pleaded, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. 6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” God, however, spoke to Balaam and said, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” And so, Balaam refused Balak’s request. Undeterred, the king of Moab sent princes back to Balaam with the promise of riches for his consent. And God again spoke to him telling him to go with them but to rely solely on his word. Balaam saddled his donkey and accompanied by two servants set off for Moab. However, the Angel of the LORD appeared and reappeared which only Balaam’s donkey saw barring his way. Balaam repeatedly struck the beast in anger, but the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey and rebuked him. And God opened Balaam’s eyes to see the Angel of the LORD with a sword in his hand. Balaam prostrated himself and God said, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.” Balaam confessed his sin and was told to continue his journey reliant on and obedient to God. On meeting Balak, he informed the king, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.” After making sacrifice to his gods, Balak took Balaam to Bamoth-baal where they beheld a fraction of the people of Israel.
In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul begins with principles for marriage. He points out that husband and wife belong to one another and that healthy sexual relations are to be confined within the context of the marriage union. While he expresses a wish that his fellow Christians in Corinth were single and celibate like himself, he concedes ‘But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.’ The apostle contends that those that cannot exercise self-control should be married. And claims that married couples should pray together and stay together, if possible. He also provides advice to those married to non-Christians. Paul then adds a general rule, ‘Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.’ Referring to the Moral Law, he again urges all to keep God’s commandments and to remain faithful to their calling. He next provides advice for the unmarried and for widows. He desires that they be free from worries in a turbulently changing and challenging world. And therefore, the apostle’s stated aim is to promote good order and secure their undivided devotion to the Lord. He concludes by suggesting, ‘A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.’
To ponder! By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments (1John.5:2).
For Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 140
Bible Reading: Numbers 23 & 1 Corinthians 8
In Numbers 23 Balaam and Balak offer sacrifices to God who communicates his will via Balaam. The King of Moab demands that Balaam curse Israel, but Balaam declares, ‘How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced?’Balak, indignant, asks, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless them” but Balaam insisted that he could only speak the word that God placed in his mouth. So Balak instructed Balaam to accompany him to Mount Pisgah and there curse the children of Israel. Once again, they offered seven sacrifices of bulls and rams. Balaam received God’s revelation and informed the king, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 20 Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it.” He added that the LORD was with them. And surveying the people of Israel said, “Behold, a people! As a lioness it rises up and as a lion it lifts itself; it does not lie down until it has devoured the prey and drunk the blood of the slain.” Realising the futility of his quest, Balak urged Balaam to neither curse nor bless Israel but again nevertheless persuaded him to accompany him to Mount Peor. There sacrifices were similarly offered, and the king continued to hope against hope that a curse could be placed on the Israelites.
In 1 Corinthians 8 Paul turns to the subject of foods that had been offered to idols. Corinth epitomised the ancient Graeco-Roman world with its multiplicity of gods and shrines. And so, he presages his advice by pointing out that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up, thereby urging them to think and act for love’s sake. He reminds them that idols are nothing. They are symbols of vanity, folly, and misplaced adoration and loyalty. For there is but one God in three glorious persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The apostle acknowledges that some Christians were nevertheless yet limited in their understanding of such matters, for they wrongly thought that eating food that had been previously used in cultic offerings defiled those that consumed it. Paul therefore recommends that those who rightly knew better should nonetheless abstain from eating it if by eating meant placing a stumbling block in the way of weak believers. He concludes, ‘Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.’
To ponder! Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love (1Cor.16:13-14).
Monday
Bible Challenge: Day 141
Bible Reading: Numbers 24 & 1 Corinthians 9
Numbers 24 contains Balaam’s third and fourth oracles. Assured of God’s blessing upon Israel, Balaam observed the Israelite tribes camped in the wilderness. There the Spirit of God prompted him to declare, “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel!” He concluded his third oracle with the words, “Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.” This enraged Balak who’s only desire was that Balaam place a curse on the children of Israel. Balaam retold the king that he would only speak the word given to him by God. And added, “And now, behold, I am going to my people. Come, I will let you know what this people will do to your people in the latter days.” And so, he delivered his fourth and final discourse in which he foretold the fate of Moab for its opposition to Israel. He prophesied that “a star shall come out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. 18 Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. 19 And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!” Looking at Amalek and a Kenite, Balaam made concluding predictions. And afterward, he and Balak parted company.
Paul begins 1 Corinthians 9 by referring to the church in Corinth as the seal of his apostleship in the Lord. He has willingly and graciously served them for Love’s sake. And despite the Lord’s command that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel, the apostle has taken no payment for his labours among them and on their behalf. He insists, ‘For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!’ And adds, “What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.’ Paul made himself a servant to all. To the Jews, he became a Jew, making use of the synagogue and showing due respect for their religious practices and sensitivities according to the law. To the Gentiles he became like a Gentile and yet was ever loyal to the law of Christ. He writes, ‘I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.’ He concludes by implicitly pointing out that he has been disciplined, dutiful, and determined in his ministry to them for the good of all and the glory of God.
To ponder! And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15).
Bible Challenge: Day 142
Bible Reading: Numbers 25 & 1 Corinthians 10
Numbers 25 records Israel’s enchantment with the daughters of Moab, and their subsequent apostasy. God’s righteous wrath was kindled against those who had broken covenant and worshipped Baal, the idol of the Moabites. The LORD commanded Moses to put to death those guilty of betrayal by their yoking themselves to Baal of Peor. Moreover, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, summarily put to death an Israelite and his Moabite wife within the camp, averting the plague that had struck Israel for its folly, but only after twenty-four thousand people had died of the rampant disease. God rewarded Phineas for his zeal. He told Moses, ‘”Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace, 13 and it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the people of Israel.’” The LORD gave command to Moses that Israel was to harass and strike down the Midianites for beguiling and turning his people against him.
In 1 Corinthians 10 Paul warns the Corinthian Christians against apostasy and idolatry by reference to the experience of Israel in the wilderness as revealed in the Old Testament scriptures. God had graciously delivered them from slavery in Egypt and had baptised them in the cloud and in the sea. They were recipients of God’s favour through the preincarnate Christ, but they perished in the desert on account of their unbelief and idolatry. The apostle therefore urges the church to avoid replicating their folly and negative example. And cites further instances thereof, and tells the Corinthians, ‘let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.’ He urges the recipients of his letter to flee from idolatry, remain faithful, and trust God to empower them to resist temptation. He further insists and asks, ‘You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?’ Rather they are to live God-centred and Christ-focused lives and do all things to the glory of God and for the good of others.
To ponder! You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield (Psalm 115:11).
Bible Challenge: Day 143
Bible Reading: Numbers 26 & 1 Corinthians 11
In Numbers 26 the LORD commands Moses and Eleazar to take a census of all male Israelites aged twenty and above for military service. They did so on the plains of Moab at Jericho on the banks of the River Jordan. And there follows the number counted for each tribe and clan totalling 601,730. God then told Moses, “Among these the land shall be divided for inheritance according to the number of names.” However, ‘among these there was not one of those listed by Moses and Aaron the priest, who had listed the people of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the LORD had said of them, “They shall die in the wilderness.” Not one of them was left, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.’
1 Corinthians 11 begins by Paul urging the Corinthians Christians to model their faith and lives on him as he emulated Jesus Christ. He insists that they keep to the creed and practice that he taught when among them. Among those conventions he highlights head coverings for women and pleads that they avoid contention. The apostle then admonishes the church for its factionalism, divisiveness, and worldliness, which appears to have been particularly on view in their commemoration of the Lord’s Supper. He then recounts what he received from the Lord and delivered to them in the words of institution used in the sacrament of Holy Communion. And adds, ‘Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.’ He emphasizes that each person should practice self-examination as to whether they are discerning the person and work of the Saviour in the bread and wine of the sacrament, lest they bring judgement upon themselves. The chapter ends with Paul promising to further instruct them when with them in person.
To ponder! ‘Love so amazing, so divine . Demands my soul, my life, my all’ – Isaac Watts.
Bible Challenge: Day 144
Bible Reading: Numbers 27 & 1 Corinthians 12
Numbers 27 begins with the daughters of Zelophehad, of the tribe of Manasseh, pleading with Moses and Eleazar, “Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father's brothers.” Moses sought God’s guidance from the LORD and was told, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.” There follows a legal statute relating to family inheritance rights that sought to ensure that land and property remained with kith and kin.
The LORD then instructed Moses to climb Mount Abarim and from there to look at the land that he had promised to the children of Israel. God then informed Moses that he would not be entering the said land due to his rebellion against God’s word in the Wilderness of Zin but rather he would be gathered to his forebears. Aware that his death was imminent, Moses prayed to the LORD, “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation 17 who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” And so God instructed Moses to ordain Joshua, the son of Nun, to be his successor. ‘And Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, 23 and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the LORD directed through Moses.’
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul turns his attention to spiritual gifts. He begins by telling the Corinthian Christians that no one can meaningfully say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit. He informs them, ‘Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.’ God apportions different gifts and graces to each person as he wills for the common good, making the church not only dependent on God but also reliant upon each other. The health of the body is dependent on all the members working together for their collective health and harmony. Christians, irrespective of their background, are baptised by the one Spirit into the one body of Christ and are to recognise their need of one another. ‘If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.’ Nevertheless, the apostle reminds his readers that God has appointed offices and officers in his church that all things be done decently and in order. He bids them desire the higher gifts and concludes by pointing to a more excellent way.
To ponder! And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph.4:11-13).
Bible Challenge: Day 145
Bible Reading: Numbers 28 & 1 Corinthians 13
Numbers 28 provides a record of the various offerings the LORD commanded and communicated to Israel via Moses that were to be made in the Tabernacle in perpetuity. It begins with the daily offering of two male year-old lambs without blemish which were to be accompanied by drink and grain offerings. Then follows similar Sabbath offerings and the Monthly offerings of two bulls, one ram, and seven lambs one year old and without blemish along with the obligatory grain and drink offerings. Then follows the Passover offerings which began with ‘a food offering, a burnt offering to the LORD: two bulls from the herd, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old; see that they are without blemish; 20 also their grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil; three tenths of an ephah shall you offer for a bull, and two tenths for a ram; 21 a tenth shall you offer for each of the seven lambs; 22 also one male goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you.’ The chapter concludes by itemising the offerings for the Feast of Weeks.
In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul articulates the most excellent way of love. He insists that without love his preaching, teaching, spiritual gifts, faith, and charitable acts are essentially worthless. The Bible teaches that God is love and Christians are being recreated in his image and likeness. The summation of the moral law is love – love for God and one another. Love is the chief fruit and seal of the Holy Spirit. It is the crowning grace. The apostle adds, ‘Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.’ He then contrasts love with prophecies and knowledge which will pass away. And makes clear that love is evidence of spiritual maturity and sanctification. The latter will be complete when the believer one day stands face to face before Jesus and is as he is! And he is love. He concludes, ‘So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.’ Love is the greatest because it reveals something of the essence of God. Additionally, unlike faith and hope which will no longer be required in glory, it is eternal. And finally, in the present, it is evidential and experiential that we are God’s beloved children who are called to walk before him and one another in love.
To ponder! Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love (1John 4:8).
Bible Challenge: Day 146
Bible Reading: Numbers 29 & 1 Corinthians 14
Numbers 29 continues the theme of ‘offerings’ from the previous chapter with the addition of further instructions relating to the mandated offerings for the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths. Detailed directives are given for each of the eight days of this latter feast. These were commanded by God and communicated to the people by Moses to be kept annually. “These you shall offer to the LORD at your appointed feasts, in addition to your vow offerings and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your grain offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.” Theologians refer to such detailed instructions as an intricate part of the ‘Regulative Principle of Worship’. God informed his people how, where and when he was to be worshipped. And the religious calendrical year was clearly designed to keep the people God-centred and God-focussed. It helped to keep God’s goodness in past redemptive events in the forefront of their hearts and minds. And helped delineate and define the children of Israel as his own special possession, the apple of his eye.
In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul begins by urging the Corinthians Christians to pursue love and spiritual gifts, especially that of prophesying – forthtelling, as well as foretelling. He intimates that while speaking in different tongues (languages) is a wonderful grace, the ability to communicate God’s word was of greater worth as it edified, expanded, and encouraged God’s church. To reinforce his point, the apostle adds, ‘Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue (a foreign language no one understood). He then suggests practical measures to ensure that their worship and teaching were orderly and delivered for optimum effect. So that the church of Christ was built up and strengthened in the faith and that God was glorified. ‘For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.’ He declares that women (wives) should be silent in public worship. This is not an absolute prohibition because he writes elsewhere about women praying and prophesying in church. The Old Testament prophecy about sons and daughters prophesying was fulfilled in the New Testament era. And so, in the context of what he writes here, he appears to be prohibiting women giving authoritative judgement on prophecies to uphold the principle of male headship. The apostle also reminds the Corinthians of the catholicity of the church, and that all should humble themselves before the Lord. In summary he declares that all ‘things should be done decently and in order.’
To ponder! God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth (Jn.4:24).
Bible Challenge: Day 147
Bible Reading: Numbers 30 & 1 Corinthians 15
The focus of Numbers 30 is vows. Once again Moses communicated the LORD’s command to the people of Israel. If a man vowed and made a pledge to the LORD, he had to faithfully keep and fulfill it. By contrast, if a young woman who still lived in her father’s house were to make a vow, she should first gain her father’s consent. A married woman was similarly to vow with her husband’s consent, but widows and divorcees were bound to their pledges. The chapter concludes, ‘These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses about a man and his wife and about a father and his daughter while she is in her youth within her father's house.’
In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul focuses on the significance of Jesus’ bodily resurrection and the resurrection of his people to come. Christ’s resurrection is integral to and lies at the heart of the gospel. Without it there is no good news. He writes, ‘For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.’ And as proof positive that Jesus triumphed over death, he affirms that the Risen Christ appeared to the apostles and to over five hundred believers, many of whom were still alive to confirm the reality of his resurrection. Finally, Jesus appeared to Paul who describes himself as one untimely born, the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because he had persecuted the church of God. But such is the amazing grace of God in Christ. Paul, therefore, admonishes those who claimed that there was no resurrection. He insists that ‘if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain.’ He further declares that if Christ had not been raised, they have been misled and are misrepresenting God, are guilty of heinous lies, and are without hope and of all people the most to be pitied. Paul, however, is adamant that Christ was raised the firstfruits, guaranteeing the bodily resurrection of his people to everlasting glory at the Parousia (Second Coming of Christ). They should live accordingly in faith, hope, holiness, and love. The apostle then writes of the resurrection body, contrasting it with the fleshly and fallen one we presently possess. And assures his readers, ‘Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.’ Therefore, at the last trumpet, ‘the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.’ Death will be swallowed up in victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. He concludes, ‘Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.’
To ponder! The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bible Challenge: Day 148
Bible Reading: Numbers 31 & 1 Corinthians 16
Numbers 31 begins with God telling Moses, “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.” Moses therefore commanded the people and each tribe provided one thousand men for military service. Led by Phinehas, the son of the High Priest, with sacred vessels from the Tabernacle, and trumpets, they marched out to meet the Midianites in battle. They defeated the Midianites and took their women, children, and possessions as plunder. Moses, Eleazar, and the chiefs of the tribes met the triumphant army on its return. Order was given to kill those female Midianites that had led many Israelites astray. There followed purification rites for those that had fought in Israel’s triumphant army before the plunder was divided according to the LORD’s word to Moses. A share was therefore also made to the Levites who had responsibility for the Tabernacle and the worship of God. There follows a list of the possessions plundered. The chapter concludes with the military commanders informing Moses that none of their men had been lost in battle. And they presented the High Priest with 16750 shekels of gold taken from the Midianites. It was taken to the tent of meeting as a memorial for the people of Israel before the LORD.
1 Corinthians 16 begins with Paul appealing to the church to take up a collection for the persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. He tells them that he hoped to visit and stay with them through the winter months as he passed through Macedonia. He intended to visit Ephesus first where a door of opportunity to fruitful gospel service had been opened by God’s grace. He also bid them welcome and show hospitality to Timothy. There follows the apostle’s final instructions. He tells them to similarly welcome Apollos when he finally arrived among them. And urges them, ‘Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.’ He tells them to submit to the ministry of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and concludes with greetings from the churches of Asia, and Aquila and Prisca. He signs off, ‘I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.’
To ponder! Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful (1Cor.4:2).
Bible Challenge: Day 149
Bible Reading: Numbers 32 & 2 Corinthians 1
Numbers 32 records the settling of the tribes of Reuben and Gad in the land of Gilead beyond the River Jordan. Representatives of these tribes approached Moses and Eleazar and asked, “If we have found favour in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan.” Citing historical examples, however, Moses made it clear to the people of Reuben and Gad that their presence and provision of fighting men was essential to the conquest and possession of the Promised Land. In response, the people of Reuben and Gad pledged, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, 17 but we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place.” Therefore, Moses and these two tribes reached agreement that while their wives, children, and livestock would remain in the land of Gilead, their fighting men would assist the other tribes until all were settled in the land of Canaan. The chapter concludes with the following confirmation, ‘And Moses gave to them, to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land and its cities with their territories, the cities of the land throughout the country.’
2 Corinthians 1 begins with Paul’s salutation to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia. He praises the Father in Christ for his care and comfort. The apostle is thankful that he and others have been able to endure affliction by God’s grace. And adds, ‘Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.’ Paul informs the Corinthians of his reliance on God who has delivered him from deadly peril and will continue to be his strength and shield. And he expresses gratitude to the Corinthians for their prayers of intercession on his behalf. He assures his readers that he has spoken and so acted in simplicity and godly sincerity. And further declares that all God’s promises to his people are yes and amen in and through Jesus Christ. He writes, ‘it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.’ For their sakes, Paul insists, he has delayed his visit to them, but he is working for their joy and that they may all stand firm in the faith.
To ponder! This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him (Ps.18:30).
Bible Challenge: Day 150
Bible Reading: Numbers 33 & 2 Corinthians 2
Numbers 33 recounts Israel’s journey from slavery in Egypt to the verge of the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. It lists the numerous places through which they passed and camped. It recounts the death of Aaron at the age of 123 on Mount Hor in the fortieth year of their deliverance from Pharaoh’s tyrannical rule. Finally, camped in the plains of Moab, the LORD instructs Moses in preparation for Israel’s conquest of Canaan. God said, “When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places. 53 And you shall take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it.” They were to apportion the land according to the size of each tribe and clan. Nevertheless, the LORD issued a solemn and stark warning to Israel. He said, “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. 56 And I will do to you as I thought to do to them.”
In 2 Corinthians 2 Paul assures the Corinthians Christians of his love for them and excuses his failure to visit them as well as the tone of his previous admonitory letter. He writes, ‘For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.’ The apostle also bids them to forgive and comfort penitent Christians as he was willing to forgive for Christ’s sake. The aim is to restore fellowship and reaffirm their love for one another, lest they be outwitted by the spirit of the Evil One. Paul gives thanks to God who in Christ leads his people in triumphal procession. And through his church spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus everywhere. He writes, ‘For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.’ The church is to fulfil its commission as God’s messengers to the world by proclaiming and living in light of the gospel in sincerity.
To ponder! In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (Eph.1:7-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 151
Bible Reading: Numbers 34 & 2 Corinthians 3
Numbers 34 records the boundaries of the land of Canaan that God gave to the children of Israel as their inheritance. Moses communicated the LORD’s command to the people and said, “This is the land that you shall inherit by lot, which the LORD has commanded to give to the nine tribes and to the half-tribe.” He further reminded Israel that the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already “received their inheritance beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, toward the sunrise.” The LORD instructed Moses to take Eleazar, the High Priest, and Joshua, the son of Nun, and a chief from each tribe whose names are listed, and so divide the said inheritance among the nine and a half tribes of Israel.
2 Corinthians 3 begins with Paul commending and encouraging the church in Corinth for bearing testimony to the faith. He writes, ‘you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.’ He reminds them of their reliance on God’s grace as fellow ministers of the new covenant, signed and sealed by the Spirit of life. The apostle points to the glory of the Old Covenant which was written on tablets of stone and compares it with the surpassing and permanent glory of the New. The Law revealed Israel’s sin. A veil lay over the people’s hearts which it could not remove, but in Christ that veil has been removed. In him Christians receive a new heart and a right spirit as foretold by the Old Testament prophets. Contrasting Moses with Jesus Christ, Paul concludes, ‘But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.’ The theological term for such a transformation is sanctification which will only be perfected when Christians stand before Christ in glory which is the eternal state.
To ponder! In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory (Eph.1:13-14).
Bible Challenge: Day 152
Bible Reading: Numbers 35 & 2 Corinthians 4
Numbers 35 records the LORD’s provision of forty-eight cities and adjacent pastureland for the Levites in the Promised Land. Out of these, six were to be designated ‘cities of refuge’ ‘where you shall permit the manslayer to flee.’ God commanded Moses on the plains of Moab, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. 12 The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment.” A distinction was to be made between those guilty of involuntary manslaughter and those guilty of homicide. Those that intentionally murdered another person were to be put to death. The cities of refuge were established to protect those guilty of unintentional murder from would-be avengers. However, they had to remain within their city of refuge until the High Priest died. Only then were they permitted to return to their homes. No person was to be put to death for murder without corroboration from more than one witness. The chapter concludes with the LORD’s instruction, “You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of the one who shed it. 34 You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the LORD dwell in the midst of the people of Israel.”
In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul begins by explaining that because his ministry was by the mercy of God, he did not lose heart. God had called him. God was with him. And God would provide for him and all who trusted God. He tells the Corinthian Christians that he had renounced the underhand ways of the world. And was not prepared to compromise the word of God for an easier life but rather he faithfully proclaimed it with a good conscience. He writes, ‘For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ The primary purpose of the word in scripture is to reveal the Word Incarnate. It teaches what God has done for fallen humanity in and through him. Nevertheless, using the metaphor of a clay jar to depict God’s people, the apostle insists that God has placed his treasure in jars of clay that all the power and glory should rebound to God. And so, Christians are afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not destroyed, for the life of the Risen Christ is manifest in and through them. Because all God’s people share the same spirit of faith, they are assured of God’s favour towards them and can proclaim his good news with confidence. Therefore, Pauls bids the Corinthian Church not to lose heart. ‘For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.’
To ponder! For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1Cor.2:2-5).
Bible Challenge: Day 153
Bible Reading: Numbers 36 & 2 Corinthians 5
In Numbers 36 the LORD instructs Moses on the plains of Moab relating to the inheritance rights of clans and tribes. Concern was expressed to Moses by the people of Gilead about the loss of their inheritance if their daughters fell heir to land and property but married men of other tribes. They exclaimed, “if they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the people of Israel, then their inheritance will be taken from the inheritance of our fathers and added to the inheritance of the tribe into which they marry. So it will be taken away from the lot of our inheritance.” Moses sought the advice of God and then made the following ruling which was to be kept in perpetuity throughout Israel. ‘Let them marry whom they think best, only they shall marry within the clan of the tribe of their father. 7 The inheritance of the people of Israel shall not be transferred from one tribe to another, for every one of the people of Israel shall hold on to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.’ And thus, it became law in Israel.
In 2 Corinthians 5 Paul begins by assuring the Corinthian Christians that, ‘we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’ He further reminds them that they are sealed with the Spirit of promise who comforts and counsels his people in their afflictions and struggles in this fallen world. He bids them to be of good courage and walk by faith rather than sight, trusting in God’s grace and the glory to come. But he also cautions them that all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ. He thereby implicitly reminds them (and God, us) that they must use their gifts and graces wisely in the present. And knowing the fear of the Lord, the apostle insists that the church must seek to fulfil its royal commission that sinners might receive and rest in Christ for salvation. ‘For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.’ Paul points out that Christians are new creations in and through Jesus Christ who has entrusted his people with the ministry of reconciliation. ‘Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’
To ponder! And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Bible Challenge: Day 154
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 1 & 2 Corinthians 6
Deuteronomy 1 begins in the fortieth year of Israel’s sojourning in the wilderness. They are camped on the verge of the Promised Land. There God gave his command via Moses, “See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them.” There Moses reminded Israel of God’s faithfulness and goodness to them and there he had appointed wise, knowledgeable, and experienced men to govern the children of Israel with justice and impartiality in accordance with God’s law. Then he recounted the surveillance of the said territory in anticipation of their conquest, and the subsequent rebellion of the people, who fearing the occupants of the land, and thinking the worst of God, defied his command. The chapter closes by recounting the resultant penalty for Israel’s revolt, in contrast to Joshua’s commitment and courage, and the people’s subsequent repentance.
2 Corinthians 6 begins with Paul pleading with the church in Corinth not to receive God’s grace in vain. This was the time of God’s favour, the day of salvation. The apostle had suffered greatly and had persevered ‘by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God’ for their good and for the glory of God in Jesus Christ. He did so for love’s sake. He urges them therefore not to be yoked with unbelievers. And asks, ‘For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial?’ Rather, he reminds them that they are the temple of the living God. And referencing the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Exodus, he further explains that God dwells with his people who have received the Spirit of adoption. They must therefore believe and behave as beloved children of their Father in heaven who has called them to holiness, humility, and happiness.
To ponder! Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph.5:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 155
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 2 & 2 Corinthians 7
Deuteronomy 2 recounts the journeys undertaken by the children of Israel during their wandering in the wilderness. Moses reminded the Israelites that despite their rebellion and periodic folly, ‘These forty years the LORD your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.’ He reminded them of God’s commands and of their relations with the surrounding nations. From setting out from Kadesh-barnea until they crossed the brook Zered they had sojourned for a total of thirty-eight years. They wandered, ‘until the entire generation, that is, the men of war, had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them’, because of their defiance against the LORD. And so, what ought to have been an eleven-day journey from Mount Hor to the Promised Land became a forty-year test of endurance because of Israel’s unbelief. After that generation perished, the LORD commanded the people to cross into Moab, and Moses therefore reiterates the people groups that they encountered, defeated, and dispossessed in the conquests. God had promised, ‘This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you on the peoples who are under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you.’ The chapter concludes recounting Israel’s triumph over Sihon, the obstinate King of Heshbon, and his territories by God’s provision and presence. Therefore, Moses makes clear to the congregation that, ‘The LORD our God gave all into our hands.’
2 Corinthians 7 begins with Paul assuring the church in Corinth of God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises, and consequently he urges his fellow Christians to pursue holiness in the fear of God. He asks them to remember him in their hearts. And indirectly encourages them by confirming his affection for them and labours on their behalf. He writes, ‘I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.’ The apostle expresses his thankfulness for their enthusiastic reception of him and the gospel message that he had shared. And for God’s goodness witnessed in various providential acts and events. He was grateful and glad for their response to his previous admonitory letter in repentance and renewed faith. ‘For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.’ Paul gives thanks for their reception of Titus and for the fruits of his ministry among them. These, he makes clear, furnished him with complete confidence and joy in the Corinthian Church.
To ponder! The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death (Pro.14:27).
Bible Challenge: Day 156
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3 & 2 Corinthians 8
Deuteronomy 3 recounts Israel’s military triumph over King Og of Bashan and its conquest of his territory, by God’s enabling. The land was then apportioned to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, as we read in the previous Book of Numbers. The fighting men of these tribes were nevertheless commanded to assist the remaining nine and a half tribes take possession of the Promised Land on the other side of the Jordan River. And there follows Moses words to Joshua, the son of Nun, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings [Og & Sihon]. So will the LORD do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. 22 You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.’ The chapter concludes with Moses recounting his petition to God to let him see the land promised to the children of Israel and the LORD’s response to climb Mount Pisgah and there survey in every direction the said region. Moses, however, was denied access to the said land by God. Rather, he was to charge, encourage, and strengthen Joshua as his successor who would lead God’s people to take possession of it.
2 Corinthians 8 begins with Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth to give generously for the relief of the saints in Jerusalem and elsewhere. He writes, ‘as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.’ He urges them to imitate the Lord Jesus who willingly gave and did so sacrificially in an act of limitless love. There follows the apostle’s commendation of Titus, an enthusiastic partner and fellow worker in God’s gospel who had shown himself faithful and highly capable. He was accompanied by others that shared in the ministry. And so, Paul concludes, ‘as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.’
To ponder! It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice (Ps.112:5).
Bible Challenge: Day 157
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 4 & 2 Corinthians 9
Deuteronomy 4 begins with Moses’ command to the children of Israel to trust and obey the LORD their God. He declared, “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.” Moses reminded them of God’s grace to them and of their unique experiences and relationship with him. He urges them to act wisely with understanding to be a witness to the surrounding nations. They are to take care, be diligent, and guard their hearts and minds that they may remain faithful. They are to pass on the faith and teach their children and grandchildren to keep God’s commandments in perpetuity. They are to eschew idolatry and vigilantly keep God’s covenant. Nevertheless, Moses foretells of future apostasy, God’s judgement, Israel’s repentance, and restoration by the mercy of God. He goes on to remind Israel that the LORD alone is God and that they were and are wholly reliant upon his faithfulness and goodness. Moses then established three cities of refuge in the region settled by the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manassites. ‘This is the law that Moses set before the people of Israel.’
2 Corinthians 9 begins with Paul’s reminder to the Corinthian Christians of their promise to provide financial aid for the persecuted saints in Jerusalem and elsewhere. He urged them to have the money ready for the fellow ministers he had sent to collect their offering. To encourage the church is its giving, the apostle writes, ‘whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ Just as they had been greatly blessed by God, he urges them to bless others. Freely they have received, and freely they are to give for the common good of the church catholic. God will prosper them by their generosity. ‘For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.’ He points out that such care, compassion, and kindness glorify God and bear witness to the gospel of Christ. Paul concludes, ‘Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!’
To ponder! One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want (Pro.11:24).A
Bible Challenge: Day 158
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5 & 2 Corinthians 10
In Deuteronomy 5 Moses summons all Israel and reminds them of the covenant that the LORD their God had made with them at Horeb. They are to know and be careful to keep God’s commands. And there follows a reiteration of the 10 Commandments and Moses recounting how they were written by the finger of God who appeared and revealed something of his glory and greatness on the mountain where they heard his voice and witnessed signs and wonders. There God declared, regarding the people, ‘Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!’ And so, Moses urged the people, ‘You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.’ In other words, they were to love God and their neighbour, and this remains an imperative for the church in this New Testament era.
In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul entreats the Corinthian Christians by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. He reminds them that the battle they must all engage in is primarily spiritual rather than physical or worldly. ‘For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.’ The apostle insists that he is using his delegated authority for their good and for the glory of Christ. His hope is that their faith may grow and flourish and that through them the gospel would win others to Christ not only in Corinth but further afield. He concludes, ‘“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.’
To ponder! My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! (Ps.34:2-3).
Bible Challenge: Day 159
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 6 & 2 Corinthians 11
In Deuteronomy 6 Moses again urges the children of Israel to faithfully keep God’s commandments. Thereby God will bless their loyalty and they will flourish and be fruitful in the Promised Land. He therefore proclaimed, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” He tells the people to store God’s word in their hearts and teach it confidently and consistently to their children. They are to keep it prominently in sight. Therefore, concerning God’s commands, Moses declared, ‘you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.’ They are to be vigilant to remain faithful in the Promised Land. They are to fear God and devotedly serve him. They must not forsake the LORD for foreign deities or bow down to idols lest they bring God’s judgement upon themselves. Rather they are to ever do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD. Israel must remember its history and value its heritage and pass it on to succeeding generations for the glory of God and the common good.
In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul, like Moses above, urges the church at Corinth to take great care lest they be led astray from the faith once and for all time delivered to the saints. He warns them of charlatans who spoke eloquently and claimed authority but taught a contrary gospel and were motivated by a quite different spirit. He implicitly makes clear that they must be well acquainted with the truth to test the spirits. The apostle is content to be labelled a fool for the glory of Christ and for the sake of his church. He reminds the Corinthian Christians of what he has suffered greatly in the cause of the gospel. He writes, ‘Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.’ And yet Paul willingly persevered for the sake of souls and for the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
To ponder! When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? …I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life (Ps.56:3-4, 12-13).
Bible Challenge: Day 160
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 7 & 2 Corinthians 12
In Deuteronomy 7 Moses reminds the people of Israel that they must not enter into agreements with the nations that they will displace when they enter the Promised Land. They are not to intermarry with them lest they be led astray to worship foreign deities. Rather they were to remove their idols. “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Moses assures his fellow Israelites of God’s goodness to them and of his abiding love for them. They are called to reciprocate that love by loving God and one another and by keeping God’s commandments. God will love, bless, and multiply them if they remain faithful to him. He will protect and prosper them. Israel, however, must remember the LORD’s great saving acts and live God-focussed and God-honouring lives.
In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul asserts that while he could boast in the revelations or visions he had received, he nevertheless preferred to boast in his weakness. Thereby, he avoided becoming proud and conceited and attributed the effectiveness of his gifting and ministry to the grace of God. This was cause for endless gratitude and compelled him to glorify and enjoy God as his chief end. Paul tells his readers that the Lord had said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, he adds, ‘I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’ He goes on to remind the church in Corinth what they had seen and heard from him while present with them and reasserts his desire to visit them again. He did and will continue to act with all integrity and probity while among them and will not be burdensome unlike the self-appointed imposters that had appeared to them and who had called themselves ‘super-apostles’. He concludes by expressing concern that when he revisited them, he might yet find the fruits of the flesh still rampant among them rather than the fruits of the Spirit. That those who had previously been admonished and denounced remained unrepentant. And hence, Paul implicitly warns them again against internal contention, disharmony, disorder, and immorality.
To ponder! Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Gal.5:19-23).
Bible Challenge: Day 161
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 8 & 2 Corinthians 13
In Deuteronomy 8 Moses urges the children of Israel to faithfully observe the commandments given to them by God when they enter the Promised Land. They are not to add to them nor take away from them. Moreover, they are to remember how God led them and provided for their needs in the wilderness over a period of forty years. The LORD tested, disciplined, and humbled them that they might learn to reverence him and walk in his ways. Moses reminded the people that God was giving them a pleasant and productive land. ‘And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.’ However, they must be vigilant to remember God and keep his covenant and commandments. They must avoid the temptation to forget and forsake the LORD once settled and prosperous in the said land. Moses, therefore, adds, ‘Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’’ Rather they must always show gratitude to God for his gracious provision. Moses concludes, ‘And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. 20 Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.’
2 Corinthians 13 concludes Paul’s second epistle with a final warning that he will not spare those unrepentant Christians in Corinth that continued to defiantly engage in sinful activities. They were not only a danger to themselves, but they were bringing shame and ignominy to the name of Christ’s church. Paul would admonish and discipline them in the power of Christ when he arrived. Therefore, the apostle urges his fellow Christians to examine and test themselves to see whether they were living in conformity to the faith. Paul desires and prays for their restoration and renewal. He earnestly encourages them to reform their ways so that he would not have to use his authority against them when he revisited Corinth. He ends his letters on a positive note; ‘Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.’
To ponder: Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man (Pro.3:3-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 162
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 9 & Galatians 1
In Deuteronomy 9 Moses reassured and encouraged the children of Israel in preparation for their assault on the nations that occupied the Promised Land. They were to trust in the LORD and take courage for God would give them victory. ‘Know therefore today that he who goes over before you as a consuming fire is the LORD your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. So, you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as the LORD has promised you.’ Moses, nevertheless, warns Israel against becoming self-righteous, thinking that God had given them the land as a reward for being good. On the contrary, God was driving out the occupants because of their sinfulness. And God was fulfilling his covenant promise to the patriarchs. Moses therefore goes on to remind the people of how Israel had failed God on several occasions by defying his commands and rebelling against his way of faith, hope, and love. Far from being good they had shown themselves a stubborn people. He cites the example of the golden calf they fashioned while Moses was receiving the 10 Commandments, the second of which condemns such frivolous and presumptuous representations! He also reminded them of Israel’s open rebellion ‘At Taberah also, and at Massah and at Kibroth-hattaavah’ when Israel ‘provoked the LORD to wrath.’ And so, because of their folly that generation failed to enter the Promised Land. On the contrary, they died in the wilderness.
The Apostle Paul begins Galatians 1 by asserting that his ministry and message were given to him by the Lord Jesus Christ. His authority and the authenticity of the gospel he proclaimed rested with the Lord. Then follows a brief salutation before he admonishes the churches in Galatia for departing from Christ’s gospel. He writes, ‘I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.’ Paul assures the Galatians that he had received the good news he proclaimed directly from Christ. Additionally, he shares with them his background in Judaism and his former misplaced zeal in persecuting Christians. He then articulates something of his call and commission from the Lord Jesus and records how Peter and others enthusiastically and publicly accepted his apostleship as coming from Jesus. ‘And they glorified God because of me.’
To ponder! For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures… (1Cor.15:3-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 163
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 10 & Galatians 2
In Deuteronomy 10 Moses reminds his fellow Israelites of how he had spent forty days and nights on the Holy Mountain in communion with God. There, the LORD mercifully forgave Israel its sinful defiance and folly, and graciously commanded Moses to prepare another two tablets of stone on which the LORD again wrote the 10 Commandments. He also instructed Moses to construct a large wooden chest out of acacia wood to store the said tablets. It was called the Ark of the Covenant and would be housed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle. Afterward, Israel journeyed to Moserah where Aaron died and was buried with great lamentation. The tribe of Levi was chosen and set apart by God around this time to be Israel’s priesthood. They were given sole responsibility for the transportation and maintenance of the Ark and all other items and aspects of ceremonial and sacrificial worship. And the LORD made provision for them. Consequently, Moses declared, “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?” Moses therefore urges the people of Israel to circumcise their hearts. He reminds them of God’s greatness and his goodness to them. He not only delivered them from slavery in Egypt, but he prospered and multiplied their number. Therefore, Moses concludes, “You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. 21 He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.”
In Galatians 2 Paul picks up where he left off in chapter 1 by explaining how after an interval of fourteen years and prompted by a revelation, he again went up to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus. He was warmly received by the church and the leadership there affirmed the veracity of the gospel he proclaimed. Titus, a Gentile by background, was accepted by the church in Jerusalem even though he had not been circumcised. Just as Peter’s apostolic ministry was primarily to the Jews, so they regarded Paul’s as primarily to the Gentiles. And to assert their Christian unity Peter, James and John extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and his companions. The only matter that was asked of them was that they remember the poor persecuted church in Jerusalem and Judea. However, later, Paul was compelled to publicly reprove Peter at Antioch because the latter adopted a contrary view. ‘For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.’ Others followed Peter’s lead and even Barnabas was led astray. Paul writes, ‘But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”’ Importantly, Paul made clear that no one is justified by works of the law like circumcision. Rather we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ. And that is equally applicable to Jews and Gentiles alike. He further insists, ‘I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.’
To ponder! ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Rom.1:16-17).
Bible Challenge: Day 164
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 11 & Galatians 3
In Deuteronomy 11 Moses continues to command the people of Israel to love the LORD their God and be faithful to his word. They are to keep God in their thoughts by remembering not only his divine favour towards them, but they are to reflect much on his power, glory, and judgements. ‘For your eyes have seen all the great work of the LORD that he did.’ They must be confident and courageous through faith in God to take possession of the Promised Land. Furthermore, they must keep all God’s commandments to enjoy it. The Promised Land was ‘a land that the LORD your God cares for. The eyes of the LORD your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.’ Therefore, Israel must love and serve the LORD to prosper. They must take care not to forget or forsake God or his ways lest they bring judgement upon themselves. They must hold fast to God. They must diligently keep his word in their hearts. They must be disciplined in reading and reflecting upon it. It must be prominent in their lives. And they must communicate and teach it to their children in perpetuity. Moses added, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known.” Faithfulness, Moses is making clear, would bring God’s blessing upon them but condemnation would follow disobedience and disloyalty.
Paul begins Galatians 3 expressing his bewilderment that the churches in Galatia had been so easily misled from the truth of Christ’s gospel. ‘O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?’ He asks, ‘Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?’ The apostle cites the example of the patriarch, Abraham who ‘“believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?’ The true children of Abraham are those who live by faith in Christ who is our righteousness. No one can be justified by works of the law because fallen humanity is unable to personally, perfectly, and perpetually keep every command, statute, and regulation of God’s law. Rather, we all sin in thought, word, and deed. However, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Second Adam, did so in the stead of his people. And he bore the curse of the law by being hanged on a tree (the cross). God fulfilled his covenant promise made to Abraham and others in and through Jesus Christ. The law, Paul, insists, was given to show people their need of Christ. It was ‘our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.’ Faith coupled with the sacrament of Baptism routes God’s children to and roots them in Christ. And in him, ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.’
To ponder! For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph.2:8-10).
Bible Challenge: Day 165
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 12 & Galatians 4
In Deuteronomy 12 Moses again prohibits the worship of foreign deities and commands the children of Israel to remove all representations, shrines, and places of worship once they take possession of the Promised Land. They are only to worship God in the manner mandated by the LORD. Moreover, Moses adds, ‘you shall seek the place that the LORD your God will choose out of all your tribes to put his name and make his habitation there.’ They are not to do what is right in their own opinion but firmly and faithfully follow God’s ways. They are to rest and rejoice in the LORD. They are not to consume the blood of their animal sacrifices but be careful to do all that is good and right in the sight of God. They are to abominate the practices of the nations they will drive out which included child sacrifice. Thereby God will be with them and bless them.
In Galatians 4 Paul continues to reprove the churches in that region with a view to correcting their erroneous assumptions and divisive practices. They are believing and acting with immaturity. They have allowed themselves to become enslaved to the old covenant thereby nullifying the new and better one. And so, the apostle rightly asserts and reminds them that ‘when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.’ Paul expresses deep concern that his previous labours among them in turning them from idolatry to faith in the one, living, an true God in and through Jesus Christ would be for nothing if they abandoned the gospel and failed to live in accordance with the new covenant. For love’s sake, he reminds them of his ministry and message to them and pleads they turn from such gullibility and folly. He concludes chapter 4 by comparing and contrasting the two covenants through the Old Testament examples of Sarah and Hagar and their respective sons, Isaac and Ishmael. ‘Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. …So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.’
To ponder! “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness’ (Jer.33:14-16).
Bible Challenge: Day 166
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 13 & Galatians 5
Deuteronomy 13 begins with a warning against false prophets and interpreters of dreamers that sought to entice the children of Israel to worship foreign deities. Such were a test of the people’s love for and loyalty to the LORD their God. They were not only to reject their messages and remain faithful to God, but they were to put such people that encouraged apostasy to death. ‘So you shall purge the evil from your midst.’ Similarly, kith and kin that surreptitiously promoted the forsaking of the LORD and the embracing of foreign gods were to be publicly exposed and stoned to death. Moreover, inhabitants of cities that deserted God for idols were to be punished with destruction, along with their livestock and possessions to avert God’s judgement upon Israel.
Paul begins Galatians 5 by urging the Galatian Christians to take especial note of the good news of the liberty the church has in Jesus Christ. ‘For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.’ To embrace the necessity of circumcision for Christians of Gentile background was a denial of the new covenant and a rejection of God’s salvation which is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Moreover, the apostle points out that it necessitated the keeping of the entire law much of which was superfluous on account of the person and work of Jesus. Therefore, he enthusiastically declares, ‘For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.’ Furthermore, he again expresses his incomprehension that they have allowed themselves to be led astray from the gospel. And suggests it would be better for those false teachers responsible for this grave error to castrate themselves. He reminds them that they were called to freedom and love for God and neighbour. They must therefore walk in the Spirit and eschew the ways of the flesh. The apostle bids them to mortify the poisonous works of the flesh and cultivate instead the pleasant fruits of the Spirit which he lists as ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.’ Christians, he insists, are to live in the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit. And the fruits of the Spirit are the true mark of a believer rather than outward ones in the flesh like circumcision.
To ponder! Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor.3:17).
Bible Challenge: Day 167
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 14 & Galatians 6
Deuteronomy 14 begins with Moses reminding the people of Israel of their special relationship to God. They were his holy people and treasured possession. Consequently, they were to hear and heed his word. They were not to scar their bodies or shave their heads in homage to the dead like the surrounding nations did. They were to strictly adhere to the LORD’s commands anent the consumption of clean and unclean animals, birds, and sea creatures. They were similarly prohibited from eating anything that had died naturally, although they could give it or sell it to a non-Israelite. They were to tithe their crops and livestock in gratitude to God for his grace. Similarly, they were to ensure that the priesthood was maintained and catered for as the Levites had received no land to grow crops and raise livestock but were exclusively charged with the maintenance, transportation, and worship of the Tabernacle. The chapter concludes with Moses instructing the people: ‘At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.’ Thereby, in this single act the Israelites were to express their love for God and their neighbour.
In Galatians 6 Paul urges the faithful in the Galatian churches to restore the backslidden with grace and gentleness. He bids them bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfil Christ’s law of love. They are to share in one another’s gifts and graces. For they shall reap what they sow. The apostle writes, ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ Paul concludes his letter by warning the churches once again to ignore the false teaching of those that insisted that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised and keep the whole Old Testament law. They only did so, he pointed out, to avoid persecution. He therefore adds, ‘But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.’ He ends by expressing his hope and prayer that peace and mercy would be upon the church which he describes as the Israel of God. He commends and commits his fellow Christians to God’s grace.
To ponder! Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Eph.4:32).
Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 168
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 15 & Ephesians 1
In Deuteronomy 15 Moses turns his attention to the Sabbatical year. He firstly reminds the children of Israel that they were to release one another from indebtedness every seven years. This command was strictly applied solely to Israelites. They were to have none perpetually poor among them, ‘for the LORD will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess— 5 if only you will strictly obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today.’ They could lend to foreigners but were not permitted to borrow from them to avoid indebtedness and obligation. They were to make provision for fellow Israelites that had fallen on hard times. ‘For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Indentured slaves were also to be suitably provided for and were to be given their freedom on the seventh year. Unblemished firstborn males of both herd and flock were to be dedicated to the LORD, and slaughtered and consumed according to the God’s command.
Paul begins Ephesians 1 with his customary salutation. He is writing to the saints in Ephesus. That is, he is addressing those who have been separated and sanctified by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ to receive the Spirit of adoption. He gives thanks to God the Father for the grace and blessings they have mutually received in Christ, the Son. And reminds the Ephesian Christians that God the Father ‘chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.’ The apostle continues in similar manner to point out the immeasurable blessing that is theirs in Christ in whom they have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, the riches of God’s grace, and a glorious inheritance awaiting them at the consummation. Paul reminds the church of the sovereignty of God who does all things according to the counsel of his will. The church, moreover, exists for his glory. They have heard and believed the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, and have been sealed with the Spirit of promise. Paul commends their faith in Jesus and their evident love for his people. He enthusiastically confides that he remembers them often in prayer, supplicating God to grant them spiritual wisdom, maturity, and knowledge for authenticity, authority, assurance, adoration, and advocacy. Together they are worshipping, working, and witnessing for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, in the power of the Spirit, to the glory of the Father in heaven. The Lord Jesus, Paul concludes, is the focus and fulcrum of their mutual message and ministry. He is ‘far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.’
To ponder! And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (Rom.8:28-30).
Bible Challenge: Day 169
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 16 & Ephesians 2
In Deuteronomy 16 Moses concentrates the children of Israel’s attention upon the Holy Days or Feast Days established by God that were to be kept in perpetuity. He begins with the Passover which commemorated God’s deliverance of the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt and his sparing their firstborn on account of the blood of a sacrificial lamb. This substitute anticipated and pointed forward to the sacrificial death of Jesus, The Lamb of God. The Passover incorporated the Feast of Unleavened Bread which taught Israel of their need to purge the leaven of sin from their lives. They were called by God to be a holy people. Work was prohibited during the Feast. Then follows instructions anent the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. These celebrated God’s favour and continuing goodness to them. Moses also commands the Israelites to appoint impartial judges and officers to oversee that justice was done in the Promised Land. God’s people were to be known for their integrity, decency, sincerity, and love for God and their neighbour. The chapter ends with a prohibition on syncretism. Moses declares, “You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the LORD your God that you shall make. 22 And you shall not set up a pillar, which the LORD your God hates.
Paul begins Ephesians 2 by reminding his fellow Christians that they had once been dead to God in sins and trespasses. They had been enslaved by the fallen nature and the spirit of the Evil One. However, they have been brought to life by God’s grace, love, and mercy in and through Jesus Christ, the Saviour. The apostle writes, ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.’ He goes on to explain that while they were not saved as a reward for good works, they were saved to do good works, ‘which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.’ As Gentiles, most of the Ephesian Church had once been separated from God in Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenant of promise. Consequently, they had been bereft of meaningful hope because they had been without God in the world. However, now in Christ they have been reconciled to God and brought into a right relationship with him through the sacrificial life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, in whom they have received the Spirit of adoption. In him Jews and Gentiles are made one people, one family, the body of Christ. Paul concludes, ‘So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.’
To ponder! Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore (Ps.133).
Bible Challenge: Day 170
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 17 & Ephesians 3
Deuteronomy 17 begins with Moses reiterating the prohibition of offering blemished animals for sacrifice. He then reminds the children of Israel that apostasy was a great evil and therefore a capital offense. Offenders were to be stoned to death on the corroboration of two or more witnesses. Legal decisions were to be made by Levites and Judges appointed to uphold justice according to God’s law. Moses then informs and instructs Israel anent future kings. He tells them, “…you may indeed set a king over you whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you.” The king is to know, submit to, and govern by the law of God less he lead Israel astray. He is to be faithful and humble in service to God and the nation. Thereby he will enjoy God’s blessing and be a blessing to the people, and reign long in the land.
In Ephesians 3 Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Christ for the sake of the Gentiles. He is a steward of God’s grace for the blessing of the Ephesian Christians as well as others. They are the beneficiaries of the revelation of the mystery of Christ which was delivered to the church by God’s Spirit through holy apostles and prophets. ‘This mystery’, Paul writes, ‘is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.’ The apostle affirms that he is a minister of the gospel by God’s gracious call and commission. Although he considers himself the least of the apostles, he was appointed, anointed, and sent to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. And he has boldness and confidence in doing so through faith in the Lord Jesus. He insists that even his personal suffering is for their glory. Paul prays to God for the Ephesian Church. He supplicates the Lord that they may be ‘strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.’ The chapter concludes with the apostle expressing praise and gratitude to God, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to his power in his people through Christ Jesus our Lord.
To ponder! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah 5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! (Ps.67:4-5).
Bible Challenge: Day 171
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 18 & Ephesians 4
In Deuteronomy 18 Moses repeats the special provision that was to be made for the tribe of Levi which was to receive no territory in the land of promise. Rather they were to be given the Lord’s food offerings as their inheritance. They were set apart and sanctified for the ministry of the Tabernacle. Then Moses strictly warned the people of Israel to avoid the abominable practices of the nations they will dispossess. These nations sacrificed their children to their gods and consulted mediums, sorcerers, fortune tellers and the like. But as for you,’ Moses tells them, “the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.” He furthermore revealed to the assembled that “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen.” God would communicate to his people thereby. Moses’ words had their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is our Prophet, Priest, and King. Charlatans and false prophets would be judged. Moses cautions the people, “when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.”
Paul begins Ephesians 4 by urging the Ephesian Christians to behave and live in a manner befitting their call from God. They are to be humble, gentle, and patient. They are to love one another and be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The apostle points out that they belong to and are united in the one body by the Spirit. He reminds them that there is ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.’ Nevertheless, God apportions his gifts and graces as he sees fit in and through Christ Jesus, his Son. Therefore, God ‘gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’ The goal, he insists, is spiritual maturity and stability for the church. They are to flourish by faith in Christ and grow in grace and knowledge, while being rooted and built up in love. They must therefore eschew the ways of the world and of the fallen nature which are contrary to the way of Christ. They are to put off the old self and put on the new, ‘created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.’ They are to speak and act accordingly. The chapter concludes with Paul telling his fellow believers, ‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.’
To ponder! Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1Jn.3:18).
Bible Challenge: Day 172
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 19 & Ephesians 5
Deuteronomy 19 begins with Moses instructing and reminding the people of Israel of God’s requirement to establish cities of refuge in the Promised Land. These were to provide a safe haven for those that unintentionally and accidentally committed manslaughter. They were designed to provide justice and to preserve the guilty from those seeking revenge. Those that committed intentional homicide however were to be afforded no such place of refuge. Moses then went on to insist that the Israelites gave due respect to the property boundaries that were to be established to uphold the inheritance of the people in the said land. The chapter ends with Moses reminding the people that those accused of criminal activity could only be convicted on the corroboration of two or more witnesses. Appointed priests and judges were to uphold God’s laws and justice with impartially and sincerity. False accusers were not to be spared but rather were to be judged in accordance with their claims. ‘Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.’ In this manner they were to purge such evil from among the Israelites.
In Ephesians 5 Paul provides application of his teaching in the previous chapters. He begins, ‘Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.’ He points out that sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and greed have no place in the Christian life. He urges the Ephesians to walk and talk in keeping with their profession of faith. He describes them as children of light and therefore they must forsake the dark ways of the fallen nature and the world lest they forsake their inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. He urges them to exercise wisdom and to think and act circumspectly and carefully as God’s people indwelt by the Holy Spirit. They are to address one another ‘in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.’ Wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life for her. And so, the chapter concludes with the apostle adding, ‘“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.’
To ponder! Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! 2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! 6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
Bible Challenge: Day 173
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 20 & Ephesians 6
In Deuteronomy 20 Moses advises the Israelites on laws anent warfare. When faced with well-armed, large, impressive, and hostile forces, as they would be on entering the Promised Land, Moses urged his fellow Israelites to remain strong and courageous. They are to trust in God’s presence and power to give them victory. An appointed priest will address the army of Israel before battle to remind them of God’s promise. Then the officers will instruct the men under their charge and prepare them for battle, ensuring provision is made for their families if they are killed in battle. Afterwards, the commanders will lead the army. They are not to conquer cities or engage in battle without first offering peace with servitude to their combatants. On conquering a city, the Israelite army is to put all its men to the sword, but the women, property, and possessions are to be taken as the spoils of war. No living thing was to be preserved however in those places God was giving to them as an inheritance. They were to exercise the sword of judgement upon the sinful inhabitants of these locales – ‘that they may not teach you to do according to all their abominable practices that they have done for their gods, and so you sin against the LORD your God.’ Care was to be taken to preserve trees which could be depended on for food.
Paul begins Ephesians 6 by urging children to honour and obey their parents in the Lord. Fathers, and by extension mothers too, are not to provoke their children to anger but are to see that they are raised in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Servants and by extension employees are to serve dutifully and diligently for the Lord’s sake. While masters and employers are to treat those in their service with justice, due care, and respect because there is no partiality with God. Finally, the apostle bids the Ephesian Christians stand strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. He bids them put on the full armour of God, reminding them that they are engaged in a spiritual battle of cosmic proportions against the forces of darkness and evil. Therefore, he urges them, ‘Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.’ They must persevere by God’s grace. Paul also covets their prayers that he might continue to boldly proclaim Christ’s gospel as called and commissioned. He concludes his epistle by informing the Ephesian Church that he was sending Tychicus to them who would provide further instruction and give them great encouragement through his ministry. He closes, ‘Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.’
To ponder! No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom.8:37-39).
Bible Challenge: Day 174
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 21 & Philippians 1
Deuteronomy 21 begins with instructions for making atonement for unsolved murders. The elders were to represent the people before the priests in offering a heifer for sacrifice and were to say, ‘Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it shed. 8 Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ There follow commands concerning Israelite men marrying female captives. In the case of divorce these foreign women were not to be sold or be enslaved. Moses then reiterates the inheritance rights of firstborn sons, particularly in the case of polygamous marriages. And emphasises the grave penalty to be imposed on rebellious sons that defiantly and stubbornly disobeyed their parents and refused correction. The chapter concludes with Moses pointing out that those criminals hanged on a tree were cursed and had to be buried the same day that they were executed. This would prove to be a key text in helping the New Testament church understand the meaning and significance of Christ’s crucifixion! The Apostle Paul in the fulness of time would therefore write, ‘Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”.’
Philippians 1 begins with Paul’s conventional salutation. He and Timothy are writing as servants of Christ. He is writing to the elders, deacons and all that comprise the church in Philippi, whom he describes as saints, that is, those set apart from the world, and sanctified by the Spirit of Christ. The apostle expresses gratitude to God for their partnership in the gospel and assures them of his prayers. And his hope that God would bring to completion all that he had begun in them. He prays that their love would increasingly abound with knowledge and all discernment, and that they may be filled with the fruits of righteousness in Christ to the praise and glory of God. He then reassures them that his personal suffering and imprisonment has served to advance the gospel. It has emboldened others to proclaim Christ with confidence. While conceding that not all preached Christ in sincerity and love, Paul nevertheless rejoices that the good news is being proclaimed near and far. He writes, ‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ While he expresses his preference to be in the immediate presence of Christ, he acknowledges that it is better for him to continue his ministry for the sake of Christ’s church militant. Paul urges the Philippians to live lives worthy of Christ, standing firm in the Spirit, united and strong in the faith of the gospel, even if they, like him, must suffer opposition from the world.
To ponder! Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me (Jn.15:4).
Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 175
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 22 & Philippians 2
Deuteronomy 22 contains a miscellany of laws for Israelite society in the Promised Land. Straying livestock was to be restored to its owners or retained until the owner came forward to claim it. Men and woman were to dress differently. Nesting birds were to be treated with due care and respect. Parapets were to be built on flat roofs to prevent serious accidents. Care was to be taken not to mix seed when sowing and in the use of animals to plough the land. Tassels were to be added to the four corners of garments worn by the children of Israel. False accusations made by a husband seeking to divorce his wife were to be punished by his public flogging. However, where charges of pre-marital sexual immorality were corroborated the woman in question was to be stoned to death as a powerful deterrent to others. Adultery and rape of women betrothed to be married were similarly to be capital offenses. Those discovered to have had sexual intercourse with women not promised in marriage were to be forced to marry them and pay their family fifty shekels. Men were prohibited from marrying the wife of their father.
Philippians 2 begins with Paul urging the Philippian Christians to complete his joy in them ‘by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind’ in Christ. He encourages them to be humble, considerate, compassionate, and caring. They are to emulate Jesus, ‘who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.’ He was therefore exalted and given a name that is above every other name. And the Philippians, and by extension all Christians, are to take heart and find confidence in the glorious news that one day every knee shall bow to King Jesus ‘and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ The apostle therefore bids his readers to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling in the understanding that God is at work in them both to will and to work for his own good pleasure. They must hold fast to the faith, rely on God’s grace, and rejoice and be glad in his goodness always. Paul hopes to send Timothy to them soon who sincerely seeks their wellbeing. He adds that he now intends to additionally send Epaphroditus whom he describes as a fellow worker and spiritual soldier and faithful messenger and minister. He has recently recovered from a serious illness but is now ready to continue in loyal service to Christ and his church. Paul therefore urges the Philippians to receive him with honour and joy.
To ponder! O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore (Ps.131).
Bible Challenge: Day 176
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 23 & Philippians 3
Moses begins Deuteronomy 23 with prohibitions on certain individuals and groups from the assembly of the LORD. And so, those whose genitals had been damaged or dismembered were not permitted to enter. Neither were those that had been illicitly conceived. No Ammonite or Moabite was allowed to enter as these nations had denied Israel passage and hospitality. By contrast, children born to Edomites and Egyptians could enter from the third generation. Moreover, the Israelites were commanded to keep themselves ritually clean within the camp. Moses therefore reminded the people of the measures that they were to take to do so and to gain readmittance if they found themselves compelled to remove their persons from the camp for uncleanness. There follow miscellaneous laws relating to runaway slaves, cult prostitutes, usury, with the requirement to differentiate between Israelites and foreigners therein, the making and fulfilling of vows to the LORD, and of what was and was not permissible anent a neighbour’s vineyard or wheat field.
Philippians 3 begins with Paul urging the Philippian Christians to rejoice in the Lord. He warns them against being led astray by those that insisted that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised and keep the whole Old Testament law. He writes, ‘For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.’ He then articulates his background and zeal in Judaism and adds, ‘But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.’ Paul makes clear that neither he nor them can attain a perfect righteousness by observing the law. Rather they are to receive Christ’s righteousness by grace through faith. His chief desire and delight are to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. He confides to the Philippians that he has not attained perfection, but he is nevertheless pressing ‘on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.’ They must also hold fast to the faith. The apostle therefore bids his readers to emulate him. They are not to follow those that are worldly and motivated by personal lust for power and riches. Rather, they are to fix their attention on heavenly things as they await the second coming of our Lord and Saviour, ‘who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.’
To ponder! But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith (Rom.3:21-25).
Bible Challenge: Day 177
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 24 & Philippians 4
Deuteronomy 24 contains Moses’ reiteration of various laws. He begins by instructing his fellow Israelites on the law pertaining to divorcees. A husband that divorced his wife could not later receive her back if she had married another man. Newlywed men were to be excluded from military service or other public duties for the first year of their marriage. No one was permitted to take a mill or millstone from another ‘for that would be taking a life in pledge.’ Those enslaving fellow Israelites were threatened with the death penalty in certain circumstances. The Israelites were to hear and heed their priests in matters relating to leprosy. They were to treat those in debt and the poor and needy with compassion and respect. Each person was to be judged for his own sin. They were to treat people irrespective of circumstances with justice and impartiality. Provision was to be made at harvest for the sojourner, fatherless, and widows among them.
Paul begins Philippians 4 by urging his fellow believers to stand firm in the faith. He asks that they warmly receive Euodia, Syntyche, and Clement as fellow workers in the gospel. He tells the Christians in Philippi to rejoice in the Lord always. They are to let their reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand, he insists, and therefore they need not be anxious. Rather they are to continue in prayer with supplication and thanksgivings. ‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ The apostle invites them to follow his example and pursue what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, praise-worthy, and excellent. Paul expresses his gratitude for their gracious concerns, prayers and help to him during his ministry in Macedonia. ‘Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.’ He adds, ‘And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.’ He concludes his epistle with final greetings.
To ponder! Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1Cor.15:58).
‘But in truth the whole course of Christianity from the first, when we come to examine it, is but one series of troubles and disorders. Every century is like every other, and to those who live in it seems worse than all times before it. . . . Well may prophets cry out, “How long will it be, O Lord, to the end of these wonders?” How long will this mystery proceed? How long will this perishing world be sustained by the feeble lights which struggle for existence in its unhealthy atmosphere? God alone knows the day and the hour when that will at length be, which He is ever threatening; meanwhile, thus much of comfort do we gain from what has been hitherto, not to despond, not to be dismayed, not to be anxious, at the troubles which encompass us. They have ever been; they ever shall be; they are our portion’ (JH Newman).
Bible Challenge: Day 178
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 25 & Colossians 1
In Deuteronomy 25 Moses continues in instruct the people of Israel in various rules and regulations in readiness for their occupation of the Promised Land. Disputes were to be arbitrated in the courts by judges with the guilty person liable to forty lashes in some cases. Oxen were not to be muzzled while treading grain. The Levirate marriage law was to be upheld to ensure that family inheritance rights were preserved. A symbolic measure employing a sandal was designed to publicly shame brothers that refused to comply. A harsh penalty was to be imposed on a wife that assisted her husband in a violent dispute with another man by grabbing the other’s genitals. Israelites were prohibited from using dishonest measures. They were to treat one another with integrity and sincerity. ‘For all who do such things, all who act dishonestly, are an abomination to the LORD your God.’ They were to destroy all memorials to Amalek in the Promised Land because of Amalek’s mistreatment of Israel after God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
The Apostle Paul begins Colossians 1 with his customary salutation. He is writing ‘To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae.’ He thanks God for their faith in Christ and their love for his people. They have shown themselves faithful recipients of God’s grace in truth. Epaphras, a beloved fellow servant, has informed the apostle of their evident love in the Spirit. Paul confides to them that he regularly prays that they ‘may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God’. God has delivered them from the domain of darkness and has graciously transferred them to the kingdom of his beloved Son, who is the Light of the world. In him they have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The apostle focuses on the pre-eminence of Christ, reminding his church that ‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.’ He is the Creator and Ruler of all. He is the Head of the church, the beginning and firstborn from the dead. ‘For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.’ They have been reconciled, redeemed, and renewed by grace through faith in Christ for a purpose but they must remain committed to the faith, stable and steadfast therein. Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the glory of God in Christ and for the good of his church. They are privileged to know the mystery hidden from previous generations which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul concludes, ‘Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.’
To ponder! On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God (Ps.62:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 179
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 26 & Colossians 2
In Deuteronomy 26 Moses instructs the people of Israel in the offerings of first fruits and tithes once they enter the Promised Land. On taking possession of the land, they are to fill a basket with the fruits of the ground and harvest and take it to the priest, saying, ‘‘I declare today to the LORD your God that I have come into the land that the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.’ 4 Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God.’ They are to remember the LORD’s gracious deliverance of them from slavery in Egypt, his goodness to them in providing for their needs, and his faithfulness in fulfilling his promise to them in giving them a fruitful land. Consequently, they are to worship the LORD their God. The third year was to be a year of tithing to make provision for the Levite and hence for the maintenance of worship, but it was also to provide sustenance for the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless. They were to look to God and say in unison, ‘I have done according to all that you have commanded me. 15 Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel and the ground that you have given us, as you swore to our fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ Moses reminded the people of their declaration to walk in God’s ways, to keep his laws and hear and heed his word. He concludes, “And the LORD has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, 19 and that he will set you in praise and in fame and in honour high above all nations that he has made, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.”
In Colossians 2 Paul confides to his fellow Christians that he has personally struggled and suffered for their enlightenment, edification, and encouragement. He desires that they enjoy a true and lasting union in love and attain to the full assurance of understanding and knowledge of the mystery of Christ, in whom are to be found all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He rejoices in their good order and the firmness of their faith in Christ. ‘Therefore’, writes the apostle, ‘as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.’ They must take great care that they are not led astray from the apostolic faith by articulate yet false systems of thought and human traditions. Rather they are trust in and submit to the authority of Christ, ‘For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.’ They have been marked out and entered into covenant with God in Christ. Baptised into his death and resurrection, they have forgiveness of sins and newness of life. Therefore, the apostle urges them to avoid those that would pass judgement upon others over trivial matters like what food and drink could be consumed or regarding feast or Sabbath days. They should ignore those that insisted on asceticism as an essential adjunct to the Christian life or who demanded the worship of angels. Paul ends the chapter by pointing out, ‘These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.’
To ponder! Look unto the Lord Jesus Christ; look unto him as he hung naked, wounded, bleeding, dead, and forsaken upon the cross. Look unto him again as he now reigns in glory, possessed of all power in heaven and in earth, with thousands of thousands of saints and angels worshipping before him, and ten thousand times ten thousand ministering unto him; and then compare your sins with his blood, your wants with his fullness, your unbelief with his faithfulness, your weakness with his strength, your inconstancy with his everlasting love (John Newton).
Bible Challenge: Day 180
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 27 & Colossians 3
In Deuteronomy 27 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people to build a memorial with the words of God’s Law inscribed upon it at the place where they crossed into the Promised Land. They were also to erect an altar on Mount Ebal and there worship the LORD. Moses and the priests further addressed the people and urged them to trust and obey God’s word lest they bring upon themselves his judgement. There follows a series of curses upon the defiant and disobedient. Cursed were those that cast images in opposition to the second commandment. Cursed were those that dishonoured their parents, who swindled their neighbours, misled blind people, perverted justice to the sojourner, widow, and fatherless, who had sexual relations with his father’s wife, sister, or mother-in-law, that engaged in bestiality, that struck their neighbour violently, received a bribe to shed innocent blood, and who did not keep God’s commands. On the contrary, Israel was called to holiness, justice, and integrity.
In Colossians 3 Paul urges the Colossian Christians to live Christ-centred lives with their thoughts on heavenly matters where Christ is seated at the right-hand of God. They are to live with a mindset that is essentially eschatological (relating to the end times) in nature with their hope firmly fixed on the Parousia (Second Coming of the Lord). Therefore, they must mortify the poisonous fruits of the fallen nature which bring God’s wrath in their wake. They must put off the old man and put on the new ‘which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.’ He reminds them that irrespective of background, ethnicity, gender, or social class that Christ is all, and in all. The apostle bids his fellow believers, ‘Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.’ They are to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, as called. Christ’s word must move and motivate them to worship, work, and witness. They are to speak and act for the glory of Christ in gratitude to God the Father. The chapter closes with instructions for Christian households. ‘Whatever you do,’ he writes, ‘work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.’
To ponder! Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb.12:1-2).
“It is by looking to Jesus that the believer is enlightened and strengthened and grows in grace and sanctification.” – John Newton.
Bible Challenge: Day 181
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 28 & Colossians 4
In Deuteronomy 28 Moses assures the children of Israel that if they remain faithful to God they will enjoy his rich provision and protection and will prosper in the Promised Land. He tells them, ‘the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.’ Israel will be a holy and happy people, the envy of all nations. However, their privilege and continuing blessedness is dependent on their continuing trust and obedience. If they forsake God and fail to keep his commandments, then they will bring a curse upon themselves. Cities and rural parts alike will be judged. Barrenness will replace fruitfulness. Confusion and frustration will be commonplace. Pestilence and disease will become endemic. God will withhold his grace and remove his protection from them leaving them vulnerable to enemy nations that will defeat them militarily and ravage and pillage their land. They will fall victim to apostasy and idolatry. ‘And you shall become a horror, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where the LORD will lead you away.’ Moses thus warns the people that disease, dearth, destruction, decimation, and death will characterise God’s curse upon wilful defiance and disobedience. They must therefore remain faithful to the LORD and walk in his ways. Otherwise, they will destroy themselves.
In Colossians 4 Paul bids the Colossians to treat one another with integrity and respect. He urges them to continue steadfastly in prayer and asks them to pray for him. Paul’s hope is that the Lord will continue to use him, despite his confinement, for the furtherance of Christ’s gospel. He encourages his readers to ‘Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.’ He adds that he has sent Tychicus and Onesimus to them who will bring them up to date on his present predicament and situation and further encourage them in the faith. He similarly asks them to warmly welcome Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus as fellow labourers in the gospel. And sends the greetings of Epaphras who continues to pray for his fellow Colossians, as well as those from Luke and Demas. He concludes by asking that they ‘Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.’
To ponder! Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act (Ps.37:3-5).
Sunday
Bible Challenge: Day 182
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 29 & 1 Thessalonians 1
Deuteronomy 29 records the renewal of God’s covenant. Moses reminds the children of Israel of its terms and conditions. He reminds them of God’s redemptive grace and goodness to them, despite their periodic folly and dearth of faith. Nevertheless, he insists that they must ‘keep the words of this covenant and do them,’ that they may prosper in all that they will do.’ They must embrace and obey the ‘sworn covenant of the LORD’ their God, that he may establish them as his people, and that he may be their God, as he had promised, and swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The covenant was to be kept in perpetuity. Moses again warns the people to guard against apostasy and idolatry which will only incur God’s grave curses. The chapter concludes by Moses pointing out that “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
1 Thessalonians 1 begins by way of a customary salutation. ‘Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.’ The apostle gives thanks for them and assures them of his regular prayers to God on their behalf. He expresses gratitude for their works of faith, labour of love, and steadfastness of hope in Christ. He is convinced of the authenticity of their faith for the gospel came to them not only in word but in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full conviction. Paul praises their witness in word and work which was evident throughout Macedonia and Achaia. He concludes, ‘For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.’
To ponder! My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him. 29 I will establish his offspring forever and his throne as the days of the heavens (Ps.89:28-29).
Bible Challenge: Day 183
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30 & 1 Thessalonians 2
Deuteronomy 30 both anticipates and describes the reconciliation, restoration, and renewal that will follow repentance. While the children of Israel will be driven from the Promised Land, fragmented and forsaken by their folly and faithlessness, God will mercifully receive and re-establish them if they return to him wholeheartedly in faith while seeking his forgiveness. Even from the uttermost parts he will gather them as a shepherd does his flock. ‘And the LORD your God will bring you into the land that your fathers possessed, that you may possess it. And he will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. 6 And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.’ Moses therefore urges the children of Israel to hear and heed God’s word. He tells them, ‘…the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.’ He has set before them life and good, death and evil. They must embrace the former and eschew the latter. God, he assures the people, will bless their faithfulness – ‘you shall live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.’ However, if they forsake God, they will merit his curse. He thus concludes, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Paul begins 1 Thessalonians 2 by reminding the church in Thessalonica that his ministry among them had not been in vain. Despite facing vociferous and at times violent opposition at Philippi and elsewhere, he had sincerely preached and taught the gospel to them for love’s sake as one approved by God. He assures his readers (and hearers) that he was not motivated by personal ambition or greed. Rather he had been gentle among them, ‘like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.’ The apostle insists that they were very dear to him. He had worked day and night so as not to burden them while with them. His conduct had been holy, righteous, and blameless towards them. He treated them like a father did his children and exhorted and encouraged them to walk in a manner worthy of the Christian faith. Paul expresses gratitude to God for their faith in the gospel and their confidence and commitment to God’s word, despite their facing persecution like the churches in Judea did from their fellow countrymen. Chapter two concludes with the apostle intimating his desire to see them again face to face. ‘For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.’
To ponder! Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt.5:10).
Tuesday
Bible Challenge: Day 184
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31 & 1 Thessalonians 3
In Deuteronomy 31 Moses tells Israel that he will not be leading them into the Promised Land. “I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’” Nevertheless, he assures the people that God is with them and that he will give them victory over those nations that they are about to dispossess. Joshua is his chosen successor to lead them in the conquest of the said land. They must however be bold and brave. Moses then summoned Joshua and similarly told him, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Moses then presented the written law to the priests and the elders of Israel and commanded it be read verbatim in its entirety every seven years to all the people of Israel including their children. There follows, his commissioning of Joshua as his successor. Moreover, the LORD appeared to Moses and revealed to him that Israel would turn its back on God once established and prosperous in the Promised Land. He therefore instructed him to compose a song as a fitting memorial to Israel’s folly and God faithfulness.
1 Thessalonians 3 begins with Paul’s confession of concern for the church in Thessalonica. Unable to wait any longer to hear how they were faring under persecution and its resultant afflictions he had sent Timothy to them, a brother and co-worker in the gospel of Christ. Timothy has now returned and brought back good news of their abiding faith and love. Paul gives thanks to God and rejoices in their perseverance and prays that he might yet have opportunity to see them face to face to minister to them. He concludes, ‘Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.’
To ponder! Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Rom.5:1-5).
Bible Challenge: Day 185
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 32 & 1 Thessalonians 4
Deuteronomy 32 records Moses’ song. He begins, “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. 2 May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. 3 For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God!’ He compares and contrasts the sovereignty, perfection, and faithfulness of God to the faithlessness and foolishness of his people. He invites the children of Israel to remember God’s grace to them and cherish their glorious heritage and inheritance. He reminds them that Israel is the apple of God’s eye and recalls the LORD’s goodness to them but also his judgements upon them in the Wilderness. The LORD, he tells them, will vindicate his people and have compassion on them. After rehearsing his song in the hearing of Joshua and the people, Moses declared, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” The LORD then instructed Moses to climb Mount Nebo where he was to survey the Promised Land. There he was to die and enter his rest.
1 Thessalonians 4 begins with Paul exhorting and encouraging the Christians in Thessalonica to continue strong in the faith. He desires their growth in sanctification which is Christ-likeness and love. He urges them to exercise self-control that they may grow in holiness and honour. He writes, ‘For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.’ He bids them not to be meddlesome nor to burden others. Rather they are to love one another, live in peace, be content, and work diligently. The apostle then turns to the theme of the Parousia and the Christian hope. He does not want them to be uninformed or to grieve like those bereft of hope but rather assures them that all God’s people will enter glory which is the eternal state, at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.’
To ponder! But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power (1Cor.15:23-24).
Bible Challenge: Day 186
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 33 & 1 Thessalonians 5
Deuteronomy 33 records Moses final blessing upon Israel. His words take poetic form and are a paeon of praise to God for his favour shown to Israel. They are a reminder to the people of God’s love and largesse to them and indirectly serve as a call and commission to faith and faithfulness. He recalls how they observed God’s word and kept his covenant. He recollects their heritage and inheritance as the children of Israel. And concludes, “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul continues the theme of the Parousia or the ‘Day of the Lord’. Echoing the words of the Lord Jesus, he reaffirms to his readers that it will come unexpectedly and like a thief in the night. He therefore urges the Christians in Thessalonica to walk in the light, remain alert, and be sober-minded. He bids them adorn their lives with faith, hope, and love. They can take confidence and find courage in the good news that they are not destined to wrath but to salvation in and through Jesus Christ their Lord. They therefore ought to encourage and edify one another in the faith. Paul tells them to respect and esteem their ministers for love’s sake. They are to value peace in the church. They are to admonish the lazy, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, and be patient with all. They are to rejoice always. They are to continue in prayer, be attune to the Spirit, and be observant to God’s word. They are to measure all things by God’s revelation, abstain from evil, and hold to what is good. Paul concludes, ‘Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.’ The apostle commends all to the grace of God.
To ponder! Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Ps.2:11).
Bible Challenge: Day 187
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 34 & 2 Thessalonians 1
Deuteronomy 34 records Moses death and is the final chapter in the Torah or Pentateuch that traditionally referred to as the Books of the Law. Moses took his leave of the children of Israel. He climbed Mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah opposite the ancient city of Jericho. And there the LORD showed him the Promised Land. ‘And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.”’ Moses died there on the mountain at the age of 120, his eyes undimmed and vigour unabated. The people mourned his passing. He had faithfully served God and his people for 40 years. He had been a unique prophet whom the LORD knew face to face. God had done remarkable wonders and deeds through his ministry in the sight of all Israel. He now rested with his fathers. ‘And Joshua the son of Nun’, we read, ‘was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.’
2 Thessalonians 1 begins with Paul’s typical salutation. Along with Silvanus and Timothy, he expresses thankfulness that the faith and love of the Christians in Thessalonica were not only evident to all, but they were also growing. Despite persecution and affliction, they were not only persevering, but they were prospering. The apostle therefore considers them worthy of the Kingdom of God. He assures them of God’s comfort and support and reminds them that the Lord will judge their tormentors who obey not the gospel at the second coming of Christ in the glory of his saints. Paul assures the church of his continuing prayers that ‘God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.’
To ponder! “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt.5:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 188
Bible Reading: Joshua 1 & 2 Thessalonians 2
Joshua 1 begins with God’s call and commission to Joshua, Moses’ successor. “Moses my servant is dead”, says the LORD, “Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.” God assures Joshua of his presence and power, but he must nevertheless be strong and very courageous. He must, moreover, trust and obey the word of God. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” God further tells Joshua not to be frightened or dismayed as he leads the children of Israel against the present occupants of the Promised Land. And so, Joshua commanded the military officers to prepare accordingly. The Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh that had settled on the far side of the River Jordan re-pledged their support as promised to Moses.
In 2 Thessalonians 2 Paul warns the church in Thessalonica against deception and informs them that the Day of the Lord will not come before there is a time of rebellion and the man of lawlessness is revealed. He will be seated in the Temple of God and demand to be worshipped as a god. Nevertheless, he cautions them that the mystery of lawlessness is already at work and informs them of the Satanic origins and designs behind the revolt. He also assures his fellow believers of the sovereign power of God who has sent the wicked ‘a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.’ Paul expresses his thankfulness for his fellow Christian ‘brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.’ He therefore urges them to stand firm in the faith and the traditions he taught them in spoken and written word and by his example. The chapter concludes with the apostle’s invocation, ‘Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.’
To Ponder! Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision (Ps.2:1-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 189
Bible Reading: Joshua 2 & 2 Thessalonians 3
In Joshua 2 Joshua sent out two spies to reconnoitre the land in readiness for Israel’s imminent invasion. He told them, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” The men found lodging there with a prostitute called Rahab. However, they were betrayed to the King of Jericho who commanded Rahab to surrender the men. She pleaded ignorance as to knowing the visitors’ intentions. Rather, she concealed the Israelite spies and misdirected the king’s troops. She confessed to the Israelites, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.” She revealed knowledge of God’s deliverance of the children of Israel and of his favour towards them. She pleaded that they would spare and protect her life and the life of her family when they invaded the land. In return, she concealed and helped them make their escape. The men in turn agreed to treat Rahab and her family kindly and faithfully. She advised the men to make for the hills to avoid their pursuers. She then helped them make their escape via a rope from the window of her home that was set into the city wall. She in turn was instructed to gather her family and hang a scarlet thread from her window as a sign to Israel’s army to spare their lives and show them favour when they besieged the city. The spies eventually returned to the Israelite camp and reported to Joshua all that had happened. He concluded, “Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”
In 2 Thessalonians 3 Paul asks the church in Thessalonica to pray for his continuing faithfulness and fruitfulness in fulfilling the Great Commission. He also covets their prayers for his protection from the enemies of the gospel whom he describes as wicked and evil men. The apostle expresses his confidence in them and writes, ‘May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.’ He urges them to evade the lazy and avoid those that kept not the traditions he and others had passed on to them. He invites them to follow his example of diligence and discipline. They are not to grow weary in doing good and they are to admonish those that contradict the apostle’s words. He concludes his epistle by praying for their peace and commending them to God’s grace.
To ponder! Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Heb.10:23).
Bible Challenge: Day 190
Bible Reading: Joshua 3 & 1 Timothy 1
In Joshua 3 Joshua rose early in the morning and led the children of Israel from Shittim to the banks of the River Jordan in readiness to cross over into the Promised Land. The officers commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it.” Joshua urged the Israelites to consecrate themselves in preparation. The LORD assured Joshua of his abiding presence and power and that just as he had been with Moses, so he would now be with Joshua. God instructed him to direct the priests to bear the ark of the covenant and at the appropriate time and place to stand still in the river. Joshua conveyed the word of God to the people and assured them that the LORD would drive out the occupants of the land before them. They were to take a representative from each tribe and follow the priests. The waters miraculously parted as they had in the Red Sea and the people crossed the dry riverbed while the priests stood on dry ground amid the river.
1 Timothy 1 begins with Paul’s salutation to Timothy, his true spiritual child in the faith. He urges Timothy, a young minister, to remain at Ephesus and admonish and correct those that were spreading false doctrine. The apostle writes, ‘The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.’ The false teachers were leading others astray. Moreover, they were misapplying God’s Law having failed to comprehend its purpose. The law was good, Paul insisted, but it is ‘not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane’ and for all that is contrary to sound doctrine. In other words, it could not save. Rather, it showed sinners their sin and hence their need of a Saviour. Paul therefore expresses his gratitude ‘To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God’ for his grace, love, and mercy in saving him who was formerly a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent of God despite his zeal for the law. ‘But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.’ He adds, ‘The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.’ Paul charges Timothy to defend and promote the gospel, ‘holding faith and a good conscience’ unlike Hymenaeus and Alexander who had been expelled from the church for their erroneous teaching and irreverence.
To ponder! ‘When you read Holy Scripture, look for truth rather than fine words. It should be read in the spirit in which it was written. We should seek food for our souls rather than subtleties of speech…’ (Thomas a Kempis).
Tuesday
Bible Challenge: Day 191
Bible Reading: Joshua 4 & 1 Timothy 2
In Joshua 4 we read that after the children of Israel had crossed over the Jordan, Joshua addressed the representatives chosen from each of the twelve tribes. He commanded them, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” The stones were to be assembled as a lasting memorial to remind future generations that this was the place where the LORD their God had cut off the River Jordan before the Ark of the Covenant, allowing Israel to safely cross into the Promised Land. They were erected at Gilgal where Israel camped. The fighting men of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh accompanied Israel as promised. And ‘the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.’ Joshua in establishing the memorial urged the people to pass on the history of God’s amazing grace and goodness to them in bringing them over Jordan into the Land that he promised to their forebears. He said, “For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”
In 1 Timothy 2 Paul urges Timothy to pray and give thanks for all people including those in positions of authority ‘that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ He points out that this is pleasing to God ‘who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’ And affirms that there is but one God and that Jesus Christ is the one and only Mediator between God and humanity. He is our Advocate and Intercessor with the Father. Paul desires that men pray everywhere in holiness and honesty without anger or quarrelling, and women believers similarly practice godliness with humility and submissiveness in faith, love, holiness, with self-control. He points to the complementarity of the sexes by reference to Adam and Eve at creation.
To ponder! A servant of the Lord is he who in body stands before men, but in mind knocks at heaven with prayer (St John Climacus).
Bible Challenge: Day 192
Bible Reading: Joshua 5 & 1 Timothy 3
Joshua 5 begins by informing the reader of how the kings of the Amorites and the Canaanites and their respective peoples lost heart when they heard how God had led the Israelites over the Jordan River on a dry riverbed. At the same time, the LORD commanded Joshua to have all the male Israelites circumcised because those born in the wilderness had not received that sign and seal of God’s covenant faithfulness and promise to Israel. And so, the sons of Israel were circumcised at Gibeath-haaraloth which literally means ‘hill of the foreskins’. ‘When the circumcising of the whole nation was finished, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. 9 And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal (sounds like the Hebrew ‘to roll’), to this day.’ There on the 14th day of the month, they commemorated and celebrated the Passover, and the day after they enjoyed the produce of the land. The manna God had fed them with in the desert places ceased from that day. The chapter concludes with Joshua beholding Jericho. There he was confronted by a man with a sword in hand. He asked him if he was for Israel or against. ‘And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.”’ Here is a Christophany, an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. Joshua bowed down and worshipped him. He removed his shoes as instructed for the presence of the Commander of the LORD made the place holy.
1 Timothy 3 contains qualifications for overseers (bishops/presbyters, ministers, elders) and deacons in the church. Paul informs Timothy that overseers ‘must be above reproach, the husband of one wife [not be in a polygamous marriage], sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.’ He must be able to manage his own household well before being considered for office in the church which is the family of God. He needs to be spiritually mature and experienced in the faith rather than a recent convert. And he should be respected by outsiders as a person of integrity. Similarly, deacons must not be conceited or covetous but dignified and honest. ‘They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.’ They too must be able to manage their own families well to administer the financial and material affairs of the church family. Paul adds, ‘those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.’ He tells Timothy of his hope to visit him soon. However, even if delayed, he is confident that the young minister knows ‘how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.’ The chapter concludes with Paul focussing Timothy’s attention on Jesus Christ, the mystery of godliness. He writes, ‘He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.’ Thereby, reminding his reader that the Lord Jesus is the focus and fulcrum of all faithful ministry.
To ponder! ‘This is He who, being from everlasting, is to-day called the Son; through whom the Church is enriched, and grace, widely spread, increases in the saints, furnishing understanding, revealing mysteries, announcing times, rejoicing over the faithful, giving to those that seek, by whom the limits of faith are not broken through, nor the boundaries set by the fathers passed over’ (Polycarp, martyred AD. 155).
Bible Challenge: Day 193
Bible Reading: Joshua 6 & 1 Timothy 4
Joshua 6 records the fall of Jericho. Alert to Israel’s approach, the city was locked down. No one was permitted to enter or leave. The LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valour.” He commanded Israel via Joshua to march the army of Israel once around the city for six consecutive days with seven priests blowing trumpets of ram’s horn before the ark of the covenant. “On the seventh day”, God told him, “you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” And so, Joshua commanded the fighting men and priests, and they did as they had been told and on the seventh day the city walls fell, and they conquered Jericho. Rahab and her family were spared as promised on account of her previous help to the Israelite spies. The inhabitants and their livestock were slain, their gold and silver added to the treasury of the LORD, and the city was torched. The chapter ends with Joshua declaring, “Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. “At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.” Joshua’s fame spread throughout the land.
In 1 Timothy 4 Paul prophecies that in the later times some will depart from the true faith. Such people while claiming to be Christians will deviate from the word and forbid marriage and require abstinence from certain foods contrary to what is revealed. The apostle urges Timothy to warn God’s saints to be on their guard against such people. Thereby, he writes, ‘you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.’ Timothy and others must avoid irreverent and silly myths. Rather they must pursue godliness. Paul’s words are trustworthy and need to be accepted. It is for this reason that they must toil and strive with their ‘hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.’ Timothy is urged to command and teach these things. He must not let anyone despise his youth but on the contrary, he is to provide a positive example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Chapter 4 ends with Paul exhorting and encouraging the young minister. He writes, ‘Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.’
To ponder! So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom.10:17).
Bible Challenge: Day 194
Bible Reading: Joshua 7 & 1 Timothy 5
Joshua 7 records the grim story of Achan’s sin and its grave consequences. Despite the LORD’s command, he secretly acquisitioned some of the gold and silver plunder from Jericho that should have gone into the treasury of the LORD. And therefore, ‘the anger of the LORD burned against the people of Israel.’ His transgression was discovered after a contingent of Israel’s army sent by Joshua was defeated while attempting to capture the fortified city of Ai. Thirty-six Israelite soldiers were killed in the assault and humiliating retreat. When news reached Joshua and the elders of Israel they tore their clothes, put dust on their heads, and prostrated themselves before God. Joshua prayed and pleaded with the LORD who answered his cries. ‘The LORD said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings. 12 Therefore the people of Israel cannot stand before their enemies.’ God instructed Joshua to cast lots among the tribes of Israel and the clans thereof and he would reveal the guilty person thereby. Joshua did as God commanded ‘and Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.’ Achan confessed to his crime. “Truly I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And see, they are hidden in the earth inside my tent, with the silver underneath.” Achan, along with his sons and daughters were stoned to death and their bodies burned in the Valley of Achor [meaning, trouble]. And they were buried along with their livestock and possessions under a vast heap of stones as a lasting memorial and deterrent against sin.
In 1 Timothy 5 Paul provides relational and practical guidance to Timothy on his interaction with members of the church and on the distribution of welfare provision. He begins, ‘Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.’ He tells the young minister that the Ephesian church must honour widows but goes on to differentiate which widows should be cared for and supported by the church based on age, character, and faithfulness. Those with children and grandchildren should be supported by their immediate families rather than from the church family whose resources were not unlimited. The apostle further recommends that younger widows should remarry, bear children, and provide for their households. Turning his attention to elders, he then adds, ‘Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching, …as the labourer deserves his wages.’ A charge brought against an elder must moreover be corroborated by more than one witness. Persistent sinners were to be publicly rebuked, and partiality avoided. The church, Paul teaches, should not be swift to ordain those to office that are recent converts. He urges Timothy to remain pure, take a little wine for medicinal reasons, and encourages good works.
To ponder! For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light (Lk.8:17).
