July 1, Reading Notes

2 Kings 18:13-19:37

These are two great chapters of the Bible. As disciples we need to be inspired by these. We need to be inspired by king Hezekiah, a great lover of God, leading his nation in the darkest of times facing an unstoppable world power. There are probably a million ways to apply what we have here, but there is one application that is going to repeat again and again; When God allows you to be pushed into a corner and there is no hope, He might be on the verge of giving a deliverance that is not only for us, but is also a sign for everyone else. Hezekiah is facing total annihilation by Assyria. Unknown to him, soon all nations would be praising the God of Israel.

2 Kings 18:13-37

V. 15 Notice that Hezekiah tried to avoid a fight.

V. 22 As you read, notice how often the Rabshekeh tries to use a religious argument to defeat the morale of the people. It will happen three more times.

This morning I was reading over the temptation of Jesus and realized for the first time that the temptation to throw Himself off the temple was really based on God's promise of help to Jesus. Satan was trying to get Jesus not to wait for the Father to help Him, but to force the promise and get help "now." In essence Satan was telling Jesus not to wait, but to press the "easy" button. Now that is a temptation I can relate to. One of the hardest things we do as disciples is to hope on God and wait on Him in the harvest. And the temptation to "give up" doesn't come from the lost, but from believers who are not living for Christ in the harvest, telling us that we're being impractical or…whatever sounds like it might be from God…but has nothing to do with living to glorify the Father by bearing much fruit and so proving to be His disciples.

I'll bet Hezekiah was tempted too. That offer of "a chicken in every pot" that the Rabshekeh was making must have sounded good. Instead, against all reason, they hoped in God and waited.

V. 36 Notice the obedience.

2 Kings 19

Vs. 1-4 This is a godly man leading the people in worship and fasting and crying out.

Vs. 5-7 Isaiah said that God did indeed hear. The faith here is incredible. They are still surrounded, but they understood Isaiah to be a prophet of God and his words were the Word of God. Imagine the contrast here to what happened in Israel for years during the ministries of Elijah and Elisha.

Vs. 8-13 The Rabshakeh should have left well enough alone. This turn of events must have made him think he would lose face and that the people in Jerusalem "might think" this was from God. So he decided to put his arrogance and ignorance in writing, just to make sure everyone knew.

Vs. 14-19 We haven't seen this kind of faith and godliness since David. Close your eyes and try to visualize what this might have looked like, the king coming before the holy place dressed in sackcloth, spreading the letter out on the ground, himself lying on the ground before that holy place that held the bread of God's provision, the lamp of God's presence and leading and the incense of prayers constantly being heard by God.

V. 19 Hezekiah, in this darkness, had a glimpse of God's redemptive purpose.

V. 20 God hears prayer.

Vs. 21-28 Much of this sounds like the book of Isaiah, obviously. It also sounds like what God said to Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." This is how God uses the arrogant.

Vs. 29-31 After this, this small remnant of Judah will prosper.

Vs. 32-34 God is still responding to His promise to David.

Vs. 35-37 Assyria was no longer a world power. In a moment God broke them. Years earlier He had done this to Egypt, and they never recovered. There is rejoicing among nations, there is freedom, there is a vacuum of power in the world. All eyes are on Israel and their God.

Being moved to the brink of despair spiritually and emotionally is not fun, but God does that for His glory and to teach us what we could not learn in any other way. As disciples following Christ in the harvest, we need to bear the weight of faith, showing to others what it means to have our hope set on the living God, who is the savior of all men, who saves those who believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mktjoryv_8Y&feature=related

Acts 21:1-16

V. 4 Verses like these have led people to believe that it wasn't God's will for Paul to go to Jerusalem. Assuming for now (we'll find proof positive in Ch. 23) that this was in fact God's will for Paul to go, why do you think the Spirit was telling people to tell Paul that trouble was before him?

Vs. 8-9 So we meet Philip again. Notice the words that Luke uses. Philip was one of "the seven." In the background you can almost hear the theme song of the "Magnificent Seven."

Just for chuckles:

 

Vs. 10-11 As for me, if a guy named Abagus comes into the room, I'll definitely tell him to stay away from my stuff.

What's interesting here is that the Holy Spirit is saying this will happen. It is not an "if-then" proposition. Paul is definitely going, this is definitely happening. So why is the Holy Spirit doing this?

Vs. 12-15 Paul was used greatly by God. Knowing Paul, because of what the grace of God made him, Paul was actually a great man. Imagine the shock to the church to have one of your heroes put on ice, in jail, for over three years on some silly technicality of law and some political corruption. You could imagine that people would be discouraged and churches shocked and Paul's opponents would say, "see, we told you." But the Spirit is warning the spiritually perceptive, that His plan in using Paul is about to change. I think the Spirit is getting everyone ready. This is not Paul's mistake. It is God's will and plan.

As disciples, sometimes I think we second guess what happens to others as if we are God and know better. God's will doesn't always look smooth and straight. His will for us, for a week, a year or a decade of our lives doesn't necessarily have to follow our plan or have to make sense to everyone else. We only need to follow Christ in the harvest, wherever that harvest is, whatever the field might look like. We draw near to God. That's a plan.

Psalm 149

I know it is easy to identify with the praising of this psalm and not really endorse the judgment part of the psalm. I wonder if the people in Jerusalem who heard the Rabshakeh would have understood both parts of this psalm?

As disciples, we need to remember that a part of the Gospel is judgment. It is not only love's privilege to make an offer of redemption, but it is also love's duty to warn of impending judgment. And judgment will come and we will not only welcome it when it does, but we will be a part of that judgment.

1 Corinthians 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, matters pertaining to this life!

Proverbs 18:8

The words of the Rabshakeh were meant to divide and go deep. He said that God had sent him. He said God didn't care. He said life could be good by following him. As a pastor and disciple, after all these years, being on both sides of this sinful practice, I think it is always a bad thing when this happens in a church. If you can't talk openly, sin is around the corner. If I feel I need to whisper, I need to leave. We are here to follow Christ in the harvest and see the lost reached and disciples made. Focusing on being a disciple who makes disciples can, itself, take away a lot of reasons to whisper.

