1 Samuel 20-21
Tales of woe in the history of redemption.
1 Sam. 20
Vs. 1-23
I think David came back to Jonathan because Jonathan had helped in the past, and also because David hoped, like we all would have, that this broken situation could be fixed. This is something that we all need to learn, and the quicker the better. The kind of objectivity to think clearly only comes from being absolutely secure in the Lord. Also, sometimes the Lord allows broken relationships to stay broken to separate us from harm (Joseph from his brothers and Canaan) and to work in our hearts in hard circumstances and isolation (again, Joseph at Potifer's and in prison). David's curriculum had already begun, but it would still be years of suffering and running before he would graduate.
The very powerful thing that comes out of this is the covenant they make. Jonathan initiates this and that is significant. He realized that God was exalting David. It was common in kingdoms to kill all the heirs of the throne from the previous ruler. Jonathan realized that God would make David the king and therefore wanted to hear David say that he would promise to protect his family.
The reason for the boy and the arrows, I think, was that if Saul was really mad enough to kill David, he would have had Jonathan followed, assuming that Jonathan was going to David. Going out for target practice would be close to home and apparently it was something Jonathan did often, so, no need to follow him.
Vs. 24-42
V. 31 Saul knew what was at stake. He also knew God was doing this. He must have been miserable.
V. 33 Irrational hatred.
1 Sam. 21
This is actually a famous situation in the NT. Jesus uses this story to show that mercy and saving life are allowable reasons to "break" the Sabbath.
V. 2 I see this as a very unfortunate "hole" in David's character. I know he was afraid, but he lied and didn't need to. David will continue to lie like a trooper. Without realizing it (God knew) he was putting Ahimelech's entire family / clan in danger. Remember God's curse on Eli and his branch of the priestly family?
V. 3 This doesn't mean anything, but I find it interesting that when Jesus fed the 5000, he had five loaves.
V. 7 So why does it say that Doeg was there? Never trust a guy named Doeg.
V. 8 Another lie.
V. 9 It's interesting that the ephod was there and David didn't think to use the Urim and Thummim. David will learn to seek the Lord.
Vs. 10-15 Apparently David had the right idea, but the wrong timing. Later he would live among the Philistines, but at this point it was a bad idea. Just think: He had this "killer" reputation and he was carrying the sword of Goliath, who was from Gath.
This was a funny way to get himself out of this jam and Achish lands a great line in verse 15. This not only shows David's desperation, but it shows his lack of closeness to the Lord. He'll need time in the wilderness. We all need time in the wilderness to become the kinds of disciples who seek only God and follow Christ in the harvest through trials and suffering, making disciples who will do the same.
John 9
Jesus is still in Jerusalem for the week of the Feast of Tabernacles, which followed the week after the Day of Atonement. These symbols are rich in what has happened here. During the Feast as the cleansing water was being brought into the temple, Jesus stopped the ceremony by crying out that He was the living water. During the lighting of the great lanterns in the treasury / Court of Women, Jesus disrupted this ceremony saying he was the Light of the World. Six months before His crucifixion, Jesus is making His claim to be Messiah.
Now, to prove that He is the Light of the World, Jesus and the disciples see a man; the disciples ask a question and Jesus realizes that the Father has put this man there to give proof that Jesus is literally the light that gives light to men.
So, go nuts making observations as you read. I'll just mention a few things.
First, resisting the truth must have been a requirement for being a Pharisee. It makes me think of what Jesus said to Paul in Acts 26:14, " …`Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.'"
The Pharisees had perfected "goad kicking."
Second, I always wondered about why Jesus made the clay. Some think it could have been to make the leaders mad because making clay was forbidden on the Sabbath and it was probably some violation of something to use spit. I think it was for the faith of the blind man. Jesus often tested faith in people he met. This made the blind man have to show that he believed Jesus.
Vs. 30-33 prove what Jesus said to His disciples when he sent them out, "when they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
Look at what the "former" blind man says. Could anything be more out of the mouth of God?
Finally, Jesus sought out this man to comfort him.
As Jesus said to His disciples, if He was treated like this, we disciples are no better. Yet when we acknowledge His name before men, He also acknowledges us before the Father and sends the comfort we need.
Psalms 113
I know, you're wondering what to get out of the psalms, if all the psalms are beginning to sound the same.
First, you have to gird up the loins of your mind, because believe it or not, you'll finish the psalms in June and begin again in July.
Second, just observe repetitions and find the heart of the psalm; the reason for the praise.
Notice how many times "Lord" is said.
I think the reason for the praise is verses 4-9 and these are in two parts, 4-6 and 7-9.
Get this stuff under your belt and you'll always have something for a devotional. Not only that, as a disciple making disciples, if this stuff lights a fire in you, you'll light a fire in those you are discipling. Discipleship is more often "caught," not taught.
Psalm 114
V. 2 seems to be referring to God's sanctuary and dominion.
Vs. 3-4 This is what happened as God came into the land.
Vs. 5-8 This is the call to the earth to submit to God's power.
If God can control all that and cause all powers to bend to Him, how much more can we depend on God for all the cares and challenges of our lives as we follow Christ in the harvest?
Proverbs 15:15-17
Can you think of three verses that hang together so well, that say so much?
For us as disciples, what I think of when I read these is, "Blessed are you who hunger and thirst now, for you will be satisfied." "The nations seek after all these things and your Father knows you need them all. Rather seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well."
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.
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