Bible Challenge: Day 195
Bible Reading: Joshua 8 & 1 Timothy 6
In Joshua 8 the LORD tells Joshua not to fear or be dismayed. Rather, he commands him to again attack the city of Ai and promises victory to Israel over its king and people. Consequently, Joshua rallies the army of Israel and devises a military strategy for the conquest of Ai. Part of the Israelite army would approach the city but feign retreat drawing the inhabitants of Ai out against them in pursuit. Other contingents of the Israelite army would remain concealed until the people were in pursuit and then they would lay siege to the city and enclose the inhabitants of Ai in a pincher movement. The LORD gave guidance to Joshua and Israel slaughtered the inhabitants of Ai and their livestock, hanged their king, plundered their possessions, and torched the city. Afterward, Joshua erected an altar and offered sacrifices to the LORD on Mount Ebal. ‘And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.’ Moreover, ‘he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them.’ Thereby, Joshua reaffirmed God’s covenant with Israel.
1 Timothy 6 begins with Paul advising Timothy that Christian bondservants should serve their masters well, especially those that are believers ‘so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.’ He urges the young minister to remain faithful and to admonish those that preached and taught contrary doctrine that ‘does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness’. He warns Timothy that such people have an unhealthy craving for controversy and quarrels about words. They were motivated by greed and a lust for power, reputation, or influence. The apostle writes that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’ but warns that ‘the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.’ He therefore urges Timothy to flee such things. Rather, he must ‘Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, [and] gentleness.’ He must ‘Fight the good fight of the faith.’ Paul charges him in the name of God ‘to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.’ They are but servants of Christ and they must therefore believe and behave accordingly. Paul tells Timothy that the wealthy should not be proud of their riches but use their treasures, talents, and time for the glory of God and the good of others. He concludes his first letter by adding, ‘O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.’
To ponder! ‘Paul instructed Timothy to guard what had been committed to him (1Tim.6:20). Vincent [of Lerins] commented that Christian teaching consists in “what you have received, not what you have thought up; a matter not of ingenuity, but of doctrine; not of private acquisition, but of public Tradition; a matter brought to you, not put forth by you, in which you must be not the author but the guardian, not the founder but the sharer, not the leader, but the follower.”'
Bible Challenge: Day 196
Bible Reading: Joshua 9 & 2 Timothy 1
Joshua 9 records the response of the nations that occupied the Promised Land to Israel’s conquest of Jericho and Ai. The kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites formed an alliance to resist Israel. The inhabitants of Gibeon, however, devised an alternative strategy to avoid open conflict. They dressed in worn out clothes and feigned to be refugees from a far-off country, like Israel had been out of Egypt. They urged Israel to make a binding agreement [covenant] with them. ‘So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.’ The ruse was discovered after three days but the leaders of Israel refused to renege on the covenant that they had made with them. ‘And the leaders said to them, “Let them live.” So they became cutters of wood and drawers of water for all the congregation, just as the leaders had said of them.’ Joshua confronted the inhabitants of Gibeon who willingly confessed to their ruse, that they had so acted from knowledge of God’s word through Moses and out of understandable fear for their lives. Joshua confirmed their status as servants of Israel. They would cut wood and draw water.
2 Timothy 1 begins with Paul's typical salutation. He is writing to Timothy, his beloved child in the faith. He thanks God for the young minister whom he prays for day and night. He expresses his desire to visit Timothy at Ephesus and is mindful of Timothy’s sincere faith which was replicated in his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois. He writes, ‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.’ Timothy should never be ashamed of the gospel of God’s amazing grace in Christ, nor of Paul’s incarceration for the good news. The apostle therefore urges Timothy, ‘Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.’ He reminds the young minister of how Phygelus and Hermoneges and others abandoned him in Asia but he also draws Timothy’s attention to the faithfulness and loving support of Onesiphorus who assisted Paul while in his chains.
To ponder! As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (1Peter 4:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 197
Bible Reading: Joshua 10 & 2 Timothy 2
Joshua 10 begins with news of Israel’s conquests reaching the ear of Adoni-zedek, the king of Jerusalem. He responded by forming an offensive alliance with another four Amorite kings namely, the those of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. They ‘gathered their forces and went up with all their armies and encamped against Gibeon and made war against it.’ The Gibeonites sent word to Joshua pleading for military assistance to save them and destroy the invading army of the alliance. ‘And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”’ God rained down hailstones and gave Israel victory over the armies of the alliance which fled in fear. Joshua prayed to the LORD, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And in response, ‘The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.’ The writer adds, There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel.’ The five Amorite kings fled and were found hiding in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered the cave to be sealed until their armies were neutralised. Then he returned, made an example of the five kings, and had them executed. Their bodies were hanged from five trees but taken down and thrown into the cave at sundown which was then sealed. Joshua also killed the king of Makkedah and its inhabitants for assisting the five Amorite kings. From there Joshua and the Israelite army turned south and the rest of the chapter records his conquest of the kings and peoples of southern Canaan. Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, Hebron, and Debir. ‘So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the LORD God of Israel commanded. 41 And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, as far as Gibeon. 42 And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. 43 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.’
2 Timothy 2 begins with Paul urging Timothy to ‘be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus’. He is to entrust the good news which he received from the apostle to other faithful men who will in turn teach it to others. He is to ‘share in the suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus’. He must remain loyal and alert at his post. Like an athlete, he must run the Christian race according to the rules to win the prize. Or like a farmer, he must work hard to ensure a harvest. He must keep Christ-focussed and Christ-centred. While Paul is bound, he makes clear to the young minister that God’s word is not. Paul points out that he perseveres for the sake of God’s chosen people and so must Timothy to obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. He then adds, ‘The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.’ Timothy must remind the church at Ephesus of these things and charge his fellow Christians to remain united in Christ’s gospel. ‘Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.’ He must avoid irreverent babble and straying from the faith like Hymenaeus and Philetus who claimed that the resurrection was past. Timothy can take heart therein in knowing that God’s firm foundation stands, and he knows all those who are his. Therefore, Timothy must seek after those things which make for godliness, holiness, and good works. He must ‘flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.’ He should avoid needless controversies and quarrels but correct those whose belief and behaviour is contrary to the faith once and forever delivered to the saints. He must do so graciously and patiently in the hope that God would grant such people repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
To ponder! Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favour and good success in the sight of God and man (Pro.3:3-4).
Tuesday
Bible Challenge: Day 198
Bible Reading: Joshua 11 & 2 Timothy 3
While Joshua 10 recorded Israel’s conquest of the southern region of the Promised Land, by the LORD’s enabling, Joshua 11 focuses on the northern part of the country. There, the kings and their respective kingdoms similarly formed an offensive alliance against the Israelites. They ‘came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. 5 And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.’ The LORD, however, gave counsel and assured Joshua of victory over them. Consequently, the Israelite army under Joshua’s command seized the initiative, and fell upon their enemy forces at the waters of Merom and gained a decisive victory. Furthermore, Joshua ordered their horses to be hamstrung and their chariots destroyed. Next, Joshua attacked and defeated Hazor, putting its king to the sword and burning the city. Israel plundered cities and killed their inhabitants as commanded. ‘So Joshua took all that land, the hill country and all the Negeb and all the land of Goshen and the lowland and the Arabah and the hill country of Israel and its lowland 17 from Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, as far as Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon below Mount Hermon.’ He then attacked the Anakim in Hebron, Debir, Anab, and from the hill country of Judah, and destroyed them and their habitations. ‘Only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod did some remain. 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.’
In 2 Timothy 3 Paul warns Timothy that in the last days the church will encounter difficulties not only from without but more dangerously from within. There will be those that give full expression to the fallen nature as ‘lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.’ The apostle bids his young charge to avoid such people who will lead the ill-informed, vulnerable and gullible astray. He cites the example of Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses and the word of God in the Old Testament period, thereby affirming that such apostasy, or defection from, and disobedience to the faith were not unprecedented. And hence Timothy must remain faithful and guard against those that would wreak havoc in and on the church. Paul points Timothy to his own example of staying faithful under challenges and even persecution. He urges him to continue strong and not to deviate from what he had been taught and had firmly believed. Most crucially he reminds the young minister that the key to faithfulness is to be found in appropriating and applying the sacred scriptures that make one wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He adds, ‘All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.’
To ponder! “Wherefore I exhort and entreat you all, disregard what this man and that man thinks about these things, and inquire from the Scriptures all these things; and having learnt what are the true riches, let us pursue after them that we may obtain also the eternal good things.” (Chrysostom).
Bible Challenge: Day 199
Bible Reading: Joshua 12 & 2 Timothy 4
Joshua 12 lists the kings and their respective kingdoms that Israel conquered by God’s mighty enabling to take possession of the Promised Land. The first five verses record Israel’s triumph and the settlement of the lands on the far or east side of the River Jordan. ‘Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the people of Israel defeated them. And Moses the servant of the LORD gave their land for a possession to the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh.’ The remainder of the chapter recounts those defeated and destroyed on the east side of the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua – ‘in all thirty one kings’. Against overwhelming odds, at least from a human perspective, Israel captured and took possession of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. The purpose of the record was and is not to extol the brilliant leadership of Moses and Joshua and the military prowess of the Israelites, but to remind future generations of God’s sovereignty, favour, and faithfulness.
2 Timothy 4 begins with the Apostle Paul’s charge to Timothy in the name of Christ Jesus, who will judge all at the Parousia, ‘to preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.’ The days are coming, Paul declares, when the people will not endure sound preaching and teaching but rather will turn to those that will tell them what they want to hear, and who will consequently lead them further and further astray from orthodoxy and orthopraxy (the right application of God’s word). Paul, therefore, urges Timothy to ‘be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.’ The apostle confides that he will not be with them for much longer. He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. He looks forward to receiving the crown of righteousness and hence of hearing the words of the Saviour, well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master when he leaves the ranks of the church militant for the church triumphant. Paul urges Timothy to visit him soon and bring along Mark also. He is to fetch the cloak that Paul left behind at Troas, along with the books and parchments. He warns him about Alexander the coppersmith who is untrustworthy and an opponent of the gospel. And assures the young minister of God’s faithfulness, adding, ‘The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.’ He concludes in familiar fashion, ‘Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
To ponder! Even if Catholics faithful to [the] tradition are reduced to a handful, they are the ones who are the true Church of Jesus Christ (Athanasius).
Bible Challenge: Day 200
Bible Reading: Joshua 13 & Titus 1
Joshua 13 begins with the LORD informing Joshua, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.’ The said territories are then listed, and God assures Joshua that he will drive out the inhabitants of these areas before the children of Israel. God insists however that he must divide the land as commanded between the nine and a half tribes of Israel that will possess the Promised Land as their inheritance. Similarly, in the region settled by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the east side of Jordan there still lived Geshurites and Maacathites which posed a threat to Israel’s well-being. The chapter then delineates the land given to each of the two and a half tribes on the far side of the Jordan River. ‘These are the inheritances that Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan east of Jericho. 33 But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, just as he said to them.’
Titus 1 begins with Paul’s salutation. He is writing to Titus whom he describes as his true child in their common faith. He does so moreover, as ‘a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life’. He communicates as someone commissioned by Christ and entrusted with authority. He desires that Titus would abound in God’s grace and peace. Paul had left him on Crete to organise and appoint elders in the churches. There follows, as it did in his letter to Timothy, the apostle’s list of requisite qualifications for the office of overseer in the church. Only those sound in belief, belonging, and behaviour could be considered for ordination. Such a person ‘must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.’ Those of the circumcision party who insisted that every Christian male needed to be circumcised in order to be a bona fide member of Christ’s body, the church had to be opposed. Titus must counter the falsehoods of such deceivers who had deviated from and deformed the faith. ‘They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.’
To ponder! They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful (Rev.17:14)
Bible Challenge: Day 201
Bible Reading: Joshua 14 & Titus 2
Joshua 14 begins with the division and inheritance of the land pertaining to the two and a half tribes of Israel (Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh) to the west of the Jordan River. Under the leadership of Joshua and Eleazer, the High Priest, the people of Israel allotted the land as God had commanded Moses. The remainder of the chapter records Caleb’s request and Joshua’s assent to the land of Hebron promised him on account of his faithfulness to God in reconnoitring the Promised Land and reporting back to the people. Caleb reminds Joshua that he was 40 years of age when Moses promised him the said land. Moses had declared, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ Caleb, while still in good health was now in his 85th year. Herein he provides us with a fine example of faithful and patient waiting on the LORD to fulfil his promises to his people (see below for text to ponder). He says to Joshua, ‘I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. 12 So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said.” Joshua blessed him and consented. The chapter concludes, ‘And the land had rest from war.’
In Titus 2 Paul urges Titus to ‘teach what accords with sound doctrine.’ He insists that older men should be spiritually mature and wholeheartedly steadfast in the faith. They ought to walk in love and be respectful towards others. Similarly mature Christian women ought to provide a good example to younger women, especially as wives and mothers. They ought to be faithful, humble, deferential, self-controlled, and loving. Younger men also needed to exercise self-control and submit themselves to the authority of God’s word. The apostle adds, ‘Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned… showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.’ Titus, in other words, must walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Paul reminds him of the good news and his reliance on God’s grace which equips and enables Christ’s people to ‘renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.’ Titus must preach, teach, and model the Christian life authoritatively as one called to the ministry of word and sacrament.
To ponder! The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2Pt.3:9).
Bible Challenge: Day 202
Bible Reading: Joshua 15 & Titus 3
The first part of Joshua 15 delineates the area of the Promised Land that was assigned to the tribe of Judah as their inheritance. The second half of the chapter records the apportioning of the said territory to the numerous clans and families that comprised the tribe of Judah from which would come the Child of promise, God’s Christ. Boundaries were clearly important to avoid future tribal disputes and to ensure justice was implemented according to God’s revealed will. Special mention is made of Caleb and his family. He like Joshua had remained faithful to God when others had wanted to retreat in fear. He had driven out the Anakim who were described as giants in the land which helped pave the way for Israel’s conquest. Christ would later win the ultimate victories over the giants of the Devil and Death. Mention is also made of springs, which may also serve as a type pointing to Jesus Christ, the Spring of living waters. The chapter concludes by informing the reader, ‘But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out, so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.’
In Titus 3 Paul urges Titus to impress upon the Christians in his charge to be obedient and submissive to rulers and authorities, to continue in good works, and be courteous, respectful, and gracious. They must be empathetic because they too were once enslaved to and gave expression to the fallen nature and the ways of the world. ‘But’, he adds, ‘when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.’ Paul insists that his teaching is trustworthy and that they must pursue what is excellent and profitable according to God’s revealed truth. They must avoid worthless disputes and quarrels and Titus must admonish those that cause division by teaching and behaving in a contrary manner. The apostle concludes by urging Titus to visit him at Nicopolis where he hopes to spend the winter. ‘And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.’ He commends him to God’s grace.
To ponder! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Mt.5:14-16).
Bible Challenge: Day 203
Bible Reading: Joshua 16 & Philemon
Joshua 16 records the allotment of territory to Ephraim and the half tribe of Manasseh that settled on the east side of the Jordan River in the Promised Land. It delineates the extent of the land given to them as their inheritance. And so, it covered the region ‘into the wilderness, going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel. 2 Then going from Bethel to Luz, it passes along to Ataroth, the territory of the Archites. 3 Then it goes down westward to the territory of the Japhletites, as far as the territory of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ends at the sea.’ The chapter concludes in a similar fashion to the previous one by stating, ‘However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labour.’ Thereby preparing the reader for future troubles!
In Philemon, Paul writes as a prisoner for Christ Jesus. He includes Timothy in his salutation and is probably writing under confinement from Rome. He is writing to Philemon whom he describes as ‘our beloved fellow worker’ and to ‘Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house.’ Philemon had become a Christian through the apostle’s instrumentality and was now pastor of a church at Colossae. Paul assures him of his prayers and commends his faith in and love for the Lord Jesus and his people. He writes, ‘and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.’ The apostle has derived much joy and comfort from hearing about his faithful and fruitful ministry. Paul then turns to the purpose of his letter. Although, as an apostle he could command Philemon, he proceeds to appeal for love’s sake that he welcome Onesimus back into his service and receive him into the church. Onesimus had been a bondservant of Philemon who had fled from his servitude. He also however in God’s providence had encountered Paul and was converted by the gospel he proclaimed. Thereafter, he willingly and humbly had served the apostle during his imprisonment. Paul states, ‘I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.’ He urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him back not only as a bondservant but as a brother in the Lord Christ. ‘So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.’ Confident of Philemon’s consent, Paul hopes to visit him soon. The epistle ends with final greetings and with the apostle’s blessing.
To ponder! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2Cor.5:17).
Bible Challenge: Day 204
Bible Reading: Joshua 17 & Hebrews 1
Joshua 17 picks up where the previous chapter left off with the allotment of the Promised Land to the half-tribe of Manasseh. The territory belonging to Manasseh incorporated the land of Gilead. Its boundaries are then defined. This was Manasseh’s inheritance, in addition to the region on the far side of the Jordan River. Once again however we read that Manasseh could not take full possession of all the land give to them, because the Canaanites continued to dwell in the land. And ‘…when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labour, but did not utterly drive them out.’ Then Joseph’s descendants demanded to know why they had only received one lot and one portion as an inheritance. Joshua told them, “If you are a numerous people, go up by yourselves to the forest, and there clear ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.” Despite the House of Joseph’s, comprising Ephraim and Manasseh, evident protestations because the Canaanites still dwelt in the land and they were well armed, Joshua insisted, “You are a numerous people and have great power. You shall not have one allotment only, 18 but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
The primary purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews is to reveal the incomparable superiority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Its aim is to highlight the significance and surpassing excellence of his cross and crown and the New Covenant era he ushered in thereby in contrast to the Old Testament age with its multiplicity of laws and endless sacrifices. The Letter writer is not named, and therefore while there can no absolute certainty, for what it’s worth I believe that Saints Chrysostom and Athanasius, along with the early church historian, Eusebius, are likely correct in attributing the epistle to the apostle Paul. In it, Jewish Christians are being urged not to return to the practices of Judaism. Such people have their parallels in the circumcision party that Paul condemned elsewhere that were similarly insisting that Gentile Christians be circumcised and be compelled to keep the entire Old Testament law. Hebrews therefore begins with the writer seeking to show that Jesus the Christ, the Son of God is God’s supreme and ultimate revelation. His last word if you will! And so, while God spoke to the Old Testament church via the prophets, ‘in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.’ The writer continues, ‘He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.’ Quoting the Old Testament scriptures, he points to Christ’s unique relation to God the Father as the only begotten Son. He reminds his readers of Jesus’ exclusive person and offices. He is the living God, our Lord and Saviour, who took our nature to himself. He is the Alpha and Omega, the King of the cosmos who must reign at the right hand of the Father until that day when every knee shall bow, and tongue confess that he is Lord. God’s messengers exist to declare his unique glory and salvation.
To ponder! “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession (Ps.2:6-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 205
Bible Reading: Joshua 18 & Hebrews 2
In Joshua 18 the people of Israel assembled before Joshua outside the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh. Land was yet to be apportioned to seven of the tribes. Joshua declared, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? 4 Provide three men from each tribe, and I will send them out that they may set out and go up and down the land. They shall write a description of it with a view to their inheritances, and then come to me. 5 They shall divide it into seven portions…. And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.” Confirmation was again given that the tribe of Levi would receive no land but would serve the living God as priests. Special provision was made for them out of the peoples sacrifices and tithes. The children of Israel complied with Joshua’s instructions and the remainder of the Promised Land was divided among them. The latter part of the chapter focusses on the portion inherited by the tribe of Benjamin, delineating the boundaries and divisions of the land among its clans and households.
In Hebrews 2 the writer begins by warning his readers not to neglect or deviate from the gospel of their salvation. ‘How’, he asks, ‘shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?’ He adds, ‘It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.’ Citing Psalm 8 and other portions of God’s word, he seeks to show how the Son of God, Jesus Christ’s, incarnation, cross, and crown of glory were foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. He points the Jewish Christians to the purpose of Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension. And thereby makes clear that the new wine of the gospel cannot be stored in the old wineskin of Judaism! The old rites and rituals with their distinct practices and sacrifices prepared the way for the Lord but now that he has come and done all things necessary for the salvation of his people they are superfluous. Christ is our Prophet, King, and Priest. ‘He’, the writer insists, ‘had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.’
To ponder! Psalm 8
‘O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings[b]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!’
Bible Challenge: Day 206
Bible Reading: Joshua 19 & Hebrews 3
Joshua records the extent of the territory including cities and villages allotted to the tribes and their respective clans of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. After the Promised Land had been so distributed to each of the tribes with the notable exception of Levi, the people gave a special inheritance to Joshua their faithful leader. ‘By command of the LORD they gave him the city that he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he rebuilt the city and settled in it.’ The chapter concludes, ‘These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the people of Israel distributed by lot at Shiloh before the LORD, at the entrance of the tent of meeting. So they finished dividing the land.’
In Hebrews 3 the writer urges his readers to reflect upon Jesus, ‘the apostle and high priest of our confession. He graciously and courteously refers to his Jewish Christian readers as ‘holy brothers, you who share in the heavenly calling’, to remind them not only of their salvation in Christ but also that they are called and set apart (sanctified) for faithfulness and fruitfulness in his service. On the brink of returning to the Old Testament ways, encapsulated in the law of Moses, the writer makes clear that Moses was only a builder in the church while Christ is its owner. Moses was but a servant of God, but Jesus is none other than the only begotten Son. And he pertinently and poignantly adds, ‘And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.’ Quoting Psalm 95, the writer, reminds his readership of how their forebears, delivered from slavery in Egypt, never entered the Promised Land but died in the wilderness on account of their disbelief and disobedience to God. He therefore urges them to ‘Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.’ He encourages them to exhort one another daily to remain firm in the faith. Could there be a vital lesson here for us all?
To ponder! Here’s the old Scottish Metrical Version of Psalm 95. I usually sing it to the tune ‘Gainsborough’ but it is in common metre so there are hundreds of tunes that one could take. If you are not familiar with the psalter and its tunes. Try something like New Britain (Amazing Grace) which works just fine. Or simply read and reflect….
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord:
come, let us ev'ry one
A joyful noise make to the Rock
of our salvation.
2 Let us before his presence come
with praise and thankful voice;
Let us sing psalms to him with grace,
and make a joyful noise.
3 For God, a great God, and great King,
above all gods he is.
4 Depths of the earth are in his hand,
the strength of hills is his.
5 To him the spacious sea belongs,
for he the same did make;
The dry land also from his hands
its form at first did take.
6 O come, and let us worship him,
let us bow down withal,
And on our knees before the Lord
our Maker let us fall.
7 For he's our God, the people we
of his own pasture are,
And of his hand the sheep; to-day,
if ye his voice will hear,
8 Then harden not your hearts, as in
the provocation,
As in the desert, on the day
of the tentation:
9 When me your fathers tempted and proved,
and did my working see;
10 Ev'n for the space of forty years
this race hath grieved me.
I said, This people errs in heart,
my ways they do not know:
11 To whom I swore in wrath, that to
my rest they should not go.
Bible Challenge: Day 207
Bible Reading: Joshua 20 & Hebrews 4
Joshua 20 contains God’s instructions for the cities of refuge for those guilty of manslaughter. It begins, ‘Then the LORD said to Joshua, 2 “Say to the people of Israel, ‘Appoint the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, 3 that the manslayer who strikes any person without intent or unknowingly may flee there. They shall be for you a refuge from the avenger of blood.’ The person fleeing was to present himself at the gate of the city and make his case to the elders. Once admitted he was to be safe from any avenger and was to remain in the said city until his case was judged by the people and the serving High Priest died. The cities of Kadesh, Shechem, Kiriath-arba, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan were set apart for this purpose.
In Hebrews 4, the writer urges his readers to continue steadfast in faith. He bids them take hold of the rest that is graciously promised in Jesus Christ. Jesus himself says, after all, ‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ And Christians anticipate the fulness of that rest in glorification. The writer warns his readers, however, that if they abandon Christ and his gospel, they will not enter God’s rest but merely emulate the grave example of their defiant and disobedient forebears that died in the wilderness on account of their unbelief. Again, quoting the Old Testament scriptures, he plainly pleads with them. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Moreover, he insists that the sacred scriptures comprising our Old Testament anticipated and pointed forward to a greater and more profound rest for the people of God. ‘For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.’ They must therefore strive to enter God’s rest. He not only reminds them of God’s omniscience which is his ability to know and see all things but points to the convicting and converting power of God’s Word made flesh. ‘For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.’ The chapter concludes with an enlightening, edifying, and encouraging declaration which needs to be quoted in full. He writes, ‘Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’ The lesson is clear! The way to God’s rest is via repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
To ponder! ‘You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” - St Augustine.
Bible Challenge: Day 208
Bible Reading: Joshua 21 & Hebrews 5
Joshua 21 provides a record of the cities and pasturelands given to the tribe of Levi. After the Promised Land was divided and allotted to the other tribes, the leaders of Levi sought their allocation from Eleazar, the High Priest, and Joshua, the son of Nun, at Shiloh. ‘“The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities to dwell in, along with their pasturelands for our livestock.” 3 So by command of the LORD the people of Israel gave to the Levites the following cities and pasturelands out of their inheritance.’ There follows a list of the distribution of cities and pasturelands to the various clans that comprised the tribe of Levi from the other tribes of Israel. The chapter concludes with the heartening confirmation, ‘Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. 44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.’ Great is God’s faithfulness.
Hebrews 5 depicts the uniqueness of Christ’s office and perfection as high priest and thereby demonstrates the futility of turning back to Judaism. Therein the high priests not only made atonement for the sins of the people but made atonement for their own sins. They and the sacrifices they offered up to God merely anticipated Jesus’s office, mediation, and saving work. They were but a type of which he is the antitype and fulfilment. ‘So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi. His priesthood was unlike that of Aaron and his successors. It is here likened to that of Melchizedek in that it was perpetual in his person and combined the prophetic and kingly offices as well as the priestly one. Jesus is now the one and only Mediator between God and humanity. His earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father makes him the ‘source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.’ He is our Advocate and Intercessor with the Father, his perfect unblemished sacrifice makes superfluous all others. The writer to the Hebrews frustratingly adds, ‘About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.’ Sadly, they once again needed to be trained to acquire ‘powers of discernment’ to distinguish good from evil.
To ponder! When the church departs from the faith once delivered to the saints or fails to instruct its members therein how quickly it departs from the way, the truth, and the life!
Bible Challenge: Day 209
Bible Reading: Joshua 22 & Hebrews 6
In Joshua 22 the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh are commended by Joshua for their faithfulness to God and for the support they provided to the other tribes in gaining possession of the Promised Land. They can now return to their homeland on the far side of the Jordan River with Joshua’s blessing. He nevertheless exhorts them “be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” And so, they departed with their livestock and plunder. On reaching the Jordan they erected a large altar on the east side before crossing. When the other tribes heard of this they were enraged, gathered at Shiloh, and prepared for war against their brothers. Phinehas, the son of the High Priest, and ten chiefs representing the tribes of Israel were sent to confront the two and half tribes. “Thus says the whole congregation of the LORD,” they declared, “What is this breach of faith that you have committed against the God of Israel in turning away this day from following the LORD by building yourselves an altar this day in rebellion against the LORD?” They cited the examples of Israel’s sin at Peor and Achan’s deception, which brought grave judgement upon Israel. They graciously pleaded with them, “But now, if the land of your possession is unclean, pass over into the LORD's land where the LORD's tabernacle stands, and take for yourselves a possession among us. Only do not rebel against the LORD or make us as rebels by building for yourselves an altar other than the altar of the LORD our God.” The two and a half tribes excused their action, claiming that their altar was not built to offer sacrifices but rather to act as a witness to their union with the rest of Israel. For they feared that in time they would be forgotten on account of the boundary of the Jordan separating them from the land of Israel. Phinehas replied on behalf of the delegation representing the nine and a half tribes and declared, “Today we know that the LORD is in our midst, because you have not committed this breach of faith against the LORD. Now you have delivered the people of Israel from the hand of the LORD.” When news was carried to the people at Shiloh they rejoiced that no breach of trust had been committed and peace was re-established.
In Hebrews 6 the writer urges his readers to move beyond the foundational and fundamental doctrines of Christ’s gospel and their response in faith, repentance, and baptism to spiritual maturity. He plainly states, ‘For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.’ Nevertheless, the writer affirms his belief that they are not so far gone. And he therefore exhorts them to make progress in the faith and continue in good works done in love. His desire is that all of them might show ‘the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.’ Citing the example of Abraham, he reminds the Hebrew Christians of God’s covenant faithfulness. He will fulfil his promises to his people in and through Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. Hence the chapter ends with the encouraging words, ‘We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.’
To ponder! For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory (2Cor.1:20).
Bible Challenge: Day 210
Bible Reading: Joshua 23 & Hebrews 7
In Joshua 23 Joshua addresses the people of Israel. The land has now been settled and he is well advanced in years. He reminds the people of God’s goodness towards them in the manner of his protection and provision, and of his giving them possession of the Promised Land. “Therefore”, he declares, “be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, 7 that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, 8 but you shall cling to the LORD your God just as you have done to this day.” Joshua urges the people to always show gratitude in response to God’s grace and be careful to love the LORD their God. Defiance and disobedience will only result in calamity as their forebears experienced in the wilderness. Joshua tells Israel that he will soon depart this earthly life and therefore exhorts them to remain faithful lest “the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that he has given to you.”
In Hebrews 7 the author again likens Jesus’s priestly office to that of Melchizedek. He does so to demonstrate the superiority of Christ’s person and ministry to that of the priestly descendants of Levi that served in the Temple at Jerusalem. Keep in mind that the original recipients of this letter were returning to the Old Testament law with its multitudinous rites and rituals. The mysterious Old Testament figure of Melchizedek who blessed Abraham was a type of whom Jesus is the antitype and fulfillment. Hence his name anticipated Jesus as the King of Righteousness and Peace. The writer adds, ‘He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.’ Abraham, the faith of the faithful, gave him tithes and received his blessing before the birth of Levi, Aaron and their priestly successors. Perfection, the writer makes clear was and is unattainable through the Levitical priesthood and the endless sacrifices they offered at the Tabernacle and Temple. These merely anticipated the offices and ministry of the Son of God who would become Incarnate in the fulness of time to fulfil the office of High Priest, Prophet, and King. Therefore, now that Jesus had finished his saving work and ever lived to make intercession for his people it was folly to return to the Old Testament forms of worship. These were now superfluous because fulfilled in Jesus who has opened up a new and better way. And who is “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” By God’s promise Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant – the New Covenant or the Covenant of Grace. ‘Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.’ Unlike the Levitical priests, he is uniquely qualified for the office of High Priest being ‘holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.’ God appointed his Son ‘who has been made perfect forever.’
To ponder! Psalm 110:1-4 Scottish Metrical Version.
1 The Lord did say unto my Lord,
Sit thou at my right hand,
Until I make thy foes a stool,
whereon thy feet may stand.
2 The Lord shall out of Zion send
the rod of thy great pow'r:
In midst of all thine enemies
be thou the governor.
3 A willing people in thy day
of pow'r shall come to thee,
In holy beauties from morn's womb;
thy youth like dew shall be.
4 The Lord himself hath made an oath,
and will repent him never,
Of th' order of Melchisedec
thou art a priest for ever.
Bible Challenge: Day 211
Bible Reading: Joshua 24 & Hebrews 8
In Joshua 24 Joshua gathers all Israel before him including the elders, heads of houses, and judges. He reminds them of God’s call and promise to his people through the patriarchs starting with Abraham. He reminds them of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness and consequently he rehearses their history and inheritance. God has provided them with a land flowing with milk and honey. Nevertheless, they must now remain faithful. He warns them of the dangers of apostasy. Of turning from God to serve the idols of the surrounding nations. He urges the people, “choose this day whom you will serve” and adds, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” In response, the people of Israel make and repeat their pledge to serve the LORD their God. ‘So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.’ This memorial stone was erected as a lasting witness to Israel’s vow to God. He then dismissed the people. Shortly afterward, Joshua died having attained the age of 110. His remains were buried at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. That generation of Israelites remained faithful to the covenant that they had made with God at Joshua’s bidding. Joseph’s bones, that had been brought from Egypt, were similarly buried at Shechem. And Eleazar, the son of Aaron, also died and was buried at Gibeah also in the hill country of Ephraim. Here ends the Book of Joshua.
In Hebrews 8 the writer is keen to impresses upon his readers that the Lord Jesus Christ as high priest is vastly superior to the Levitical priesthood that served in the Temple in Jerusalem. For Jesus ‘is seated at the actual right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.’ The Levitical priesthood along with the Tabernacle and Temple with their furnishings and sacrificial offerings were but a copy and shadow of the true and heavenly ones. They merely anticipated Jesus’s ministry. And therefore, it was foolish to want to return to them. Why? Because ‘Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.’ The writer points out that ‘if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.’ Jesus, however, is the Mediator of the new and everlasting covenant prophesied and foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. There God had promised the new and better one. There he had pledged, ‘I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ The chapter therefore concludes, ‘In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.’ The Temple was reduced to rubble in AD 70 just as Jesus had foretold. And the Levitical priesthood cam to an end.
To ponder! “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. 33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
Bible Challenge: Day 212
Bible Reading: Judges 1 & Hebrews 9
Judges 1 begins with the continuing conquest of the Canaanites and Perizzites after the death of Joshua. The tribe of Judah with the military assistance of Simeon defeated King Adoni-bezek and his army of 10000 at Bezek. They fought against and captured Jerusalem which was of great strategic value and would become the religious and political capital of Israel. Afterwards, they similarly pursued Canaanites in the region of Horeb and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. They then pursued their enemies in the land of Debir. Caleb gave his daughter in marriage to Othniel, his brother’s son, for capturing Kiriath-sepher and rewarded her with land with springs of water. The Kenites, the descendants of Moses’ faither-in-law, further assisted Judah and Simeon in similarly defeating Canaanites in the region of the Negeb. Judah similarly captured Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, and their territories. Judah, however failed to ‘drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron.’ Similarly, the tribe of ‘Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem, so the Jebusites have lived with the people of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.’ The House of Joseph took Bethel, sparing only the man that gave them access to the city along with his family, who were permitted to flee. They went to land of the Hittites where they established Luz. The remainder of the chapter records the failures of the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali to drive out completely the Canaanites living within their regions. Many were consigned to forced labour. The chapter concludes, ‘The Amorites pressed the people of Dan back into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the plain. 35 The Amorites persisted in dwelling in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim, but the hand of the house of Joseph rested heavily on them, and they became subject to forced labour. 36 And the border of the Amorites ran from the ascent of Akrabbim, from Sela and upward.’
In Hebrews 9 the writer seeks to demonstrate that the original Tabernacle that was replaced by the Temple with its furnishings, sacrifices, and rituals anticipated the person and work of Christ. He describes these as pertaining to the first covenant that was superseded by the better and enduring one. He differentiates between the Holy Place where the Levitical priesthood daily offered countless sacrifices and oblations on behalf of Israel, and the Most Holy Place with the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat where the High Priest only was permitted to enter and sprinkle sacrificial blood once a year on the Day of Atonement. He explains, ‘By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.’ However, now Christ our High Priest, has ‘entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.’ Jesus was and is the unblemished, spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world by his freewill offering of himself to God. ‘Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.’ He is the Testator whose death inaugurated the New Testament or Covenant era. The writer reminds his readers that ‘without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.’ ‘Christ’, he insists, ‘has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.’ ‘He has’, furthermore, ‘appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.’ He is coming again to gather his people and judge the world.
To Ponder! “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood (Lk.22:20).
Bible Challenge: Day 213
Bible Reading: Judges 2 & Hebrews 10
In Judges 2 The Angel of the Lord, who is none other than the second person in the Godhead, the Word, Will, and Wisdom of God, the pre-Incarnate Christ, appeared and addressed the people of Israel at Bochim. Note the use of the definitive article ‘The’ before Angel meaning Messenger. Here is The Messenger of the Covenant. He has led them out of Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land. He made a covenant with them in which he promised to be with them and would provide, protect, and prosper them but they had to be faithful to him and not enter into agreement with the wicked Canaanites and other inhabitants of the land or embrace their gods. ‘But’, he says, ‘you have not obeyed my voice.’ Therefore, he will no longer drive out their enemies but they “shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” The people lifted up their voice, offered sacrifices to God, and wept in response. Bochim literally means weepers! Sadly, after the death of Joshua and the generation he had led over Jordan to conquer the land, there emerged a new generation that neglected and rejected God, forgot what he had done for them, and ignored his commandments. Israel embraced apostasy. They worshipped foreign gods which kindled God’s wrath against them. He withdrew his favour and protection and left them vulnerable to enemy attack. They found themselves in great distress. In mercy, the LORD raised up judges to deliver them from their attackers. Yet, they stubbornly and stupidly continued to worship idols. ‘Whenever the LORD raised up judges for them, the LORD was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. …But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them.’ This theme runs through the remainder of this book.
In Hebrews 10 the writer continues to show the surpassing excellence of Christ’s person and sacrifice which made obsolete animal sacrifices. He begins by explaining that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. The sacrifices associated with the Tabernacle and Temple only anticipated and foreshadowed the supremely efficacious sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Quoting verses from Psalm 40, he demonstrates that this was always God’s plan and purpose. Jesus came into our world and personally, perfectly, and perpetually did the will of his Father in heaven, fulfilled the law, and offered himself as the spotless and unblemished sacrifice for the sin of the world. ‘And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’ And he now sits at the right hand of God. Again, turning to the Old Testament scriptures, the writer seeks to convince his readers that the new covenant was no afterthought but was prophesied by God.
Pressing home his point, the writer urges his fellow believers, ‘Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…’ He implores them to hold fast the confession of the Christian hope, and not to neglect corporate worship, but to continue in love and good works. He warns them about the seriousness of sin and therefore of neglecting and rejecting Christ’s gospel and the new covenant. He reminds his readers that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God as sinners without the Saviour. He invites them to recall their former faithfulness and fruitfulness and not to throw away their confidence but persevere in the faith. He concludes, ‘But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.’
To ponder: Psalm 40:6-10 (SMP). Tune – St Paul (Ps.122)
6 No sacrifice nor offering
didst thou at all desire;
Mine ears thou bored: sin-off 'ring thou
and burnt didst not require:
7 Then to the Lord these were my words,
I come, behold and see;
Within the volume of the book
it written is of me:
8 To do thy will I take delight,
O thou my God that art;
Yea, that most holy law of thine
I have within my heart.
9 Within the congregation great
I righteousness did preach:
Lo, thou dost know, O Lord, that I
refrained not my speech.
10 I never did within my heart
conceal thy righteousness;
I thy salvation have declared,
and shown thy faithfulness:
Bible Challenge: Day 214
Bible Reading: Judges 3 & Hebrews 11
Judges 3 informs the reader that Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites remained in the land by the will of God to test Israel. Would the people of Israel continue to obey the commandments of the LORD received via the hand of Moses? Lamentably, they failed God’s test and showed themselves faithless. ‘And their daughters they took to themselves for wives, and their own daughters they gave to their sons, and they served their gods.’ Israel turned its back on God and embraced apostasy. ‘7 And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth.’ God’s anger was kindled against them, and he withdrew his favour and protection. Israel consequently found itself enslaved by the King of Mesopotamia for eight years. Only then did they cry out to God for mercy and deliverance, and he raised up Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. ‘The Spirit of the LORD was upon him, and he judged Israel.’ He led a successful rebellion and prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. And as a result, Israel enjoyed rest for a generation under Othniel’s leadership. After his death, however the people of Israel again complacently turned their backs on the LORD and did evil in his sight. Consequently, a parts of Israel were subjugated and were forced to serve Eglon, the King of Moab for eighteen years. The people of Israel cried to God for a deliverer, and he raised up Ehud, the son of Gera, a Benjamite to liberate them. He conned and killed Eglon on the roof chamber of the king’s palace and made his escape. He then raised an army in the hill country of Ephraim and led Israel to victory against the Moabites. Accordingly, Israel enjoyed relative peace for eighty years (two generations). ‘After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel.’ This pattern, lets call it the sin cycle, will continue throughout this book. And confirms the old adage that those who fail to learn from history and doomed to repeat it!
Hebrews 11 begins with the memorable statement, ‘Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ The writer assures his Hebrew Christian readers that ‘by it the people of old received their commendation.’ Moreover, it is by faith that Christians believe that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ‘ex nihilo’ (out of nothing) by the Word of his power. Then follows in chronological order a list of heroes of the faith, who trusted and obeyed God. He begins with Abel who offered a more acceptable sacrifice to God than his brother, Cain, and was commended as righteous. Enoch similarly walked with God by faith and was bodily translated to heaven without experiencing death. The writer insists that ‘without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.’ He points to Noah as another fine example of faith in action. He believed God, built an ark, and saved himself and his family in the days of the flood. Similarly, Abraham heard and heeded God’s call to leave his homeland for an unknown destination. He trusted in God’s promise and walked by faith as did his wife, Sarah, who bore the child of promise to Abraham by God’s grace despite their old age. Becoming thereby the progenitors of the people of faith. ‘These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.’ By faith Abraham was prepared to offer up Isaac to God, such was his conviction that God would raise him from the dead. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob gave his blessing to the sons of Joseph who insisted his remains be buried in the Promised Land. By faith, Moses was preserved and prepared as God’s instrument in the deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down and Rahab’s life was spared.
The writer names other examples, ‘who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two [Isaiah], they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.’ They all walked by faith and were commended by God. They anticipated and pointed to Christ, the new covenant era, and the consummation of all things. It was foolish therefore to contemplate a return to the Old Testament rites and rituals now that the new and better had been inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Faith routes us to and roots us in him.
To ponder! For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Rom.10:4).
Bible Challenge: Day 215
Bible Reading: Judges 4 & Hebrews 12
Lamentably, Judges 4 begins ‘And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD after Ehud died.’ Consequently, the LORD withdrew his grace, and they fell prey to the Canaanite king, Jabin, and Sisera, the commander of his armies, who oppressed the Israelites cruelly for twenty years. Deborah, a prophetess, known for her wise judgement, summoned Barak and commanded him in the name of the LORD to raise an army of ten thousand soldiers from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to confront Sisera and his forces at the River Kishon. He agreed on condition that she accompanied him. Heber the Kenite, a descendant of Moses’s father-in-law was camped at Kadesh. When Sisera heard of the approach of Barak and his army, he mobilised his forces with their charioteers. Deborah told Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the LORD go out before you?” Sisera’s army was subsequently routed. He made his escape and sought to conceal himself in the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. Feigning friendship and hospitality, she killed Sisera by driving a tent peg through his skull. When the pursuing Barak arrived at her tent, she showed him the Canaanite commander’s dead body. ‘So on that day God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the people of Israel. 24 And the hand of the people of Israel pressed harder and harder against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.’
Hebrews 12 begins with the memorable exhortation, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.’ The writer of the Letter urges his Hebrew Christian readers to endure opposition and even persecution for Love’s sake, and to persevere by faith, in the faith, and for the sake of the faith. Quoting from the Old Testament Book of Proverbs he reminds them that the LORD chastens those whom he loves. They must not think that the trials and troubles they are experiencing were a consequence of God’s disapproval. They must not abandon the new covenant and gospel for an easier life but just as Jesus’s cross preceded his crown, so must theirs. ‘For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.’ They must, therefore, be strong and courageous. They must pursue peace and holiness ‘without which no one will see the Lord.’ They must avoid becoming bitter, resentful, and demoralised. They must continue faithful until the end, lest they forsake their inheritance like Esau who foolishly sold his to satisfy an immediate need. There can be no turning back to the old covenant received on Sinai by Moses. Rather have come to Zion and must rely wholly and solely on Jesus ‘the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.’ The writer assures his readers that they are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. They ought to be glad and show gratitude to God. The chapter concludes, ‘thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.’
To ponder! ‘The Father corrects and protects us, if we still stand fast in the faith both in afflictions and perplexities, that is to say, cling closely to His Christ; as it is written, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” None of these things can separate believers, nothing can tear away those who are clinging to His body and blood. Persecution of that kind is an examination and searching out of the heart. God wills us to be sifted and proved, as He has always proved His people; and yet in His trials help has never at any time been wanting to believers.’ – Cyprian.
Bible Challenge: Day 216
Bible Reading: Judges 5 & Hebrews 13
Judges 5 records a Song of Praise to God sang by Deborah and Barak in commemoration of their victory over Sisera and the army of King Jabin. It is a celebration of the liberation of Israel from Canaanite oppression. They willingly blessed and made melody to the LORD, the God of Israel, by whose strength and support they had triumphed. The song recounts Israel’s immediate history and how Deborah was raised up by God to be a mother to the children of Israel when new gods had been chosen and war had entered their gates. Not only does the song praise God for his favour but it expresses commendation to the commanders of Israel’s army who rose to the occasion and the people that willingly fought for their freedom in the name of the LORD. It also points a finger at those Israelite tribes that did not rally to the cause. However, ‘Zebulun is a people who risked their lives to the death; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the field.’ While cursing the inhabitants of Meroz for their failure to aid in the fight, honour is lavished on Jael for killing Sisera. The song ends, “So may all your enemies perish, O LORD! But your friends be like the sun as he rises in his might.” And the land enjoyed peace and rest for forty years.