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.

June 30, Reading Notes

2 Kings 17:1-18:12

2 Kings 17

This is a very sad chapter of the Bible and is entirely about Israel being taken out of its land. We've read about God's redemptive plan since almost the first day of the year. We've read about the long years with Abraham, how God made a covenant with him and how the nation of Israel came to be in fulfillment of that promise. Yet it seems that the nation never really responded to God, not in the wilderness nor as a nation with its own land.

We have seen the power of sin. This spiritual sickness is the strongest force on earth, except for the amazing grace of God. His patience and kindness in these last chapters, working with Israel, has truly been a testimony to His love. The summary of this chapter shows that unless the heart of man is changed by the new life of the Spirit, there is no hope for mankind.

Notice in this chapter that it mentions worship and the fear of the Lord, yet verses 34-35 make it clear that to worship any other god, in addition to God, is not to fear Him at all. I think that would be true today too.

This chapter introduces the origin of the "race" of the Samaritans of the New Testament, whom the Jews hated. They were a mixed people, both of race and of religion; doubly despised and hated in the NT.

It should be mentioned here that to take a people into exile was to "exterminate" a race of people by forcing them into another culture to intermarry and lose their cultural identity. Living in another land meant they would serve and worship other gods, learn new customs and speak another language. This effectively happened to the northern kingdom. But then, they had already lost their identity through the worship of foreign gods long before they were taken into captivity. Israel survived through the southern kingdom. People from all 12 tribes were represented in Judah and we'll see that there will be something very different about their exile in Babylon.

What things do you find interesting in this chapter? What does this say to you as a disciple in the harvest?

2 Kings 18:1-12

V. 3 In contrast to everything mentioned above, Hezekiah walked in the way of David. How? Not in being perfect, but in worshiping no other God but Yahweh. That then is the deciding mark of having the heart of David.

V. 4 Did you even know that thing was still around? Imagine the guts it must have taken for Hezekiah to have destroyed this old relic. No other king, not even David, had objected to people "honoring" that bronze snake.

Notice the beginning of verses 5, 6 & 7.

V. 5 When it says there was no king like Hezekiah, before or after him, that is a very high honor and it needs to be seen in the full context of what he did. We'll see that full context tomorrow.

Whereas the king of Assyria took Samaria, he would break his back on Jerusalem. The difference was the godliness of the king and the presence of the Lord.

Acts 20

This is the conclusion of the third missionary journey. Paul is on his way back to Jerusalem.

V. 1 Paul apparently stopped in Corinth to pick up the aid that was collected for the church in Jerusalem, as per 1 Corinthians 16.

Vs. 5-6 Notice that Luke is with Paul.

V. 9 Paul preached long sermons too!

V. 17 So, why did Paul avoid Ephesus? It might have been because of Alexander the coppersmith.

Vs. 18-38 Notice the amount of space given to this meeting with the elders from Ephesus. For some reason, this talk Paul has with them is very important.

Vs. 23-24 Notice that Paul did have some foreboding regarding Jerusalem. You can also see this in Romans 15:30-31, "I appeal to you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,…"

Vs. 29-31 Notice Paul's warning. The church in Ephesus survived and is mentioned in Revelation, written probably 25 years after Paul's death. But in 1 Timothy, written after Acts and Paul's imprisonment in Rome, Paul is rushing off to Macedonia, while Timothy is trying to rebuild the church in Ephesus. Something happened that almost destroyed that church. Paul is saying here where the main threat will arise. Also, if you look at the problems Paul warns Timothy of in 1 Timothy, you can also see how that "threat from within" worked to sidetrack and ruin that church.

As disciples, keeping the church on track to make disciples and follow Christ in the harvest is not an easy task. The harvest is challenging enough, but when different influences and "missions" come into the church we need a lot of wisdom and all of God's help. If you read 1 Timothy, notice how often Paul warns about "discussions" and how often he tries to refocus on the mission. The mission is the key to discipleship and our walk with Christ. Once we lose the mission, we overcompensate by becoming "theological geniuses;" and then we lose everything, and making disciples cannot take place. You follow Christ in the harvest, not in debates about theological issues and purity. Disciples are for the harvest and are made in the harvest, not in discussions.

Psalm 148

Obviously some of this is poetic and some is hyperbolic and some is metaphoric, but we all get the point. We should praise the Lord.

Proverbs 18:6-7

Notice the art in this. You have lips in the first and last clause and two mouths in the middle. It's amazing how that hole in our face can get us into so much trouble. But Jesus said…"all these evil things come from within and they defile a man," and "out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks." So the problem is really a heart problem, and the Lord knows how to take care of that, but do we?

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.

June 29, Reading Notes

2 Kings 15-16

2 Kings 15

Vs. 1-7 Azariah is also king Uzziah, well known in Isaiah chapter 6. Notice that he reigned 52 years. You can imagine the sadness of the event when this king died. It's interesting here that it mentions that God made him a leper, but never says why.

Vs. 8-12 This fulfills the promise to Jehu.

Vs. 13-22 Apparently Menahem reigned by virtue of instilling fear (v. 16).

Vs. 23-26 It's interesting that there was so much killing and bloody takeovers in the northern kingdom.

Vs. 27-38 Probably the most interesting thing in this section of musical kings, is the name of Tiglath-pileser (Tiggy) of Assyria. Assyria would be the country that would take the northern kingdom into exile. They were a brutal, fear inspiring people. They often led people into captivity by marching them along with a meat hook through the muscle of the captive's chest, attached to rope tied to a wagon or a horse. You didn't want to fall. Assyria was poised to become the first world empire, but in the middle of their conquests, they lost 185,000 men in a single night and that weakened them enough to eventually tip the scales to the side of Babylon.

