2 Samuel 7-8
2 Sam. 7
This is a big chapter in the Bible because of the Davidic Covenant. Basically, in this covenant God promises that someone from David's lineage will rule over Israel forever. This will be fulfilled in Jesus. Something interesting to note is that when Paul talked about the Gospel he preached, it went like this: 2 Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel,
V. 3 I find it kind of funny that Nathan thought that God would approve everything David did since He was blessing David in everything. It was a good time, and I guess they were beginning to take God for granted.
Vs. 13-17 In what God is saying to David here, there is a near, literal fulfillment and there is a future, literal and figurative/spiritual fulfillment.
Near and literal would be the building of a "house," a temple by Solomon. The Davidic line would not rule unbroken, as obviously it hasn't. But that rule, when reestablished will be resumed by a descendant of David, Jesus, and He will build God a house. 1 Peter 2:5
Vs. 18-29 So what is faith? David talks to a guy, Nathan. He says, "You know, I think I'll build a temple to house the ark of the covenant." The guy, Nathan, says, "Go for it." A few hours later, Nathan comes back and says, "By the way, God said not to do it, but instead he is going to establish your lineage into eternal dynasty." So David, having heard this from this guy, goes into the forecourt of the Tabernacle, before the Lord, and prays this. This really blows me away. David heard from a guy, but understood the words were from God and pours out his heart in gratitude. Jesus said to Thomas in John 20:29, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
1 Sam. 8
All of this was the blessing of the Lord. Not only the victories, but the organization of keeping the nations in submission to him, and also organizing his own nation.
One thing we will see repeated in the kings is that when God was blessing, you get all this detail about how the king organized the nation and the worship. Very interesting.
John 14:15-31
Notice that being troubled of heart and afraid is the context here.
Notice that this worry is because Jesus will be leaving them. This is mentioned several times.
The Holy Spirit then will take Jesus' place both leading and comforting them in the mission. The Holy Spirit is not given primarily to comfort us when the car breaks or we're lonely. There is a purpose for us being left here on earth as witnesses of Christ, and the Holy Spirit comforts and enables us for that.
Also, notice how often love is mentioned in these verses. Circle the word "love." Loving Christ and obeying Him, following Him in the harvest, will result in the Son and the Father manifesting themselves to us and making their abode with us, all this via the Holy Spirit. So what is it that we are obedient to? This obeying is not general moral living or going to church or singing in worship and living harmless lives. This obedience is following Christ in the mission. We'll see this in the next chapter and it is important to grasp this to understand how the Holy Spirit will help us.
Psalm 119:33-48
Notice how many ways God's Word is referred to.
Notice the pleas, petitions and cries for help.
Isn't this amazing stuff to fill your heart with. This is how we are to cry out and what we are to do, when we are being pressed by the stuff of this life. Our hope is only in God and His Word.
Proverbs 15:33
Amen. I wish I had really, really, really, learned this in my 20's.
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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