In Hebrews 13, the writer urges the recipients of his letter to ‘let brotherly love continue.’ He encourages them to persist in the practice of hospitality and to visit and support those incarcerated for the faith. They are to honour the institution of marriage and eschew sexual immorality. They are not to make money an idol but are to learn contentment. They are to trust in the Lord’s provision and protection. They are to encourage and emulate their faithful leaders in the church. And crucially, they are to keep in mind that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ The gospel he is indirectly reminding them does not change with fads and fashions. So, they must not allow themselves to be led astray by ‘diverse and strange teachings.’ The writer reminds his Christian readership that ‘here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.’ They must therefore walk by faith with their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Moreover, they must continue doing good. They must submit to the delegated authority of those called to office in the church who keep watch of their souls and as those who will have to give an account for their ministries. The writer [Paul?] asks them to pray for him and his companions that he may be restored to them soon. Special mention is made of Timothy who was the Apostle Paul’s son in the faith. The letter concludes with the following benediction:
‘Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.’
To ponder! And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Gal.6:9).
Bible Challenge: Day 217
Bible Reading: Judges 6 & James 1
Judges 6 begins with the tragic but common refrain, ‘The people of Israel did what is evil in the sight of the LORD.’ Consequently, they found themselves subjugated by the Midianites. For seven long years they lived like nomads, afraid of Midianite and Amalekite raids on their crops and livestock. ‘And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the LORD.’ God sent them a prophet to admonish them for their apostasy and urge them to repent. And God called and commissioned Gideon to deliver them from the hand of their enemies. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon while he was threshing grain in a winepress to avoid being seen by the Midianites. We can detect a mixture of the ironic and the prophetic in the Messenger’s words, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valour”, for Gideon was anything but a mighty man of valour at that moment but he would be God’s instrument in liberating his people from Midianite oppression. Gideon expressed his bewilderment at the grim situation that Israel found itself in and his belief that God had forsaken them. The Angel (the pre-Incarnate Christ) nevertheless, told him, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” Furthermore, he dispelled Gideon’s objections by promising him his presence and power. Gideon returned home and made a sacrificial offering to God and sought his reassurance. ‘And fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. And the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight. 22 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the LORD. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” 23 But the LORD said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” Gideon there built an altar and named the place The LORD Is Peace. That night, after worshipping God, and in response to the word of the LORD, Gideon went out under the cover of darkness and destroyed the altar of Baal and the monument to Asherah beside it. His action provoked a violent response among the Midianites and Amalekites who demanded that he be put to death, but Gideon raised a force to fight against them. The chapter concludes with God again providing Gideon with reassurances that he was with him and for him through the sign of the fleece.
James 1 begins with a typical salutation. Tradition teaches that James was the pastor, or bishop of the church in Jerusalem, and was a blood relation of the Lord Jesus. He is writing as a servant of the Lord to Christians of Jewish descent. Faced with numerous trials and troubles on account of persecution against the church, he urges his fellow believers to joyfully persevere in the faith. They must trust God and be much in prayer. They must ask God for wisdom and approach him in faith without doubting, ‘for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.’ And to enforce his point he insists that ‘a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ They ought to seek contentment and satisfaction in God irrespective of their social status. The poor should rejoice in the riches of God’s grace, while the rich ought to humbly serve God. ‘Blessed’ he writes, ‘is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.’ They must be on their guard against giving way to temptation that leads to sin, and ultimately to death, its wages. He assures his readers that ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.’ They must therefore pursue the righteous life by hearing and heeding the word of God. They must be doers of the word and not mere hearers of it. It is the law of liberty, and they must persevere therein to be truly blessed. They must guard their language and understand that the ‘Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.’
To ponder! He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic.6:8).
Bible Challenge: Day 218
Bible Reading: Judges 7 & James 2
Judges 7 begins with Gideon (Jerubbaal) and an Israelite army of 32000 camped a short distance south of the Midianite forces. The LORD spoke to Gideon and told him to say in the hearing of his army “Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.” God was determined to demonstrate that it was his presence and power that would give Israel victory rather than their own. As a result, 10,000 left their ranks. Nevertheless, there were still too many Israelite fighting men. So, God again instructed Gideon to lead the men down to water, and from their ranks he chose 300 who drank by cupping the water in their hands. The LORD said, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” That night Gideon was instructed to take Purah, his servant, and spy out the Midianite camp. While there he heard a sentry telling another of a strange dream he had had in which a cake of barley bread tumbled through the camp and demolished the tents of Midian. His comrade responded, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.” Gideon took this as confirmation that God had indeed given Midian into his hand, and he worshipped the LORD before mustering his men for battle. He divided his small force into three companies, and provided all with trumpets, and jars with torches. At his sign all were to blow their trumpets and then shout the ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’ At Gideon’s signal, the sudden sound and sight of the Israelites created chaos and confusion among the drowsy Midianites who fell upon one another and fled in fear. They were pursued by forces from Naphtali, Asher, Manasseh, and Ephraim on Gideon’s order. Two Midianite princes were subsequently captured and executed, and their heads delivered to Gideon as proof.
James 2 begins with a prohibition. Christians are not to show partiality to the wealthy over the poor when they gather for worship. ‘Listen, my beloved brothers,’ James writes, ‘has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?’ Rather, they are to fulfil the royal law according to the sacred scriptures and love their neighbour irrespective of political, economic, or social status. They must ‘So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.’ James insists moreover that good works must accompany faith otherwise faith is dead. They must demonstrate their faith by their works done in love. It is not enough for someone to claim they believe in God for even the demons believe in God and tremble. No, they must cultivate faith that is demonstrable in worship, work, and witness. It is a faith that works and bears fruit as Jesus insisted in John 15. James concludes by quoting the examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate the faith that works. ‘For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.’
To ponder! For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph.2:8-10).
Bible Challenge: Day 219
Bible Reading: Judges 8 & James 3
Judges 8 begins with Gideon tactfully and wisely nullifying the resentment of some in Ephraim who were angry that they had been excluded from the rout of the Midianites. Gideon and his small force of 300 men pursued the kings of Midian over Jordan. Exhausted and hungry by the march, Gideon requested food from the elders of Succoth and Penuel in turn for his soldiers, but they refused fearing reprisals from Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. He intimated to them that their refusal to aid God’s servant would prove costly. After defeating the retreating remnant of the Midianite army, Gideon and his men captured the two kings and returned to Succoth and Penuel and exacted their vengeance on the elders that refused them bread. Gideon executed the kings. In response to his military success, the people of Israel invited Gideon to form a dynasty and rule over them, but he refused telling the people that God was their Ruler. He requested and had an ephod (priestly garment) made from the gold earrings taken as plunder from the Midianites. It was put on display at Ophrah and sadly it became an idol and therefore a snare to Gideon, his family, and the Israelites. Nevertheless, Israel enjoyed relative peace for a generation. The chapter ends with Gideon’s death in old age. Lamentably, ‘As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. 34 And the people of Israel did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side, 35 and they did not show steadfast love to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in return for all the good that he had done to Israel.’
In James 3 the letter writer begins by pointing out that those who teach others in the church will be judged with ‘greater strictness’. They must therefore set a good example to others by practising what they preach. James reminds his readers of the need for discipline in the Christian life because all are sinners still. No one is perfect and therefore all struggle and stumble and fall short of the glory of God this side of glory. This ought to teach us humility before God and dependence on his grace, and empathy and sympathy for one another. He warns them therefore to be careful in their use of language – in what they say and how they say it, and to whom they speak. Referring to the tongue, he writes, ‘It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.’ Consequently, James insists that Christians must humbly seek the wisdom that comes from God. They must eschew bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Rather the wisdom from above is ‘pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.’ It produces a harvest of righteousness.
To ponder! Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you (Pro.4:5-6).
Bible Challenge: Day 220
Bible Reading: Judges 9 & James 4
Judges 9 details the conspiracy of one of Gideon’s sons, Abimelech. He confronted his mother’s family at Shechem and asked whether it would not be better to have one brother rule rather than seventy? In other words, he was asking them to help establish him as king. He won their support, made his way to Ophrah, and there he murdered his brothers and would-be rivals except for Jotham, the youngest sibling, who managed to make his escape. And so, Abimelech was subsequently made king at Shechem. In response, Jotham
proclaimed a warning and a curse from Mount Gerizim in the form of a parable. He declared that if Abimelech’s kingship was not of God, then he and his supporters would be devoured. Jotham found refuge at Beer. Abimelech ruled for only three years. ‘God’, we read’ ‘sent an evil spirit’ and soon there was mistrust between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem who plotted his downfall. Gaal, the son of Eber, moved to Shechem and stirred up opposition to the king. Word was sent to Abimelech who gathered his army and attacked Gaal and his troops at Shechem, forcing them to flee. The following day Abimelech exacted revenge on the city and its inhabitants. He then continued a military campaign to put to death those that had conspired against him or aided those that did. While besieging a tower at Thebez he was killed after an unnamed woman threw a millstone from a window in the tower that landed on the king’s head. Aware of the terminal nature of his injuries, he commanded his armour-bearer to run him through with his sword ‘“lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” ‘Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. 57 And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.’
In chapter 4, James poses a question to admonish and denounce self-centred and selfish desires that lamentably were only too evident among members of the church. These are not only contrary to God and the Christian life, but they fuel acrimony, disputes, disruptions, and divisions. These are of the flesh or fallen nature as Paul noted in Galatians 5. They are the converse of faith, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. They are of the world, which is at enmity with God, and is enslaved by an evil spirit. He reminds his fellow Christians that ‘“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”’ Therefore, they must submit themselves to God. They must resist the ways, temptations, and seductions of the Evil One and the flesh. Rather they must draw near to God. They must trust and obey his Word and rely on his grace. He therefore urges them to repent. ‘Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.’ They must stop speaking evil against one another and be ever judging one another. They must eschew arrogance and presumption and follow the way, the truth, and the life.
To ponder! Psalm 51:9-13 SMV – tune, Kilmarnock, or St Kilda.
9 All mine iniquities blot out,
thy face hide from my sin.
10 Create a clean heart, Lord, renew
a right sp'rit me within.
11 Cast me not from thy sight, nor take
thy Holy Sp'rit away.
12 Restore me thy salvation's joy;
with thy free Sp'rit me stay.
13 Then will I teach thy ways unto
those that transgressors be;
And those that sinners are shall then
be turned unto thee.
Bible Challenge: Day 221
Bible Reading: Judges 10 & James 5
Judges 10 records that after the death of Abimelech, Tola, of the tribe of Issachar, became judge in Israel for twenty-three years. He was succeeded by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel for a further twenty-two years. And he had thirty sons who each rode on a donkey and they each ruled over a city (town) in Gilead. After his death, the people of Israel again did what was evil in God’s sight. They turned their backs on the LORD and worshipped and served the idols of the surrounding nations. They wanted to embrace the culture of the surrounding countries. They wanted to be like the world. Consequently, God’s anger was kindled against them, and he withdrew his favour and they fell prey to the Philistines. ‘For eighteen years they oppressed all the people of Israel who were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. 9 And the Ammonites crossed the Jordan to fight also against Judah and against Benjamin and against the house of Ephraim, so that Israel was severely distressed.’ The people of Israel repented. They confessed their sin and cried out to God for deliverance. When the Ammonites threatened Gilead with military invasion, the leaders and people asked, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.”
James 5 begins with an admonition against the wicked wealthy. They foolishly make an idol of their riches, and exploit and defraud workers, and even murder the righteous to feed their insatiable lust for power and prosperity. James, however, bids his fellow believers to be patient and to leave judgement to God. They are not to overcome evil with evil but evil with good, as Paul teaches in Romans 12. James therefore adds, ‘Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.’ They are not to mope and moan but like the prophets in the Old Testament period they are to patiently persevere in their call and commission. They are to emulate the steadfastness of Job, knowing the purpose of the Lord and how he is compassionate and merciful. Christians, he insists, ought to be known for their sincerity and integrity. James further writes, ‘Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.’ He exhorts them to confess their sins to one another and pray to God for one another. Citing the example of Elijah, he reminds them that the prayer of a righteous person is efficacious. He concludes, ‘My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.’
To ponder! I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD (PS.40:1-3).
Bible Challenge: Day 222
Bible Reading: Judges 11 & 1 Peter 1
Judges 11 introduces Jephthah the Gileadite, described as a mighty warrior. He had been shunned by his brothers because born to a prostitute. Forced to flee, he had lived apart from his family in the land of Tob and had gathered around him certain undesirables. When the Ammonites made war on Israel, the elders of Gilead persuaded Jephthah to return and lead their military forces against them. He agreed on condition that if successful he would be their leader. ‘And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The LORD will be witness between us, if we do not do as you say.”’ Jephthah then sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites demanding to know why they had invaded Israel. He furthermore provided a reasoned response to the king’s claim of historical grievances to avert military conflict. He pointed it out, “I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The LORD, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon.” The Spirit of the LORD was with Jephthah. However, he made a vow to God whose consequences would lead to tragedy. He prayed, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, 31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” Jephthah successfully gained victory and subdued the Ammonites. On returning home to Mizpah, the first person to emerge from the front door of his home was his daughter, an only child! Who, resigned to her fate, said, “Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions.” Jephthah fulfilled his vow ‘and it became a custom in Israel 40 that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year.’
1 Peter 1 begins with a salutation. Peter writes as an apostle of Jesus Christ to ‘elect exiles of the Dispersion’. These were Christians that had been forced to flee Jerusalem and Judea due to persecution. He reminds them that by God’s grace they were ‘born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ Despite their suffering they can rejoice with a joy inexpressible and full of glory because of the salvation that was theirs in Christ. Peter reminds them that the Old Testament prophets had anticipated and foretold the person and saving work of Jesus Christ and its application via the gospel by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. He urges them to continue trusting and hoping in Christ. Citing the sacred scriptures, he impresses upon them their call and command to be holy as God’s beloved children – as those ransomed with the precious blood of Christ. They must therefore trust and obey God’s Word which abides forever and love one another earnestly from a pure heart as those regenerated and sanctified by grace.
To ponder! May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Rom.15:13).
Bible Challenge: Day 223
Bible Reading: Judges 12 & 1 Peter 2
Judges 12 records civil conflict in Israel born of Ephraim’s envy and resentment against Jephthah. Solomon would later wisely write, ‘A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.’ Ephraim attacked Gilead and burned Jephthah’s home to the ground because he had not consulted them, nor asked them to accompany him when he vanquished the army of the Ammonites. Jephthah explained that he had not requested their assistance because they had failed to offer military aid it in the past. And so, Jephthah marshalled the men of Gilead, and they struck Ephraim, and defeated their army. They captured the fords of the Jordan River and identifying the men of Ephraim by their inability to pronounce the word ‘shibboleth’ they put them to death. ‘Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.’ After his death, Ibzan of Bethlehem ruled as judge over Israel for seven years, then Elon, the Zebulunite, for ten years, followed by Abdon, the Pirathonite, who had a large family, for eight years.
In 1 Peter 2, the apostle urges his readers to abstain from malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander. Rather, ‘Like newborn infants,’ they must ‘long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.’ They must look to Christ, the living stone who was rejected by the builders. They are being built up in him to be a spiritual house and a holy priesthood to glorify God in Spirit and in Truth. Peter quotes the Old Testament scriptures to reinforce his point reminding them that Jesus Christ is the focus and fulcrum in whom God’s promises find their fulfilment. He therefore assures his fellow believers, that unlike the enemies of Christ and his gospel who rejected him and were now persecuting his body, the church, they ‘are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession’. They have been called and are saved to ‘proclaim the excellencies of him who called [them] out of darkness into his marvellous light.’ They must therefore appropriate the Good News and act in accordance with God’s call to holiness. They are to be salt in an unsavoury world. They are to be light in a dark world. Christians must walk the walk as well as talk the talk. They are to respect those in authority. And live in the freedom Christ purchased for them as servants of God. Peter bids them to show dignity to everyone, to love the church, to fear God, and to honour the emperor. Servants are to submit to their masters, even when treated badly. Peter urges them to follow the example of Jesus therein who when reviled, did not revile in return, and when he suffered, he did not threaten but continued trusting in God who judges justly. The chapter concludes, ‘He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’
To ponder! Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices! (Ps.37:3-7).
Bible Challenge: Day 224
Bible Reading: Judges 13 & 1 Peter 3
Judges 13 beings with the lamentable refrain, ‘And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years.’ The Angel of the LORD appeared to the wife of Manoah, of the tribe of Dan, and told her to avoid alcoholic beverages because despite her barrenness she was to conceive and bear a son. The Messenger added, “No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” On hearing the remarkable news, Manoah prayed for further instruction concerning his son’s manner of life and mission. The Messenger told Manoah to be careful to do all that he had commanded his wife regarding their son. Manoah offered sacrifice to the LORD, ‘to the one who works wonders, and Manoah and his wife were watching. 20 And when the flame went up toward heaven from the altar, the angel of the LORD went up in the flame of the altar.’ Manoah and his wife were awestruck by what they witnessed. They both fell on their faces to the ground in adoration and amazement. Manoah feared for his life because he had seen God, but his wife assured him of God’s goodwill towards them. ‘And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.’
1 Peter 3 begins with instructions for husbands and wives. Christian wives are to respect and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner towards their husbands and others. In this way, even unbelieving spouses will take notice of their holy and humble characters. They are to concern themselves with inward rather than outward beauty. Peter writes, ‘let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.’ He cites the example of Abraham’s wife Sarah as a model to follow. Husbands similarly are to be considerate towards their wives and are to honour and cherish them as fellow heirs ‘of the grace of life’. The apostle goes on to urge his fellow believers to seek and value unity in the faith. They are to be sympathetic towards one another. They are to love one another, be tender hearted, and humble. They are to be a blessing to all irrespective of how others perceive or treat them. Peter quotes Psalm 34:13-17 to reinforce his instruction. He adds, ‘in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect’. He reminds his readers that Christ suffered in the stead of the unrighteousness, descended into darkness and death, and even proclaimed the good news to the spirits in prison who had not obeyed God’s word in the days of Noah unlike Noah and his household. The chapter concludes with the apostle pointing out that ‘Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.’ Christ is Word who is to be proclaimed to all. Christ is the Ark that saves us from the stormy waters of judgement. Christ is the Liberator and Light in whom we have a future and the hope of glory.
To ponder! ‘I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead’ (from The Apostles’ Creed).
Bible Challenge: Day 225
Bible Reading: Judges 14 & 1 Peter 4
Judges 14 begins with Samson now in adulthood. While visiting Timnah, and to his parents’ consternation, he had been attracted to a Philistine woman. And he desired to marry her. We are informed, however, that ‘His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.’ By the empowerment of the Spirit, Samson killed a young lion that pounced on him in a vineyard on the outskirts of Timnah. Afterwards, he courted the same Philistine woman that had caught his eye. Returning to Timnah after some days he observed a swarm of bees and a hive amid the carcass of the lion that he had killed and he stooped down and scooped out a handful of honey which he shared with his parents. Samson held a feast while his father was negotiating his marriage. He presented his guests with a riddle and promised to give thirty linen garments and thirty change of clothes to anyone that could solve it. If they failed however, they would have to present him with the same. The challenge was accepted. ‘And he said to his guests, “Out of the eater came something to eat. Out of the strong came something sweet.” And in three days they could not solve the riddle.’ The wedding guests prevailed upon Samson’s new wife to entice her husband to reveal the answer to her so that she could divulge it to them, threatening to burn down their house and murder them if she was unwilling to comply. And so, with tears and desperation she pleaded and begged Samson to reveal the answer to her. He finally relented after seven days, and she informed those that had threatened her. ‘And the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, “What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?” And he said to them, “If you had not ploughed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.”’ Empowered by the Spirit, Samson went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men and took their possessions which he presented to those that had given the answer to his riddle. And ‘In hot anger he went back to his father's house. 20 And Samson's wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.’
In 1 Peter 4 the apostle bids the recipients of his letter to emulate Christ who humbled himself and willingly entered his passion in obedience to the will of God his heavenly Father. And he calls his people to take up their cross and follow him. They must therefore mortify the flesh and no longer follow the ways of this fallen world. They are to shun worldly lusts, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and the like. Rather they are to live in the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit. Christians, Peter insists, must exercise self-control and be sober-minded. They must love one another, be hospitable, and share in one another’s gifts and graces as stewards of God’s varied favour. In this manner, he assures them, God is glorified in and through Jesus Christ. They should not be surprised or even discouraged if called to suffer for the faith. ‘If you are insulted for the name of Christ,’ Peter therefore writes, ‘you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.’ To suffer for Christ, he insists, is to glorify God. Judgement begins with God’s people. ‘Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.’
To ponder! Blessed is the man[a]
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither (Ps.1:1-3).
Bible Challenge: Day 226
Bible Reading: Judges 15 & 1 Peter 5
Judges 15 begins at the time of the wheat harvest. Samson went back to Timnah to visit his wife only to discover that her father had given her hand in marriage to another. While the father offered Samson her younger sister in marriage, Samson was determined to take his revenge. Attaching burning torches to the tails of foxes he released them amid the stacks of the wheat harvest and olive orchards causing devastation and the loss of vital food supplies. The Philistines responded by murdering his wife and father-in-law by fire. ‘And Samson said to them, “If this is what you do, I swear I will be avenged on you, and after that I will quit.” 8 And he struck them hip and thigh with a great blow, and he went down and stayed in the cleft of the rock of Etam.’ The Philistines then raided Lehi in Judah to pressurise Samson’s fellow Israelites into capturing and presenting him to them bound. They went to Samson who agreed to be bound with new ropes. When they returned to Lehi with Samson bound the Philistines came to receive him. Empowered by the Spirit, Samson broke the said ropes which became like flax, and took a jawbone of a donkey and killed one thousand Philistines by hand. ‘And Samson said, “With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of a donkey have I struck down a thousand men.” 17 As soon as he had finished speaking, he threw away the jawbone out of his hand. And that place was called Ramath-lehi.’ Exhausted and dehydrated, Samson cried to God for relief and refreshment and God split the ground before him and water came forth reviving Samson. He became judge in Israel for twenty years.
In 1 Peter 5 the apostle encourages his fellow elders to shepherd the flock of God entrusted to their care, ‘exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.’ The Lord Jesus, he assures them, will duly reward them for their faithful ministry. He urges the younger to submit to their elders and all to show humility because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ They must rely wholly on God’s grace and power, casting all their worries and woes on him who truly cares for them. They must be on their guard against and resist the Evil One who like a roaring lion is ever on the prowl looking to accuse, tempt and seduce. They must look and listen to the Lord and lean upon him who restores, confirms, strengthens, and establishes his people. Peter’s first epistle closes with final greetings. He bids his fellow Christians to stand firm in the grace of God and commends all in Christ to the peace of God.
To ponder! Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood (Acts 20:28).
Bible Challenge: Day 227
Bible Reading: Judges 16 & 2 Peter 1
Judges 16 begins with Samson frequenting a prostitute at Gaza. When his whereabouts was discovered, an ambush was prepared at the city gates. The Gazites were determined to kill him. At midnight however under the cover of darkness, Samson made his escape taking the city gates and the posts that held them in place with him. After this he fell in love with a woman from the Valley of Sorek called Delilah. When the Philistine leaders heard of his romantic involvement, they bribed Delilah to discover the secret to Samson’s strength so that he could be bound and executed. Initially, Samson fearing a ruse misled Delilah so that she attempted to bind him with fresh bowstrings and then new ropes in turn. She then responded to his suggestion that she bind seven locks of his hair, but on each occasion when she raised the alarm of a Philistine attack he rose and snapped the ties that bound him or let down his hair. ‘And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times, and you have not told me where your great strength lies.”’ Infuriated and desperate she pleaded with Samson who finally divulged the source of his great strength. ‘And he told her all his heart, and said to her, “A razor has never come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother's womb. If my head is shaved, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.”’ And so, Delilah arranged for his head to be shaved while he slept and betrayed Samson into the hands of his Philistine enemies. They seized him, gouged out his eyes, and transported him to Gaza for public execution. In the intervening period, Samson’s hair began to grow again! The Philistines celebrated the capture of Samson before Dagon their god. And their leaders desiring to mock and ridicule him publicly had him brought before them and stand between two supporting columns. Samson prayed to God, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson’s prayer was answered. He regained his remarkable strength to push over the pillars supporting the roof, bringing it down on and killing 3000 Philistines including their leaders. Samson was himself killed in the demolition. His family retrieved his body and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of his father, Manoah.
In 2 Peter 1 Peter writes as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ to fellow believers who are made righteous by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He bids his recipients rely wholeheartedly on God’s power, promises, and provision for all things pertaining to life and godliness, as fellow partakers of the divine nature. He exhorts and encourages them to add to their faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. ‘For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ He urges them thereby to make their calling and election sure. By these they will endure and enjoy the assurance of attaining glory or the beatific vision. Peter, conscious, that he will soon be called to glory, expresses his desire that they too might continue faithful and fruitful. The apostle speaks authoritatively and counsels them as an eyewitness of Christ’s divine majesty. ‘For’ he writes, ‘when he received honour and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.’ Peter insists that God’s prophetic word is confirmed in Christ. He reminds his readers that ‘no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.’ And the word in scripture reveals the Word Incarnate in whom must place their trust in this life for the one to come.
To ponder! In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train[a] of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa.6:1-3).
Bible Challenge: Day 228
Bible Reading: Judges 17 & 2 Peter 2
Judges 17 reveals through the example of Micah, an Ephraimite, and a Levite from Judah how at that time everyone was a law unto themselves. We read, ‘In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.’ And so, Micah confessed to stealing a substantial sum of silver coin from his mother which he restored. She in turn forgave and blessed her son and dedicated the money to the LORD, stipulating that it was to be used for the crafting of a silver image of God in direct contravention of the Second of the Ten Commandments. And so, ‘Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and household gods, and ordained one of his sons, who became his priest.’ Sometime later, Micah persuaded a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, to be a father and priest in his household. The young man agreed to the proposal in return for lodging, ten pieces of silver, and new clothing. We read that he became like a son to Micah. ‘And Micah ordained the Levite, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. 13 Then Micah [presumptuously] said, “Now I know that the LORD will prosper me, because I have a Levite as priest.”’
2 Peter 2 begins with the apostle’s warning to his fellow Christians to be on guard against teachers in the church that contradicted and denied the faith, who would even falsify the good news centred in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ! Peter insists that such people, motivated by ambition and greed, will only introduce destructive heresies into the church and the truth will be blasphemed. And Peter’s words were to prove true. There were soon ministers and priests that rejected and denied such things as the miraculous conception of the Lord Jesus, his vicarious suffering and death, his glorious bodily resurrection, and ascension to the right-hand of the Father. Some would deny his humanity, while others would reject his divinity. Such people, Peter makes clear, will bring disharmony and division to the church by their rejection or reinterpretation of the apostolic revelation. And having deconstructed the faith they will also approve of behaviour and practices that give full expression to the fallen nature, enslaving souls in sin. Citing Old Testament examples, the apostle insists that God will preserve his people but will severely judge those that taught and spread heresies and led others astray thereby. ‘They are’, he writes, ‘waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.’ Not pulling his punches, he adds, ‘it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”’
To ponder! Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (Jude 3-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 229
Bible Reading: Judges 18 & 2 Peter 3
Judges 18 begins with a scouting party from the tribe of Dan seeking territory in the region of Ephraim. There they lodged at the house of Micah and asked the priest in his home if their mission would be successful. And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the LORD.” After surveying Laish that belonged to the Sidonians the Danites hatched a plan to dispossess them and forcefully occupy their homeland. And so, an army of 600 men was mobilised. On route they plundered the carved and metal images, ephod, and household goods that belonged to Micah despite his protestations, and persuaded the young Levite that served as chaplain to his house to join them as priest of the tribe of Dan. They proceeded to Laish and put the unsuspecting Sidonians there to the sword and burned down their city. They later rebuilt it and named the city Dan after their forefather. ‘And the people of Dan set up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. 31 So they set up Micah's carved image that he made, as long as the house of God was at Shiloh.’
2 Peter 3 concludes the apostle’s second letter to the ‘elect exiles’. He reminds them of how the prophets had foretold or forewarned the church that scoffers would appear in the last days and would seek to entice and ensnare Christians by their deceptive words and works. Peter implicitly urges them to remain faithful and fruitful, knowing that God will judge the ungodly. He reminds them, however, to be patient and to persevere in the understanding ‘that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.’ Nevertheless, they must remain on guard because the Day of the Lord will come suddenly like a thief in the night. They must pursue holiness and godliness as they await the new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells. Peter exhorts his beloved fellow Christians to ‘be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.’ He quotes Paul to support his plea and ends by urging them all to ‘take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.’
To ponder! Wait for the LORD and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off (Ps.37:34).
Bible Challenge: Day 230
Bible Reading: Judges 19 & 1 John 1
Judges 19 reveals the story of Gibeah’s crime. It begins with a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim in Bethlehem of Judah. He there found a young woman and took her to be his concubine. Her father showed hospitality and persuaded the couple of stay with him for five days but at nightfall on the fifth day they departed for Ephraim and arrived at Jebus (Jerusalem). The Levite’s servant suggested that they should seek shelter and rest there but fearing the Jebusites, the Levite insisted they should travel on to Gibeah which belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. Arriving at Gibeah they found no accommodation and so determined to spend the night in the public square until an old man invited them to stay at his home where he provided hospitality. Echoing the story of Lot and his family in Sodom, a gang of lawless men surrounded the house and demanded the old man hand over the Levite and his household. Despite his protestations the men gang-raped the Levite’s concubine and left her for dead outside the door of the old man’s house. The Levite took her body home, where he divided it and sent the various parts throughout Israel as a witness to the crime. ‘And all who saw it said, “Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.”’
1 John 1 omits the usual salutation and begins with the apostle bearing witness to both the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, who is the focus and fulcrum, centre and circumference, of the Christian faith and life. John writes, ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.’ He is writing to proclaim God’s Christ in whom is found lasting and loving fellowship with the Father and the family of God. He is communicating so that their joy may be full. He testifies that God is light and in him there is no darkness. Therefore, those that claimed to have fellowship with God and yet walked in darkness (sin) did not practice the truth. ‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.’ John insists that if we recognise and confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Those that claimed to the contrary to be without sin were not only deceiving themselves but were in effect saying that God’s word was erroneous, or worse, that God was a liar! Christians continue to sin and therefore must regularly confess their sins seeking forgiveness and absolution. We must mortify the flesh and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit. Thankfully, we have a Mediator with the Father - an Advocate and Intercessor, in the person of the Saviour.
To ponder! Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment (Ps.51:1-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 231
Bible Reading: Judges 20 & 1 John 2
In Judges 20 Israel gathered at Mizpah and mustered around 400000 military men in response to the heinous violation of the law perpetrated by the men of Gibeah who raped and murdered the Levite’s concubine. They devised a strategy to punish the guilty party. And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What evil is this that has taken place among you? 13 Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” The Benjaminites, however, refused to hand over the men and prepared to resist their fellow Israelites. After seeking counsel from the LORD at Bethel it was determined that Judah should go up to fight the tribe of Benjamin. The army of Judah was nevertheless repulsed and suffered defeat. Undeterred, Israel again sought counsel from the LORD and was promised vindication and victory over Benjamin. The following day they set an ambush against Gibeah and managed to divide the Benjaminite forces. Thereby Israel won a decisive victory, killing over 25000 of the tribe of Benjamin who had drawn their sword against their fellow Israelites. ‘And the men of Israel turned back against the people of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword, the city, men and beasts and all that they found. And all the towns that they found they set on fire.’
In 1 John 2 the apostle writes as a father in the faith urging his children (fellow Christians) not to sin but reassuring them that if, and when, they do they must confess their sin relying on Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, who is our Advocate with the Father. He exhorts them to keep God’s commandments which is evidence that they truly know and love God in Christ. The love of God is perfected in those that follow Jesus. Peter insists that he is not imposing a new commandment. No, this has been God’s revealed will for his people since the beginning that they love God and love one another. For love is the summation of God’s Law. And God is love. The apostle, therefore, bids all Christians to shun the ways of darkness and instead walk in the Light as He is Light. God has given his people a new heart and a right Spirit for this reason in the New Covenant that was ratified and sealed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. Therefore, they must love God and the things of God rather than this fallen world which is passing away. They must shun those that deny the person and work of Jesus Christ as antichrists. And such people had even emerged within the church, but John insists that they were not true members of Christ’s church but imposters and deceivers. ‘Who is the liar,’ he writes, ‘but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.’ They must therefore abide in and walk with Christ by faith which is the way of righteousness.
To ponder! And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Bible Challenge: Day 232
Bible Reading: Judges 21 & 1 John 3
Judges 21 concludes the Book of Judges. The men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah not to give their daughters in marriage to men from the tribe of Benjamin on account of the evil perpetrated at Gibeah. And so, at Bethel the children of Israel wept and prayed to God, “O LORD, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?” There they built an altar and sought God’s forgiveness and peace. Israel had compassion for the Benjaminites and devised a strategy to ensure their continued propagation. And so, 400 young virgins from Jabesh-gilead were spared death to make future wives for the tribe of Benjamin. However, their number was not sufficient to ensure the perpetuation of the said tribe. And so, ‘the elders of the congregation said, “What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?” 17 And they said, “There must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin, that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel.’ A strategy was therefore devised that provided Benjamin with prospective wives at Shiloh that did not necessitate the remaining tribes breaking their oath to God. The Book therefore concludes, ‘And the people of Benjamin did so and took their wives, according to their number, from the dancers whom they carried off. Then they went and returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and lived in them. 24 And the people of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance.’
1 John 3 beautifully begins with apostolic assurance, ‘See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.’ John then focuses his readers attention on the beatific vision and the glorification that awaits the Christian at the end of their earthly pilgrimage of faith, hope, and love. They must therefore seek to follow Christ by way of holiness and godliness. By contrast, habitual sinners are lawless because sin is lawlessness. They are still enslaved to the fallen nature and the arch-deceiver who is the Evil One. Christ came to liberate his people from sin and Satan and therefore those born again cannot continue in habitual sin. He writes, ‘By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.’ The apostle therefore urges his readers to love God and one another. Citing the Old Testament example of Cain, he insists that whoever does not love abides in death. ‘Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.’ Hence, he advises all not only to love in word or talk but rather to express their love in deeds and truth. By this means they can enjoy assurance that they are God’s beloved children. He concludes, ‘And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.’
To ponder! ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood.’
Bible Challenge: Day 233
Bible Reading: Ruth 1 & 1 John 4
Ruth 1 informs the reader that the events recorded in this illuminating little book happened during the period of the Judges. An Israelite named Elimelech from Bethlehem accompanied by his wife, Naomi, and two sons, Mahlon (meaning, sickness) and Chilion (wasting) sought relief in Moab because there was a famine in Israel. Elimelech died in Moab leaving Naomi to raise her two sons by herself. They in time married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth respectively, but both men died young leaving Naomi with her daughters-in-law in a foreign land. When word reached Naomi that the famine and its effects had passed and Israel was once again enjoying abundant provision, she determined to return to her homeland. She told her daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Orpah and Ruth wished to go with Naomi but sought to convince them to stay in Moab and there find new husbands. Rebutting their pleas and protestations, she said, ‘No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me.” They wept. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye but Ruth ‘clung to her’ and was insistent. “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And so, the two women made their way to Bethlehem. Their arrival caused something of a stir among those that recognised Naomi who exclaimed, “Do not call me Naomi (sweet); call me Mara (bitter), for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went away full, and the LORD has brought me back empty…” It was the beginning of the barley harvest.
Continuing with his theme of remaining faithful and fruitful, in 1 John 4, the apostle urges his fellow believers to exercise due care and discernment. For there were and are imposters that take the name Christian and yet deny the faith by their words and works. They must therefore ‘test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.’ They must be especially on guard against those that deny and teach contrary to apostolic or biblical Christology. Such people, John insists, are antichrists. Meaning they teach contrary to the revelation of the unique person and work of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, our Lord and Saviour. John labels such unbelievers ‘worldly’ but assures his readers that if they stand firm in the faith, they will overcome such opposition. He writes, ‘We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.’ The apostle then exhorts Christ’s people to love one another, ‘for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God… because God is love.’ And God’s love, he assures his readers, is truly and supremely displayed in Christ and his cross. ‘In this,’ John says, ‘is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.’ For this reason, they must love God and one another. Thereby, John writes, ‘God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.’ Furthermore, the Spirit of illumination is given to God’s people to affirm and confirm that Jesus is Lord and Saviour. The Holy Spirit unites God’s people to Christ. And the chief fruit of the Spirit is love. ‘Whoever [therefore] confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.’ They need not fear the judgement to come because perfect love casts out fear. They must nevertheless keep God’s commandment to love God and one another.
To ponder! So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1Cor.13:13).
Bible Challenge: Day 234
Bible Reading: Ruth 2 & 1 John 5
Ruth 2 introduces Boaz, described as a ‘worthy man’. He was a relation of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech. With Naomi’s consent, Ruth went off to glean ears of grain missed by the harvesters in accordance with God’s law. Providence graciously guided her to the field of Boaz who inquired after her when he saw her in the field. He therefore spoke to Ruth and said, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” In response Ruth bowed down before Boaz, expressing deference, respect, and gratitude for his kindness and generosity. Amazed, she asked him why he was so gracious to her. And he explained how he had been told of her loyalty to and love for Naomi. He added, “the LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Ruth responded by thanking Boaz for his goodness and favour to her. At mealtimes he invited her to join him and instructed the reapers to ensure that there was grain aplenty for her. She was given permission to return until the end of the of the harvest, ensuring that she and her mother-in-law had sufficient supplies of grain. Ruth gleaned until nightfall and gathered an ephah of barley. When she returned home, she told Naomi about Boaz’s generosity. ‘And Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” Naomi also said to her, “The man is a close relative of ours, one of our redeemers.” And so, Ruth returned to the fields of Boaz and reaped with other young women until the close of the barley and wheat harvests.
1 John 5 concludes the apostle’s first epistle. He assures his readers that those that believe on Christ and who love the Father, who can only truly be known in and through the Son, are born of God. He reminds them again that they must also love one another. ‘By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.’ He insists that Christians can and will overcome the world by their faith and therefore they need not fear its cynicism and mocking as well as its vociferous and violent opposition. Rather they must persevere by faith, hope, and love. John highlights the key importance of the testimony of the Son of God who came by water and blood. Here the apostle is referring to the Incarnation and Passion of the Lord Jesus, who when pierced upon the cross water and blood flowed from his side. He possibly also has in mind the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and all that is signed and sealed to God’s people therein. The person and work of the Saviour is revealed and confirmed to the children of God by the Holy Spirit. ‘And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.’ John writes to provide the church with confidence and assurance. He bids them pray in the understanding that God hears and answers the prayers of his people. They must turn from sin. They need to understand that the world is enslaved to the Evil One and so take care but also proclaim Christ’s gospel as the means of its liberation. He ends, ‘And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.’
To ponder! But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” (John 19:33-37).
Bible Challenge: Day 235
Bible Reading: Ruth 3 & 2 John 1
Ruth 3 begins with Naomi’s advice to Ruth. She is to wash and anoint her body with perfume and put on her cloak and visit Boaz at the threshing floor. She is to wait until he has ate and drank and then go uncover his feet and lie beside him. Tellingly, early Christians would later be baptised, anointed, and be clothed in a new garment as they made a profession of faith in their Kinsman Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The ceremony symbolised their death and resurrection to new life in him! Ruth did as she was instructed, and at midnight Boaz, startled, found Ruth lying at his feet. ‘He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”’ Boaz agreed but recognising that there was another closer blood relation he promised to be her redeemer if the other was unwilling. Accordingly, he told her “Remain tonight, and in the morning, if he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning.” Before Ruth left, Boaz advised her to tell no one that she had visited him at the threshing floor and he provided her with six measures of barley which she carried in her cloak. Returning home, Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today.” Thereby, the story builds for its climactic conclusion.
In 2 John 1 the apostle refers to himself as the elder meaning presbyter or pastor and addresses the ‘elect lady and her children’ referring to the church, the bride of Christ, and those that comprise it. The symbolic or cryptic language suggests a time of persecution. And therefore, John may well have been writing to those in his care from exile on Patmos. It is also possible that the ‘elect lady’ is none other than Mary, the mother of our Lord, and the children are a reference to the church based upon the words of the Lord Jesus from the cross:
‘When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved [John] standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.’ Tradition affirms that Mary lived with John at Ephesus. There follows a salutation with a benediction before John expresses his joy that some of the elect lady’s children were walking in the truth. In other words, they were faithful. John urges his fellow believers to continue in love by keeping God’s commandments. Echoing his first epistle, he warns that many deceivers who denied the doctrine of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ were antichrists who threatened the integrity, felicity, and peace of the church. They must therefore remain alert and stand firm in the faith, because ‘Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God.’ They must not entertain such apostates or heretics lest they participate in their ‘wicked works’. John hopes to visit them soon ‘so that our joy may be complete.’ He concludes, ‘The children of your elect sister greet you.’
To ponder! He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! (Ps.111:9).
Bible Challenge: Day 236
Bible Reading: Ruth 4 & 3 John 1
Ruth 4 begins with Boaz at the gates of Bethlehem where the local elders conducted business. There, as intended, he encountered the kinsman-redeemer who was the first in line to fulfil his duty to Naomi’s family according to the law. The man’s initial enthusiasm at the prospect of acquiring land belonging to Naomi was dispelled when Boaz made clear that he would also be required to marry Ruth, the Moabitess. ‘Then the redeemer said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” Keeping with the custom of the times, Boaz then removed one of his sandals as a visible confirmation before the elders that he had agreed to become kinsman-redeemer to Elimelech’s family and would marry Ruth. ‘Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, 12 and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the LORD will give you by this young woman.” And so, Boaz married Ruth and their union was blessed with a son whom Naomi nursed, doted on, and took great delight in. Her bitterness was turned to sweetness! The boy was named Obed and would become the father of Jesse, and grandfather of King David whose future descendent was Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour of the world, our Kinsman-Redeemer.
In 3 John the apostle again writes as the elder but this time it is to the beloved Gaius whom John loves in truth. He assures Gaius that he prays for his good physical and spiritual health. The apostle expresses his delight to have heard of Gaius’s love and loyalty to the faith. John encourages him, who appears to be a minister of a church under John’s oversight, to support the delegation of Christians that had been sent to him as ‘fellow workers for the truth.’ John condemns Diotrephes who also appears to have exercised or usurped leadership in the church for his refusal to recognise apostolic authority, for talking ‘wicked nonsense’ against the apostolic office, and for his refusal to welcome those same Christians. The apostle therefore adds, ‘Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.’ He commends Demetrius who was well spoken of for his faithfulness. John concludes by intimating his desire to visit Gaius and have opportunity to talk face to face. And ends, ‘Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
To ponder! Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king (Matthew 1:2-6).
Bible Challenge: Day 237
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1 & Jude 1
1 Samuel 1 records the birth of Samuel. His father, Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. ‘And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.’ In keeping with the Old Testament law, Elkanah travelled to the Tabernacle at Shiloh where the sons of Eli, the High Priest, Hophni and Phineas served, to keep the appointed holy feasts. He took his wives and children with him. There he gave Hannah a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. Peninnah, possibly jealous of her husband’s love for Hannah, mocked and derided her childlessness. This pained Hannah greatly and she wept in response, despite her husband’s attempts to comfort her. ‘Deeply distressed’, she prayed and vowed to God. “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” Eli, observing her thought she was drunk but Hannah corrected and confided in him. Eli dismissed her with his blessing. ‘“Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favour in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.’ Returning to Ramah, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. And she named him Samuel for “I have asked for him from the LORD.” Hannah nursed her son until he was weaned and then took him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh where she offered sacrifice via the priesthood. Hannah presented Samuel to Eli with the words, ‘“Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.’
Tradition teaches that the author of the Epistle of Jude was the brother of James, the step-brother or cousin of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was the bishop/pastor of the church at Jerusalem. While his original intention was to write a letter affirming the doctrine of salvation, developments within the church catholic necessitated otherwise. Jude writes, ‘I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.’ Citing the Old Testament examples of the fall of angels, the folly of those who rebelled against God after the Exodus when the pre-incarnate Christ had led them out of slavery, and God’s judgement upon Sodom and Gomorrah, Jude lays stress on the seriousness, gravity, and danger of apostasy, heresy, and immorality within the church. Such people possibly influenced by an early form of Gnosticism, he implies, are both arrogant and ignorant. They disregard apostolic authority, elevate their individual notions, indulge the fallen nature, and blaspheme all that is holy. Jude does not pull his punches. He goes on, ‘These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.’ He insists the church was forewarned to be on its guard against such deceivers. They must therefore persevere in the faith and shun such people that cause division and are devoid of the Spirit. ‘But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.’ He urges his fellow Christians to ‘have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.’ He concludes his short letter by commending the recipients of his instruction to the care and keeping of God and adds, ‘the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.’
To ponder! Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him (Gen.5:24). What does it mean to walk with God?