2 Kings 16

The importance of this story is that it is Ahaz, an evil king of Judah, who gets the ball rolling against Israel. These were a very destructive 16 years for both kingdoms. In Jerusalem, Ahaz modified the worship in the temple to be more reflective of Assyria. In verse 18 it gives the idea that the modifications were actually seen by Tiggy. In one of the ancient Assyrian stone etchings, there is a picture of Ahaz bowing before Tiggy.

Hezekiah would be a welcome change for Judah and, thankfully, nothing like his father.

Acts 19:13-41

Vs. 13-20 These two events are a part of the atmosphere of wonder that God had created in Ephesus to get the church there, up and running.

One notice here, the people burned their books of their own accord. There were no Baptists back then. This was done by the newly saved.

V. 17 It is interesting that this story became known to all and led to the next event.

Vs. 21-22 seem to echo the first few verses of 1 Cor. 16.

V. 24 Here we meet Demetrius, a silversmith who led this riot of other makers of statues and other craftsmen. Later there will be another of these guys, Alexander the coppersmith, in 2 Timothy 4, who will be responsible for Paul's final arrest and imprisonment. Paul tells Timothy to beware of him because of his violence toward Christianity.

As disciples, there is some wisdom to staying out of harm's way. Not because we're afraid or embarrassed, but because our focus is on the harvest, not the barking dog. When Jesus says not to throw what is holy to the dogs or throw pearls before swine, it has nothing to do with fear, but rather not wasting our time on the hard of heart.

V. 34 Can you imagine people in a stadium yelling this for two hours?

Vs. 37-41 Notice that Luke is showing here that Christianity is being pronounced "not guilty." This would have gone into the official records of Ephesus.

Psalm 147

If I had to choose a verse from this psalm that speaks to me, it would be verse 11. Which verses stand out to you?

Proverbs 18:4-5

Amen.

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.

June 28, Reading Notes

2 Kings 13-14

We are seeing the last days of the northern kingdom of Israel. On June 30th they will be taken into exile and only Judah will be left. I say "last days," but still years are passing. Again, never let anyone say that God doesn't show grace and patience in the Old Testament. God's redemptive purpose is submerged in the muddle of all of these kings and all of their sin, worshiping the wrong things, holding on to some degree of "religion" regarding Yahweh, yet ignoring His outstretched hand. God said through Isaiah, "all day long I have held out my hand to a disobedient and stubborn people." Not just all day long, but for decades.

2 Kings 13

V. 1 Notice that Jehu's son Jehoahaz reigned for 17 years. That is still a long time. In the US you get 3-5 presidents out of that length of time.

V. 3 Hazael of Syria named his son for the king he himself murdered.

Vs. 4-9 There is a lot of grace in all of this. The purpose of this kindness is seen in what Paul says in Romans 2:4-5 "Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But by 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."

V. 10 This son of Jehoahaz is also called Joash in verse 14. Lots of name confusion going on here. Notice that he, too, reigned for a long time.

Vs. 14-19 There are lots of observations and questions in all of these stories, but for me the biggest question is always how they could recognize God's power in Elisha, but not obey and worship God as He desired. Like Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?"

If I'm ever given the option, I'll bang the arrows on the ground until they shatter and my hand's bleeding.

Vs. 20-21 Can you imagine this? A miracle is performed through Elisha's dead body. What a funny visual.

Vs. 22-23 God's grace was working in all of this. His redemptive purpose for mankind was lost to the eyes of the Israelites, but it was always in focus for God.

2 Kings 14

V. 2 We'll read more about Amaziah of Judah later. The purpose of this history is really to talk about his pride and subsequent conflict with Jehoash of Israel.

Vs. 11-16 This is the first mention of a king of Israel looting Jerusalem.

Vs. 17-22 Whenever you read of a conspiracy, you know the king was up to no good.

Vs. 23-29 Notice that this king of Israel reigned for 41 years, longer than any other king of the northern kingdom, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, yet God patiently keeps showing mercy. From the beginning of Jehu's reign to the end of the reign of his great grandson, Jeroboam, it has been over 100 years (28+17+16+41=102). That's a lot of patience, mercy and grace.

And what do you think of verses 26-27? Israel was to have been God's redemptive witness to the world. They still will be that. As Paul said in Romans 11:29 "For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." Thankfully, even our work in the harvest is not dependent on us. It is His calling, His work, His purpose and His harvest.

Acts 18:23-19:12

Acts 18:23-28

V. 23 This begins Paul's 3rd and final missionary journey as recorded in Acts. Just for your information, the books of 1 and 2 Timothy hint at other travels of Paul after the events in Acts.

Vs. 24-27 Apollos is mentioned here and in 1 Corinthians 1-4. Apparently he taught in the area around Ephesus but his message only mentioned that Jesus was the Messiah, not that Jesus was the payment for sin and was raised from the dead.

That is an interesting point. Our message is not "believe in God," or even "Jesus is God," but that Jesus, the Son of God is the savior of men who paid for our sins and was raised from the dead and that there is salvation in no other.

Acts 19:1-12

V. 1 So Apollos went to Corinth and now Paul is in Ephesus.

Vs. 2-7 Back in the Gospels, there was a conflict between the disciples of John and the disciples of Jesus. The Pharisees tried to exploit this difference. When Jesus was confronted by John's disciples, he was very gentle with them. The first parable Jesus told was to John's disciples to help them understand the difference between Him and John. When Paul met these twelve, traveling disciples of John (Jews) they are in a place where Apollos had been teaching the baptism of John. There might have been a potential for conflict or division. This, I think, is why the Holy Spirit came upon them visually and with tongues and prophesy. Their faith and experience was now linked to that of the apostles and to the Gentile church through this sign by the Holy Spirit.

