April 19, Reading Notes

Believe it or not, we're going to finish Joshua this week. I know that the past few chapters of Joshua have been less than interesting, but some of what has been said is hinting ahead to Judges. Judges will be packed full of action.

Joshua 19-20

Joshua 19

When reading very repetitive stuff, it is interesting to take note of the editorial comments. There are a few interesting comments in this section.

V. 9 Simeon's inheritance was in the middle of Judah's land. Eventually Simeon's land became absorbed into Judah and the tribe of Simeon moved north. The same thing happened to the land belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin actually "owned" Jerusalem but you never think of it as belonging to anyone but the tribe of Judah.

Vs. 47-48 Dan losing their inheritance is recorded at the end of Judges. This seems like an editor's note. In Judges it becomes pretty evident why they were driven from their inheritance.

Vs. 49-50 By command of the Lord, they gave Joshua his own city which he rebuilt. Old people need hobbies when they retire. That command was the same one that God gave concerning Caleb, that both men would have land where they had walked as spies. Interesting that while Caleb was the first to be given his inheritance, Joshua waited to the very end. The leader was the last to be served.

Joshua 20

These are the cities of refuge. The purpose of these cities was to insure there would be justice for accidental killing, so that the nation would not be guilty of spilling innocent blood. It is also interesting that all of these cities will be mentioned tomorrow in another "grouping" of cities.

Luke 19:28-48

We've read of the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem before.

Vs. 41-44 Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and gives a near and far description of what will happen to Jerusalem. Near in that Jerusalem would be destroyed in 70AD, and far in that the city will be virtually destroyed again during the Tribulation. It really is eerie to have Jesus tell them that they missed the time of their visitation.

Vs. 45-46 This is the second time Jesus has cleansed the temple.

Vs. 47-48 I find it interesting that the leaders were afraid to take Jesus because people listened to him so intently.

Psalm 88

What is so gripping about this psalm is that there is no "up side." I've never seen a psalm end so darkly. I would say it is inspired by God who tells us to keep seeking Him, when emotionally, there is no end in sight. It sounds like this guy is praying out of raw faith, with the sickness of heart mentioned in Proverbs 13:12.

Proverbs 13:12-14

It seems to me that what makes this trio of verses work, is the middle verse about revering the commandment. This piece of wisdom shapes our desires and it shapes our concern and counsel to others.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.