Bible Challenge: Day 238
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 2 & Revelation 1
1 Samuel 2 begins with Hannah’s prayer at the Tabernacle. It is a paeon of praise to God and is therefore thoroughly theocentric. She exults in and exalts the LORD. Expressing her faith in God, she boldly exclaims, “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” She focusses her thoughts on God’s sovereignty, his omnipotence and omniscience, his greatness and goodness. “The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts.” She is mindful that He guides and guards the faithful. She prophetically prayed, “The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” Afterward, Elkanah and his family return home, leaving Samuel serving the LORD at Shiloh, under the supervision of Eli, the High Priest. Eli’s sons are described as ‘worthless men’. Although they served as priests at the Tabernacle, lamentably ‘they did not know God.’ They were faithless and worse they were greedy and fraudulent. They misused and abused their position and privilege to gain a greater portion of the sacrifices offered at the Tabernacle. ‘Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt.’ Samuel by contrast faithfully served the Tabernacle as a boy. Hannah made him a linen ephod which he wore. Eli gave his blessing to Elkanah and Hannah and she bore another three sons and two daughters, while Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD. Eli was made aware of the duplicitous and promiscuous behaviour of his two sons and therefore confronted and admonished them. Nevertheless, he failed to act against them. In contrast, the ‘boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and favour with the LORD and also with man.’ A prophet sent by God reminded Eli of God’s goodness to him and his house and asked why he could so nonchalantly disregard, disobey, and defame God’s commands pertaining to the sacrificial worship of the Tabernacle. Therefore, ‘the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house.’ He was told that Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day. And that God would appoint a ‘faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.’ Eli’s house will be reduced to penury, and will beg sustenance from their replacement.
Revelation 1 begins ‘The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.’ The book, sometimes called the Apocalypse, meaning unveiling, is attributed to the Apostle John who received the vision from an angelic visitor while exiled on the island of Patmos for the faith. Blessed are those who hear and keep what appears herein says its author. Its purpose is to encourage perseverance in the faith in the face of harsh trials and tribulation and unjust persecution. It is given to instil confidence in the ultimate triumph of Christ and his kingdom. The victory of God’s people is assured in Christ who will judge the world in perfect righteousness, welcome and fellowship with his people in the new heavens and new earth and will banish the wicked forever. John writes to the seven churches in Asia. He commends God’s grace and peace to his readers in the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. And adds, ‘To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.’ He reminds them of the Parousia (the Second Coming) of the Alpha and Omega, who is the first and the last, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” He explains how he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when he heard a voice and was instructed to write to the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The apostle then describes the vision that he saw. ‘Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.’ Here is the glorified Christ, the Son of Man prophesied by Daniel (7:13-14) and witnessed by Stephen at his martyrdom (Acts 7:56). The church’s Prophet, Priest, and King. He wears priestly garments and stands amid golden lampstands echoing the symbolism of the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple. ‘When I saw him,’ writes John, ‘I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.’ The Lord Christ then instructs John to record ‘the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.’ He tells him that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
To ponder! “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed (Dan.7:13-14).
Bible Challenge: Day 239
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 3 & Revelation 2
1 Samuel 3 records the call of Samuel. He was serving God and his people alongside Eli at the Tabernacle when God called him. We read that ‘the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.’ And so understandably hearing a voice calling his name, three times Samuel mistakenly assumed that it was Eli who was summoning him. He ran to Eli and said ‘here I am’ indicating his readiness to serve. Nevertheless, we are similarly informed that ‘Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.’ Not surprisingly therefore it was Eli who perceived that it was the LORD that was calling Samuel, and so he instructed his young charge how to respond if the LORD should do so again. He was to reply, “Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.” And that is what happened. And God told Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” Samuel lay until morning naturally concerned and reluctant to relay the bad news to Eli. However, the High Priest persuaded Samuel to share with him what God had revealed and resigned himself to God’s will. The chapter concludes, ‘And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.’
Revelation 2 contains God’s word to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira communicated via the Apostle John. The church at Ephesus is assured that God takes notice of their good works, diligence, perseverance, discipline, and zeal to uphold the apostolic faith, especially in their opposition to the Nicolaitans, an early gnostic sect that encouraged idolatry and sexual promiscuity. Nevertheless, they are admonished for their waning love. They must therefore repent and fan the flame back into life. They must hear what God is saying to the churches to have a future and a hope. Therefore, ‘To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ John next reveals the word of ‘the first and the last, who died and came to life’ to the church at Smyrna. God’s sees their physical and material sufferings and yet they are spiritually blessed. He is aware of the slanders made against them by Jewish unbelievers that zealously opposed the Christian faith, labelling such antagonists ‘a synagogue of Satan’. They will understandably fear the imminent persecution of those doing the will of the Evil One. For they will face tribulation, and some will be thrown into prison, and these developments will test the authenticity of their faith in Christ. They must remain steadfast, understanding that their hardships will be shortened. They must ‘be faithful unto death’ to receive the ‘crown of life.’ He ends, ‘The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ John is to write to the church in Pergamum, ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. They dwell in a city where the first temple was built to worship Caesar. And therefore, the city is referred to as the place where Satan has his throne. They are to be commended for holding fast to the name of Jesus and for their commitment to the faith despite the martyrdom of Antipas who was the bishop or pastor of the church there. He was executed by the authorities for declaring that Jesus rather than Caesar was Lord. However, they are rebuked for tolerating and failing to discipline some professing Christians that engaged in aberrant beliefs and behaviour. They must repent lest they bring judgement upon themselves. ‘To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ Finally, John is to write the church in Thyatira ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. The Lord is conscious of their good works. He knows all about their love and faith, and their service in his name and patient endurance. He delights that they are spiritually growing and bearing fruit. But the Lord admonishes them for tolerating a female prophet called Jezebel, who like Ahab’s wicked wife of the same name was leading God’s people astray into idolatry and immorality. Unrepentant, God will judge her and those that follow her teaching and example. The Lord searches the hearts and minds of his people and will reward the faithful. ‘The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star.’ Those with ears to hear must hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.
To ponder! for we aim at what is honourable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man (2Cor.8:21).
Bible Challenge: Day 240
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 4 & Revelation 3
1 Samuel 4 begins with Israel’s crushing defeat to the Philistine army near Ebenezer where they had camped. Shocked, the elders and people asked, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines?” It did not dawn on them that they were under judgement! And therefore, rather than falling to their knees before God in repentance, they decided to send for the Ark of the Covenant which was housed in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle at Shiloh. They wrongly took the symbol of God’s presence for the reality of it and treated it like a magic talisman. “Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD here from Shiloh,” they concluded, “that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” And so, the Ark of the Covenant was brought to them and was accompanied by Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas. And herein we see Providence at work, fulfilling his word! The emergence of the Ark of the Covenant gave great courage and confidence to the Israelite army which noisily celebrated its arrival. Aware of Israel’s historical deliverance from Egypt, the startled Philistines were filled with dread at the prospect of facing their enemy’s ‘god’ but were nevertheless determined to fight. They again defeated the Israelites, despite the presence of the Ark of the Covenant, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phineas were killed just as God had foretold through Samuel. When news reached the elderly, frail, and anxious Eli, that the Israelite army had been defeated again, and his son had been killed, and the Ark had been captured by the Philistines he ‘fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.’ His daughter-in-law, the pregnant wife of Phinehas, hearing the terrible and tragic news, died giving birth to a son. Before her passing she named her child ‘Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”
Revelation 3 continues Christ’s word to the churches of Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea through the Apostle John. The church at Sardis must wake from its complacency and captivity to the world. The Lord is omniscient and knows their works. And while outwardly they appear to be flourishing, they are, in fact, spiritually dead. They must, therefore, repent and return to the faith delivered to the saints. ‘Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it’. Otherwise, they will bring God’s judgement upon themselves. And yet they have a remnant who have remained faithful and worthily lived up to their Christian calling. They are given the Lord’s assurance that ‘The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.’ Let them therefore hear and heed God’s word. To the church in Philadelphia John is to write, ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.’ Again, the Lord Christ reminds the church that he takes notice of all that they do and say. He has called and commissioned them to serve God and one another in love. He recognises their limitations in the flesh but commends their faithfulness. He will bring their antagonists to bow before them in humility and repentance for ‘they will learn that I have loved you.’ The church is therefore applauded for its perseverance in the face of persecution. They will therefore be spared the worst of it. Christ is coming and they must, therefore ‘Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.’ They too must pay attention to the Spirit’s revelation. Finally, to the church in Laodicea John is to write, ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.’ They are to be rebuked for their apathy, indifference, and carelessness. They are described as ‘lukewarm’, being neither warm nor hot. They have forgotten their dependency on God’s grace. They have forsaken their call and commission. Like a tepid cup of coffee, Christ will spit them out of his mouth if they do not turn from such complacency. ‘For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.’ They have the Lord’s assurance that those he loves, he reproves and disciplines so that they may repent and rediscover their zeal. He says, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.’ They must listen and learn what the Spirit is saying to them lest Ichabod is declared among them as it was among the ancient Israelites!
To ponder! Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Heb.4:11-13).
Bible Challenge: Day 241
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 5 & Revelation 4
In 1 Samuel 5 we discover that the Philistines housed the Ark of the Covenant which they had captured next to a statute of their god, Dagon, in a Temple dedicated to him at Ashdod. The day after they did so, they found Dagon had fallen face downwards towards the Ark of God symbolising a position of homage and subservience. The Philistines re-established Dagon on his plinth but the following day they again found the statue face down before the Ark of the LORD, and this time with its head and hands removed. And ‘The hand of the LORD was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumours, both Ashdod and its territory.’ The Philistine leaders therefore deliberated and decided that the Ark should be moved to Gath but the same afflictions and tumours resulted. So, they moved it on to Ekron with the same devastating judgements. The leaders thus met in council and agreed to return the Ark of God to Israel.
In Revelation 4 John hears a voice saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” And instantly he found himself in the Spirit and was given a glimpse of the throne room of heaven with God, almighty and glorious, sitting upon his throne. Deploying figurative and symbolic language, he describes his vision of God who ‘had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.’ Surely a symbol of God’s everlasting covenant of peace with his people. Around the throne, John saw twenty-four smaller thrones with elders clothed in brilliant white, the colour of purity and victory, and with golden crowns on their heads. These represent the people of God comprising the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel of the Old Testament period and the twelve apostles representing the New Covenant era. And echoing the scene on Mount Sinai where Moses received the Law of Love, ‘from the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.’ The apostle then describes the four living creatures that represent the angelic realm that ceaselessly serve God day and night. The lion, ox, man, and eagle have also come to represent the four gospels in the Christian tradition. The creatures never stop proclaiming God’s praise. They cry, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And the church triumphant, symbolised in the twenty-four elders, similarly cast their crowns before God in worship saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
To ponder! Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21 Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22 Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:20-22).
Bible Challenge: Day 242
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 6 & Revelation 5
1 Samuel 6 records the return of the Ark of God to Israel. After seven calamitous months the Philistine leaders consulted their priests and diviners who instructed them to send the Ark of the Covenant back with a guilt offering of five golden tumours and five golden mice which corresponded to the number of Philistine lords for their healing. They advised the leaders not to harden their hearts like Pharaoh and the Egyptians did in the period of the Exodus. They were to make a cart for the Ark and their gold gifts which was to be pulled by two cows that had never been yoked before. ‘Then send it off and let it go its way 9 and watch. If it goes up on the way to its own land, to Beth-shemesh, then it is he who has done us this great harm, but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that struck us; it happened to us by coincidence.’ The leaders did as they were instructed and the Israelite harvest reapers of Beth-shemesh rejoiced when they saw the Ark which stopped in the field of a man named Joshua. They used the wood of the Ark there on a large stone to offer burnt sacrifices to God, and the Levites took charge of the Ark of God. The Philistine lords who had observed from a distance returned home. Tragically, seventy Israelites from Beth-shemesh perished after looking on the Ark of God. As an aside the script writers of the first Indiana Jones movie had this scene in mind at the climax of the film when Indiana turns to Marion and implores her, “don’t look at it (the Ark of the Covenant)… shut your eyes.” The chapter concludes, ‘Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?” 21 So they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up to you.”
Revelation 5 records John’s glorious vision of the risen, glorified, and majestic Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle observed a sealed scroll with writing on both sides and heard an angel declaring, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” Lamentably, however, no creature in heaven or earth was deemed worthy to take the scroll and break open its seals and reveal its contents relating to the mysteries of God and his plans and purpose for his people and the end times. And so, John wept until one of the elders said, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Seven being the number for completeness. Then looking up John saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. He had seven horns which symbolise his omnipotence, and seven eyes, his omniscience, ‘which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.’ He took the scroll out of God the Father’s right hand and the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders prostrated themselves in prayer, represented by the incense in the vision, and they praised the Lord. They sang a new triumphant song saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Then looking and listening intently, John noted the angelic host or heavenly choir adding, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” And building to a magnificent crescendo he heard all of creation joyously join in and declare, ‘“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshipped.’ The word worship comes from worth-ship. Christ is altogether worthy to receive our worship now and forever.
To ponder! And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Mt.17:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 243
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 7 & Revelation 6
1 Samuel 7 begins by informing the reader that the Ark of the Covenant remained at Kiriath Jearim for twenty years. It was kept at the house of Abinidab where his son Eleazar was set apart to guard it. At that time, the Israelites turned back to the LORD in faith and repentance prompting Samuel to address them. He said, ‘If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’ The children of Israel responded positively, and Samuel assembled all Israel before him at Mizpah. There Samuel interceded for the people who confessed their sins and poured out water as a symbol of ritual cleansing. However, on hearing that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the Philistine army attacked them, striking fear into the people of God who implored Samuel to pray to God for deliverance from the hands of their enemy. Samuel made sacrifice and prayed to God and the LORD answered his petitions. The LORD instantly ‘thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites.’ Samuel then set up a memorial stone between Mizpah and Shen and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’ The Philistines were so weakened that they could no longer invade Israelite territory and the towns between Ekron and Gath were restored to Israel’s possession. ‘And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.’ The chapter concludes by affirming that Samuel remained the leader and judge of Israel until his death. He annually held courts of justice in Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah. ‘But he always went back to Ramah, where his home was, and there he also held court for Israel. And he built an altar there to the LORD.’
In figurative and symbolic language Revelation 6 describes the sovereign power and triumph of the Lord Jesus Christ who comes to judge the world in perfect righteousness. The vision is given and delivered to the church via the Apostle John to provide confidence, conviction, and comfort as she faces trials and tribulations in the world. Therefore, John saw the risen and glorified Lamb (the Lord Jesus Christ) open one of the seven seals and the apostle heard a voice inviting him ‘come’ and then he saw a white horse. ‘And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.’ Some commentators believe that it is Christ himself on the white horse, a symbol of royal power, but it is more likely that it represents the antichrist, a usurper and worldly potentate who for a season gives the impression of invincibility. Here is one that is conquering lands and crushing all opposition. Keep in mind that the Revelation was written during the period of the Roman Empire with its powerful Caesars who claimed to be gods, persecuted the church, and whose empire took in vast swathes of the New Testament world. The second horse is bright red and represents military conflict and bloodshed. ‘Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.’ The third horse was black representing injustice and economic hardships. “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” Here John sees the poor suffering as they struggle to purchase necessities because of inflation while the elites selfishly indulge their preferences. The fourth horse is pale in colour representing sickness and death brought on by murder, famine, disease, and even wild beasts. These can not only be taken for the breakdown of society but also it is worth remembering that many of the early Christian martyrs were thrown to wild animals in a wicked and macabre public spectacle under Roman rule. When the Lamb opened the fifth seal John is given a glimpse of the martyrs in the intermediate stage (yet disembodied but in heaven). ‘They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” They are clothed in white, the colour of purity and glory, but they must wait patiently for the Parousia and the Final Judgement. At the opening of the sixth seal there are seismic and cosmic convulsions and a great transformation. Here is Christ coming in judgement. It is the birth pangs of the New Heavens and New Earth. And therefore the chapter concludes, ‘Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” On that day no one will dispute the sovereignty, power, and glory of God’s Christ.
To ponder! Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Psalm 2).
Bible Challenge: Day 244
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 8 & Revelation 7
When Samuel was old and frail, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. Sadly, however, they ‘did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.’ The elders of Israel gathered before Samuel at Ramah and demanded that he appoint a king over Israel. Samuel, feeling slighted, was displeased with their request but turned to God in prayer. ‘And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.’ God nevertheless told Samuel to solemnly warn the people of what to expect under monarchical rule. So, Samuel told the people that a king would conscript their sons and daughters for military, agricultural, and household service. He would also appropriate the best of their lands, vineyards, and orchards and take a tenth of their flocks. Samuel concluded, ‘And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.’ The people nevertheless remained adamant that they wanted a king. They wanted to emulate the surrounding nations that were led by powerful kings. ‘And the LORD said to Samuel, “Obey their voice and make them a king.”
If the previous chapter pointed to the coming tribulation and final judgement, Revelation 7 acts as an interlude of sorts. In his vision, John sees four angels holding back the winds of judgement. He then hears another with the seal of the living God declare, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” The number of those sealed with the Spirit of God of the children of Israel numbered 144000. This number is not to be taken literally but symbolically, comprising as it does 12000 from each tribe, and thereby depicting completeness or fulness. Then John looked again ‘and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Here is the church triumphant, not only comprising God’s ancient people, the children of Israel, but of Gentiles too, who comprise a majority of the church in the New Covenant era. They join with the four living creatures, the heavenly host, and the twenty-four elders around the throne of God saying, “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” John tells the elder that those dressed in perfect white were those who had triumphed in and through great tribulation. ‘They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’ Therefore, they now rejoice in the beatific vision and ‘shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
To ponder! I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper;
the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The LORD will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore. – Psalm 121.
Bible Challenge: Day 245
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 9 & Revelation 8
1 Samuel 9 recounts the choice of Saul as king of Israel. Saul is described as tall, strong, and handsome. His physique outshone all others in Israel. He was the son of a wealthy man named Kish and was from the tribe of Benjamin. The biblical account highlights for us the interplay between divine sovereignty or providence and human agency in the choice of Saul as monarch. Saul just happened to be searching for lost donkeys belonging to his father in the hill country of Ephraim when it was suggested to him that there was a man of God nearby that might be able to assist him. Then Saul encountered a young woman who told him where he would find the man of God, who was none other than Samuel. The LORD also had told Samuel, “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.” And so, when Samuel saw Saul, God confirmed to him that he was the one to be king. Samuel assured Saul that the donkeys had been recovered and added, “And for whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you and for all your father's house?” Saul protested that he was from smallest and most humble of the tribes of Israel, but Samuel had him feast with him and provided lodging for rest. The chapter concludes, ‘As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”’
Revelation 8 begins with the Lamb (the risen and glorified Christ) opening the seventh seal. There follows a period of silence indicating awe and suspense – a calm before the storm of judgement. Then John sees seven angels standing before God with seven trumpets. And paralleling the golden altar and censer in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple which were types or shadows of the heavenly reality, another angel stands before the altar with a golden censer. The smoke of incense represents the prayers of the saints, God’s people. ‘Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.’ Then the angels with the trumpets blew each in turn and echoing the ten plagues unleashed on Egypt in the days of the Exodus, the blast of the first trumpet unleashed hail and fire, mixed with blood. It brought devastation upon a third of the earth. The second blast signalled a volcanic eruption that turned the sea to blood, killing aquatic creatures and destroying shipping. At the third a great star fell like an asteroid from heaven and polluted the water supplies and in turn killed many people. The fourth ushered in cataclysmic and cosmic or revolutionary and radical change, affecting the sun, moon, and stars - a symbol of the great political and religious powers on earth. The chapter ends with the words of John, ‘Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!” The eagle is a herald of great tribulation.
To ponder! For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short (Matthew 24:21-22).
Bible Challenge: Day 246
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 10 & Revelation 9
1 Samuel 10 records the anointing of Saul as King of Israel. Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head and kissed him and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the LORD and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.” Samuel gave a sign to Saul to affirm his coronation. He would meet two men on his journey home who would reassure him that his father’s donkeys had been found and that his father was concerned for him. He would afterward encounter three men at the oak of Tabor who were on their way to Bethel carrying three goats, three loaves of bread, and a skin of wine. They would give him two loaves. Continuing his journey, he would meet a group of prophets at Gibeath-elohim where there was a Philistine garrison. The prophets would be carrying musical instruments and be prophesying. Then the Spirit of the LORD will enable Saul to prophesy with them. He must then go to Gilgal and await further instruction from Samuel. And these things were fulfilled as foretold by Samuel. Samuel called the people to gather before the LORD at Mizpah. God told the people that despite his saving grace and goodness to them they had rejected him and wanted a king to reign over them. So, the tribes were gathered, and the lot fell on Benjamin and then the clan of Matrites, and then on Saul the son of Kish. Saul sought to avoid detection, but he was located, and Samuel said to the people, “Do you see him whom the LORD has chosen? There is none like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!” Samuel instructed Israel in the rights and duties of kingship which was recorded in a book. While Saul received the support of those men of valour whose hearts had been touched by God, there were others that declared, ‘“How can this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no present. But he held his peace.’
Revelation 9 continues with the highly figurative and symbolic nature of John’s vision. Here the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and the apostle sees a star fall from heaven. The star is likely Lucifer or Satan, and his fall a descent to the bottomless pit, better known as hell. He holds a key to the pit in his hand from where he emerges to captivate and corrupt many souls. The smoke of the great furnace symbolises the darkness that engulfed the world because of the Fall and will be impenetrable during the great tribulation. Echoing one of the plagues of Egypt in the day of the Exodus, the locusts are to be taken for demonic or evil spirits unleashed upon the world that will torment and torture those who rejected God’s Christ. Therein they serve their king whose name is Abaddon in Hebrew, meaning Destroyer, and Apollyon in Greek. We then read, ‘The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.’ Afterward, the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and John heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar, which had its type in the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple.
The voice commanded, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”
And so, the angels were released according to God’s plan and programme to kill a third of humanity that had defiantly opposed God and His Christ, by plagues represented by fire, smoke, and sulphur. The chapter concludes noting that ‘The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.’
To ponder! Your doom has come to you, O inhabitant of the land. The time has come; the day is near, a day of tumult, and not of joyful shouting on the mountains. 8 Now I will soon pour out my wrath upon you, and spend my anger against you, and judge you according to your ways, and I will punish you for all your abominations (Ezekiel 7:7-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 247
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 11 & Revelation 10
In 1 Samuel 11 Nabesh the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-gilead and rebuffed the pleas of the Israelite inhabitants to show them mercy. He did however grant them seven days respite. When word reached Gibeah the people wept aloud for their fellow Israelites. However, when Saul heard the grave news, the Spirit of God moved him, and his anger was kindled. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them through his kingdom declaring, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!” Fearing repercussions, the people of Israel responded positively and three hundred thousand mustered at Bezek with thirty thousand men from Judah. Messengers were sent ahead to Jabesh-gilead to provide assurance that the Israelite army would rescue them the following day. And Saul ‘struck down the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.’ The people in gratitude wanted to take revenge on those that had opposed Saul’s kingship, but Saul wisely prevented further bloodshed. ‘Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.’
In Revelation 10 John saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven wrapped in a cloud signifying the divine presence. A rainbow was over his head, his face shone like the sun and his legs like pillars of fire, echoing the symbolism associated with God in the Old Testament scriptures. He had a little scroll (book) open in his hand and his feet straddled the land and the sea signifying the Lord’s authority over all the earth. And his voice was like the roar of a lion pointing the reader possibly to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is Lord of lords and King of kings. When he called out the seven thunders sounded but John was commanded not to write down what was revealed therein, reminding the reader that undisclosed mysteries or revelations remain. And the angel raised his right hand to heaven fulfilling his vow to God that His will be done. Then the voice from heaven spoke again and told John to take the scroll. And paralleling Ezekiel 3:1-3, he said, “Take and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” And John did as he was commanded and was further told “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”
To ponder! I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! 126 It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken. 127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way (Ps.119:125-128).
Bible Challenge: Day 248
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 12 & Revelation 11
1 Samuel 12 records Samuel’s farewell address to the children of Israel. He has been a faithful servant of God and has loyally served Israel. Against his better judgement, he had granted the people’s request for a king. He is now in old age. Samuel therefore asked the people to affirm that he had served them with honesty, integrity, and dignity from his youth. And they were only too willing to grant their affirmation. ‘And he said to them, “The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.” Samuel then gave thanks to God for his glorious grace and measureless mercy shown to Israel recounting key events in their recent history. Then he added, “And now behold the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; behold, the LORD has set a king over you. 14 If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well. 15 But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king.” Samuel then bid the people stand firm in the faith but reproved them for asking for a king. He then called upon the LORD to send thunder and rain, and fear fell upon Israel. They confessed their sin and begged Samuel to intercede with God on their behalf. He told them not to fear but to serve God faithfully and wholeheartedly. They must never forget or forsake the LORD. Moreover, he warns them against making an idol of material wealth. And assures them that ‘the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. He concludes, “as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
In Revelation 11 John is given a measuring rod like a staff and is told to “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, 2 but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” John’s vision mirrors that of Ezekiel 40-42. The Temple symbolises the people of God who will be preserved. The actual Temple was destroyed after a period of grave tribulation in AD 70, as Jesus had foretold. Some commentators believe that the Revelation is pointing to that destruction marking the end of the Old Covenant period with its Temple and cultic sacrifices and the beginning of the New. Others believe that John is using that event to foretell a greater tribulation and judgement yet to come. That period of three and a half years, a half of the symbolic number seven which represents fulness or completeness, suggests it is of a temporary duration. Then follows the vision of the two olive trees and two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. These two witnesses are invincible before their enemies. ‘They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.’
Once they had given their testimony, the Beast representing the powers of darkness kills them. Their enemies mock and pour scorn on the dead bodies of these two witnesses who had prophesied against the world. Tradition teaches that the two witnesses represent Elijah and Enoch who had been taken up to heaven bodily without experiencing death. After three and a half days however, God raises them again to life and summons them back to heaven in a cloud which strikes fear into their enemies. John then describes a great earthquake which killed seven thousand people and struck great fear in all others. ‘This is described as the second woe which has now passed. The third is yet to come. Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet and John heard voices in heaven declaring, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” In response, the twenty-four elders, representing the church triumphant bow down and worship God saying, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. 18 The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.” At that, John writes, ‘God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.’
To ponder! “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt (Dan.12:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 249
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 13 & Revelation 12
1 Samuel 13 records Saul’s war against the Philistines. In the second year of his reign Saul selected three thousand of Israel’s finest soldiers and divided them between Jonathan, his son, and himself. Jonathan defeated the Philistine garrison at Geba and Saul sent word throughout all Israel and the people gathered to him at Gilgal. The Philistines responded by mustering a huge army that included thirty thousand chariots and six thousand cavalry that naturally struck fear into the Israelites. Many hid or fled at the sight or news. Saul was at Gilgal and the people there followed him with great apprehension. He waited seven days for Samuel to arrive and bless the army but in his absence, he assumed the role of a priest to offer sacrifice to God. Soon afterwards, Samuel arrived and asked, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favour of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” Samuel rebuked the king for his presumptuous folly and told him frankly that he had broken God’s command and as a result had forfeited his royal dynasty. He said, “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” Saul and his army then made their way from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. They numbered around six thousand strong. While at Geba, Philistine raiding parties advanced in parts of Israel. The Philistines controlled the manufacture of swords and spears which left Saul and Jonathan ill-prepared to equip their inferior army to face the mighty Philistine fighting force.
In Revelation 12 a great sign appeared in heaven. John sees ‘a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.’ Some believe the woman is Israel or the Church in Jerusalem. Others believe she symbolises the Second Eve, the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, as prophesied. She is clothed in glorious light and has the earth under her feet, and on her head a crown with twelve stars representing the spiritual Israel of God, the church. She is pregnant with the Messiah who was born of the Virgin and came forth from Israel. John also sees another sign and ‘behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.’ Here is the Serpent, Satan, Lucifer, the Devil, who was accompanied in his fall by a third of the heavenly host who became demonic spirits. Here is figuratively represented by his seven heads, ten horns and seven diadems, his wisdom or cunning, his power, and his rule. And he waged war against the woman and the Christ as foretold in Genesis 3. But the Lord Jesus was appointed and anointed to ‘rule all the nations with a rod of iron (see Psalm 2). And so, when the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven to assume his glorious reign ‘the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.’ Whether the reference here is to the mother of our Lord, the Jerusalem Church or the Israel of God, John’s readers are being assured that the days of the woman’s sufferings and sorrows will be temporary and that God will succour and strengthen her therein. Then there is a parenthesis of sorts. And John notes a mighty spiritual and cosmic war waged in heaven with Michael and his angels defeating the dragon and his followers. The Devil and his demonic forces are cast down to the earth to deceive the whole world. And John heard a voice declaring, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12 Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” The Serpent thus pursues the woman who had given birth to the male child, but the woman is equipped and empowered to evade and resist his wrath. The dragon in his frustration and fury with the woman ‘went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.’ Here then is a call to be alert, to put on the full armour of God, and to remain faithful and fruitful in the knowledge that the church's victory is assured in and through Jesus Christ our Lord.
To ponder! Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication (Eph.6:10-18).
Bible Challenge: Day 250
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 14 & Revelation 13
In 1 Samuel 14 Jonathan, the son of Saul, without his father’s knowledge, seized the initiative to attack a Philistine garrison. He took with him 600 chosen fighting men and Ahijah, a relation of the former high priest, Eli. Jonathan said to his armour bearer, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” Gaining entry to the garrison they initially killed twenty Philistine soldiers which act provoked panic throughout their camp. On being alerted to the events unfolding, Saul mustered his army and joined in the assault as did other Israelites from the surrounding countryside. And the Philistines were defeated and banished from that locality. Fatigued from the fighting, Saul rashly and foolishly made a vow to the LORD. He declared, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” Tragically, Jonathan had not received word of his father’s vow and ate some honey. When informed of the vow, he responded, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.” Other Israelites in their haste consumed non-kosher Philistine livestock against God’s commandment. And so, Saul commanded an altar to be erected and sacrifice offered for forgiveness. When God did not answer Saul’s prayer for guidance it was discovered that Jonathan had unknowingly broken the vow that Saul had made. Jonathan confessed to eating honey, ‘And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.”’ However, the people of Israel intervened and rallied to Jonathan’s defence by ransoming him. The chapter concludes by highlighting Saul’s military conquests over the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, as well as the kings of Zobah, the Philistines and the Amalekites. There was perpetual war with the Philistines throughout Saul’s kingship and the monarch therefore cultivated those that exercised military prowess. Saul was blessed with three sons and two daughters.
Revelation 13 records John’s vision of the Beast which emerged from the sea, a symbol of chaos and corruption, or trauma and turmoil. Echoing the Old Testament vision of Daniel 7, the Beast appears to be all powerful and invincible; a mighty ruler that is a parody of God that assumes all authority to itself and demands to be worshipped as a god. The Beast is likely a figurative representation of the all-conquering Roman Empire with its mighty emperors who appropriated the blasphemous titles of Lord and God. And who persecuted and murdered Christians for refusing to offer worship to them. It in turn symbolises worldly power in its opposition to God. ‘And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.’ The Beast is, in other words, an agent of the Devil or Satan. And the people submitted to the rule of the Beast and worshipped it. Nevertheless, the Evil One and his chief representative’s rule is limited and temporary because God alone is sovereign. And so, ‘it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.’ However, its emergence acts as a call and test of faith and perseverance for God’s people. Afterwards, John sees another Beast emerging out of the earth. ‘It had two horns like a lamb’, mimicking Christ, but ‘it spoke like a dragon’ as an agent of the Adversary And it exercised the same authority as the first Beast compelling all the known world to worship ‘the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed’. This is likely a reference to Nero who went mad and slit his own throat! The second Beast similarly deceives the world which submits to its blasphemous and sacrilegious demands. It forces all to embrace its mark and seal probably referring to such things as contracts and coinage and the like, in order to buy and sell, and prosper. The chapter ends, ‘This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.’ If in the Bible the number 7 communicates completeness or fulness then the number 6 speaks of falling short, of incompleteness, of inadequacy, and of ultimate failure. Some commentators therefore see in the number 666 a numerical reference to Nero Caesar from a transliteration from the Greek to the Hebrew language.
To ponder! Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom.8:35-39).
Bible Challenge: Day 251
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 15 & Revelation 14
In 1 Samuel 15 Samuel instructs King Saul that it is God’s will that he destroy the Amalekites and their possessions for their opposition to Israel at the time of the Exodus. Saul mustered Israel and tasked the Kenites with the attack on the Amalekites. They routed their enemy, but Saul spared King Agag and appropriated the best of their livestock contrary to God’s command. Samuel wept when he received word from the LORD concerning Saul because of his disobedience and he confronted Israel’s king. ‘And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?”’ He added, “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” Saul sought to excuse his defiance for sparing Agag and for his retention of the best of the Amalekite livestock by arguing that they were to be used for sacrifice in the worship of God. Samuel however rebuked the monarch. He said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” Saul had feared the people more than God and therefore followed their voice rather than the LORD’s word. He confessed his sin and pleaded with Samuel to intercede for his pardon. In desperation he snatched at Samuel’s robe which was torn as a result but to no avail. Samuel nevertheless went with Saul and bowed down before the LORD in the sight of the people. Saul afterwards put Agag to death at Gilgal. ‘Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.’
In Revelation 14 John beholds the Lamb (Christ) standing on Mount Zion and with him the 144,000 representing his people, the church, who unlike the world that bore the mark of the Beast, were signed and sealed with the promise of the Father. He heard a mighty voice like thunder depicting the Word of God and the response of the heavenly choir accompanied by the sound of harps. And echoing Psalms 40, 96 and 98 they sang a new song before the throne of God. For God has put a new song in their mouths, a song of praise to our God (See Ps.40:3). It is the song of the redeemed who are here likened to virgins that had not defiled themselves with the Dragon and the Beast but had kept themselves pure by remaining faithful to God. These are the followers of Jesus Christ. They are described as the first fruits indicating there are more to join the blessed ranks of the church triumphant. Then the apostle saw another angel (messenger) with the eternal gospel (the good news concerning Jesus Christ and the significance of his death and resurrection for all that will believe on him) to proclaim to all every creature upon the earth. ‘And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Then John saw and heard another angel announcing the fall of Babylon, a symbol of wickedness, worldly pride, and defiant opposition to God and all that is holy and good. A third angel issued a stark warning that those that worship the Beast will face the same grave judgement. Therefore, Christians must persevere in the faith, trusting in the Lord Jesus and keeping God’s commandments. And John heard a voice saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them!” He then saw the Son of Man (the King of kings and Lord of lord, the Judge) seated on a cloud (symbolising God’s presence) with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. And he heard an angel say, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” The Day of Judgement has come when Christ will separate the wheat from the tares as foretold in Matthew 13 and judge the world with perfect justice. Using the analogy of the grapes and the winepress which recalls Isaiah 63, John hears an angel say, ‘“Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, (recalling the place of judgement for Christ was crucified outside the city. See Heb,13:12) and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.’ Indicating the fulness of the final judgement.
To ponder! Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2 Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvellous works among all the peoples!
4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the LORD made the heavens.
6 Splendour and majesty are before him;
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary (Ps.96:1-6).
Bible Challenge: Day 252
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16 & Revelation 15
1 Samuel 16 begins with God asking Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Samuel was therefore commanded to fill his horn (for anointing) and go to Jesse the Bethlehemite, the grandson of Boaz and Ruth, for the LORD had chosen one of his sons to be the future king over Israel. Samuel is instructed to take a heifer to offer a sacrifice. He was met by the elders of Bethlehem who asked his if had come in peace. ‘And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.’ Impressed by the appearance and stature of Jesse’s eldest son, Eliab, Samuel wrongly assumed that he was God choice. ‘But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”’ Then Abinadab and Shammah in turn were rejected. Jesse had his seven sons present pass before Samuel but none of them were chosen by God. Samuel enquired of Jesse if he had other sons and was told that his youngest was not present because he was shepherding the sheep. ‘And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”’ Samuel did as he was told and anointed David. ‘And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.’ We are then informed that the Spirit of God had departed from Saul and a harmful spirit tormented him. It was suggested that a musician should be sent for to calm the ailing king. On of the king’s attendants said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valour, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.” And so, David was sent for and entered royal service, becoming Saul’s armour-bearer, which was a position of trust and prestige. ‘And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.’
In Revelation 15 John saw another great and amazing sign in heaven. Seven angels that held the seven plagues ‘which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.’ And before what looked like a sea of glass mingled with fire possibly symbolising the calm before the storm or the transformation that will come after the trauma and tribulation of the final judgement. And before it stood the saints, that is, those Christians that had remained faithful and had triumphed in and through great adversity by trusting wholeheartedly in Christ rather than submitting to the Beast. And accompanied by harps they sang a paeon of praise and victory to God’s Christ, the Lamb of God, that echoed the Song of Moses found in Deuteronomy 32. They declared, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Afterwards, the apostle saw from the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were clothed in brilliant light depicting their holiness and they wore golden sashes around their chests, indicative of their high station in the service of God. They were given seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, ‘and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.’
To ponder! My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (Jn.10:27-28).
Bible Challenge: Day 253
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 17 & Revelation 16
In 1 Samuel 17 Israel under the kingship of Saul faced the Philistines in battle formation. A challenge was made to Israel to choose someone from their ranks to fight against the Philistine champion, Goliath of Gath. Goliath was a giant of a man and made a formidable figure standing before Israel in his armour and weaponry. ‘He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.”’ Understandably, the challenge struck a note of fear in Saul and his army. David’s three eldest brothers served in the Israelite army and David was instructed by his father to take provision to them. While David was with his brothers, Goliath renewed his challenge. ‘And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” David zealously asked, “who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” However, his response only angered his eldest brother who accused him of speaking out of turn. Undeterred, David’s words came to Saul who sent for him. ‘And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”’ David was compelled to assuage the king’s scepticism by assuring him that he had killed lions and bears while shepherding his family’s flock. ‘And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”’ Rejecting Saul’s armour, David armed himself with a staff and sling. He took five smooth stones from a nearby brook, and his shepherd’s pouch and went out to face the mighty Goliath. The Philistine champion scorned and mocked David, but David responded, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hand.” David slung a stone at the advancing giant which felled him after striking him on the forehead. He then decapitated the Philistine with his own sword. The army of Israel then pursued and defeated the dispirited and disconsolate Philistine army which fled in disarray. David was presented to the king who asked him to identify himself. ‘And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
In Revelation 16 John heard a voice from the Temple in heaven, presumably God’s, commanding the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” Unlike the seven trumpets which signalled temporary and partial judgement and acted as a call to repentance, these mark the beginning of the final judgement. The first angel then poured out his bowl upon the earth and harmful and painful sores covered those that bore the mark of the Beast and who worshipped its image. The second angel did likewise upon the sea, and it killed every living thing therein, turning the sea blood red as a symbol of death. The third angel poured his bowl out on the springs of water with similar results. And John heard another angel declare, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun and it scorched the people of the earth with its fierce heat. And yet rather than turning to God in repentance the people cursed him like the crucified criminal on the left hand of Jesus at his crucifixion. The fifth angel poured his bowl of God’s judgement upon the throne of the Beast and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. The people nevertheless continued railing against God even in their deep suffering and grave woes. The sixth angel drained his bowl into the Euphrates and its water dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the east, symbolising disunity, disarray, and coming destruction. Echoing the plague of frogs at the time of the Old Testament exodus, John then saw unclean spirits like frogs emerge from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These demonic and destructive spirits will muster God’s enemies to battle against his Christ on the imminent ‘great day of God the Almighty’. Because Christ is coming like a thief in the night to judge the world in justice and banish the forces of darkness for ever. And so, ‘they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon’, meaning Hill of Megiddo. Lastly, the seventh angel poured his bowl into the air and the apostle heard the voice of God saying, “It is done!” And there was thunder and lightning and the greatest earthquake ever. The great city, Babylon, a figure of fallen humanity’s defiance and rebellion against God, was split asunder and the nations fell is astonishment and fearful apprehension. ‘And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds] each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.’
To ponder! The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn.12:48).
Bible Challenge: Day 254
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18 & Revelation 17
1 Samuel 18 begins by noting the deep friendship and brotherly love that existed between Saul’s son, Jonathan, and David. King Saul out of envy banished his son from the royal house but Jonathan made a pledge with David. He gave his princely robe, armour, sword, bow, and belt to him who grew in stature and favour with the king. Saul set David over his army and so his reputation and standing grew throughout the nation. On returning home victorious from battle against the Philistines, women lined the way singing and dancing in celebration. ‘And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”’ Burning with jealousy, Saul was greatly displeased that David was given the greater praise. In a rage, he threw a spear at David while the latter played the lyre before him, but David twice evaded his attack. Saul became afraid of David because he understood that God was with him. So, he sent David away from his presence to further lead his army in war against the Philistines. David enjoyed great success therein which only increased the adulation and affection of the people for him and the accompanying fear and envy of Saul. The king promised to give his daughter, Merab, to David in marriage but sent him into battle inwardly hoping that the Philistines would kill him. David said to Saul, “Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” But Saul reneged on his promise and gave Merab to another in marriage. On hearing that his younger daughter, Michal loved David, he pledged to give her to David instead but again was inwardly seeking David’s death at the hands of Israel’s enemies. And so, he conspired to have David murdered. He demanded a hundred Philistine foreskins as a bride-price. David further triumphed and brought the king double the number as a pledge of his military prowess and loyalty to the crown. Saul gave his daughter’s hand to David in matrimony, but he continued to view him as an enemy. David nevertheless was highly esteemed throughout the nation.
In Revelation 17 one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls invited John, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” The great prostitute is Babylon the great, a symbol of defiant rebellion against God and all that is just, holy, and good. She likely represents the Roman Empire in all its authoritative overreach, power, prestige, and glory. Its Caesars claimed divinity and compelled worship from their subjects. She was the chief persecutor of the church in the Apostle John’s day. And yet John marvelled when he was shown a woman in his vision, ‘drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.’ The mystery is further revealed of the Beast emerging from the bottomless pit in preparation for his everlasting doom and destruction. The followers of the Beast marvel at its exposure and fall. And yet its followers muster to “make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” John is being assured that Christ and his church will decisively triumph over the powers of darkness. He is reminded that God is sovereign and is in control. His plans and purposes will be brought to fruition and completion. God’s will be done. He will even bring good out of evil. For “God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”
To ponder! Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Mt.6:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 255
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 19 & Revelation 18
1 Samuel 19 begins with Saul soliciting his son, Jonathan, and his courtiers to murder David, but Jonathan confided in David and cautioned him to conceal himself and be on his guard. Jonathan promised to keep David updated with Saul’s wicked intentions and continued to speak well of David to his father. He said, “Let not the king sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have brought good to you.” He reminded his father of David courageous acts against the Philistines for the salvation of Israel. And Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death.” And so, Jonathan brought David back into Saul’s presence. Envious of David’s further triumphs against the Philistines, however, Saul again attempted to murder him in a fit of rage. He then sent assassins but Michal, David’s wife, heard of the plot, deceived her father and his agents, and persuaded her husband to flee. David turned to Samuel at Ramah and confided in him. On receiving word of David’s whereabouts, Saul sent messengers, but God prevented them three times from harming his anointed. So, Saul went in person, ‘And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”’
In Revelation 18 John saw another angel come from heaven with great authority. His appearance made the earth bright with his glory, echoing Moses when he came down from the Holy Mountain or the Lord Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. And he called aloud, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” The great city had become a byword for evil – for decadence and debauchery, for immorality and iniquity, for covetousness and corruption. And John heard a voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; 5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.” This is the day of her comeuppance. This is the day of her judgement, “for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” The mighty kings who venerated and emulated her will weep and wail her fall and cry out, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” Those that had prospered and depended commercially on her status and standing will similarly weep and mourn for her ‘wealth has been laid waste.’ As will those merchants and sailors that were dependent on her trade. And yet the apostle hears the words, “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” At that a mighty angel threw a stone like a great millstone into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more.” All her rich culture and commerce will cease, “And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”
To ponder! Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? 2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word (Isa.66:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 256
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 20 & Revelation 19
In 1 Samuel 20 David asks Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” In response, Jonathan pledged his support to David and promised to divulge his father’s intentions. David sought further reassurance and hatched a plan to avoid Saul’s presence and reveal his true aims. ‘And so, Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD take vengeance on David's enemies.” 17 And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.’ When King Saul asked why David was absent from the royal court, Jonathan, as planned, explained that he had given David permission to go to his family at Bethlehem to offer sacrifices. Saul was enraged and ranted at his son. He commanded him to send for David determined to put him to death. Jonathan, nevertheless, protested but his protest was cut short after the king threw a spear at him which narrowly missed. He was deeply grieved for David. The following day Jonathan went into the field accompanied by a boy as previously arranged. He shot the arrows ahead of the young boy feigning a game but merely as a opportunity to meet with David. As soon as the boy was gone, David came out of hiding and bowed down to the ground before Jonathan. They embraced one another and wept. ‘Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.’