V. 10 Notice the time marker.

Vs. 11-12 This was parallel to what Peter did in Acts 5:15-16. This outpouring of healing and miracles shows God's interest in establishing the church in Ephesus, not Paul's gifting. Again, I think this is proof that what happened in Acts was unique. You don't hear of this happening today, either by virtue of gifting, or by our strategizing. God does what He does when it fulfills His purpose. I'm convinced that we'll see more of God's working in the harvest, than in any other place. God's power is specific to His purpose of making disciples.

Psalm 146

So, how do you respond to a psalm like this that sounds so triumphant and confident, when you yourself are struggling. Because of our weakness of spirit and the effects of sin, we can hold the mindset of this psalm for a day or a week, but if the waves roll over us too long, we struggle to hold these realities. But I guess that is the point. It is in trials that we deny our fears and the temptations to react or give up. In the conflict of feelings we hold fast to what we know is true because we know it is true. And we wait on the Lord because the very thing this psalm says is true.

Proverbs 18:2-3

What I get from these verses, as a disciple, is to be slow in expressing my opinion and slow to show contempt or ridicule. God describes what is really behind these things.

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.

June 27, Reading Notes

2 Kings 10:32-12:21

2 Kings 10:32-36

What strikes me in this portion is the length of time Jehu was king. If he had been a godly king it would have made all the difference in the world. But that's not to say Jehu was a "bad" king. He might have been a great administrator and good for the people. Godliness is an entirely different element in a person and how it effects God's working in and for a nation. Israel was shrinking.

2 Kings 11

Vs. 1-3 Athaliah is the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel who Jehoshaphat had marry his son. Although Jehoshaphat is dead, this is the curse he brought on Judah by joining with Israel and its ungodly rulers.

Apparently the temple was a good hiding place, since Athaliah worshipped elsewhere.

Vs. 4-21 It took all 6 years of work to wrestle the power away from Athaliah. Jehoiada the priest is the hero here. The entire action of the rebellion seems easy as we read it, but I think that is just because God allowed it to go easy at this point.

V. 17 Jehoiada was a very godly priest and made sure Jehoash's (Joash's) reign began with a commitment from him and the people to follow the Lord.

2 Kings 12

Now this story is pretty straightforward except for a couple of strange things.

V. 1 Notice how long he ruled. How old was he when he became king? This should raise some questions.

V. 2 If you read this verse in another version you'll notice the "because" is not there. It should read 2 Kings 12:2 Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. NIV

Do you see the different sense of the verse?

V. 3 This is a constant refrain revealing a very deep weakness in the culture of the people and worship of God. As disciples this should tell us that to do everything right, except one very vital and important thing, is to build ruin into what we are accomplishing for Christ.

Vs. 4-8 I wonder why they didn't do the repair on the temple all of those years.

Vs. 17-18 It is interesting that Joash was willing to give this all away to keep the peace. Unlike the rulers before him, he didn't seem bound by getting and keeping gold.

Vs. 20 Joash died by assassination. The examples of kings we have met who were assassinated should raise some questions here. We won't find out why he died like this until we read about him in 2 Chronicles 24. What is interesting is that this account in 2 Kings makes him seem like a good guy. 2 Chronicles 24 will help understand why verse two is a very conditional verse. The death of Christ is seen in something Joash did.

Acts 18:1-22

The church at Corinth was an important church. Corinth was the leading city of Greece financially and therefore was very international. The canal was a major shortcut between the Aegean and Adriatic seas. Corinth also had a big Jewish community. This is also one of the few cities where God spoke to Paul and told him to stay and work. We also get two pretty good books of the Bible from this church. Finally, this church was almost entirely Jewish. In Romans, Paul talks to the Jews in some places and the Gentiles in others. In 1 Corinthians, Paul never makes a distinction and talks to the leaders as though they were fully Jewish, 1 Cor. 10:1, for example.

V. 2 Paul's meeting of this very important couple pinpoints the date of Paul's arrival in Corinth to around 49 or 50 AD. Because of some calendar mishap, Jesus actually died and was raised in 30AD. This is now 20 years later.

Notice that Paul's main ministry at the beginning of the work in Corinth was to Jews.

V. 7 This will be important. Notice where the church in Corinth began. It is next door to the synagogue. In many countries, the houses have open gardens and courtyards in the back, separated only by a wall. That means that if the church met outside in that courtyard, the voices would go over the wall. This, I believe is why the gift of tongues was so pronounced in Corinth (did you catch the pun?).

V. 8 The leader of the synagogue came to faith. Paul says in 1 Corinthians that he personally baptized him.

Vs. 9-10 God lets Paul know this is an important place for him to work.

V. 17 The frustrated crowd had to beat someone. Sosthenes, the new ruler of the synagogue, is welcomed to office. Read 1 Corinthians 1:1 to see what became of poor old beaten Sosthenes.

Psalm 145

They say that the good part of being beaten over the head with a baseball bat is the sense of relief when it's over.

From our reading, we know David was pursued and that it was a long time, over a decade, before he had peace. This outpouring of David's heart must have been after the running had stopped and all of God's promises had been fulfilled. For us as disciples, the simple truth is that in order for us to sing this psalm as David wrote it, we have to go through all those trials and all those valleys too. Then our praise will sound like this.

Proverbs 18:1

I wonder if the Lord had the age of computers in mind when He wrote this. This is as true today as back then. We enjoy sinning privately, and even when we know we're doing wrong, we still do it.

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.

June 26, Reading Notes

2 Kings 9:14-10:31

2 Kings 9:14-37 These are Jehu's first actions against the house of Ahab.

V. 17 Remember that Joram thinks that Jehu is still one of his best, most loyal leaders.

V. 20 This could be a cool bumper sticker: Driving like a Jehu!

V. 26 This is where we understand that earlier when Naboth was killed, his sons (probably wife and daughters too) were killed with him. It is interesting to note that Jehu and all of these men knew about this word from the Lord.

V. 27 Ahaziah, though from Judah, was still related to Ahab through Ahab's daughter. Killing him was a fulfillment of the judgment on Ahab. Jehu didn't need to pursue him.

Vs. 30-37 I can imagine that Jezebel was not well liked.