After the fall of the Mighty Babylon, in Revelation 19 John describes how he then heard a great multitude in heaven, representing the church triumphant, loudly proclaiming, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” They praised God for his judgement upon the wicked and their subsequent doom. And the twenty-four elders representing the whole church and the four living creatures representing the heavenly host worshipped God and declared, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God,
all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” And consequently, John heard the voice of a great multitude adding their paeons of praise, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.’ Here is the fulfilment of the eschatological promises made by Jesus in Gospel parables and in other parts of the Old and New Testaments of the final, complete, and perfect union between Christ, the Bridegroom, and the church, his bride. An angel then bids the apostle write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” He then admonished John who bowed down to worship the angel, telling him “Worship God”. Meaning, worship God only. At that, heaven was opened, and John beheld a white horse and the Lord Jesus Christ sitting upon it. He is Faithful and True. Here is the Ruler and Judge of the world. Here is the triumphant King of king and Lord of lords who judges the world in perfect justice. The passage echoes Isaiah 63 and emphasises his sovereignty, righteousness, invincibility, and the decisiveness and completeness of his victory over all God’s and his church’s enemies.
To’ ponder! Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish (Eph.5:25-27).
Bible Challenge: Day 257
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 21 & Revelation 20
In 1 Samuel 21 David finds himself alone and hungry at Nob, and asks Ahimelech, the priest, for bread and other rations. ‘And the priest answered David, “I have no common bread on hand, but there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves from women.”’ David gave assurance to the priest and Ahimelech gave him the bread of the Presence from the Tabernacle. He also gave to him the sword of Goliath, the Philistine, whom David had struck down. Doeg the Edomite, a servant of King Saul was present at the time. David therefore fled and sought refuge from Achish, the king of Gath, but his courtiers and servants were quick to point out to the king David’s martial triumphs. David fearful of repercussions, therefore, feigned insanity. ‘Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? 15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to behave as a madman in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?”’
In Revelation 20 John sees an angel who came down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent who had led the world astray beginning with Adam and Eve. He is the Devil and Satan, the power of darkness, the spirit of evil, and he threw him into the bottomless pit and bound him for a thousand years so that he could no longer deceive the nations as he had done. After that lengthy period, symbolic of the New Testament church era, he would be unleashed for a short period in order to fulfil God’s sovereign purposes. John then saw thrones and judges sitting upon them, and the martyrs that had remained faithful close by. They are the beneficiaries of the first resurrection (of the soul or spirit), who lived and reigned with Christ in glory for the duration of the thousand years. They are blessed and holy and need not fear the judgement and second death but are priests of God and of Christ and reign with him. At the end of that age Satan will be released to deceive the nations that defied God. They will muster to destroy the church of Christ but will themselves be destroyed. The Evil One will be ‘thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.’ Then John saw a great white throne with Christ sitting upon it and he judged the living and the dead. All were judged with perfect justice according to what they had done. ‘Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.’
To ponder! “As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat;
his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. 10 A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened” (Dan.7:9-10).
Bible Challenge: Day 258
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 22 & Revelation 21
1 Samuel 22 informs the reader that after David fled from Gath, he found refuge in a cave at Adullam. When his father and brothers heard of his whereabouts, they joined him. As did others that were distressed and disaffected by their present circumstances, so that he gathered to himself a small army of around four hundred men. David received permission from the king of Moab to leave his parents in the relative safety of that country and made for Judah as instructed by the prophet, Gad. And settled in the forest of Hereth. Saul, hearing of David and his small armed band of loyal men complained bitterly to the people of Benjamin of the lack of devotion and duty shown to him in comparison with David. And he lamented his son’s disloyalty. At that point Doeg the Edomite informed the king how David had been favourably treated by the priests at Nob. Saul sent for Ahimelech and his fellow priests and ordered his guard to “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” The guard however refused, so the king ordered Doeg to carry out his command. ‘And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. 19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword.’ Abiathar, one of Ahimelech’s sons escaped and made his way to David where he found refuge.
In Revelation 21 John saw a new heaven and a new earth ‘for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.’ And he saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, which is the church, the bride of Christ, ‘prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.’ At that the apostle also heard a loud voice declaring, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Just as perfect loving communion with God in Paradise and all that was symbolised therein was lost through the Fall, here it is restored by God’s amazing grace who makes everything new. John is then told by the Lord, who is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, to write these words down as trustworthy and true. “To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” However, those that wilfully disobey and defy God’s overtures of grace will suffer the second death. Then the seven angels appeared to John and invited him, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And John sees her beautifully and perfectly adorned and prepared for her wedding day. Here in figurative language the church is described as beautified, triumphant and glorified – ready for her wedding day and the eternal state. She is now complete and altogether ready to meet the Bridegroom and Victorious King of kings. John again looked and ‘saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb’, whose presence had been symbolised in the earthly type of City and Temple. ‘And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.’ And its citizens were recipients of grace as followers of Jesus. Their names ‘are written in the Lamb's book of life.’
To ponder! Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation 14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever (Ps.48:12-14).
Bible Challenge: Day 259
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 23 & Revelation 22
In 1 Samuel 23 David and his small army save the city of Keilah. David responded to their desperate pleas for help by seeking God’s counsel and reassuring his men of success, who had been naturally afraid of facing a better equipped and a numerically stronger Philistine force. Nevertheless, ‘David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.’ When Saul heard that David was resting at Keilah he mustered his army to attack the town. David, holding the ephod Abiathar had brought with him from Nob, again turned to the LORD in prayer and after God confirmed his intuitive thought that the citizens of Keilah would likely surrender him to Saul rather than face the destruction of their city, he retreated to the hill country and wilderness of Ziph, where by God’s grace he evaded Saul’s detection. Jonathan joined David at Horesh and told him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” And they made a covenant before God. The Ziphites however, betrayed David’s whereabouts to Saul and promised to deliver him to the king. But Saul was compelled to drop his pursuit of David after he received word of a Philistine attack on the nation. ‘So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of Engedi.’
Echoing the symbolism of the original Eden, Revelation 22 begins with an angel showing John the river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne and from the Lamb (Christ). And on its side the tree of life with its abundant fruit for all the saints (the church triumphant). Its leaves are for the healing and wholeness of the nations in the new and everlasting creation. God will dwell with his people and there will be no more sin. The Lord God will be his people’s light, ‘and they will reign forever and ever.’ The angel then told John that these words are trustworthy and true and blessed are those that remain faithful to God’s word. The angel bid the apostle worship God and make known to everyone his revelation. Blessed indeed are those that repent and believe. They shall have ‘the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.’ Then John heard the Lord Jesus say, ‘“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.’ A warning is then issued not to add or take away from God’s word. The book concludes, and with it the New Testament scriptures, with the words, ‘He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.’
To ponder! For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain. 23 From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the LORD (Isa.66:22-23).
Bible Challenge: Day 260
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 24 & Psalm 1
In 1 Samuel 24 Saul returns from defending Israel against a Philistine invasion to pursue David. While relieving himself at the entrance to a cave at Engedi, Saul unwittingly presented himself to David and his men who were hiding in the recesses of the cave. David’s men urged him to kill Saul saying, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” David however, refused to kill an anointed king of Israel, and instead crept close enough to cut off a corner of his robe. Afterward, David confronted Saul outside the cave saying, “my lord the king!” He assured the king that he meant him no harm and showing him the corner of the robe that he have cut off moments earlier, he explained how he had spared his life and had no intention of harming him. Saul wept in response. ‘He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands…. So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.”’ Saul further acknowledged that David would surely be king, and that Israel would prosper under his rule. David swore to Saul that he would not extinguish Saul’s or his offspring’s heritage and inheritance.
Now that we have made our way through the New Testament scriptures, we will continue exclusively in the Old Testament. We will continue to work our way through it sequentially for the first reading but take the second from the Book of Psalms. The Psalter is the praise and prayer book of the Bible, and you may wish to use a metrical version to sing from the hymnbook that the Lord Jesus was so familiar with and the one that our forebears used almost exclusively in worship.
Psalm 1 in many respects acts as an introduction to the Psalter. The early church, medieval, and reformed fathers helpfully and rightly interpreted it from a Christological perspective. Here the Lord Jesus teaches his people not only how to pray but how to behave based on what they believe. He is the ‘Blessed Man’ prophesied in this psalm who walked not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of scoffers. He was without sin. However, he calls us to follow him. Christians are beloved children of God and are called to imitate and emulate Jesus’ example. We are here taught to avoid the downward spiral into habitual sin. Like Jesus who came to do the will of his Father in heaven, and who personally, perpetually, and perfectly kept and fulfilled God’s law of love, as the second Adam, so his people are similarly called to delight in God’s word. We are to regularly read it prayerfully, and ponder what God is teaching us thereby. We are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love our neighbour. The Blessed Man is here likened to ‘a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.’ Christ is the Vine; we are the branches called to be faithful and fruitful in union with him. In the Lord Jesus we have not only abundant spiritual life, but we also have the guarantee of everlasting life. By contrast, the wicked are likened to chaff that the wind drives away. Here we are taught that the unrepentant and unfaithful wicked will not escape the judgement and will not enter the assembly of the saints. For the LORD who is omniscient, ‘knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.’
To ponder! “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jer.17:7-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 261
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 25 & Psalm 2
1 Samuel 25 begins with the death of Samuel. His body was buried at Ramah and the people of Israel mourned his passing. Afterward, David went into the wilderness of Paran. There he encountered a prosperous farmer of livestock named Nabal and his wife, Abigail. Nabal mistreated his wife. David sent trusted men to Nabal to ask for provision in return for the protection they had given, but he refused to pay. After discovering the slight, Abigal ‘made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys’ for David and his men. On seeing David, Abigail presented the gifts, and fearing reprisals pleaded for mercy for her foolish and worthless husband. David received her gifts and replied, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have obeyed your voice, and I have granted your petition.” The following day, Abigail informed her husband who was nursing a hangover, ‘and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 38 And about ten days later the LORD struck Nabal, and he died.’ On hearing news of Nabal’s death, David praised the LORD whose judgement and hand he saw in the events. And David took Abigail for his wife. ‘David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and both of them became his wives. 44 Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was of Gallim.’
Like Psalm 1, Psalm 2 is Christological. It prophetically anticipates and points to God’s Christ, his appointed and anointed Prophet, Priest, and King. It also laments humanity’s folly in its defiance, disobedience, and rebellion against the LORD and his Anointed. The psalmist rhetorically asks, ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”’ The Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth laughs at such ludicrous arrogance, ingratitude, and presumption and holds such rebels in contempt. He will judge them through his only begotten Son, whom he has appointed King on Zion, his holy hill. The nations and the ends of the earth are Christ’s heritage. Anticipating Isaiah 63, certain statements of the Lord Jesus in the Gospels, and the Book of Revelation, he will triumph over God’s enemies and judge the world in perfect justice. ‘10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.’ As the Apostle Peter would later boldly declare before Christ’s enemies in Jerusalem, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
To ponder! The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned (Ps.34:22).
King Canute, who reigned from 1006 until 1035, is best known to posterity for the legendary account of his ordering the tide to obey him. Although this is often cited as evidence of the foolishness of egocentric rulers who “try to stop the tide”, the true source of the account, which dates from the twelfth century, demonstrates Canute’s piety and humility, not his folly and pride. According to the twelfth century account by Henry of Huntingdon, Canute ordered his throne to be placed on the beach, and then, sitting on it, he ordered the incoming tide to stop. When the tide lapped against his feet, in defiance of the royal command, he used the incident to teach a priceless lesson to his flattering courtiers. “Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings,” he declaimed, “for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws.” He then hung his crown on a crucifix and, according to the account, never wore it again “to the honour of God the almighty King”. (J. Pearce).
Bible Challenge: Day 262
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 26 & Psalm 3
In 1 Samuel 26 the Ziphites reported David’s whereabouts to King Saul who again pursued David with a view to taking his life. When David spotted Saul, he sent out spies to ascertain his intention. Then David and Abishai waited until nightfall and crept into Saul’s camp and into the tent where Saul slept with his spear close by. ‘Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.” 9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD's anointed and be guiltless?” David nevertheless added, “As the LORD lives, the LORD will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish.” And so David took Saul’s spear and a jar of water and retreated from the camp. David then called to Abner, the commander of Saul’s army and taunted him over the whereabouts of the king’s spear and water jar, and hence of his failure to protect the monarch. Saul recognised David’s voice. And David asked whether it was Saul or his advisors that sought his life, compelling the king to respond, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.” David returned Saul’s possessions and said, ‘“Blessed be you, my son David! You will do many things and will succeed in them.” And so they went their separate ways.’
Psalm 3 like Psalms 1 and 2 could be read prophetically as pointing to Christ and the opposition he faced during his earthly ministry, particularly his passion. It is, however, in the first instance, David’s lament and yet confidence in God in response to his son, Absalom’s rebellion. Traditionally, it was prayed or sang by the religious at vigils in the early and medieval church, which continues in the Catholic and Orthodox Communions. It helpfully articulates the spiritual battle that each Christian is called to fight. If Psalm 1 highlights the moral struggle each believer faces in this fallen world, Psalm 2 communicates the theological ones born also of the fallen nature that resists and rebels against God and godliness. ‘O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; 2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah’ [meaning, pause, reflect, ponder!]. It is on this basis that the Apostle Paul bids God’s people to put on the full armour of God to fight the good fight of faith. The Christian’s confidence is not in him or herself but like David or David’s Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, it is in God our Helper, Healer, and Hope; our Rock and Refuge; our Protector and Provider. And so, the psalmist writes, ‘3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.’ The psalmist here teaches us to pray and rely on the God of grace. He writes, ‘4 I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah.’ David slept soundly in the knowledge that God kept guard of his life and was in control. ‘5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.’ He therefore cries with confidence, ‘7 Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.’ And the key to David’s confidence which must be the cause of ours is ‘8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!’ Now, that’s worth pondering, always!
To ponder! I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Ps.121:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 263
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 27 & Psalm 4
In 1 Samuel 27, David fearing further attempts upon his life by the duplicitous and envious King Saul decided to seek refuge in the land of the Philistines. Accompanied by six hundred followers David was granted permission from Achish, the king of Gath, to settle in his domain with his household and followers. When news reached Saul that David was residing in Gath, he abandoned his vendetta against him. David later gained the city of Ziklag as a royal gift from Achish to make his own. And David lived among the Philistines for a year and four months. From there he made murderous raids on and greatly enriched himself at the expense of the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. However, he deceived Achish into thinking that his raids and plunder were directed against the Israelites. ‘And Achish trusted David, thinking, “He has made himself an utter stench to his people Israel; therefore he shall always be my servant.”
Psalm 4 continues the theme of spiritual warfare set amid the battlefield of morality and theology in our fallen world. The psalmist cries, 2 ‘O men, how long shall my honour be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah’ The psalmist is the righteous man who is in a right relationship to the true and living God and who recognises his utter reliance upon grace. ‘Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!’ He understands the purpose of God’s election is to holiness of life and love. It is a call to glorify God and enjoy him forever. It is a call to separation from the world and sanctification in Christ by the Spirit. The Lord Jesus says, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” And so, the psalmist writes, 3 ‘But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.’ This Psalm understandably continues to be prayed or sung at compline among those that follow a monastic rule, as well as by many other Christians before they retire for the night. It is a reminder that the believer is not immune to the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the Evil One and is always therefore humbly dependent upon God. The psalmist writes, 4 ‘Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah’ Rather than entertain the poisonous fruits of the flesh, Christians must 5 ‘Offer right sacrifices, and put [their] trust in the LORD.’ The Apostle Paul was likely thinking of Psalm 4:4 when he wrote, ‘Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil’ (Eph.4:26-27). While the psalmist, like the Christian, encountered his fair share of doubters and scoffers who exclaimed, “Who will show us some good?” he put his trust in God rather than man. He prays and so must we, ‘Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” God is our Light in the dark. Christ is the Light of the world who has overcome the darkness. Those that follow the psalmist’s example can therefore say along with him, 7 ‘You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.’
To ponder! Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places (Hab.3:17-19).
Bible Challenge: Day 264
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 28 & Psalm 5
In 1 Samuel 28 after mobilising his armed forces for an invasion of Israel, King Achish chose David and his men to be his personal bodyguard for life. Samuel was dead. Saul had banished the mediums and necromancers from Israel. When Saul saw the Philistine army he was greatly afraid. ‘And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets.’ So, Saul in desperation consulted a medium at En-dor. He disguised himself and taking along two servants he went to the female medium at night. Persuading her to consult the spirit of Samuel, the woman said, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul.” The king told her not to be afraid and she said, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.” She described an old man wrapped in a robe and Saul knew it was Samuel and ‘he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.’ The spirit of Samuel admonished Saul and reaffirmed God’s gift of the kingdom of Israel to David. He further revealed that the Israelite army would be defeated by the Philistines and that Saul and his sons would be dead by the following day. Saul was understandably devastated by the revelation but after some coaxing by the woman, he was persuaded to receive some sustenance before departing her home.
Psalm 5 provides an important reminder to the Christian to begin the day with prayer and the sacrifice of praise. Morning prayer should be an integral part of the rhythm of daily life. And the Book of Psalms is an invaluable aid therein. The psalmist speaks for the children of God who recognising their constant reliance on grace start the day supplicating God. ‘Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. 2 Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. 3 O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.’ The psalmist’s words teach us the need for discipline and discernment in the Christian life. The context is the moral and spiritual struggle incumbent on all due to the fallen nature and life in our fallen world. The psalmist is asking God to protect him and to provide for his needs so that he might walk before God in the beauty of holiness. God is here reminding us in the words of the Psalm that he is perfectly holy and that he loves justice but hates evil. ‘4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.’ In the Final Judgement, the Lord Jesus will say to such, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matt. 7:23; cf. 25:41). God has revealed his moral order. It was written on man’s heart at the beginning and was given via Moses on Tablets of Stone in the form of the Ten Commandments which teach us how to love God and one another. And God has graciously provided his people with a new heart and a right Spirit as promised in the New Covenant to keep his law of love. The psalmist, therefore, represents the faithful who through the abundance of God’s steadfast love, worship him in reverence and humility. The righteous walk by faith the narrow way with Christ as their guide. This is God’s path of peace and pleasantness. In verses 8-10, the psalmist is not soliciting God for vengeance against the wicked but rather is asking God to vindicate his own moral and spiritual order. For those that would posit a false dichotomy between the Old and New Testaments, and some that would foolishly go as far as to suggest two separate Gods, these verses should be read alongside chapters 1 – 3 of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. The psalmist concludes, ‘But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.’ The LORD God blesses the righteous and covers his people with favour as with a shield. Praise his high and holy name, always.
To ponder! Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work (Ps.95:6-9).
Bible Challenge: Day 265
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 29 & Psalm 6
In 1 Samuel 29 as the Philistine and Israelite armies faced one another in their formations, the Philistine commanders complained to King Achish when they saw David and his men at the rear with the king. Aware of David’s military victories over the Philistines in the past they were distrustful of his loyalty, fearing he would turn on them in the heat of battle, ‘Is not this David,’ they said, ‘of whom they sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?”’ Therefore, despite David’s protestations and Achish’s profession of trust in him, the king sent him home to appease his lords. He told David, ‘“Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” 11 So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel.’ And we can detect the hand of Providence about to fulfil his word concerning Saul and his sons!
Psalm 6 is the first of the seven penitential psalms. Here David laments his sin and pleads for God’s mercy and forgiveness. It is a powerful reminder to the Christian of the ongoing struggle against the fallen nature, referred to as the ‘flesh’ in the New Testament scriptures, and of the regular need for repentance. The psalmist cries to God, ‘O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.’ Rather, he intreats God’s grace and love for salvific and healing power. ‘2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.3 My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD—how long? 4 Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.’ David’s sin weighs heavily with him. And there can be no relief until it is confessed to God and pardoned by him. Fearful of his enemies while estranged from God on account of sin, and sorrowful for having offended God by transgressing his law of love, David is truly penitent. He genuinely wants to make amends and be transformed for his good and for God’s glory. ‘5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise? 6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.’ By faith and repentance, the psalmist can therefore declare, ‘8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.’ Conviction of sin, followed by confession of sin in the name of Jesus Christ is the way to the cleansing of sin and of renewed confidence in God.
To ponder! Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found… (Ps.32:1-6a).
Bible Challenge: Day 266
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 30 & Psalm 7
In 1 Samuel 30 David returns home to Ziklag to discover that in his absence the Amalekites had raided the city, burned it to the ground and enslaved its inhabitants, including his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail. Deeply distressed, he brushed aside the demands of some that blamed David for the calamity that had befallen Ziklag and therefore wanted him stoned to death. He strengthened himself in the LORD. After seeking guidance from God, he set out with four hundred men in pursuit of the Amalekites. In the open countryside, David and his men encountered an Egyptian servant of the Amalekites, who provided them with food and drink to sustain and strengthen them, and he divulged the whereabouts of the Amalekites in return for an assurance that his life would be spared. David found his enemies jubilantly celebrating their spoils with drink and dancing. ‘And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day, and not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men, who mounted camels and fled. 18 David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives.’ He also exercised wisdom in ensuring that those that had been too exhausted to fight and who had therefore been tasked with guarding the baggage also received a share of the spoils of war. When David arrived home he generously shared his plunder with his friends and with select elders of Judah.
Psalm 7 is described as a Song of David which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. David was a victim of false accusations and unjust persecution. He experienced betrayals and abandonment. And yet his faith in God remained firm and foundational. This Psalm however is fundamentally Christological in its orientation. Therefore, tradition has rightly interpreted it as expressing the mind of Christ in his Passion of Holy Week, as he faced the false accusations and charges of his prejudiced and wicked enemies. He is the perfectly Righteous Man who trusted wholeheartedly in God his Father, whose will he came to fulfil faithfully and fruitfully. As the apostle Peter declared, ‘He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth’ (1Pt.2:22). He saw his crown beyond his cross. This Psalm is therefore an ideal accompaniment to meditations (reflections) on our Lord’s Passion. It nevertheless provides applicable and helpful material to Christians who are called to follow Jesus and fight the good fight of faith. Sometimes in the face of vociferous and even violent opposition.
The Psalmist trusts in God and so must we. ‘O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, 2 lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.’ God is David’s Rock and Refuge. He is our Saviour and Strength. ‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God’ (Ps.20:7). The psalmist pleads his innocence to the accusations made against him and relies on the good and perfect judgement of God. ‘3 O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, 4 if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause, 5 let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah.’ Using the language of accommodation, the psalmist calls upon God to judge his enemies. ‘6 Arise, O LORD, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment. 7 Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high.’ David asks the omniscient (all-knowing, all-seeing, and all-wise) God to test the minds and hearts of his accusers, and judge in perfect integrity and justice. He is after all the ‘righteous God’. Based on knowledge and experience, David expresses his confidence in God. ‘10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.’ While gracious and merciful, he is a righteous judge. ‘12 If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword (of symbol of judgement); he has bent and readied his bow; 13 he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.’ David then conveys the folly and ultimate futility of the wicked and their evil schemes. ‘14 Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. 15 He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. 16 His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends.’ He concludes that on the contrary, ‘17 I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.’
To ponder! And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments (Lk.23:34).
Bible Challenge: Day 267
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 31 & Psalm 8
In 1 Samuel 31 the Philistines defeated Israel on Mount Gilboa. They struck down Saul’s sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua. Saul escaped but was badly wounded by the Philistine archers. He therefore commanded his armour-bearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me.” Fearing reprisals, his armour-bearer refused to comply, and so Saul fell upon his own sword and died. Saul and his three sons were killed on the same day as foretold by God and communicated through Samuel. When news reached the Israelites that had settled on the far side of the Jordan River of the dynasty’s fall and Israel’s military defeat, they abandoned their homes to the Philistines and fled. The Philistines, moreover, located and identified the bodies of Saul and his sons. They decapitated Saul’s corpse and had his armour placed on display before their idols in the Temple of Ashtaroth. They hanged his dead body, along with those of his sons, to the wall of Bethshan. Courageous inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead nevertheless retrieved Saul’s body and the bodies of his sons under cover of darkness and cremated them at Jabesh. They then buried their bones under a tamarisk tree and mourned and fasted for seven days.
In Psalm 8 the psalmist expresses adoration, awe, and amazement at the glory, greatness, and goodness of God. While these are intimated or revealed in all the things that God has made, they are infinitely greater. For they transcend the heavens and are truly immeasurable, like God is. ‘O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.’ God’s power, strength, and sustaining grace are also manifest through such weak and defenceless creatures as babies and infants. ‘2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.’ The psalmist meditates and marvels on the beauty and magnitude of the cosmos created and maintained by God. And asks ‘4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? God alone made man (male and female) in his image and likeness and appointed him steward of his creation. God made man for a relationship with God and one another that is rooted and built up in love. And so, the Psalmist declares, ‘Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.’ The psalmist rightly concludes as he began with paeons of praise to God. ‘9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!’ Psalm 8 like Psalm 2 also has a distinctive and definite Christological focus, as affirmed in Hebrews 2. It anticipates the Incarnation, the birth of Immanuel, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. Here is the ‘Son of Man’ whose birth confounded and struck fear into God’s enemies. Here is the second or new Adam on whom the old or first Adam was modelled. He was made a little lower than the angels and crowned with honour and glory through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. He is the God-man whose crown followed his cross. He is the Saviour of the world, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Meditate and marvel indeed. And let us proclaim along with the psalmist, how majestic in his name (Jesus) in all the earth.
To ponder! And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever” (Lk.1:46-55).
Bible Challenge: Day 268
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1 & Psalm 9
In 2 Samuel 1 David is informed of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan from an Amalekite that claimed to be not only an eyewitness to the events. He told David that Saul, injured and fearing capture by the Philistine who were closing in on him, had asked the young man to run him through with his sword. He said, “So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” David and the Israelites wept and mourned Saul’s passing. And he ordered the young man to be executed who had claimed to have killed King Saul, saying, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD's anointed.’” Afterward, David composed a lament which was written down and taught to the people of Israel as a fitting memorial to Saul and Jonathan. It fittingly begins, “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20 Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.” It concludes, 24 “You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you luxuriously in scarlet, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. 25 “How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! “Jonathan lies slain on your high places. 26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. 27 “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”
The first two verses in Psalm 9 encapsulate the essence of not only this Psalm but the Book of Psalms. Whether we read the Psalms reflectively, pray them, or sing them in praise to God, we are to engage ourselves wholeheartedly. That is with undivided devotion and with the centrality and totality of our beings, comprising the affections, emotions, intellect, and will. God has given us a new heart and a right spirit in the New Covenant for this purpose. And so the psalmist begins, ‘I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.’ The psalmist here reminds us that gratitude is the correct response to God’s grace. He recounts God’s wonderful deeds in Creation, Redemption, and Providence. He reflects on God’s covenant faithfulness and steadfast love and anticipates the Incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, reign, judgement, and the new heavens and new earth by reference to the ‘name’. For as the Apostle Peter assures us there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved but that of Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 4:12). The Apostle Paul further affirms that his name is above every other name and one day every knee shall bow before him (Phil.2:9). David therefore rightly expresses his adoration and adulation towards God who alone is worthy of worship. The psalmist goes on to ponder the judgements and perfect justice of God in verses 3-6. He notes that ‘the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness’ (7-8). He reflects on God’s help to the oppressed and all who seek him in faith, and humbly adds, ‘13 Be gracious to me, O LORD! See my affliction from those who hate me, O you who lift me up from the gates of death,
14 that I may recount all your praises, that in the gates of the daughter of Zion I may rejoice in your salvation.’ David’s hope rests in God’s paths, purposes and promises. He ends, ‘19 Arise, O LORD! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! 20 Put them in fear, O LORD! Let the nations know that they are but men! Selah’
To ponder! The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil (Eccl.12:13-14).
Bible Challenge: Day 269
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 2 & Psalm 10
In 2 Samuel 2 after seeking God’s guidance, David, along with his wives, household, and followers moved to Hebron. There he was anointed king over Judah. He then sent word to the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead along with a commendation and blessing for the love and loyalty they had shown to Saul. However, Abner, the former commander of Saul’s army made Ish-bosheth, a surviving son of Saul, king over Israel. He was to reign for two years, while David reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven and a half years. Tension developed between the two kingdoms leading to conflict between the followers of the respective kings. Some of David’s men military defeated several of Ish-bosheth’s under Abner at Gibeon. Abner sought to evade and even tried to reason and warn Joab’s brother Asahel before killing him with his spear. Joab and Abishai similarly pursued Abner but were persuaded to retreat after Abner reached reinforcements from the tribe of Benjamin and pleaded with Joab to go in peace. The conflict there ended with David’s army recording twenty loses, while their opponents lost three hundred and sixty. Joab had his brother Asahel buried in the family tomb at Bethlehem on route back to Hebron.
In Psalm 10 the psalmist expresses his confusion that God appears to be distant and disengaged in times of trials and troubles. ‘Why, O LORD,” he asks, “do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? He similarly conveys his consternation at the apparent promotion and prosperity of the proud and predatory in verses 2-11 who defy and deny God and devise evil schemes that are destructive and damaging of the common good. Such people are immoral and appear to act with impunity, exploiting the helpless, the poor, and the vulnerable. They unleash mayhem and misery on the lives of others without care or concern. And so, the psalmist calls on God,12 “Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.” He asks, 13 “Why does the wicked renounce God and say in his heart, “You will not call to account”?” He takes comfort, however, in knowing that God is not only omnipotent and omnipresent but that he is also omniscient, and therefore adds, 14 “But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.” Like the Apostle Paul, David understood that all things are working for the ultimate good of those that love God. That God will judge the wicked and richly reward the faithful. The psalmist desiring justice nevertheless supplicates God to 15 “Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.” He places his confidence firmly in God, saying, 16 “The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. 17 O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.” While there is much evil in our fallen world. God calls his people to live a more excellent way – the way of love. God is on his throne. Our hope is him who will one day not only judge the world in perfect righteousness but will usher in a new heavens and new earth where justice will dwell forever.
To ponder! The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2Pt.3:9).
Bible Challenge: Day 270
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 3 & Psalm 11
2 Samuel 3 begins by noting how in the prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David the latter grew stronger and the former weaker. David moreover consolidated his dynasty through the birth of six sons while at Hebron. Abner’s influence nevertheless grew in Israel during the reign of Ish-bosheth but his loyalty was transferred to David after he was slighted by his king over a woman who had been one of Saul’s concubines. Abner made a binding agreement with David, who also insisted that Ish-bosheth send him Michal who had been formerly promised in marriage. The events demonstrate all too clearly the tide of the war and therefore David’s growing power and confidence. Abner used his influence moreover to persuade the elders of Israel, including Benjamin to support David’s kingship as appointed by God. Abner was received by David at Hebron with feasting, and there he pledged to gather all Israel to David’s side. In his absence however Joab arrived back from a military expedition and expressed distrust of Abner who had killed his brother. And so, without consultation with David, Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Abner and killed him to avenge the death of their sibling. When word reached David he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father's house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” Then David ordered Joab and all the people to mourn the death of Abner. And the king followed Abner’s funeral bier to the place of burial at Hebron. He lamented, “Should Abner die as a fool dies? 34 Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” Addressing his subjects, David added, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39 And I was gentle today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The LORD repay the evildoer according to his wickedness!”
The key to understanding Psalm 11 is found in verse 4 where David writes, ‘The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.’ Amid both the interior and exterior trials, troubles, turmoil, traumas, and tribulations faced by the psalmist his faith and hope are anchored to the LORD his God. And what was true of David must be true of every Christian. God is in his Temple. He is Immanuel. He is not only with us, but he is also for us. He is on his throne. He is sovereign. He knows the end from the beginning for he planned and purposed it. Great is his faithfulness. For nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore, God is the psalmist’s Rock and Refuge. David declares, ‘In the LORD I take refuge’. Like a bird he flees to God’s holy mount. God is the foundation for his life. The righteous have no hope apart from God. And who are the righteous but those that trust and obey the Lord. They are in a right standing before God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. They have a righteousness that was not only imputed (the righteousness of Christ) but they also enjoy a righteousness imparted by grace, for without holiness no one shall see the Lord. And as Psalm 118:8, which lies at the heart of the Bible affirms, ‘It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.’ God may test his people, but he will never forsake them. By contrast, he will judge and condemn the unrepentant wicked as he did the evil inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah as recorded in Genesis 19, as referred to by the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 2:6-10), by Jude (7), and by the Lord Jesus in Luke 17:28-30. David tells us that God’s ‘soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.’ He therefore rightly concludes, ‘For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.’
To ponder! I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Ps.121:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 271
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 4 & Psalm 12
In 2 Samuel 4 King Ish-bosheth and the people of Israel were dismayed and demoralised at the news of Abner’s death. We are introduced to Baanah and Rechab from Beeruth in the territory of Benjamin who were captains in Israel’s army. And a son of Jonathan’s, named Mephibosheth, who was crippled in an accident at the time of his father’s death when he was only five years old. Disturbed at the tide of the war against Judah, Baanah and Rechab on gaining access to Ish-bosheth killed and decapitated him. They fled to King David at Hebron taking Ishbosheth’s severed head with them. ‘And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The LORD has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring.”’ David, however, horrified at their regicide, ordered them to be put to death for their crime. Their hands and feet were removed from their corpses which were hanged beside the pool at Hebron as a deterrent to would be assassins. And David had King Ish-bosheth’s head buried in the tomb of Abner.
In Psalm 12 the psalmist calls upon God to save and preserve him from a society and generation that had turned its back on God. ‘Save, O LORD, for the godly one is gone”, he writes, “for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.” He laments the misuse and abuse of language and complains to God concerning the endemic deceit, deception, and flattery of an arrogant and ignorant people. ‘2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. 3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, 4 those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?” David condemns that generation for their covetousness and callousness. The poor were plundered and the needy groaned. Furthermore, “8 On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.” As God was forgotten, so was morality, decency, and integrity! Sound familiar? The psalmist therefore compares the impure and debauched language of his contemporaries with the words of the LORD which ‘are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.’ He solicits God therefore to guard and guide the godly from the corruptible and contemptable influence of that fallen generation. The lesson is clear. The church must follow the Word rather than the world.
To ponder! For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints (Pro.2:6-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 272
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 5 & Psalm 13
In 2 Samuel 5 all the leaders of Israel came before David at Hebron where he was anointed their king. He thereby united the kingdom once again under his rule. He was thirty years of age when he began his reign as king over Judah from Hebron and he was to rule for another thirty-three years over the reunited kingdom from Jerusalem. He and his men captured the city of Jerusalem and dispossessed the Jebusites, making it his capital. ‘And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.’ He purchased cedar trees and master builders from the King of Tyre to build himself a suitable residence in his chief city. And took more wives and concubines and bore more sons to consolidate his dynasty. ‘And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.’ In response to a Philistine invasion, he consulted God and assured of victory he met their army and defeated them at Baal-perazim. Afterward, when another Philistine army attacked his kingdom, the LORD advised different tactics which David obediently deployed with the same decisive victorious result. David was told,
“And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” ‘David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.’
Psalm 13 was and is often prayed or sang at compline in parts of the church catholic. It looks to the light to overcome the darkness symbolised by the nightfall. Traditionally, it was rightly given a Christological emphasis as pointing to the Lord Jesus’ passion. Hence, on the night of his betrayal, he purposefully left the upper room and went into the darkness to be confronted by his enemies and suffer and die for the sins of the world. He willingly took the cup the Father gave to him that we might receive the cup of salvation. And he did so, anticipating his resurrection beyond the grave. He knew his crown lay beyond his cross. And therefore, he could truly say, ‘But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.’ The Psalmist going through a time of outward trials and troubles and inner trauma and turmoil and therefore feeling that God was absent or distant from his life cried to God, ‘How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?’ Again, he anticipated Jesus when he prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane in that dark night of his soul. And when he later cried from the cross, ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Just as David faced hardships and heartaches from rebellious and repressive family members and friends, so Christ is ‘the Man of Sorrows’ who was betrayed by a friend. Moreover, he came to his own and own received him not but rather cried out “crucify him, crucify him.’ And so, the psalmist writes, ‘2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.’ Like David, the Lord Jesus triumphed by faith over his enemies by trusting in his Father, the LORD God. Just when the powers of darkness believed that they had won a decisive victory over God and all that is good by having Jesus publicly put to death by crucifixion, Christ crushed the Serpent’s head with his heel, broke the Dragon’s back, disarmed our last enemy, and achieved the redemption of his people. He died for our sin and rose again for our justification. Let us therefore trust in God’s steadfast love and rejoice in his salvation.
To ponder! He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not (Isa.53:3-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 273
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 6 & Psalm 14
In 2 Samuel 6 David mustered thirty thousand men to transport the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Abinadab, in the hill country of Baale-judah, to Jerusalem. It was placed on a new cart constructed for its transportation at the head of the sizeable procession with Ahio, the son of Abinadab leading the celebratory march at the front of the Ark. On route, one of the oxen pulling the cart stumbled and Uzzah took hold of the Ark to prevent it falling from the cart. ‘And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.’ God’s response angered David who named the place Perrez-uzzah which means ‘the breaking out against Uzzah’ as a memorial. And David, afraid to continue, had the Ark stored at the home of Obed-edom, the Gittite, where it remained for three months. However, when David heard that God had subsequently blessed Obed-edom, he returned he fetched the Ark and after making sacrifice to God he ‘danced before the LORD with all his might... wearing a linen ephod.’ And so the Ark of the LORD was brought up to Jerusalem. When Michal saw David approaching in exuberant praise, she despised him in her heart. The Ark was received with due ceremonial including worship, feasting, and fellowship. When David went to bless his family, Michal confronted him and said, “How the king of Israel honoured himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” David retorted, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honour.” The chapter conclude informing the reader that Michal remained childless all her days.
In Psalm 14 the psalmist expresses his dismay and disgust at the folly of those that lived as if there was no God. He adopts a condemnatory tone and categorically states that, ‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” This theme is taken up by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18-32 where he insists that since the ungodly ‘did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.’ The psalmist is not criticising and condemning those that lack knowledge or might be described as intellectually challenged, rather his ire is directed at the idolatrous and immoral. In other words, ‘the fool’ wilfully suppresses and rejects knowledge of God, and therefore his law of love, in order to give full expression to the fallen nature. He has determined in his ‘heart’ which includes the affections, emotions, understanding, and will, to rebel against God and dismiss not only his commandments but also his means of salvation. Therefore, he is a fool. Such people, David states, ‘are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.’ He is describing a time and a world that has turned its back upon God and all that is good, righteous, and true. And he adds, ‘2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.’ But alas, ‘3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.’ Not only does David denounce such people as practical atheists but he also condemns their dearth of ethical and moral scruples. They are covetous, cruel and without care and compassion. He asks, ‘4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?’ And yet the psalmist not only condemns but he offers correction to such folly. He places his trust and hope firmly in God irrespective of the prevailing climate and circumstances, recognising that ‘they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous.’ He adds, ‘6 You would shame the plans of the poor, but the LORD is his refuge.’ And cries out, anticipating Christ and more, in conclusion, ‘7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad’
To ponder! For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth (Rom.1:18).
Bible Challenge: Day 274
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 7 & Psalm 15
2 Samuel 7 describes a period of relative peace and prosperity. And David said to the prophet, Nathan, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan told him to go and do what he thought right in his heart for the LORD was with him. However, that night Nathan received a revelation from God informing him that while God had and would continue to bless David and make him a blessing to others, it would be for one of his sons, after his death, that would build a suitable dwelling for God’s name. Therefore, Nathan told David, ‘the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” While the reference, as we shall see, is to Solomon, it anticipates Christ, David’s Son, in whom the House of God is established forever. David responded in praise and prayer to God for the LORD’s faithfulness, favour, greatness, and grace. He prayed, “And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. 26 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you… And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 29 Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” God would fulfil David’s request in and through his Son in the fulness of time.
Psalm 15 proclaims the journey of faith and the ascent of the God-ward life. The psalmist understands that man (male and female) was made by God, for God. We were made for a relationship with God and one another that is rooted and built up in love. And keep in mind the biblical moral dimension of love – for to love God necessitates being faithful to him and keeping his commandments. However, the Bible also teaches the doctrine of the Fall and the subsequent sin nature and estrangement of man from God. And therefore, we are now dependent on grace to draw us back to God through faith and repentance. We need to be righteous to dwell in the presence of God and yet the Bible says that there are none righteous by fallen nature, no, not one. And so, we need both imputed and imparted righteousness. We need to be justified and sanctified, because without holiness no one shall see the Lord. And this brings us to the psalmist’s question and answer, O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; 4 in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honours those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5 who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.’ There is clearly a Christological inference in this Psalm. For Jesus alone is truly and perpetually blameless before God in his humanity and has entered the Holy of holies to dwell in the Father’s presence where he makes intercession for us. Christ is not only our wisdom from God and our redemption, but he is also our righteousness and sanctification. His righteousness is imputed to those that receive and rest in him by faith and Christians are sanctified in and through him. The psalmist nevertheless indirectly reminds us that the Christian life is an upward ascent implying not only its direction towards God but also inferring an ongoing struggle and the need for stamina in the pursuit of godliness and holiness until we attain the Beatific Vision.
To ponder! “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Mt.7:13-14).
Bible Challenge: Day 275
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 8 & Psalm 16
In 2 Samuel 8 we read of David’s military victories over the Philistines and the Moabites. He also defeated the army of Hadadezer, the King of Zobah, and the Syrians that came to his aid. He was a masterful tactician and while he could be merciful, he was also ruthless against his foes. He must have struck fear into the enemies of Israel because ‘the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.’ And David thereby advanced his power, prestige, and prosperity. When King Toi of Hamath heard how David had decimated the army of Hadadezer he wisely and gratefully sent his son Joram to pay tribute to David in silver, gold, and bronze which David dedicated to the LORD along with the silver and gold he had taken as spoil from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and Hadadezer. ‘And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 14 Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.’ His kingship was universally recognised and respected and he administered justice impartially throughout his kingdom. The chapter concludes by naming some of David’s chief officials. So, ‘Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, 17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, 18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David's sons were priests.’
While Psalm 16 is attributed to David it is fundamentally Christological in its orientation as affirmed by the Apostle Peter when he applied it to the Lord Jesus Christ in his powerful Pentecost sermon at Jerusalem. (See Acts 2:25-28). By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David foretold the Lord Jesus’s triumphant and glorious resurrection. Here Christ, and by extension all that are united to him by grace through faith, looks beyond the cross to the crown, he sees past the grave to the gladness and glory that await him at the Father’s side. Trusting wholeheartedly in his Father’s plan and purpose, the Son took our nature to himself, fulfilled the law as the Second Adam, suffered and died for the sin of the world on the cross at Calvary, was buried, and rose again to lead captivity captive and to give gifts to men. He died for our sin and rose again for our justification, and for every attendant blessing. God’s Christ could rightly say, ‘8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.’ He who is God is also man. Jesus took refuge in God and was preserved through the experience of death to triumph over it and disarm it of its sting for his people. They are described as saints because they are set apart and sanctified by the Spirit in and through him. He takes delight in them. Understanding that due to the Fall there are none truly good apart from God, he came and clothed himself with our humanity so that we might be redeemed and renewed as children of God. While his enemies heap judgement upon themselves, Jesus could truly say, 5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.’ What is here applied to Jesus should also be true of his followers. Let us praise the Lord for Christ’s gospel and his continuing grace and guidance. Praise him for the glorious inheritance that awaits fellow heirs with Christ.
To ponder! And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil.2:8-11).
Bible Challenge: Day 276
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 9 & Psalm 17
In 2 Samuel 9 David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” A former servant of King Saul called Ziba was sent for, and he told David, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” Mephibosheth was summoned and when presented to King David he paid homage. Humble and yet apprehensive, David assured Mephibosheth of his good intentions. He told him that he was restoring to him his father’s lands and that he would enjoy a privileged place at the king’s table. In the ancient courtly world such an honour of proximity to the crown ordinarily bestowed privilege, patronage, power, and prosperity. It was a sign of royal favour. David therefore commanded and commissioned Ziba and his household to be servants of Mephibosheth’s estate. And he willingly complied. ‘So Mephibosheth ate at David's table, like one of the king's sons.’ He had a young son, called Mica. He lived in Jerusalem and ate at the royal table and was served by Ziba and his house. ‘Now he was lame in both his feet.’
Like the previous psalm, Psalm 17 articulates David’s continuing faith in God while confronted with dark and difficult providences. It, nevertheless, and more importantly, again anticipates and articulates the passion of the Man of Sorrows who was faced with the opprobrium and opposition of the wicked. It communicates Christ’s steadfast love for the Father and thus his determined willingness to fulfil his mission. It conveys his faith, hope, and love as he saw beyond his cross to his crown. And so, the key to the whole psalm is found in the last verse, which can truly be applied to Jesus. Speaking to his Father in heaven, he says, ‘15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.’ The Lord Jesus was the man of prayer whose lips were ever free of deceit. His life, suffering, and death would be wholly vindicated by God in his resurrection and ascension. He is now King of kings and Lord of lord. And he will judge the world in perfect righteousness. He was and ever is without sin. He took the cup of shame and suffering in the stead of his people. He was ever gentle, meek, and lowly in his pilgrimage to Golgotha. He again could rightly say to the Father, ‘5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.’ The Father moreover demonstrated his steadfast love in providing salvation for all that seek refuge in him, as he found it in his Father. In him, David, and indeed all God’s people are the apple of God’s eye. They find protection in the shadow of his wings! The Psalm anticipates Holy Week and Calvary when the arrogant and compassionless wicked seduced by the Serpent (Satan) surrounded Jesus, mocked, scoffed, and violently assaulted him before having him crucified. David’s metaphorical words, ‘12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush’ echo those of the Apostle Peter’s referring to the Evil One (1Peter 5:8). And hence David’s prayer, and that of his Son, ‘13 Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, 14 from men by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world whose portion is in this life.’ While the evil may appear to prosper for a time in this fallen world, they will have no part in Christ’s everlasting kingdom unless they repent and believe on God’s Christ.