V. 36 Notice again how well they knew what the Lord had spoken. So, why didn't they obey earlier? Better yet, why won't they obey in the future?

2 Kings 10:1-31

Vs. 1-11 Notice in all of this that Jehu is very tactical and that he also appeals to the prophesy against the house of Ahab.

V. 11 It should be noted that God judged Jehu, among other things, for his excessive zeal and violence. I think killing all of the great men and close friends might have been part of this.

Vs. 12-14 Some of this may have been warranted, since Jehu had the command to kill everything related to Ahab. But not all of these people were related. I think Jehu got carried away.

Vs. 15-28 Jehu's final step was to eliminate Baal worship (and the other associated gods) from Israel.

In verse 15 we meet Jehonadab the son of Rechab. We don't know it here, but this guy is a full, 100% follower of Yahweh. He's one of those 7000 who hadn't bowed the knee to Baal. In Jeremiah 35 we'll hear about him (called Jonadab there) and meet his kids. God will make an eternal promise to his family, to the effect that one of Jehonadab's descendants is running around today, as we speak, and is a fully devoted follower of Christ. Perhaps it's you.

Vs. 29-31 So, in spite of all of the prophesies and their fulfillments, Jehu still did not follow God. Rather than simply trusting and honoring God, there was fear of losing the kingdom if the people were to return to Jerusalem. There was still the lack of asking God's will and following His leading.

Acts 17

Vs. 1-15 Notice the similarities of Paul's work in Thessalonica and in Berea. Notice too, that when Paul fled to another city, he immediately began to work. Everything was seen as God's leading and will.

V. 15 Paul sent word for Silas and Timothy who had remained and gone back to Thessalonica to see if the church there was OK.

Vs. 16-34 Some people go nuts, and say this was a total failure by Paul, and that Paul became vague and wishy-washy in his preaching. What do you think? The reality is, people were saved. I could live with that. Since Paul normally began in synagogues, this is pretty amazing that people responded in a totally secular and confused environment. God blessed with fruit. I think I'd have been happy.

Athens, the cultural center of Greece, didn't have a fraction of the importance of Corinth, Paul's next stop.

Psalm 144

This psalm of David looks like it could have been written after he finally became king of the entire nation. In those early days he faced many foreign enemies and God brought them into submission to Israel. What do you think the purpose of this prayer is? What is David asking for the nation?

Vs. 3-4 You have to wonder why David says this. It's almost like a moment of reflection.

Vs. 9-11 I wonder if these verses were penned just before David was going into battle.

Proverbs 17:27-28

So, what kind of knowledge gives you the ability to keep cool and control your words?

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.

June 25, Reading Notes

2 Kings 8:1-9:13

2 Kings 8

Vs. 1-6 Another one of those little miracles.

Now, we have seen miracle after miracle so that Elisha was a walking legend. But the purpose of what God did was to bring Israel to worship Him alone. They chose instead to worship Baal, and other gods. They still had the golden calves and thought they were worshiping Yahweh too. At this point then, God directed Elisha to the next step of judgment.

Vs.7-15 Elisha doesn't lie here. The king would have recovered, but Elisha knew that Hazael would murder him. Remember, this anointing was commanded to Elijah as one of the acts of judgment God would bring against Israel. Notice that before God did that, years of grace and miracles preceded, showing that God was slow to anger and willing to welcome a repentant people.

Notice that the Syrians have both knowledge of and respect for Elisha. They also acknowledge Yahweh as one of many gods.

Vs. 16-29 This portion is sort of the historical backdrop for the anointing of Jehu in the next chapter.

All of these names are confusing. Since the northern and southern kingdoms were on good terms, they were naming their kids the same. This gives us two Ahaziahs and two Jehorams.

V. 18 Notice that his wife was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Jehoshaphat, the godly king, engineered this marriage. This marriage, and his friendship with Ahab, sent Judah into a long season of ungodliness and idolatry.

Vs. 20-24 Normally, Judah shouldn't have had a problem with Edom, but since they were not following the Lord, the Lord didn't give them victory.

2 Kings 9:1-13

V. 1 "Tie up your garments" means that he should make himself ready to run.

Vs. 6-10 This is the other part of the judgment that God told Elijah would be carried out against Israel and against the house of Ahab.

V. 13 These men recognized the prophet and they believed the word he spoke to Jehu. How do you account for this "religiousness" of the people, yet they didn't worship God? I wonder if this is the same thing we see happening today.

Acts 16:16-40

Vs. 16-24 This is the first of two times Paul would be persecuted for posing a threat to the area businesses.

V. 21 In the scope of Acts this is important that they are being accused of violating Roman law.

V. 23 This must have happened quickly and violently, since Paul didn't have time to react and tell them he was a citizen of Rome.

Vs. 25-34 This is hard to reproduce in contemporary strategies of church planting or growth.

Vs. 35-40 This is interesting because Paul doesn't just let this pass. He makes a point of making the Roman magistrates publicly pronounce them (and Christianity) innocent. It was quick, easy and made a point.

This fits into what Jesus said to His disciples about being wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Psalm 143

This is a great psalm. Being able to identify with so much of this, I really appreciate the middle section, verses 5-8. This is the kind of intense training in faith that all of us need. As Jesus told his disciples regarding the trials they would face, "he who endures to the end will be saved." That means they will be saved from a ruined faith and damaged life. Hoping in the steadfast love of the Lord is what saves us from damage.

Proverbs 17:26

Amen.

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.

June 24, Reading Notes

2 Kings 6-7

More amazing, miraculous stories of ignoring God.

2 Kings 6

Vs. 1-7 God tends to small things.

Vs. 8-23 God tends to huge things.

Vs. 15-17 To me this is the part of the story that I'm convicted by. I need to see every situation spiritually instead of letting my vision and head and mood get in the way.

So, why wasn't Israel following God? It is the amazing power of sin.

Vs. 24-33 The location of chapter breaks are unfortunate.

V. 31 Notice that the king was humbling himself "incognito." Instead of openly showing repentance and humiliation, he hid the sackcloth under his clothes. He wasn't leading the people in prayer and repentance.

2 Kings 7

This event will be similar to God saving Jerusalem under Hezekiah, but there, the entire city is praying. Here, it is only the mercy of God trying to lead the people to repentance since the people were not really following God.

V. 2 This verse has always been a warning to me to never doubt what God can do.

V. 6 God can make things happen so easily. For us as disciples, we should be seeking to understand on a spiritual level why God allows things to take so much time sometimes. Knowing that God can make things happen easily, ironically, should give us peace when He doesn't do things quickly, knowing He could, but has chosen not to.

Vs. 16-20 I think it is safe to say that the point of this event is hinted at by the length of this explanation.

Acts 15:36-16:15

Acts 15:36-41

People often ask who was right here. I think God was right in separating Paul and Barnabas. What is interesting is that He chose to separate them through a strong disagreement based on their convictions. The strength of this disagreement is shown in that they couldn't and wouldn't compromise. Paul would head into trouble and get beaten to a pulp, like usual, and he was right in not taking Mark. Barnabas was right in taking Mark to restore him and mentor him. I think they parted as friends.

Our ideas of unity and tolerance need to be as wide as God's will. God is responsible for this irreconcilable difference. It was His way to form two teams for two different missions. We need to love and respect one another but we definitely don't need to agree with one another if the Lord has given us a strong conviction.

Notice this parting was by mutual agreement. I have often seen churches force staff out of the church and say it was a "Paul and Barnabas" thing. How silly and dishonest. Of course, it is also true, that if the Lord has given someone a different vision, if he creates problems with it, he needs to leave or be urged to go.

V. 39 Notice that Barnabas took Mark back to the place where he had deserted Paul and Barnabas. I wonder if Barnabas took him back there to help him through something. Actually, in Barnabas going to Cyprus and Paul going north through Syria, they were working together, covering more ground.

Acts 16:1-15

Vs. 1-5

From things Paul says in 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul apparently led Timothy to Christ on his first trip. On returning, Timothy had grown in faith and was a strong servant. It is likely that Timothy was in his 20s.

So, if Paul was this guy who didn't think that circumcision was necessary for salvation, and if he was the apostle to the Gentiles, why did he circumcise Timothy? I think it had to do with his strategy as expressed in 1Cor. 9:19ff. A circumcised Timothy could go anywhere and would not put a stumbling block in front of anyone. An uncircumcised Timothy could not enter a synagogue and the Jews would have never heard a word.

It is interesting that even Christians tend to exalt individualism rather than being a disciple in the harvest. A disciple focused on following Christ in the harvest is supposed to be able to blend in for the sake of seeing others saved and follow Christ, and not to put anything unnecessary in the way of the Gospel. Blending into a culture often means putting our preferences aside and choosing to not do things we could do if we wanted. In the case above, Paul put Timothy in a place where he could minister to both groups, not just one.

Vs. 6-10 Getting a map of Paul's missionary journeys will help here. Apparently Paul asked for guidance on where to go and received it, in the form of a "no."

Vs. 11-15 Do you notice the change in narration in verse 11? Apparently Troas is where Paul and Luke met.

V. 13 I wonder if there was a synagogue in Philippi. Apparently not. Here, Paul found a place where Jews and God-fearing Gentiles gathered for prayer. God opened the doors of hearts here. Tomorrow He will open iron doors and more hearts.

Isn't it interesting to see how the church at Philippi began.

Psalm 142

Waiting on the Lord is the norm and the rule, not the exception. He trains us to set our hearts on Him and to seek a deeper, spiritual help and resource in Him.

Proverbs 17:24-25

Paul told Timothy to train himself in godliness, practicing in all circumstances how to honor God. That is a constant mindset and requires concentration in all circumstances. It is a focused pursuit and I think it would qualify as seeking to grow in wisdom.

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.

June 23, Reading Notes

2 Kings 4:18-5:27

2 Kings 4:18-44

Vs. 18-37 There are lots of good things to observe in this story, but the one thing I'm impressed with every year is the determination of the woman. Even after Elisha sends Gehazi, she says in verse 30 that she will not leave Elisha. She recognized his authority and wouldn't leave or give up until Elisha had come. I read this morning about the Greek woman with the possessed daughter. Jesus tested her faith, but she never gave up and finally Jesus said to her (I think with a smile), "Oh woman, great is your faith."

Vs. 38-41 This is where we get the saying, "Death in the Pot."

Vs. 42-44 Where have you seen this before? Did you know this was here? It's interesting that when Jesus fed the 5000, he did it with barley loaves too, but he had five of them.

You can see that these stories don't fit together, except to say that God was powerfully moving and people could have come to Elisha at any time.

2 Kings 5

This is a great event and full of stuff to observe. I just have a few things.

V. 1 Notice who it was that had made Naaman a success.

Notice who the real heroes of the story are. The Spirit was moving things for this guy to be healed in spite of himself.

V. 7 Note that the king could have called Elisha. It shows that there wasn't real interest in God or respect for what God had done through Elisha and Elijah.

Vs. 10-12 Notice the test here. Elisha himself didn't even come to speak to Naaman.

V. 11 Naaman was expecting a healing service, not something that would really test and show his faith.

V. 13 This reminds me of Paul's words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5, "Exhort him as you would a father."

Vs. 17-19 Notice Naaman's confession and request. God approved it. Naaman, though extending a service to his king, would never again worship anyone other than Yahweh. He now knew there was no other God.

It is very ironic, and God is presenting it as ironic, that the only leper to ever be cleansed was a Gentile from an enemy nation; and on seeing one miracle, he understands there is only one God. Israel by now had seen and heard of dozens of miracles, but didn't turn from idolatry.

In light of the dangerous, serious situation of Israel, hanging on the brink of exile, and because Elisha hadn't done anything for Naaman, he refused to take anything from Naaman.