To ponder! …who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb.12:2b).
Bible Challenge: Day 277
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 10 & Psalm 18
In 2 Samuel 10 David sent envoys to King Hanun of Ammon to pass on his condolences at the death of his father, King Nahash, with whom he had enjoyed cordial relations. Hanun’s advisors and confidantes however convinced the king that David’s men were spies sent to survey his capital and kingdom for a likely attack. And so, the king had David’s messengers ritually and publicly humiliated and sent back to Israel. David and the Israelites were infuriated at the slight, and when word reached Hanun, he mobilised his army and also deployed a sizeable number of Syrian mercenaries. David commanded Joab to lead his forces against them. Despite the impressive force ranged against the Israelite army, Joab encouraged his soldiers, saying, “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.” The Ammonite and Syrian forces fled before them, giving Israel victory. Nevertheless, Hadadezer sent for Syrian reinforcements from beyond the Euphrates and another massive army comprising 700 chariots and 40000 horsemen and led by a Syrian commander called Shobach, confronted Israel at Helam where David decisively defeated them. Shobach was killed in the heat of battle. ‘And when all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Syrians were afraid to save the Ammonites anymore.’
Psalm 18 is repeated in 2 Samuel 22 and recounts David’s deliverance from the murderous attempts of King Saul. And we shall assess it in that context when we come to that passage in a couple of weeks’ time. Christian Tradition however has also interpreted this Psalm in a Christological framework, insightfully applying it to the trials of the Lord Jesus Christ before the High Priest/s, Sanhedrin, and Pontius Pilate. And it is in this latter context that I offer a few brief comments. Only Jesus in the truest sense loved (and loves) the LORD God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. He could rightfully say, ‘I love you, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.’ He called upon his heavenly Father to strengthen and sustain him through his Passion, culminating in the Cross and the Tomb (vv.3-6). Verse 7 recounts how the earth quaked and darkness descended on the scene at Calvary as Christ was nailed to the cursed tree. There, anticipating the Eschaton and the Final Judgement (see Rev.20:9-10), the powers of darkness were defeated. The Serpent’s head was crushed by the heel of the Seed of the woman. The Dragon’s back was broken, and our liberation and salvation won (vv.7-17). Christ, the spotlessly holy and righteous One and therefore completely innocent was nevertheless condemned by the Jewish and Gentile leaders in Jerusalem (vv.18-23). ‘24 So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.’ God exalts the humble (Phil.2:8-9) but opposes the proud, who will be judged and condemned. The Lord Jesus throughout his earthly ministry trusted wholeheartedly in his heavenly Father. Even in the cry of dereliction from the cross, when he experientially descended in the darkness he cried to his Father ‘my God’ (vv.28-35). He was steadfast in his saving mission and there, again anticipating the End Times, triumphed over his enemies (vv.36-45). David’s words therefore can be rightly applied to Jesus when he victoriously declared, ‘46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, 48 who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.’ The final verses anticipate Christ’s everlasting reign, the Great Commission, and the gathering in of his church catholic (vv.49-50).
To ponder! The story is told of how the German reformer, Martin Luther, heavily burdened with great responsibilities and pained by the sectarian and political turmoil born of the Reformation found himself utterly depressed. And his condition understandably had a negative impact upon his ministry and leadership. And it was becoming evident to all. One day, as he climbed into his pulpit to lead worship, he noticed that his wife, Kate, was not present and made inquiries as to her whereabouts. Just then, she walked into the church dressed head to foot in black mourning clothes. She walked down the aisle and took her seat without looking up to her husband or saying anything. Martin called to her and asked who had died but she ignored him. Prompting the reformer to bang the pulpit and shout out demanding an answer. Kate, looked at him and replied, “God! God has died, Martin.” Luther thumped the pulpit and cried, “no, Kate, God cannot die!” And she accusingly said to him, “then why are you living as if he was dead, Martin?” Stunned, Luther looked down at his open pulpit Bible and the words of Psalm 18:46 struck him powerfully, ‘The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation.’ There and then the burden fell from his shoulders and his spirit was exalted. There he found relief and was renewed to rejoice in the living God. There it dawned in him afresh was the One who would carry his burdens and grant him strength to sustain him in his life and ministry. And he can do the same for you and me. The LORD lives. Blessed be our Rock, the God of our salvation.
Bible Challenge: Day 278
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 11 & Psalm 19
In 2 Samuel 11 while David’s armies ably led by Joab devastated the Ammonites and besieged the city of Rabbah, he stayed at home in Jerusalem. While on his palace roof one day he observed and was bewitched by the beauty of Bathsheba bathing on a nearby roof top. After making enquiries as to who she was and discovering that she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, David nevertheless sent for her and had intercourse with her which resulted in her falling pregnant. David sent for Uriah who was fighting the Ammonites in Israel’s army. He commanded Uriah to go down to his house, hoping that he would have sexual relations with his wife. But Uriah slept out under the stars in honour of Israel’s army who were in the field of war. So, David again invited him to feast with him, hoping that once Uriah had ate and drank (alcohol) he would go home and sleep with his wife. Uriah however did not go home to his wife. Therefore, David wickedly sent a communique to Joab which read, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die.” Joab posted Uriah among the valiant men besieging the city of Rabbah and there he was killed alongside several of his comrades. And Joab sent word back to the king concerning the siege and informing him of Uriah’s death. David wrote to Joab and told him, “Thus shall you say to Joab, ‘Do not let this matter displease you, for the sword devours now one and now another. Strengthen your attack against the city and overthrow it.’ And encourage him.” Bathsheba mourned the death of her husband but afterward, she became a wife of the king and bore him a son. ‘But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.’
In Psalm 19 David poetically and heartily articulates and offers adulation to the LORD for his glorious revelation. Inspired by the Spirit of God, he writes, ‘14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ Here is the man of faith writing from the heart under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who makes his words authentic and authoritative. He here makes clear that God’s revelation is provided in two distinct books - the Book of Nature which theologians understandably call ‘natural revelation’ and the Sacred Scriptures referred to here as ‘the Law of the LORD’ which we refer to as ‘special revelation’. In the context of Psalm 19 the ‘law of the LORD is synecdoche (shorthand) for all Holy Scripture. Reflecting on the vastness, richness, and beauty of creation, the psalmist proclaims, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.’ Natural revelation is self-evident. Creation points to the Creator! Design reveals a Designer! Man (male and female) was made in the image and likeness of God with the capacity to appreciate the creation and to return thanks to God for it. The creation daily calls us to praise our Creator, Benefactor, and Ruler. ‘4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.’ Natural revelation, David is making clear, is universal, The Apostle Paul later insists that the Creation reveals God’s ‘invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature’. Fallen humanity, however, ‘although they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.’ While the Book of Nature reveals God it has its limitations and so God has graciously given man a second book in the form of his word. The word in scripture, moreover, reveals the Word Incarnate. The Sacred Scriptures were given to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. They were breathed out by God and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness. Their purpose is not only our salvation but they are given to make us spiritually mature and equip us for every good work (2Tim.3:15-17). In other words, they contain what is needful for all matters pertaining to faith and morals. The psalmist states, ‘7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.’ He waxes lyrical about the preciousness and goodness of God’s special revelation. The scriptures are more desirable ‘than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.’ Therein we discover not only the way to life eternal, but they teach us how to live before God and one another in love in the present. David therefore writes, ‘11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.’ Let us be well acquainted with God’s revelation and return thanks to God our Lord and Saviour.
To ponder! The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deut.29:29).
Bible Challenge: Day 279
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 12 & Psalm 20
In 2 Samuel 12 Nathan was sent by God to David. He told the king a story about a rich man with many flocks who misappropriated a poor man’s only ewe lamb to slaughter it and offer it as food for a guest. David was enraged and said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.” The prophet boldly told David, “You are the man!” And speaking the word of the LORD he went on to condemn the king for his adulterous relationship, having Uriah the Hittite killed, and for taking Bathsheba to be his wife. He asked, “Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight?” Consequently, David’s own family would rebel against him, and his wives would be unfaithful to him. While he had acted surreptitiously those that would betray him would do so publicly bringing shame upon his house. David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die.” The child born of David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba was born terminally ill. David fasted and cried to God for the baby’s life, but the child died after seven days. When David was told the tragic news, he bewildered his servants by washing, anointing, and dressing as if nothing had happened. He then worshipped God and afterward ate. His household servants asked him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” To which David responded, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” David comforted Bathsheba and she conceived and gave birth to a healthy child who was named Solomon. ‘And the LORD loved him 25 and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So he called his name Jedidiah,’ which means ‘beloved of the LORD. The chapter ends with Joab’s successful military siege against Rabbah. He sent for David who ceremoniously wore the captured gold crown of the Ammonite king to express his victorious conquest and rule.
Psalm 20 expresses David’s heartfelt faith and trust in the LORD his God. In it he also prays for the Israel of God that they might rejoice in their salvation and show their gratitude to God for his glorious grace. David writes from personal experience of God’s saving power and goodness, and so while some trust chariots and horses (military might), he, and by extension, his people, will trust in the name of the LORD their God. Traditionally, in our New Covenant era, this Psalm was understandably prayed or sung by the religious at matins, where God’s blessing was invoked. However, again I want to offer a few brief comments on its Christological significance. For the LORD God was truly with Jesus and is with his people in a day of trouble. Jesus is our Advocate and Intercessor with the Father who says to his church, ‘May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!’ While David petitioned God on behalf of his people, ‘May he remember all your offerings and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices! Selah’ These sacrifices and burnt offerings point us to Christ’s atoning and propitiatory sacrifice of himself on the cross which the Old Testament offerings anticipated. Our hope is in Jesus Christ who fulfilled his heart’s desire in doing the Father’s will, in accomplishing his mission, and in saving his people. Therefore, ‘5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!’ Assured of the triumphant nature of Jesus’ saving work, and of his present reign, and his coming again in glory at the end of the age, the church believes and proclaims the Good News of his life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the eternal state. Just as the Father fulfilled his promises to the Son, so he will do for all his beloved children. And so, David’s prayer is even more so, Jesus’ prayer, and it is our prayer in and through him. ‘May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! 6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.’ While many continue to be intoxicated by and place their hope in the power and prosperity of stately might, just like Jesus’, the Christian’s faith and hope must be in the LORD God. He not only saved our King, but he is our King. ‘May he answer us when we call.’
To ponder! And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev.5:9-10)
Bible Challenge: Day 280
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 13 & Psalm 21
2 Samuel 13 tells the tragic and wicked story of Amnon’s rape of his sister, Tamar, and Absalom’s revenge. Amnon was besotted with Tamar and hatched a plan with his cousin, Jonadab, described as a ‘crafty man’ to seduce her. He pretended to be ill and requested that Tamar should nurse him. Unsuspecting Amnon’s duplicity, David sent for Tamar to feed his ailing son. Amnon tried to persuade Tamar to lie with him but when she rebuffed his incestuous overtures, he forced himself upon her and raped her. Afterwards his desire for her turned to loathing because of his guilt and he banished his sister from his presence. Tamar, however, tore her robe, put ashes on her head, and left distraught and in tears. Absalom took Tamar into his home and quietly nurtured his loathing for his brother because of his crime. King David was also enraged against his Amnon but took no action against him. Two years passed before Absalom took his revenge after gaining David’s consent for Amnon to join him at the sheep shearing in the hill country of Ephraim. ‘Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” Absalom’s servants did as they had been instructed, and murdered Amnon, his brother because of his violation of Tamar. News of the murder was soon reported to King David who grieved Amnon’s death. Consequently, Absalom fled and found refuge in Geshur, where he remained for three years. The chapter concludes, ‘And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.’
Psalm 21 is another Psalm of David which the church traditionally and understandably prayed or sang on the early morning of the Lord’s Day, the Day of Resurrection. For this Psalm wonderfully anticipated and is rightfully applied to Christ’s resurrection, ascension, coronation, and everlasting reign. We might also interpret it as the church’s paeon of praise to the Father, through the Spirit, for the triumph of the Son. And therefore, it begins, ‘O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices, and in your salvation how greatly he exults!’ The Lord Jesus’s mission accomplished, he has risen and returned victoriously to reign at the Father’s side as foretold in Psalm 16 and affirmed in the New Testament scriptures. ‘Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps.16:9-11). The church acknowledges and gives thanks to God that the Father gave the Son his heart’s desire and met him with rich blessings. At his coronation (see Psalm 24, Daniel 7:13-14) the Father placed a crown of fine gold upon his head. Here is the language of accommodation to emphasise Christ’s kingship and rule at the right-hand of the Father (Rev.4 & 5). ‘4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him, length of days forever and ever.’ Here is taught Jesus’s resurrection to eternal life not only for himself but for his people. He came that we might have life and not only abundant spiritual life in the present but life in all its fulness for everlasting. The church therefore praises God for the glory of the God-man. ‘5 His glory is great through your salvation; splendour and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.’ He has defeated the Devil, disarmed death, and will judge God’s enemies as communicated more fully in the Book of Revelation (vv.8-12). Therefore, let us join with the church catholic in singing, ‘13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.’
To ponder! looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb.12:2).
Bible Challenge: Day 281
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 14 & Psalm 22
In 2 Samuel 14 Joab, conscious of King David’s heavy heart because of Absalom’s absence, devised a ruse to reunite them. He persuaded a woman from Tekoa to go to the king pretending to be a widow in mourning. She was to tell David that her two sons had fallen out and had fought a violent fight. One killed the other, and then had been forced to flee for his life. And she was left all alone. She did as Joab suggested, and David responded by granting an amnesty to her surviving son. She then confessed her deceit and asked the king, “Why then have you planned such a thing against the people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bring his banished one home again. 14 We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast.” David detected the hand of Joab in the woman’s ruse and had his hunch confirmed in further questioning the woman who said, “In order to change the course of things your servant Joab did this. But my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God to know all things that are on the earth.” David then told Joab to bring back Absalom to the royal court. Joab paid homage to the king and did as commanded. Absalom was brough back to Jerusalem, although he was to dwell apart from his father, the king. Absalom, described as handsome, prospered as a prince in Israel. He had three sons and a daughter whom he named after his sister, Tamar. Two years passed and then Absalom twice sent for Joab to communicate with the king on his behalf. However, Joab’s refusal was met with violence against his property. And so Joab confronted Absalom for the wrong done to him and reported it to the king who summoned Absalom into his presence. ‘So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.’
Psalm 22 is another psalm attributed to David that anticipated the Saviour’s passion. And so, we shall reflect upon it solely from a Christological perspective. It begins with the solemn words of Christ’s cry of dereliction from the Cross, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Reminding us of his sense of abandonment as he bore the sin of the world and of the dark depths of his suffering. ‘Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.’ Jesus nevertheless continued to steadfastly trust in his heavenly Father, assured in his heart that his crown would follow his cross. He was despised, mocked, and scoffed at by the people who called out as he hung nailed to the cross, 8 “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” His enemies, demonic and carnal, like strong bulls surrounded him, and like a roaring lion were determined to destroy him. He was poured out like water, all his bones were out of joint, his strength was dried up like a potsherd from the manhandling, beatings, scourging, blood-loss, dehydration, and asphyxiation as he hung on the Cross. There he understandably cried out ‘I thirst’. The evildoers surrounded him and pierced his hands and feet. They stared and gloated over the Holy One nailed to the Cross. At the foot of the Cross, soldiers nonchalantly divided his garments by casting lots. Yet, the Lord Jesus prayed to and trusted in his heavenly Father to deliver and save him from the Tomb that awaited his body. He anticipated victory over the forces of darkness. ‘22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you”. The Head of the church knew that he would lead the praises of the Israel of God. Moreover, all that seek him through faith and repentance will also praise the LORD in him, and through him, and because of him. Anticipating his Great Commission to his church, Jesus could truly say, “27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” His righteousness, communicated in the gospel, he rightly declared would be proclaimed to generations yet unborn. Praise God for so great salvation.
To ponder! And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Bible Challenge: Day 282
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 15 & Psalm 23
2 Samuel 15 documents Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. While back and living in Jerusalem he had consistently but craftily courted and cultivated the support of the people of Israel by promising favour and justice to them. We read, ‘And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.’ Four years passed and Absalom hatched a conspiracy against his father to win control of the kingdom. After gaining David’s permission to visit Hebron on pilgrimage, Absalom summoned the tribes to muster before him. When news reached David of the rebellion, he fled Jerusalem with loyal followers including Ittai the Gittite who insisted, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” The people wept aloud as David crossed the brook Kidron. He ordered Zadok, the High Priest, to carry the Ark of the Covenant back into the capital, saying, “If I find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. 26 But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” The king mourned Absalom’s revolt on the Mount of Olives and his woe was increased when he heard that one of his trusted advisors, Ahithophel had joined the rebels. He persuaded Hushai, the Archite, however, to return to the city and there while feigning loyalty to Absalom and the new regime he was to communicate intelligence back to David via Zadok and Abiathar.
Psalm 23 is probably the best known of all the psalms. We sing it regularly in worship to the tune, Crimond, but in truth I much prefer it to the Bays of Harris or St Columba. Be that as it may, it contents will be very familiar to you. This Psalm of David anticipates the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who lay down his life for his sheep and took it up again. It is the faithful prayer of the Christian who can say in his or her heart, ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ Take note of the present tense and the use of the personal pronoun ‘my’, reminding us that the question we must ask ourselves is not when did I first believe or when will I believe but do I believe in the Good Shepherd as my Lord and Saviour? We are reminded here that we are the beneficiaries of the riches of God’s grace exclusively in and through him. ‘2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.’ He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.’ And even though we must each experience death (unless the Lord should return in our lifetime), we need not fear but can say along with the psalmist, ‘4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’ He is with us and will never forsake us. He is the Good Shepherd who comforts and assures his flock. He says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Jn.14:1-3). And so, the Christian can confidently respond, ‘5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.’ Let us give thanks and praise to the Father for the Son in the Spirit. For the Good Shepherd assuredly affirms, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand’ (Jn.10:28). Let us hear and heed the Good Shepherd.
To ponder! And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the LORD; I have spoken (Ezek.34:23-24).
Bible Challenge: Day 283
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 16 & Psalm 24
In 2 Samuel 16 on route from Jerusalem, David met Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, carrying provisions back to the capital. Ziba informed the king of the treachery of his master’s son and David responded, “Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.” And Ziba pledged his fealty to David as king of Israel. On his arrival at Bahurim, David however was met by Shimei, a blood relation of the late King Saul, who threw stones and cursed the king. He cried aloud, “Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! 8 The LORD has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.” Abishai demanded that Shimei be put to death for his words and actions but David trusting in Providence ordered that he should be spared. Meanwhile, Absalom entered Jerusalem with Ahithophel at his side. There Hushai, the Archite, pledged his loyalty to Absalom. As he had served his father, so, he assured Absalom, he would serve him. Absalom consulted Ahithophel whom he believed was cognisant of the word and will of God, who told him to take his father concubines as a sign of his contempt for his father and his triumphant conquest, which he did.
Psalm 24 anticipated and therefore was fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ’s triumphant and glorious ascension and coronation at the Father’s right side in glory. Here is a picture of what the Prophet Daniel revealed in chapter 7, verses 13 and 14: “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” The Epistle to the Hebrews, the Book of Revelation, and other New Testament texts provide confirmation of Christ’s coronation and crowning. He is King of kings and Lord of lords for evermore. And so, the psalmist writes, ‘The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.’ And the Father has given all authority to the Son. One day every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Christ alone was worthy to ascend the hill of the LORD, and stand in the holy place not made by human hands – of which the earthly Tabernacle and Temple were merely types and shadows. For he alone was without sin. He alone personally, perpetually, and perfectly fulfilled God’s commands and covenant as the second Adam. He alone triumphed over the powers of darkness including the devil and death. Therefore, he alone had clean hands and a pure heart. He did ‘not lift up his soul to what is false’, neither did he ‘swear deceitfully’. He is the Lord our righteousness who has won salvation for his people. All God’s blessings and promises are yes and amen in him. Salvation is found in no other. He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He alone reveals the Father. Therefore, the psalm concludes by presenting a glorious celebratory and victorious account of his conquest and his entry into the heavenly city and the royal sanctuary for his coronation. 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah. Now that is something worth pausing to reflect on, often.
To ponder! …that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all (Eph.1:20-23).
Bible Challenge: Day 284
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 17 & Psalm 25
In 2 Samuel 17 Ahithophel sought to persuade Absalom to grant him a force of 12000 men to pursue and kill David. This he suggested was the way to secure Absalom’s reign and establish lasting peace in Israel. Hushai, however, counselled Absalom against such a hasty attack arguing that David and his men were skilled in warfare and would likely inflict heavy casualties on Ahithophel’s army, which in turn could threaten to overturn Absalom’s coup. Instead, he suggested that Absalom should muster all his forces and personally lead them against his father. Such overwhelming power would be sure to secure victory. ‘And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom.’ Hushai sent word to forewarn David via Zadok and Abiathar, the priests. David and his followers subsequently safely fled. Ahithophel, whose counsel Absalom had spurned, returned home and hanged himself. The chapter concludes with Absalom in hot pursuit of his father. Dsvid, however, found support and provision to sustain him and his men at Mahanaim.
Psalm 25 was an acrostic (alphabetical) Psalm when it was originally written in the Hebrew language. Each first line/verse began with a consecutive letter from the Hebrew alphabet. It is another Psalm of David expressing his faith and trust in the LORD and soliciting God’s grace and mercy. It is an ideal prayer to begin the day with, and historically it featured prominently in matins among the religious. What better way to start the day than saying, like David, ‘To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.’ We need not think of ‘enemies’ merely in a literal physical fashion like those that rebelled against David’s rule, but we should think also in a spiritual sense. We should pray for grace to resist daily temptations and provocations. Moreover, like the psalmist we should daily pray for God’s guidance and direction. ‘4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.’ Like David, we must regularly confess our sins, relying upon the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ because we sin in thought, word, and deed. And so, ‘6 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!’ Like David, let the Christian pray with confidence. ‘11 For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. 14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.’ We come, wholly dependent on sovereign grace. And therefore, we must come humbly and in faith because, ‘8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.’ And, therefore, when we transgress God’s law of love we confess our trespasses understanding that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And so, like David we keep looking to God. The Lord Jesus, after all says, “come, follow me”. Like the psalmist, let our prayer be ‘15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me…’ Like David, when faced with trials and troubles, let us ask the Lord to deliver us and be our Rock and Refuge. As David asked God, ‘May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you’, so may we. Let us supplicate God to redeem his people from all their troubles.
To ponder! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Ps.51:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 285
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 18 & Psalm 26
2 Samuel 18 begins with David’s forces under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai preparing for battle against the armies of the rebels led by Absalom. David was persuaded not to lead his army in person into the field but to stay behind lest he jeopardise his crown. David ordered his men to “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” The armies fought at the Forest of Ephraim and David’s army routed his son’s. In haste to escape upon a mule, Absalom collided with and was caught in the branches of a tree. On discovering him, Joab and his armour bearers mercilessly killed him. Joab then blew a trumpet to restrain David’s armies from further pursuit of the beaten rebels and they dug a pit for Absalom’s remains and covered his corpse with a great pile of stones to mark the spot, which was named Absalom’s monument. Two messengers were sent to inform David. The first told the king of their victory. And he responded, “Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who raised their hand against my lord the king.” The second messenger informed him about the death of his son. ‘And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”’
In Psalm 26 David seeks God’s vindication for his words and works. He has been faithful and has spoken and acted with integrity. He has avoided the ways of the wicked and has shown his love for the LORD in worship, work, and witness, on whom he is ever reliant. This Psalm again anticipated and was truly fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ who could worthily cry to the heavenly Father, ‘Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.’ He personally, perpetually, and perfectly kept God’s law of love and was ever faithful to do his Father’s will. And so, these words are particularly applicable to him. ‘2 Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.’ Jesus was the ‘blessed Man’ of Psalm 1. He did not sit with men of falsehood, nor consort with hypocrites. He hated the assembly of evildoers, and would not sit with the wicked.’ That is participate in their evil schemes and ways. He alone could truthfully say, ‘6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O LORD, 7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.’ He loved/s the habitation of his Father’s house and the place where his glory dwells. Again, he looked beyond his cross to his crown and therefore could say, ‘9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.’ He lived and died with perfect integrity and was raised from the dead to stand amid the great assembly. He has redeemed his people who are recipients of God’s grace in and through him. And he calls his people to follow his example. This Psalm should therefore be the prayer of every Christian. The Apostle Paul was possibly thinking of it when he wrote to the church in Philippi, ‘Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labour in vain (Phil.2:14-16). This is God’s abiding word to you and me!
To ponder! Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints (1Thes.3:11-13).
Bible Challenge: Day 286
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19 & Psalm 27
In 2 Samuel 19 Joab rebukes David for mourning the death of his son, Absalom. While it was appropriate that he should mourn in private, he had a duty as king to his subjects to strike a thankful and celebratory note for the victory of his army and their deliverance from the hands of the rebels. Joab added, “Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go, not a man will stay with you this night, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” David wisely complied and after crossing the River Jordan in conciliatory mood he forgave former enemies like Shimei and set to work winning back the hearts and minds of the elders and all the people of Israel. The king similarly exhibited a generous spirit towards Mephibosheth who came to meet him seeking mercy. King David invited the aged Barzillai from Mahanaim to accompany him to Jerusalem for his loyal service but he declined and persuaded David to take his servant Chimham. On route the jealousy of the Israelites was sparked by the close proximity of the tribe of Judah to the king.
Psalm 27 is David’s prayer and yet it is the voice of the church in this New Covenant era. We can divide the Psalm into two parts. In the first half covered by verses one through six, David exults in God, whereas in the remainder of the Psalm he exhorts God. Anticipating Christ, he wholeheartedly declares, ‘The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ God is David’s Guide and Deliverer. He is his Rock and Refuge. He need not fear as he walks by faith trusting in the LORD. And so, he adds, ‘2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.’ And so it is with the Christian. We have come to truly know God in and through the Lord Jesus who is our Light. He dispels our darkness and leads us to green pastures and still waters. He is our salvation by his life, death, and resurrection. And we find stability and eternal security in him. David desired communion with God, to dwell in the house of the LORD and there behold the beauty of God. He writes, ‘4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.’ Again, in Christ the believer beholds the face of God. The Son came that we might know and love the Father, and affirms that in him we have seen the Father. We also anticipate the beatific vision in the words of the Psalm which will be fulfilled when in glory we stand before him and see him as he truly is, and we shall be like him! David, understanding his chief end, is determined to delight in God in the present, despite trials and troubles and so should every Christian. ‘6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.’ Therefore, he prays and asks God to ‘7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.’ David prays from the heart trusting in God’s grace and steadfast love and so must we. He asks God to teach and lead in the way of peace and pleasantness in a fallen and hostile world believing in God’s limitless love and goodness. ‘11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!’ And concludes, ‘14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!’ Reminding us that patience accompanies faith, hope, and love.
To ponder! For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2Cor.4:6).
Bible Challenge: Day 287
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 20 & Psalm 28
2 Samuel 20 records the rebellion of Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjaminite, against David’s rule. He managed to garner significant support from all Israel to rally to his cause against the king. The tribe of Judah, however, remained resolutely loyal to King David. In a symbolic act of mourning Israel’s revolt, David confined ten of his concubines to his house to live in widowhood until his death. Grasping the need for a swift and decisive response, he ordered Amasa to muster Judah within three days but he delayed. Consequently, David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord's servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” Joab led David’s troops and encountering Amasa murdered him. Joab and Abishai pursued Sheba who was mustering more support among the Israelite clans and tribes. They caught up with him at Abel of Beth-maacah where a wise woman of influence within the city persuaded Joab not to besiege and destroy their heritage, but she promised to deliver Sheba into his hands. The inhabitants beheaded Sheba and delivered his decapitated head to Joab who kept his word and then returned to Jerusalem. The chapter concludes by noting important people in David’s administration. ‘Now Joab was in command of all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the Cherethites and the Pelethites; 24 and Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; 25 and Sheva was secretary; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 26 and Ira the Jairite was also David's priest.’
In Psalm 28 David again prays to God for mercy and rescue from those that sought to take his life. God graciously heard his cry and delivered him from the hands of his foes. Historically, and from a Christological perspective, this Psalm was often prayed or sang by the church on Sunday mornings as anticipating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He as the Sin-Bearer could truly cry out to his heavenly Father, ‘To you, O LORD, I call; my rock, be not deaf to me, lest, if you be silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.’ Yes, he would taste death, but he would defeat and disarm it of its sting. He was David’s hope and must be ours also. He was the Man of prayer whose pleas the Father heard and answered. He is the One who suffered, died, and rose again for the sake of righteousness. And he will one day judge the world in perfect justice condemning his unrepentant and evil enemies (vv.2-5). Like David, yet even more so, the Lord Jesus could say, ‘6 Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.’ Not mercy for himself for there was no sin in him but mercy for his people, his body, the church, who would receive and rest in him for salvation. The LORD was his strength, shield, and helper in whom he trusted wholeheartedly. Therefore, like David, Jesus could say on the Day of Resurrection ‘my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.’ And we must do likewise, because ‘8 The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.’ Let us therefore earnestly pray to God in Christ, ‘9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.’ I recall that verses six through nine used to be appropriately taken to be sung by an elderly minister I once knew in a certain congregation on the Isle of Skye at the end of the Communion Service. May the Lord God continue to bless his people. And may our Good Shepherd carry us forever.
To ponder! Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1Cor.5:7-8).
Bible Challenge: Day 288
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 21 & Psalm 29
In 2 Samuel 21 David detected God’s hand in a famine that afflicted the nation of Israel for three consecutive years. He attributed it to Saul’s betrayal of the Gibeonites and therefore he sought to make amends. He asked the Gibeonites what he might do for them, and they demanded that he hand over the sons of Saul to be hanged. David handed over seven sons of Saul but spared Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, and hence Saul’s grandson. It was the beginning of the harvest and in response to Rizpah’s act of mourning, David ordered that the remains (bones) of Saul, Jonathan and those hanged by the Gibeonites be transported to Zela in the territory of the tribe Benjamin for a proper burial. ‘And after that God responded to the plea for the land.’ However, Israel again clashed militarily with the Philistines and David’s life was preserved from the sword of Ishbi-benob by the intervention of Abishai. Consequently, David’s men told him, “You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.” War continued against the Philistines at Gath where Israel’s warriors conquered their mighty opponents – the giants of Gath.
In Psalm 29 the psalmist calls upon God’s people to give glory and honour to God. He alone is truly worthy of it. Echoing the later revelation received by John on Patmos and written down in chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation, he writes, ‘Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name…’ He bids the church ‘worship the LORD in the splendour of holiness’ as a people set apart and sanctified for a holy purpose. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev.4:8). And God says to his beloved children, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1Pt.1:16). By his grace the LORD adorns his people with holiness in and through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. David then poetically invokes the greatness, goodness, divine majesty, and almighty power of the LORD God whose word is altogether efficacious. ‘3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The psalmist declares God’s sovereignty and reign over and above all, and forever. Jesus, God’s Christ and Son, is King of kings and Lord of lords. ‘10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.’ And therefore, David foreseeing his rule, prays ‘11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!’ Let us worship and serve him, who knows the end from the beginning, and who is working all things for the good of those that love him. “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!” (Rev.5:13).
To ponder! Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears (2Sam.7:22).A
Bible Challenge: Day 289
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 22 & Psalm 30
2 Samuel 22 contains a Song written by David in praise of God for his deliverance of him from the hands of his enemies. The LORD God heard and answered the psalmist’s cries. God was his rock and refuge, his fortress and deliverer. This song is also contained in the Psalter and we know it better as Psalm 18 which we read and reflected on day 277. David depended on God’s grace and mercy. God was his guide and preserved him from the hands of Saul, Absalom, and others who sought his life. David humbly could declare, ‘The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. 22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. 23 For all his rules were before me, and from his statutes I did not turn aside.’ David looked to God for provision and trusted in providence. He passionately believed that God was present rather than distant and was intimately involved in the lives of his people and in events. He was David’s shield and saviour who is for and with his people. Therefore, David wholeheartedly concludes, “For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to your name. 51 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” God’s blessing ever flow through David’s Offspring, the Lord’s anointed and appointed Prophet, Priest, and King, whose name is Jesus. He is the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father.
In Psalm 30 David again extols and exults in the LORD for his gracious help and healing. He writes, ‘I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.’ This Psalm, like others that precede it in the Psalter anticipates the resurrection of Jesus. David adds, ‘3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.’ It was for this reason that Psalm 30 was to be prayed or sung by the religious on Sunday mornings in the Rule of St Benedict. The psalmist exhorts and encourages the church to praise God. ‘4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favour is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.’ David speaks for all Christians who are not immune to trials and troubles in this fallen world, but they continue to walk by faith, hope, and love trusting in God’s love and goodness and believing that all things are working for their ultimate good. Like David, God’s people must learn humility. They must recognise their need of God’s favour, rely on him, and returns thanks for it. David writes, ‘6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.” 7 By your favour, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: 9 “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!”’ And so just as God turned David’s mourning to dancing and clothed him with gladness, so he will do for all his people in and through his Son who triumphed over the powers of darkness and death itself. Let us therefore gladly sing praise and not be silent. Let us joyfully say, ‘O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!’
To ponder! In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence (Heb.5:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 290
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23 & Psalm 31
2 Samuel 23 records King David’s last words. He rightly refers to himself as God’s anointed and the sweet psalmist of Israel. God spoke to him and through him by the Spirit. He had ruled justly in the fear of God who made an everlasting covenant with him that was well ordered and secure in Christ. He contrasts the righteous with the wicked whom he likens to thorns that are worthless and will ultimately be discarded. There follows a list of the valiant and victorious men that helped expand, consolidate, defend, and secure David’s kingdom from both internal and external danger during his reign. Reminding us of our dependency not only on God but also on others. And that peace and prosperity come at a price and have to be protected.
Psalm 31 is a prayer of faith first uttered and recorded by the sweet psalmist of Israel but again it anticipates the Lord Jesus Christ. The key to understanding the Christological importance of the Psalm is found especially in verse 5 which presages the very words of Christ from the cross before he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ‘5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.’ This Psalm is also the prayer of God’s people in every day and generation. Like David and his Son and Lord we must pray regularly and take refuge in the LORD our God who is our deliverer in Jesus Christ. He is our rock of refuge and strong fortress who also leads and guides his people to pastures green and still waters. Like David we must eschew idolatry and instead trust in the LORD and his steadfast love. And that is especially true when we find ourselves in distress and sorrow. Like David, we ought to know that our times are in God’s hand. Let us seek the face of God who is our light, love, and life. Let us say along with the psalmist, ‘19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!’ Let the church trust in God as their shelter and may he spoil the schemes of the wicked as he did for David and even more so for Jesus who triumphed in and through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. God hears our pleas for mercy through the one and only Mediator, Jesus, His Christ. Therefore, ‘23 Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!’
To ponder! For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Rom.8:24-25).
Bible Challenge: Day 291
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 24 & Psalm 32
2 Samuel 24 begins ‘Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” David commanded Joab to do so and he reluctantly complied, returning with the totals of 800000 fighting men for Israel and 500000 for Judah. David, grieved over his actions, confessed his sins to God. Communicating with the king through the prophet Gad, David was faced with a tough choice of resulting famine in the land, flight from foes, or a pandemic in the nation. ‘Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.”’ Consequently, a pestilence struck the nation of Israel which killed 70000 people. David cried to God for mercy, saying, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me and against my father's house.” Gad instructed David to erect an altar on the threshing floor of Araunah the Gebusite. David purchased the said threshing floor and oxen for 50 shekels of silver. ‘And David built there an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.’
Psalm 32 is one of the Penitential Psalms. In it, David focuses on the themes of sin, and confession (or repentance), and God’s resultant mercy and forgiveness. While he writes from personal experience, his words are universally applicable, because there is none good, no, not one. All sin and fall short of the glory of God by the fallen-nature inherited from Adam. The apostle Paul quotes this Psalm in his Letter to the Romans (see 4:6) and it informs other texts in the corpus of his New Testament epistles. David writes, ‘Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.’ God forgives sinners that repent and believe on Jesus who was foretold and foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrifices and other types. In other words, there has only ever been one Saviour and one way of salvation, and that is by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sin and rose again for our justification. As Augustine of Hippo once noted, ‘the New was in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed.’ David describes his experience of living with unconfessed sin and its subsequent guilt. ‘3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah’ He likens sin to a heavy burden that is hard to bear and one that provokes God’s judgement. By contrast, his burden was removed when he confessed his sin to God. ‘5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah’ The psalmist urges all to repent and walk by faith in this day of grace. God will deliver and grant stability and security to all that comply. ‘6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah. He urges God’s people to hear and heed his word and be not like stubborn animals that require a bit and bridle to control their wayward spirits. ‘8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.’ David concludes by contrasting the wicked with the righteous, as he did in Psalm 1. ‘10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.’ Therefore, Christian, ‘11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!’ Let us ever remember that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us rejoice in God’s amazing grace, limitless love, and measureless mercy.
To ponder! Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2Cor.5:20-21).
Bible Challenge: Day 292
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1 & Psalm 33
1 Kings 1 begins with King David old and infirm. He struggled to keep warm and so Abishag, a Shunammite, was brought to lie with the king for bodily warmth. Adonijah assumed the crown with the support of Joab and Abiathar, the high priest without David’s consent. ‘But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and David's mighty men were not with Adonijah.’ Adonijah offered sacrifice to God and invited his brothers and other prominent leaders in the kingdom to gain their support for his rule but he did not invite Nathan, Benaiah, Solomon, or other powerful figures. Nathan advised Bathsheba to consult David and ask, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ And she did as Nathan had suggested. Then Nathan also consulted the king, feigning surprise that Adonijah had been made king rather than Solomon. David summoned Bathsheba and declared, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity, 30 as I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place,’ even so will I do this day.” And so, King David called for Zadok, Nathan, Benaiah and they proceeded to anoint Solomon at Gihon as David’s successor to the throne of Israel. When news reached Adonijah he found his support evaporate and he feared Solomon’s response to what he had done in usurping the crown. Solomon said, however, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to the earth, but if wickedness is found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and paid homage to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.”
Psalm 33 is a paeon of praise to God designed as a model of praise to be sung by the church in every generation. It is the first to mention the new song that never grows old and anticipates Revelation 5 and 15 as a song for those made a kingdom and priests to God who worship the Lamb. It is for all those made new creations by God’s grace and hence the reference to the righteous who enjoy a righteousness both imputed and imparted. The psalmist begins, ‘Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.’ It is a reminder to us that God’s people exist to glorify God in worship and enjoy him forever as their chief end. The Psalm praises God for his word and works done in faithfulness. It commemorates and celebrates his righteousness, justice, and steadfast love. It recalls how he made the heavens and earth by the word of his power. And extols his sovereignty over his creation. ‘10 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.’ History is His story! And the Lord God is good. And therefore, ‘12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!’ His people delight not only in his omnipotence, but also in his omniscience and omnipresence and are dependent upon his grace for now and eternity. ‘18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.’ Therefore his church catholic gladly exclaims, ‘ 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.’
To ponder! And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Rev.5:9-10).
Bible Challenge: Day 294
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3 & Psalm 35
1 Kings 3 begins with Solomon cementing an alliance with Egypt by marrying Pharoah’s daughter. While offering sacrifice to God he encountered the LORD in a dream or vision. Solomon praised God for his greatness and thanked him for the grace shown to him. And he asked the LORD, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” Solomon’s prayer pleased God and he granted him his request and added, “I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” Solomon returned to Jerusalem and worshipped the LORD at the Ark of the Covenant. Soon afterwards, Solomon exercised his wisdom when two women prostitutes presented themselves to him in a dispute over a baby. Both women had given birth at roughly the same time but one of the babies had died of suffocation and both claimed to be the mother of the surviving infant. After carefully listening to the women’s claims, Solomon asked for a sword and said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” Soon word spread throughout Israel of the king’s judgement and the people ‘perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.’
Psalm 35 is another Psalm of David in which he solicits God protection and help against his enemies. He expresses his wholehearted trust in the LORD for vindication against his foes. He is resolved to rejoice in God and bear witness to his justice. Psalm 35 nevertheless has a Christological dimension to it for it anticipates and portrays the passion of the Lord Jesus Christ who was truly hated without cause as the perfectly righteous one. It therefore makes an ideal text for reflection on the events of Holy Week. It also provides the church with a model prayer and praise when suffering persecution in the world in fulfilment of the Lord Christ’s words found in John 15, where he refers to the words of this Psalm. And so, the psalmist commits his cause to God and pleads with the LORD to contend for him. ‘Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul “I am your salvation!” Foreshadowing Christ’s triumph over his enemies - spiritual as well as corporeal, David prays that the unjust and evil persecution of his enemies against him will lead to their own destruction. Jesus judged his foes by his death and resurrection. He not only broke the Dragon’s back, but he disarmed death of its sting! [vv.4-8]. The Suffering Servant’s sorrows over Israel and the bowing of his head upon the cross led to the rejoicing of his crown and the salvation of his people [9-14]. How his enemies took delight in his Via Dolorosa and mocked and scolded him like hungry lions gnashing their teeth but the LORD God, his heavenly Father, vindicated the Son by raising Jesus to reign over all [vv.15-22]. And therefore, the psalmist’s prayer is the prayer of God’s Christ, ‘23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! 25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart's desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonour who magnify themselves against me!’ By way of wonderful contrast, he says of the faithful, ‘27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.’ Let God’s church ever praise him who willingly drank the cup of shame and suffering so that we might receive the cup of salvation in and through Jesus Christ, who the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
To ponder! Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause’ (Jn.15:20-25).
Bible Challenge: Day 294
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3 & Psalm 35
1 Kings 3 begins with Solomon cementing an alliance with Egypt by marrying Pharoah’s daughter. While offering sacrifice to God he encountered the LORD in a dream or vision. Solomon praised God for his greatness and thanked him for the grace shown to him. And he asked the LORD, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” Solomon’s prayer pleased God and he granted him his request and added, “I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” Solomon returned to Jerusalem and worshipped the LORD at the Ark of the Covenant. Soon afterwards, Solomon exercised his wisdom when two women prostitutes presented themselves to him in a dispute over a baby. Both women had given birth at roughly the same time but one of the babies had died of suffocation and both claimed to be the mother of the surviving infant. After carefully listening to the women’s claims, Solomon asked for a sword and said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” Soon word spread throughout Israel of the king’s judgement and the people ‘perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.’
Psalm 35 is another Psalm of David in which he solicits God protection and help against his enemies. He expresses his wholehearted trust in the LORD for vindication against his foes. He is resolved to rejoice in God and bear witness to his justice. Psalm 35 nevertheless has a Christological dimension to it for it anticipates and portrays the passion of the Lord Jesus Christ who was truly hated without cause as the perfectly righteous one. It therefore makes an ideal text for reflection on the events of Holy Week. It also provides the church with a model prayer and praise when suffering persecution in the world in fulfilment of the Lord Christ’s words found in John 15, where he refers to the words of this Psalm. And so, the psalmist commits his cause to God and pleads with the LORD to contend for him. ‘Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul “I am your salvation!” Foreshadowing Christ’s triumph over his enemies - spiritual as well as corporeal, David prays that the unjust and evil persecution of his enemies against him will lead to their own destruction. Jesus judged his foes by his death and resurrection. He not only broke the Dragon’s back, but he disarmed death of its sting! [vv.4-8]. The Suffering Servant’s sorrows over Israel and the bowing of his head upon the cross led to the rejoicing of his crown and the salvation of his people [9-14]. How his enemies took delight in his Via Dolorosa and mocked and scolded him like hungry lions gnashing their teeth but the LORD God, his heavenly Father, vindicated the Son by raising Jesus to reign over all [vv.15-22]. And therefore, the psalmist’s prayer is the prayer of God’s Christ, ‘23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! 25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart's desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonour who magnify themselves against me!’ By way of wonderful contrast, he says of the faithful, ‘27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.’ Let God’s church ever praise him who willingly drank the cup of shame and suffering so that we might receive the cup of salvation in and through Jesus Christ, who the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
To ponder! Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause’ (Jn.15:20-25).
Bible Challenge: Day 295
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 4 & Psalm 36
1 Kings 4 begins by listing King Solomon’s chief officials. Good and effective rule necessitated having able and trustworthy individuals to oversee the affairs of the king’s household and the implementation of his rule throughout the kingdom. Judah and Israel prospered under Solomon’s rule and enjoyed peace. The people ate, drank, and were happy. ‘Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.’ Solomons wisdom and wealth became proverbial. The royal court enjoyed an abundance of good things. And the king’s prestige and power were further manifest in the ‘40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen.’ And God gifted Solomon with wisdom and intelligence. ‘So that Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt.’ He compiled and composed proverbs and songs and demonstrated profound knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. The chapter concludes by stating, ‘And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.’