Vs. 19-27 Notice the words to Gehazi in verse 26. This wasn't the time for such things. The dishonesty and greed were a product of living with an understanding of life and events driven by the flesh, not the Spirit. A spiritual view of life given by the Spirit would also keep us from many things that are OK, but this just isn't the time. For a disciple, we are following Christ in the harvest and there is an urgency. It is a time for disciples to choose to hunger now and weep now. Our reward is in heaven when the harvest is over.

What seems missing from this account about Gehazi is him pleading to the Lord for mercy.

Acts 15:1-35

This is a very important portion of Scripture. It is the first church council.

Vs. 1-7 Notice that this was a huge deal. Now the party of the circumcision is called the party of the Pharisees, converted Pharisees. Verse 7 shows that this was not an easy issue for them to see through.

V. 7 God saves the day by the experiences He had given Peter. The special, visual way the Holy Spirit came and the gift of tongues were the signs to the Jews that eventually broke down the walls that would have excluded the Gentiles. Peter comes through here, but this really needs to be seen as something God did, anticipating this reaction from the Jewish believers who didn't believe the Gentiles could be saved.

Vs. 13-21 This is James, the brother of Jesus.

Rebuilding the tent of David is the raising up of the king from David's lineage who would reign forever, Jesus.

With this promise was also the salvation of mankind/the Gentiles.

V.20 Abstinence from raw blood. This was something God said to Noah, before the giving of the Law and so was seen to be binding on all of mankind. I think the prohibition from eating what was strangled was the same as the raw blood. I don't believe this is saying that raw meat is forbidden, but animals that have not been prepared and had the blood drained. An animal that has been killed and drained has been killed with a knife, not through strangulation. I think the issue here is ingesting raw blood by the cup or in freshly cut, unprepared meat.

Notice that in all of this, Barnabas' and Paul's names are reversed back and forth several times.

This council freed up the church to reach the Gentiles and made the Gospel simple, but the underlying conflict wasn't over. In Galatians, Paul tells of a run-in he had with Peter after this council. Also, when Paul comes to Jerusalem for his last time, James gives Paul some advice to try to appease these very conservative, pharisaical believers. Now the focus of Acts will be completely beyond Jerusalem, and this will be the last time in Acts that we hear from Peter.

Finally, just to make the point again: This issue wasn't resolved because they were super spiritual men with good people skills. It was resolved because God saw it coming and prepared for it beginning at the day of Pentecost with the gift of tongues and the visual coming of the Spirit. These things had a purpose.

Psalm 141

What is interesting for me is that David doesn't want to become like his enemies, running his mouth in an ungodly way. Verses 1-2 express the intensity of his need and desire to have God keep him from doing that.

It's interesting that the Lord caught me on something like this talking to my neighbor. Complaint and criticism is a common language and there is no easier way to strike up a conversation. But our mouths are not supposed to be like theirs, because our Spirit is different, and our Lord loves all men. Disciples in the harvest have to see a different world and have a different heart.

Proverbs 17:23

This couldn't happen in the church, could it?

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.

June 22, Reading Notes

2 Kings 3:1-4:17

2 Kings 3

Vs. 1-8 The most significant thing about this part of the story is that a good man like Jehoshaphat was making another very foolish mistake. If he had asked the Lord, the Lord would have told him to stay home.

V. 2 Notice that Jehoram seems better than Ahab. If Jehoshaphat was hoping to be a good influence on Israel, this is as far as it went. Actually, the only thing that Jehoram did was remove that single image. As we'll see later, Jezebel was really still in charge and Baal worship was alive and well in Israel. Actually, it looks like Jehoram's reforms, if you can call them that, were for the eyes of Jehoshaphat.

V. 7 What was Jehoshaphat thinking to say something like this? Soon, it would be true spiritually too, darkly.

Vs. 9-20 The Word of the Lord through Elisha would become public knowledge. You would think that with a man like Elisha at your disposal you could build a country. Unfortunately Elisha was ignored by the northern kingdom and also by the southern kingdom. Again, God's grace is shining through all of this to attract the disobedient and move them to repentance.

V. 11 Jehoshaphat's question is very ironic. If he had consulted a prophet, he wouldn't have been there. But here, it seems he was trying to have a fatherly influence on Jehoram. Ironically, as well known as Elisha was, neither king had a clue. It is an ordinary guy who pointed the way to the prophet.

Vs. 21-27 So how do you explain verse 27? Apparently the human sacrifice called down a valid demonic wrath upon the army of Israel. So then, why were they affected by this? Why didn't God's protection ward this off? It was because they themselves didn't worship God. And Jehoshaphat was out of bounds here, associating with the godless.

As disciples, although we might be walking with the Lord, if we choose to associate with the ungodly, "yoked together" with them, we incur the same judgment they do. This is now the second time Jehoshaphat has been subject to demonic influence by associating with the family of Ahab. Through this association, and the "common sense" reasons of the flesh, that must have seemed like good motives and ideas, Jehoshaphat, a godly man, will totally and completely destroy all the good he had built. His choices will throw Judah into darkness.

2 Kings 4:1-17

Vs. 1-7 This story is similar to the story of Elijah and the widow who had the vase of flour and the oil. This was not only another story of God's power among the people, but it shows that these things happened on an ongoing basis. But there was no real interest in worshiping Yahweh or checking in with Elisha.

Vs. 8-17 What is notable is the faith of the woman. She recognized that God was with Elisha. She was willing to serve the Lord by serving him. Here we have one person in Israel who responded in faith. This portion also introduces Elisha's servant, Gehazi, who himself becomes a symbol of Israel's unbelief.

Acts 14:8-28

Just as in the reading about Elijah and Elisha, you see Elisha almost duplicating the miracles of Elijah, we'll see this with Peter and Paul. In many places it seems that Paul does the same miracles, only more of them. They both must have been working for the same God.

Vs. 8-18 There are two things of note here. First, the healing of the man who had been crippled from birth is similar to Peter and John healing the man at the beautiful gate of the temple who was also lame from birth.