In Psalm 36 David laments the lawless person and contrasts the wickedness of fallen man with the mercy of God. He lists seven signs to highlight the totality of such a person’s sin. There is no fear of God in such a man. He is proud and delusional. He is deceitful. He neither acts wisely nor does good. He schemes on his bed. He rejects what is moral and right. He embraces evil. [vv.1-4]. Reformed theologians later coined the term ‘total depravity’ to emphasise that all parts of fallen man’s nature (the affections, emotions, moral conscience, intellect, and will) have been stained and spoiled by sin. And hence our need of grace to which the psalmist turns his attention. He writes by way of contrast, ‘5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. 7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.’ God has not abandoned fallen man (male and female) but pursues them in his steadfast love. He saves and provides for his people, who turn to him in faith and repentance. God is the fountain of life, light, and love. His church wholly depends upon his favour and goodness, and rightly praises him as Creator, Benefactor, Lord, and Saviour. Recognising his reliance on God, David pleads, ‘11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.’ He concludes, ‘12 There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.’
To ponder! as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom.3:10-18).
Bible Challenge: Day 296
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 5 & Psalm 37
1 Kings 5 highlights King Solomon’s preparations for the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. He wrote to Hiram, the king of Tyre, requesting his assent for the purchase of cedar and cypress timbers and skilled workmen for the project. He explained how his father, David, desired to build a Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant but had been prevented from doing so by wars and political instability. ‘But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune. 5 And so I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD said to David my father, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.’’ Hiram gladly gave his consent, and the timbers were transported by sea on rafts. ‘And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.’ Solomon drafted a labour force numbering 30000 for the transportation and erection of the timbers. They were to work in shifts. He placed Adoniram in charge of the draft. Solomon also tasked 70000 burden-bearers and 80000 stone-cutters to the great work with 3300 managers over them to direct their labours. ‘At the king's command they quarried out great, costly stones in order to lay the foundation of the house with dressed stones.’ And so the building of the Jerusalem Temple began.
In Psalm 37 David writes about confidence in and commitment to God from personal experience and observation. He again contrasts and compares the righteous and the wicked. He urges God’s people, ‘Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! 2 For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.’ Rather the believer must ‘3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.’ To every child of God, he declares, ‘4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.’ This is what it means to walk by faith. This is the old path, the road to peace and pleasantness. This is the narrow way of following Jesus. Rather than fuss and fret because of the wicked, God’s children must look to and listen to God. They must patiently trust and hope in him, understanding that judgement belongs to God. [vv.7-10]. The psalmist, presaging the words of the Lord Jesus, assures his reader that the meek will inherit the land and shall possess abundant peace but God will punish the wicked, demonstrating the futility and folly of their immoral words and works [vv.12-15]. Therefore, ‘16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever; 19 they are not put to shame in evil times; in the days of famine they have abundance.’ By contrast, the unrepentant wicked will perish [vv.20-27]. David points out how the LORD loves justice and will never forsake his saints. He will graciously provide for their needs. The righteous therefore speak wisely and keep God’s commandments. Theirs in the way of faith, hope, and love [vv28-33]. Hence, the Christian must wait on the LORD who’s promises will be brought to pass in the fulness of time. Anticipating the final judgement, the psalmist insists that the wicked shall be destroyed but the righteous have a glorious future [vv.34-38]. He concludes, ‘39 The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. 40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.’
To ponder! For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Rom.8:24-25).
Bible Challenge: Day 297
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 6 & Psalm 38
In 1 Kings 6 and in the fourth year of his reign, Solomon built the Temple at Jerusalem. It also marked the 480th anniversary of the children of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery. ‘The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high’, excluding the vestibule and recesses/porticoes. (A cubit was around 18 inches). The stones were prepared at quarries then hauled to the location so that no heavy banging was heard in the house of God. Its beams were made of solid cedar timbers. God spoke to Solomon and said, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.” The walls of the Temple were lined with cedar and the floor with cypress wood. Decorative carvings of gourds and flowers adorned the walls. The inner sanctuary was lined throughout with pure gold which also overlaid the altar of cedar, the chains demarking the holiest places, and the entire building. There follows details of the carved cherubim and other decorative objects that beautified the Temple as they had the Tabernacle that preceded it. ‘In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid, in the month of Ziv. 38 And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts, and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it.’
Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm. In it, David confesses his sin and expresses contrition for his transgressions. His prayer articulates his emotional, mental, and spiritual struggle and suffering resulting from his sin and resultant sense of separation from God. Conscious of his wrongdoing, God’s judgement bears heavy upon him. He feels like he is drowning. He is weighed down and heavily burdened. Indeed, he feels crushed by the weight of unconfessed sin and its accompanying guilt. He cries to God, ‘O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! 2 For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5 My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness, 6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning. 7 For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. 8 I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart.’ God’s word is teaching us through the example of David of the grave effects of unconfessed sin and therefore it is a timely reminder to us that faith and repentance are a way of life for the Christian. For as the Apostle Paul insists, all sin and fall short of the glory of God. And the Apostle John adds that if we say we have no sin the truth is not in us. David is reminding us that the remedy for sin is found in the grace, love, and mercy of God, which is available in Jesus Christ our Saviour. ‘9 O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you.’ The psalmist highlights some of the baleful effects of sin including the impact not only on his relationship with God but on others too [vv.10-14]. David here teaches God’s people to repent by turning from sin and trusting in God for forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, restoration, and renewal [vv.15-21].
David’s prayer is the prayer of the Christian. ‘18 I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. …21 Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!’ There is salvation in no other!
To ponder! But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:13-14).
Bible Challenge: Day 298
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 7 & Psalm 39
1 Kings 7 records the completion of Solomon’s luxurious palace and the furnishings of the Temple. Solomon’s palace took thirteen years to build. It was built of costly stones and its beams, pillars, windows, and door frames were made of the finest cedar from Lebanon. It comprised a hall for his throne, where he would pass judgement, a court, and separate apartments for his queen. King Solomon employed Hiram from Tyre. He was of the tribe of Naphtali and was highly skilled in crafting bronze and gold. He was tasked with beautifying the Temple and was therefore responsible for the decorative lettering, and numerous flora and fauna. He made its pots, pans, and vessels as well as the larger items like the golden altar and the Table of the Bread of his Presence. ‘Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the LORD was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD.’
In Psalm 39 the psalmist expresses his natural feelings of despair and despondency, reminding us that God’s children are not immune to dark days of the soul in this fallen world. Some Christians of an evangelical persuasion, tend to think that sadness, suffering, and sorrow are somehow contrary to faith in Christ, but they are mistaken. And a reflective reading of both Old and New Testaments would correct such erroneous assumptions. However, God is with his people in the crucible of afflictions. He is with us in and through our trials and troubles, are worries and woes. David expresses his frustration and demoralisation, struggling against the fallen nature and the wicked in a fallen world, and confesses, ‘I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. 3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!’ He is wrestling with despair at his outburst against the wicked and therefore makes an emotional response to God. Adding, ‘Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!’ Having indirectly articulated the futility of life without God and eternity, the psalmist nevertheless cries out to God in faith and hope, ‘7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! 9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. 10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand. 11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah’ Seeing the hand of Providence at work in his present gloomy circumstances, David sees the solution in God’s grace, love, and mercy. He therefore pleads, ‘12 “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!”
To ponder! Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:20-21).
Bible Challenge: Day 299
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8 & Psalm 40
1 Kings 8 begins with a record of how the Ark of the Covenant was ceremoniously transported to the Temple in Jerusalem in a great procession led by King Solomon and the leaders of Israel. ‘There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.’ Solomon praised God and blessed the people, and declared, “Now the LORD has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and I have built the house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel. 21 And there I have provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the LORD that he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.” There follows Solomon’s prayer of dedication and his benediction. He expressed gratitude to God for his amazing grace. He praised the LORD for his steadfast love and faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to Israel and asked God to again affirm his covenant with his people. Conscious that God is omnipresent, Solomon nevertheless gave thanks that the LORD had chosen to meet with his people and hear their prayers and forgive their sins in that holy place. Solomon also prayed for non-Israelites that came to God’s House and supplicated the LORD and in so doing anticipated the New Covenant era in which all who come in faith to God’s Temple who is the Lord Jesus Christ will find reconciliation, redemption, and renewal. Also anticipating Israel and Judah’s future rebellion again God and subsequent captivity in a foreign land, Solomon prayed, ‘if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen, and the house that I have built for your name, 49 then hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause 50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions that they have committed against you, and grant them compassion in the sight of those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them 51 (for they are your people, and your heritage, which you brought out of Egypt, from the midst of the iron furnace).’ The king concluded with a benediction in which he also urged the people to let their hearts be ever wholly true to the LORD their God by walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments. Sacrifices of 22000 oxen and 120000 sheep were then offered to mark the historic occasion and the Temple was duly consecrated for worship.
While Psalm 40 records David’s experience of God’s salvific grace, and is best understood prophetically as anticipating the passion and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. And hence the voice in the Psalm is ultimately Christ’s rather than David’s which is confirmed in the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews in chapter 10. So, while David, and every Christian can say, ‘I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure’, God the Father heard the Son’s pleas and raised him from the dead. And because he raised Jesus, we can truly say that God’s Christ died for our sins and rose again for our justification. He is the Rock upon which the Christian finds shelter, stability, and security. Referring to God, the psalmist adds, ‘3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!’ The psalmist expresses his gratitude for grace upon grace. He trusts wholeheartedly in the LORD who not only redeems but also renews his people for the sake of Christ and his cross which the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed and pointed to. We are also reminded in this verse of how the Son humbled himself even to the point of death and God greatly exalted him high above all, King of kings and Lord of lords. His people consequently ever live to praise the LORD. Moreover, prior to his glorious ascension the Lord Jesus gave his church the Gospel Commission to proclaim good news to every creature. How good is our God? The psalmist declares, ‘5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.’
The church exists to proclaim God’s wondrous deeds in and through and because of his Christ. And therefore, ‘6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”’ Here David foretells the glorious incarnation and the purpose of the Son’s coming to do the will of his Father in heaven, to fulfil the law, and to die the death for the sin of the world. And so, David, anticipating Jesus can declare, ‘9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.’ Jesus went to Calvary trusting in the mercy, steadfast love, and faithfulness of his heavenly Father to preserve him. He was made sin who knew no sin for the salvation of all that receive and rest in him. ‘11 As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.’ Christ could truly pray, ‘13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me! 14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonour who delight in my hurt! 15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, Aha!” 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”’ Just as the Father delivered Jesus from the pit, and just as God in Jesus delivered David, so he does for all his beloved children who can surely say, along with the psalmist, ‘17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!’ Praise God for so great salvation. Praise God for so wonderful a Saviour.
To ponder! And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet (Heb.10:11-13). You may wish to sing the Scottish metrical version of Psalm 40 which is freely available online if no longer included in many hymnals to the tune Ayrshire or Ballerma and reflect on God’s amazing grace. Here’s a video to assist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67jbBYbcqao
Bible Challenge: Day 300
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 9 & Psalm 41
In 1 Kings 9 the LORD appeared to Solomon for a second time. He said, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 4 And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, 5 then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ God, nevertheless, warned Solomon that if he or his descendants apostatised or abandoned God’s commandments then he or they and Israel would be cut off from his grace and protection, and the House of God would become a ruin. After twenty years had passed, Solomon gave Hiram of Tyre twenty cities in the region of Galilee in return for 120 talents of gold but these did not please the king of Tyre. There follows an account of the forced labour that Solomon commanded for the construction of the Temple, Palace, and city walls at Jerusalem and elsewhere. He deployed Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites rather than the people of Israel, who provided officials, administrators, military officers, soldiers and the like. The chapter concludes by stating that Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber on the shore of the Red Sea. His navy was aided in its work by experienced sailors obtained from Hiram, the King of Tyre. ‘And they went to Ophir and brought from there gold, 420 talents, and they brought it to King Solomon.’
Like Psalm 40, Psalm 41 is a Psalm of David that anticipates, points to, and finds its fulfilment in the Lord Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. His is the ultimate voice in David’s prayer and praise as he himself confirms in the Upper Room as recorded by the Apostle John in his Gospel (13:18). He is the truly blessed one who showed care, consideration, and compassion for the poor. He is the one the Father strengthened and sustained during his earthly mission and delivered from death. David, nevertheless, showed consideration for all his subjects, including the poor. God saved him from the violent hand of his enemies on numerous occasions and restored him to health when sick [vv.1-3]. Unlike Jesus in whom there was no sin but was made sin for our sake, David could earnestly pray, ‘4 As for me, I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!”’ And while King David experienced the treachery of confidantes and kin and so writes from personal experience, his words are evidently applicable to the Lord Jesus. ‘5 My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me. 8 They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies.” 9 Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.’ Christ’s enemies caballed and conspired against him from the outset of his earthly ministry until they handed him over to Pontius Pilate to be crucified. And even his close confidante, one of his chosen apostles, Judas Iscariot, with whom he shared hospitality and friendship betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver! Just as God metaphorically raised David up again to reign supreme over all Israel after Absalom’s rebellion, so God the Father raised Jesus literally from the grave to triumph over and judge his enemies. Because of his sinless integrity, he ascended to the Father’s side to reign supreme as King of kings and Lord of lords [vv.10-12]. Therefore, let us joyfully declare along with the psalmist, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.’
To ponder! Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed (Isa.53:4-5).
Bible Challenge: Day 301
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 10 & Psalm 42
In 1 Kings 10 the reader learns that when the Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s wisdom and knowledge, she travelled to Israel to meet and test him. ‘She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind.’ She was greatly impressed by King Solomon, his royal court, and by all that he had built. Sheba said to Solomon, ‘Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.”’ She then gave to Solomon 120 talents of gold and a very great quantity of spices and precious stones. These added to those obtained by the fleet of Hiram which also included almug wood used in the construction of Solomon’s palace as well as musical instruments. Solomon joyfully responded to Sheba’s generosity before she returned home. There follows an account of the great wealth amassed by King Solomon through political stability, international alliances, and excellent trade links. ‘Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.’ Solomon’s prestige, power, and prosperity became proverbial.
Psalm 42 is David’s prayer of faith and hope. It is the prayer of the Christian experiencing a dark day of the soul when God appears to be distant, and trials and troubles are almost overwhelming. The psalmist longs for God’s experiential presence and touch upon his life again. He recognises his need of God’s grace and so, he declares, ‘As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.’ Augustine of Hippo may have had these words in mind when he wrote that our souls are restless until they find rest in God. Man was made for a vital relationship with God and there is a void in our hearts that only God can fill! The psalmist, therefore, asks, ‘When shall I come and appear before God?’ He has experienced the taunts of mockers and scoffers and is demoralised by his sense of separation from God. ‘3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?” 4 These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.’ Looking back on better days, David teaches us that we must look up and look forward in faith and hope. He, therefore, asks himself, ‘5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?’ And answers himself, ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation 6 and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 8 By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.’ David is honest with God. He expresses what he feels and therefore he writes, ‘9 I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” 10 As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?”’ He concludes by again asking himself, ‘11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?’ And once more he tells himself, ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God’, reminding us that our hope and help is in God. Finally, there is a Christological element in Psalm 42 as David’s words anticipate and distantly will echo in the experience of the Lord Jesus on the cross where he, bearing the sin of the world, temporarily experienced a sense of separation from God resulting in his cry of dereliction, ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me.’ However, in faith and hope, he looked beyond his cross to his crown and to leading his people in triumphal procession to glory. Thank the LORD and praise him for so great salvation. Our hope is in him.
To ponder! Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God (Ps.20:7).
Bible Challenge: Day 302
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 11 & Psalm 43
1 Kings 11 sadly reveals that despite God’s word of warning to the children of Israel from marrying non-Israelites, Solomon had a passion for foreign women. And he married Egyptian, Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women. ‘He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.’ Solomon, forgetting God’s previous warning to him, apostatised, worshipped, and offered sacrifices to the gods (idols) of his wives’ nations, which invoked God’s displeasure. The LORD therefore spoke to Solomon and said, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. 12 Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.” Soon Solomon discovered that he had a bitter foe in the person of Hadad, an Edomite, who had escaped King David’s conquest of Edom and had found favour at the Egyptian royal court. He was now determined to revenge his people against Solomon and the Israelites. Furthermore, Rezon, the son of Eliada, who reigned over Syria, took up arms against Israel. These external threats were as nothing however compared to the internal threat posed by Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite, who had received a prophetic word that he would become king over ten of the tribes of Israel. Solomon therefore sought to have him murdered. ‘But Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.’ Solomon reigned for forty years. His words of wisdom and actions were recorded for future generations. ‘And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.’
In Psalm 43 David prays for God’s vindication of his words and works and for deliverance from the accusations and opposition of the ungodly. His prayer foretells the vindication and deliverance of God’s Christ who triumphed over his enemies by his death and resurrection. The psalmist prayed, ‘Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! 2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’ As noted yesterday, David, like Jesus upon the cross, temporarily felt abandoned and greatly burdened. And, therefore, he asks God to be his rock and refuge, his strength and succour. David urges God to ‘3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.’ The psalmist is here acknowledging his need for grace and guidance. God ultimately answered David’s prayer, which is the supplication of God’s church, in sending the Word made flesh who is the Light of the World, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He dispels our darkness and leads his people in paths of pleasantness and peace. The psalmist, therefore, asks himself, ‘5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?’ Again, he tells himself to ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.’ This is what it means to walk by faith regardless of our circumstances and situations. We must trust in God and lay all our burdens on him because he cares for us.
To ponder! I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Ps.121:1-2).
Bible Challenge: Day 303
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 12 & Psalm 44
In 1 Kings 12 Jeroboam returned to Israel from exile in Egypt and appeared before Rehoboam at Shechem where he had gone to be crowned king of Israel as Solomon’s son and successor. There Jeroboam and the people asked Rehoboam “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” Rehoboam promised to give the matter his consideration. He consulted the elders who gave him wise counsel but he ignored their advice and followed his young confidantes who suggested that he should adopt a harsher stance against his subjects. They told him to say in response, “And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” And so, Rehoboam rejected the people’s plea, and the LORD spoke to Jeroboam via the Prophet Ahijah. The people rebelled against Rehoboam’s rule. They murdered Adoram, the king’s chief officer of forced labour, and appointed and anointed Jeroboam king over Israel, reducing Rehoboam’s kingdom to the territory belonging to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin with Jerusalem its capital. When Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem, he assembled an army of 180000 warriors. However, speaking through the Prophet Shemaiah, God told the king and his people, “Thus says the LORD, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives the people of Israel. Every man return to his home, for this thing is from me.’” And so, a bloody and costly civil war was averted. Jeroboam built Shechem as his capital to rival Jerusalem. And determined to stop his subjects from travelling up to the Temple to keep the annual feasts according to the law of God, because he feared such contact might divide his people’s loyalty, he set up golden calves at Dan and Bethel. ‘He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites. 32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made.’ He thereby led the people astray from God and his ways.
Psalm 44 was composed by the sons of Korah in a day of dejection and darkness. The people of Israel have suffered military defeat and are derided by their foes. The psalmist recalls Israel’s history and of how she had triumphed over her enemies, had been settled in the holy land, and had prospered by God’s grace and guidance. Thus, the psalmist writes, ‘O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old: 2 you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free; 3 for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.’ The Old Testament church had formerly recognised the favour bestowed upon it by God and how they had been wholly dependent on him for power, protection, and provision. They praised him as their Maker, Lord, Saviour, and Benefactor and lived in faithful fellowship with him, symbolised by the Tabernacle and Temple of his presence. And so, the psalmist, looking to the steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness of God declares, ‘4 You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob! 5 Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. 6 For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. 7 But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah.’ The psalmist however, now laments Israel’s feeling of rejection and disgrace. They have been conquered and have been scattered like sheep without a shepherd by their foes, possibly referring to Assyria or Babylon. The kingdom that once seemed invincible under the leadership of David has become a laughingstock to her enemies [vv.9-16]. And yet the psalmist/s speaks for the remnant who are clinging to faith and hope in the LORD. They have not forgotten nor forsaken him but continue to trust in God’s word and promises [17-22]. They cry to God to rise up, rescue, and restore them for his love’s sake. ‘23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! 24 Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground. 26 Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!’ And so with the church today, especially here in the Western World, we must similarly cry to God to revive his church among us in a day of small things, understanding that unless the LORD builds the house those who build it labour in vain (Ps.127:1a).
To ponder! Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved! (Ps.80:19).
Bible Challenge: Day 304
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 13 & Psalm 45
In 1 Kings 13 a prophet from Judah confronted Jeroboam at Bethel and declared, “O altar, altar, thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” And he gave a sign that provided confirmation that his prophecy came from God, compelling Jeroboam to ask him to intercede on his behalf for grace from God. The prophet did so, and Jeroboam’s hand was healed, but he turned down the king’s offer of a reward. An elderly prophet from Bethel heard of what the man of God from Judah had said and had done for Jeroboam and went in pursuit of him. Finding him under an oak tree he invited the man of God to return to his home at Bethel. On hearing the man explain that he could not accept his hospitality without disobeying God, the old prophet lied and persuaded the younger man that he also had received a revelation from God that he was to return with him. After eating and drinking the word came from God condemning the man from Judah’s folly in defying him. In response, he made haste to leave but was killed by a mountain lion a short distance from Bethel. The old prophet retrieved the man’s body and duly buried him. Mourning his death, he lamented, “Alas, my brother!” 31 And after he had buried him, he said to his sons, “When I die, bury me in the grave in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. 32 For the saying that he called out by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel and against all the houses of the high places that are in the cities of Samaria shall surely come to pass.” Jeroboam, however, learned nothing from the incident but continued his religious policy by ordaining any that were willing to become priests in contravention of God’s law. ‘34 And this thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, so as to cut it off and to destroy it from the face of the earth.’
Psalm 45 is a paeon of praise that anticipates and looks forward to God’s Christ. It points us to end of history as we understand it and the glorious wedding day of Christ and his bride, the church. The wedding metaphor symbolises the union or communion in perfect love that God and his people will enjoy for all eternity. This is a prominent theme in the New Testament scriptures which confirm the Christological focus of this Psalm. The psalmist begins, ‘My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.’ He is reminding us that God’s grace is found in Jesus Christ, the truly blessed One. All God’s promises to us and yes and amen in him. He is the Mighty God who sits enthroned in glory in splendour and majesty. He is the Victor and is our victory who triumphed over the world, the Devil and Death in the cause of truth, meekness, and righteousness [vv.3-5]. He rose from the grave and ascended to heaven to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. And so the words of the psalmist are the words of the church in our New Covenant era, ‘6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The sceptre of your kingdom is a sceptre of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honour; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.’ Christ Jesus is worthy of all praise, honour, and glory. And one day every knee shall bow before him, and tongue confess that he is Lord. There follows a poetic account of the bride being beautified (sanctified) for her wedding day. The day is anticipated with great and joyous processions and celebrations [vv.10-16]. Let us therefore, say of Christ and his church, along with the psalmist, ‘17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.’
To ponder! Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God” (Rev.19:7-9).
Bible Challenge: Day 305
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 14 & Psalm 46
In 1 Kings 14 Jeroboam’s son, Abijah, fell ill and the king instructed his wife to disguise herself, travel to Shiloh and there consult the prophet, Ahijah. She took with her gifts of ten loaves, cakes, and a jar of honey. Ahijah, whose eyesight was impaired, nevertheless recognised and received Jeroboam’s wife and revealed to her God’s will. He explained that despite God’s grace in elevating her husband to kingship, he had provoked God’s anger by his apostasy and idolatry. Therefore, speaking on behalf of God, Ahijah told the queen, “Therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone. 11 Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat, for the LORD has spoken it.”’ When she returned home her son would die and all Israel would mourn the loss. Jeroboam’s dynasty, moreover, would be replaced by another. And it came to pass as the prophet had spoken. Jeroboam reigned for twenty-two years. After his death, Nadab, his son, became king. Turning to the southern kingdom of Judah, Rehoboam was forty-one years of age when he acceded to the throne, and he reigned for seventeen years. His mother was an Ammonite and possibly under her influence he also introduced and worshipped foreign gods and practices which provoked the LORD to anger. In the fifth year of his reign, Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and carried off as spoil the treasures of the House of the LORD and the king’s palace. Rehoboam replaced the gold shields that Solomon his father had made with bronze ones, as a symbol of the evident decline of his dynasty’s power, prosperity, and prestige. There was constant war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. And when he died he was buried in the City of David and was succeeded by his son, Abijam.
In Psalm 46 the sons of Korah write to instil confidence and comfort in God among his people. In times of trials, troubles, and tribulations, and of resultant hardships and heartaches, the church is reminded, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ The Psalm encourages God’s children to flee to God by faith. He is our rock and refuge, our strength and succour. He is our help and hope. ‘2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah. God is with his people. He will not forget or forsake them. He dwells in their midst. Underneath are his everlasting arms. All things are ultimately working for the good of those that love God. Therefore, the psalmist adds, ‘4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.’ He will provide for and protect his people. And so, the Israel of God can say, ‘7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah’. And declare, 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.’ He has revealed a more excellent way! It is the way of love, joy, peace, and justice and calls people to walk therein knowing that their labours are not in vain. He will ultimately establish such a kingdom where hatred and horrors will no longer exist. In and through Jesus Christ, he therefore says, 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Let us take heart for as the psalmists assure us, ‘11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.’
To ponder! fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isa.41:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 306
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15 & Psalm 47
1 Kings 15 provides a record of Rehoboam and Jeroboam’s successors on the respective thrones of Judah and Israel. In the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign, Abijam ascended the throne in Judah where he ruled for three years. Like his father, his heart was not right with God, and he similarly practised apostasy and idolatry. He continued the war with the Northern Kingdom. Nevertheless, for the sake of David, and the promise God had made to him, Abijam was succeeded by his son after his death. His remains were laid to rest in the Holy City. He was followed in the royal line by Asa who reigned for a lengthy forty-one years. Unlike his father, he was faithful and therefore did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. Asa beautified and refurbished God’s House and removed the idols associated with foreign deities and destroyed the places of worship linked to them throughout Judah with the exception of the ‘high places’. He removed his mother’s royal privileges because she made an image of Asherah. He was at war with Baasha, the king of Israel who was determined to build Ramah to prevent his people from travelling to Judah. He therefore successfully convinced the king of Syria to break his alliance with Israel and make a political and military alliance with Judah. Syria thus attacked Israel and Baasha was forced to abandon the building and militarisation of Ramah near the border of Judah and redeploy his resources to defending Israel against the Syrians. Asa ordered the acquisition of the materials that were being used to build Ramah and built up his own defences with them at Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah. After his passing, Asa was succeeded by his son, Jehoshaphat. In the second year of Asa’s reign, Nadab ascended the throne of Israel. Like his father, he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Baasha of the tribe of Issachar conspired against him and killed him while Israel was laying siege to the Philistine city of Gibbethon and he reigned in his place. He put to death all the house of Jeroboam to prevent potential future challenges to his dynasty from that royal line. Baasha reigned over Israel at Tizrah for twenty-four years and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.
Psalm 47 is a celebratory and joyous song of praise, extolling the glory, greatness, and goodness of God. Anticipating our new covenant era, it bids all peoples, ‘clap your hands… Shout to God with loud songs of joy!’ Why? Because the LORD who is ever faithful to his covenant promises is the Most High. He is God and King over all the earth. He is sovereign. He reigns supreme [v.2]. And this he demonstrated in the history of Israel, the Old Testament church. The sons of Korah write, ‘3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. 4 He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah.’ God chose a people, Israel. He delivered them from slavery and gave them a land flowing with milk and honey. He drove out their enemies while providing for and protecting his people who were the recipients of his grace and steadfast love. This Psalm hence foreshadows the greater deliverance of the spiritual Israel of God, which incorporates the Gentiles also, in and through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He has triumphed over our enemies through his life, death, and resurrection and gone to prepare a place for us. He will lead his people in triumphal procession into a new heavens and new earth and the eternal state. Therefore, ‘5 God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. 9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!’ Our God reigns. Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. He who humbled himself and won our salvation is highly exalted. And one day we shall see him as he is and be like him. Now, that is surely cause for exuberant praise.
To ponder! “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Rev.5:13b).
Bible Challenge: Day 307
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 16 & Psalm 48
In 1 Kings 16 the word of God came to the prophet, Jehu, the son of Hanani, against Baasha, who did evil in the sight of the LORD by not only continuing the idolatrous religious programme established by Jeroboam but also for his murdering the house of the late king. His dynasty was therefore to be swept away. Elah, his son reigned for only two years. He was murdered by Zimri, one of his commanders, while he was drunk in the house of Arza at Tirzah. Zimri usurped the crown and reigned over Israel. He struck down all the house of Baasha to consolidate his rule and therein fulfilled the prophecy of Jehu, but his reign lasted only seven days. Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king in his place, and besieged Tirzah where Zimri died in a conflagration of the king’s house. Factionalism resulted in civil war in Israel after half the country favoured an alternative king to Omri in the person of Tibni. Omri’s forces triumphed over those of Tibni who died soon afterward. Omri reigned for twelve years. He purchased the hill of Samaria and there built his capital. He was succeeded by his son, Ahab who reigned for twenty-two years. And he did more evil in the sight of the LORD than any of his royal predecessors. He married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and worshipped the served their god, Baal. ‘He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.’ During his reign, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho at grave personal cost in the death of his sons, Abiram and Segub.
In Psalm 48 the sons of Korah praise the greatness of God who dwelt in their midst at the Temple at Jerusalem. The Temple was a shadow of the heavenly reality, and along with the Holy City, allegorically anticipated and pointed to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And hence, John Newton’s famous hymn, ‘Glorious things of thee are spoken Zion, city of our God… Blest inhabitants of Zion Purchased by the Saviour's blood. Jesus, whom their souls rely on, Makes them kings and priests to God’. And so, it is as Christians that we prayerfully interpret and make use of this Psalm in our praise. The psalmist, possibly making his way up to the Holy City and to the House of God to worship, writes, ‘Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. 3 Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress.’ And so, God has made himself known in and through his church. His people are the living stones that comprise his true and everlasting Temple which is united to Christ the chief and head cornerstone. The Apostle Peter therefore writes, ‘As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame”’ (1Pt.2:4-6). Possibly, referring to the unsuccessful assault on Jerusalem by the Assyrians, among others, the sons of Korah declare, ‘4 For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. 5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. 6 Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labour. 7 By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah. The literal Jerusalem was nevertheless conquered by the Babylonians and later again by Alexander the Great and the Romans, but Christ’s church continues despite the numerous attempts to destroy her and snuff out her witness down through the centuries, which continues in various places still. Let God’s people take heart for God is with them. Immanuel is God with us in Jesus Christ. Let us therefore say in the words of the Psalm, ‘We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. 10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. 11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!’ Let the church glorify God and enjoy him forever. Let her fulfil her Great Commission. ‘12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation 14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.’ Let us trust God and hear and heed his Word.
To ponder! And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev.21:2-4).
Bible Challenge: Day 308
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 17 & Psalm 49
In 1 Kings 17 we are introduced to the prophet Elijah. He addressed King Ahab and said, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” God directed Elijah to the brook Cherith which was east of the River Jordan. The brook would provide him with water and while there, ravens would provide him with food. He obeyed God and the ravens brought him bread and meat but in time the brook dried up because there was no rain. The word of God came to him again and told him to go to Zarephath and there, lodge with a widow who would feed him. By God’s providence he encountered the woman gathering sticks. He asked her for food and drink, but she only had a little flour and oil. She explained, ‘And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” Elijah told her not to fear and assured her that ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” She trusted the prophet and the jars of flour and oil did not run out as God had said through his messenger. In time, however, the widow’s son became ill and died. In her grief she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” Elijah, however, took her son to the upper chamber and laid him on his bed. He earnestly prayed, ‘“O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” 21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again.”’ God positively answered the prophet and the boy was restored to life. He brought to lad back to his mother and said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”
Anticipating the new covenant era, Psalm 49 calls all people throughout the world to give ear, ‘2 both low and high, rich and poor together!’ The psalmist provides wisdom in the form of praise (vv.3-4). Speaking on behalf of all people, he asks himself, ‘5 Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, 6 those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?’ Wealth, he points out, cannot redeem a person before God. Its pleasures are ephemeral and those that pursue it at the expense of their relationship with God and others are merely like the beasts that perish. Despite their riches, extravagant lifestyles, power, prestige, and pomp they too must sooner or later die and be laid in the grave. They cannot take their possessions with them. They too will one day be required to stand before the judgement seat of Christ [vv.7-12]. They will have to answer for their folly and boasting (v.13). ‘14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.’ God however will raise the humble, irrespective of whether they are rich or poor, that walk by faith, hope, and love. Therefore, the poor should not fret over those that make riches their god and are negligent of their religious, social, and moral obligations [15-19]. He concludes, ‘Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish.’
To ponder! For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs (1 Tim.6:10).
Bible Challenge: Day 309
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 18 & Psalm 50
In 1 Kings 18 after three years of drought and resultant famine, God commanded Elijah to go confront King Ahab, and God would grant Israel rain. On route he encountered Obadiah who had been sent by the king in search of springs of water. Obadiah was faithful to God. At great personal risk he had hid and provided for one hundred godly prophets who had refused to bow the knee to Ahab’s false gods. Obadiah paid homage to Elijah on meeting him. Dispelling his fears, Elijah told him, ‘And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here”’; and he will kill me.” 15 And Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.” Therefore, Obadiah informed the king who in turn travelled to confront Elijah. On finding Elijah, he said, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” Elijah boldly responded, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.” Ahab did so, and on Mount Carmel Elijah demonstratively proved that the LORD was God and the Baals were merely impotent idols. Elijah confronted Israel and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” He challenged the prophets of Baal and Asherah to a contest that revealed to all Israel that their idols were powerless, despite the frantic and furious pleas and bloody rituals of their priestly devotees. By contrast he demonstrated the power of the LORD God before the people. He prayed loudly so that all heard, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” In response, fire fell from heaven and consumed Elijah’s burnt offering as well as the wood, stones, dust, and water in the trench. The children of Israel prostrated themselves and cried in unison, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.” Elijah had the prophets of Baal slaughtered at the brook Kishon. He then told Ahab to prepare for rain. He ascended Mount Carmel and prayed while his servant kept watch for a sign of rain clouds. On the seventh time of looking, he told Elijah, ‘“Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.’
Psalm 50 offer adulation to God and admonishes those that merely go through the outward rites and rituals of worship without repentance before God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a reminder to its reader that true worship emanates from the heart and mind and is exhibited in love for God and love for others. The psalmist begins by praising the divine majesty, greatness, goodness, and glory of God. He writes, ‘The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.’ He is omnipotent and omniscient and cannot be fooled by mere outward appearances but rather he looks on the heart. He calls people to worship him in spirit and in truth. And to be faithful and fruitful. ‘3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest. 4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”’ Both natural and special revelation proclaim his righteousness and judgements. ‘6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah 7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.’ He is not only self-existent, but he is self-sufficient. And he calls us into a living and loving relationship to himself and one another and has revealed that our chief end is to glorify him and enjoy him for ever [vv.8-15]. To the unrepentant and unfaithful he says, “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? 17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.” Such people give full expression to the fallen nature. They ignore God’s commandments, for they neither love him, nor their neighbour [18-21]. Consequently, God will rebuke them. Asaph concludes, “Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! 23 The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
To ponder! Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire (Heb.12:28-29).
Bible Challenge: Day 310
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 19 & Psalm 51
In 1 Kings 19 we unexpectantly encounter Elijah demoralised, dejected, and afraid after his conquest and elation on Mount Carmel. Ahab told his wife, Queen Jezebel how Elijah had prevailed on the mountain and then put to death the priests of Baal. In response she sent word to the prophet, informing him, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Elijah’s faith temporarily failed him, and he fled for his life into the wilderness, leaving his servant behind at Beersheba in Judah. Slouched under a broom tree, he prayed, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” An angel, however, appeared and twice told him to rise and eat which he did in readiness for a lengthy journey to Mount Horeb where he would fast for forty days and forty nights. There, the LORD spoke to him, and Elijah explained why he had fled, telling God that he was the last of the faithful. And God said to him, ‘“Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.’ Elijah found God in a solitary and still place, reminding us that so often we lose sight of him and his will in the chaos and cacophony of our frantic and frenetic lives. Like Elijah, and more importantly, like Jesus, we need time apart with God to listen to him and to refresh our spiritual batteries. God commanded Elijah to return via the wilderness of Damascus and there anoint Hazael, king of Syria, and then Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his successor. And the LORD said to him, “And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” The chapter concludes with the resultant call of Elisha. Elijah found him ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen, a symbol of the tribes of Israel and he cast his cloak upon him. Before joining Elijah, Elisha offered oxen to God in sacrifice on the yokes which he burned in a display of devotion and dedication to God’s new call upon his life. There would be no turning back.
Psalm 51 is ‘A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.’ David had not only committed adultery but had conspired to ensure the death of Bathsheba’s husband. Here is the psalmist’s prayer of repentance. He confessed his sin and turned from it to reorientate his life back in a God-ward direction. Hence, he cried to God, ‘Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!’ David had transgressed God’s law of love and knew it. He was burdened with guilt and was facing further judgement. And so, like the prodigal son in the Lord Jesus’ parable, he returned to his Father in heaven, relying on his steadfast love, grace, and mercy for forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewal. He felt the weight of sin and understood the propensity of the fallen (sin) nature and therefore adds, ‘3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.’ David understood that the healing and restoration he required was inward or interior rather than external. He acknowledged that he had a terminal heart problem which only God, the Great Physician, could fix [see Matthew 15:19). And so, he prayed, ‘6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.’ He cast himself wholly on God’s grace and mercy. He comes before God in deep and earnest humility and like a beggar pleads, ‘11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.’ He is truly penitent and sincerely desires to glorify God in a restored loving relationship and also is determined to witness to others. He therefore declares, ‘13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.’ No number of rites and rituals could atone for his sin. They merely pointed to and anticipated the sacrifice of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. David understood that sinners must come before God in faith and repentance. ‘16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.’ He concludes by praying for the church, recognising that he is part of something so much bigger than himself. And the sin of one negatively impacts the whole. He therefore prays, ‘18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.’ Let us confess our sin and worship, work, and witness for the good and growth of Christ’s church.
To ponder! But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander (Mt.15:18-19).
Bible Challenge: Day 311
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 20 & Psalm 52
In 1 Kings 20 Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, marshalled a large coalition army and threatened Samaria. He demanded that Ahab turn over to him his wives and children along with gold and silver, otherwise he would destroy his capital. Fearing destruction, Ahab initially consented but after consulting the elders of Israel he was determined to fight for his capital, kingdom, and honour. A prophet told Ahab that God would give protect Israel and would give Ben-hadad’s forces into his hand. ‘And Ahab said, “By whom?” He said, “Thus says the LORD, By the servants of the governors of the districts.” Then he said, “Who shall begin the battle?” He answered, “You.” 15 Then he mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.’ They consequently repulsed the king of Syria and his army. Ben-hadad retreated. Nevertheless, he returned in the spring determined to draw Israel into a battle in the plains where his numerically superior and better armed forces would defeat Israel. Again, Israel nevertheless, defeated the Syrian army and forced Ben-hadad to restore cities to Israel previously captured by Syria. The prophet, however, condemned the release of Ben-hadad, saying to Ahab, ‘“Thus says the LORD, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” 43 And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.’
Psalm 52 is a Psalm of David, composed after ‘Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”’ Doeg was a self-serving, callous, cruel, and violent courtier of Saul that wickedly betrayed and slaughtered Ahimelech, the high priest, and eighty-five other priests as well as civilians because they had showed hospitality to David while on the run from the king. However, he epitomises the wicked in every generation. The psalmist asks, ‘Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day.’ Such a person gives no thought to God. Despite God’s love, grace, and mercy, he ignores God and his law of love. Such a man is selfish, conceited, and deceitful, the psalmist stresses. He is indifferent to the harm his words and actions have on others. David writes, ‘2 Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. 3 You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah 4 You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.’ The wicked, however, will be judged. Those that exalt themselves in such a manner will ultimately be abased by God if they continue unrepentant. ‘5 But God,’ the psalmist declares, ‘will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah’ David, speaking for God’s people, particularly those that suffer persecution and exploitation at the hands of the wicked, is confident that in God’s judgement he will have the last laugh. ‘6 The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, 7 “See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!”’ The psalmist, speaking on behalf of the faithful, likens himself to a green olive tree in the house of God that continues to flourish and bear fruit despite the machinations of the wicked. David is like the blessed man of Psalm 1. His faith is resolute. ‘8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.’ Therefore, he shows his gratitude to God for his grace and waits patiently on him, understanding that all things are working for the good of those that love God. ‘9 I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.’
To ponder! Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Rom.12:19).
Bible Challenge: Day 312
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 21 & Psalm 53
1 Kings 21 tells the story of Naboth’s vineyard. It was adjacent to Ahab’s palace, and he coveted it. He approached Naboth with a view to making an exchange for it, but Naboth told the king, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” Pained and peeved by Naboth’s response, Ahab petulantly retired to his bed and refused to eat. Jezebel confronted her husband and said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” And so she forged her husband’s signature and conspired against Naboth which resulted in false charges being made against that he had cursed God and the king. Consequently, he was publicly executed by stoning. And Ahab took possession of his vineyard. God, however, passed judgement on Ahab via the prophet Elijah who was to say to the king, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’ When Ahab saw Elijah approaching, he referred to the prophet as his enemy. Elijah explained to Ahab, that despite his wife’s secretive caballing with others, nothing escaped God’s notice. He is omniscient. Ahab and Jezebel had done evil in the sight of the LORD. They had compounded Ahab’s evident apostasy and idolatry. Therefore, Elijah pronounced God’s judgement. “21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the LORD also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’ 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.” Ahab responded by a public display of penitence for which the sentence against him was postponed.
Psalm 53 appears to be a duplication of Psalm 14 and is quoted by the Apostle Paul in chapter 3 of his Epistle to the Romans. It reminds us that fallen man has a serious heart problem. In other words, the core of his being has been corrupted. The affections, emotions, intellect or wisdom, and will have been sullied and stained by sin. And rather than seeking remedy and renewal in God, ‘The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”’ The psalmist insists that all have gone wrong. All have been impacted by the fall of Adam. Without grace none would seek after God who is the ultimate good. He defines what is good. And so, the psalmist surveying his society declares, ‘They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.’ Paul uses the same words with reference to the world. The psalmist marvels at their ignorance and immorality. Such people live in fear but have no fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom. He therefore asks, ‘4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God? 5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.’ However, he earnestly prays in faith, hope, and love for God’s grace and mercy. ‘6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!’ Israel, as God’s son was to be a beacon of hope to the nations but sadly it failed time after time. But out of Zion God sent forth his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to be the Saviour of the world. His gospel is to be proclaimed to every creature. Let his people rejoice and be glad. For as the psalmist writes, ‘When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.’
To ponder! But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom.3:21-26).
Bible Challenge: Day 313
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 22 & Psalm 54
In 1 Kings 22 Israel and Judah formed an alliance to take back Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. King Jehoshaphat asked Ahab to firstly consult the prophets. The king of Israel consequently assembled four hundred men and inquired, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” Jehoshaphat, however, remained unsatisfied with their response and requested that another prophet be consulted. Ahab told him of Micaiah but added that he hated him because he never prophesied good for the king but evil. He was summoned but while the kings awaited his arrival, they were urged by the others to go up against the Syrians assured of success. Micaiah, however told them, “Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the LORD has declared disaster for you.” Zedekiah struck Micaiah, and Ahab had him removed and incarcerated. The kings ignored his warning and advanced against Ramoth-gilead. Ahab disguised himself but was struck by a random arrow that evaded his armour. He watched the battle propped up in his chariot but died of his wound, as the prophet had declared. Jehoshaphat was spared. ‘So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. 38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the LORD that he had spoken.’ Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah for twenty-five years. He sought to follow the ways of God and prosper his people. After his death his body was buried in Jerusalem and his son, Jehoram succeeded him as king of Judah. Ahab was succeeded by his son Ahaziah who did evil in the eyes of the LORD by following the idolatrous practices of his predecessors as king of Israel. He reigned for only two years.
Psalm 54 records David’s prayer when the Ziphites endangered his life by informing King Saul of his whereabouts. It anticipates the vindication and victory of Christ and is the cry of the church when faced with persecution and oppression. In faith, David earnestly cries to God to save him from the hands of his enemies. ‘O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.’ He asks God to hear his prayer and come to his rescue. ‘2 O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah’ God, the Maker of heaven and earth, is his helper. The One who gave him life also sustains life. ‘4 Behold, God is my helper;’ he writes, ‘the Lord is the upholder of my life.’ David’s extremity is but God’s opportunity to come to his aid and thwart the will of those that sought to betray him and take his life! He trusted in God to act justly. ‘5 He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them.’ Praying in hope, David can look above and beyond present circumstances to worship the LORD and wait upon his gracious deliverance. Therefore, he concludes, ‘6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good. 7 For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.’ Again, we are reminded that it is better to trust in God than place one’s confidence in man or in material things. Praise God that we have access to the Throne of Grace in and through the Mediator who is David’s son and Lord, Jesus Christ, who is our Advocate and Intercessor with the Father.
To ponder! ‘Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge—Take it to the Lord in prayer; Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.’