Second, notice that Barnabas is still getting first billing, as the leader, but Paul is clearly the preacher.

V. 14 Notice that Barnabas is called an apostle.

Finally, notice that this crowd is so overcome by what they are doing that they almost worship Barnabas and Paul. Isn't emotion a great thing and true indicator of commitment? Not.

Vs. 19-23 So here is that same devoted crowd killing Paul. Some suggest that Paul was dead and this is where he ascended into the third heaven. We'll have to ask Paul when we get to heaven.

In that crowd, observing, was a teenager or young man who Paul had led to Christ. Later Paul will tell him to remember this time as an encouragement to be willing to trust God and suffer for Christ:

2 Timothy 3:10 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired 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. 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching.

V. 21 Can you believe that the next day they were preaching again and led many to Christ?

Notice that Barnabas and Paul went back through all the churches, encouraging them and structuring the leadership. Praying and fasting was much more real to them because they were on the cutting edge of working in the harvest as disciples, and God was giving them fruit.

V. 22 They gave the disciples a realistic view of following Christ in the harvest. Notice how this sounds similar to 2 Tim. 3:12 above.

Vs. 24-28 This was the first "missionary on furlough" slide show report. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary: NT, p. 393, Barnabas and Paul had been away somewhere between one and two years. They had traveled over 700 miles by land and 500 miles by sea. Although this missionary journey opened the Gospel to "the ends of the world," it had also raised a lot of Jewish hostility, not just among the unsaved, but also from the true blue Jewish Christians in Jerusalem.

Psalm 140

Can you believe you've read 140 psalms?

I would guess this was written as David was running from Saul. Not only was Saul driven by his hate and fear of David, but it is implied that many of Saul's men, like Abner, were filling his ear with lies and inciting him to go after David. I think it was the lying against David that created the desperation behind the psalm.

There is hardly anything on earth that shakes us like having an aggressive enemy, a stalker who is bent on lies and harm. You feel powerless and totally harassed. But in all things, there is only one real source of strength and hope: The Lord. In Psalm 27 David writes, "Though an army should encamp against me, my heart will not fear, and though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident." Those are some pretty confident words, but God trains us to depend on Him by bringing us to the place where we must depend on Him.

Notice that there are at least 3 pleas for himself; Deliver me, guard me, hear me.

V. 10 I don't know where the "burning coals" thing originated, but here you have it.

Vs. 12-13 David hasn't yet been delivered, but this is where David has his hope set, in the character of God.

As disciples, the Lord leads us through all of what Paul mentions above. He allows lies and complications to hinder our way and harass us. But He does this to train us to fill our minds with the truth of Him and this life. The point isn't to get something "out of our minds," but to keep our minds filled with what is true about Him. Our lives are in the hands of a loving, faithful Father, who, in all that is happening, works for (the) good (of His sovereign plan) with those who love Him. We're already secure with Christ and will live with Him forever and know the riches of His glory. This life on earth isn't about us any more, we're safe. And still, He blesses us.

Proverbs 17:22

Amen. I was reading in Romans this morning, "but the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." That peace only comes from God, being led and influenced, not by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. If we remember we are safe and have a place in His coming kingdom, that gives us peace and joy.

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.

June 21, Reading Notes

The time to celebrate is near. Not only are you almost half way through the year, but you've probably read half of the Bible by now. Starting July 3, you'll have finished the psalms and will begin reading them through again.

Today you begin the ??th book of the Old Testament, you're almost half way through Acts, and you get one of the greatest psalms written, Psalm 139.

2 Kings 1-2

Remember that these are not just disjointed events. The presence of Elijah and Elisha was a testimony of the reality of Yahweh and how the people could have turned to Him at any moment. It seems that every time these guys sneezed, a miracle happened. They were walking witnesses of God's availability; but by the people not responding to them, they became walking testimonials of the nation's complete ruin in sin and the justness of God's coming punishment.

2 Kings 1

Ahaziah was already going to die and had messed up by going to Baal-zebub (Jesus was accused of being possessed by this guy), the prince of demons. So this event was not for him, but for the people to see that the real God was with Elijah. But of course, they already knew this. So why didn't they come to God? Just like today, it is more fun and less responsibility to worship the wrong God. The ultimate answer, however, is that the sin within us repulses us from God. Sin is not passive; it is aggressive in its sickness and rebellion.

V. 9 Obviously, this guy was going to kill Elijah as soon as they had him. The question here is, "Where is the respect for God?" I like Elijah's response. Stuff like this will probably happen in the Tribulation when the two witnesses are walking around for the first three and a half years.

V. 13 This guy had the right idea, and in verse 15, the angel of the Lord (the pre-incarnate Jesus) told Elijah it was safe to go with him.

You can bet the people knew of this event.

2 Kings 2

This story has a new interest for me. There is a spiritual side of life that we cannot see and really don't attempt to understand spiritually. We are almost completely visual and almost completely compelled by logic and what we can understand.

What was the real test to Elisha here? Was it an endurance test? A test against human opinion? A test against disappointment? A test against fear? Why did seeing Elijah being taken become the condition of receiving God's appointment and power?

In John 6 Jesus was in conflict with the people he had just fed. They followed him to Capernaum, and in the synagogue they cornered Jesus and He gave them the Bread of Life talk. As a result of this talk, not only did the people and leaders turn away from Him, but many of His disciples left Him. Apparently they were "fed up" with His sayings. Notice what Jesus said to them.

John 6:60 Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. 65 And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." 66 After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. 67 Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "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 challenged them that they were seeing and thinking only in the flesh. It is the Spirit that gives life and what He had just told them was Spirit and life. Notice then that one of the tests Jesus mentions to them is in verse 62. If they couldn't receive the spiritual reality of His words, what in the world would they do if they were to see Him ascending where He was before? The twelve (actually, eleven) didn't understand what Jesus had said either, but they understood with the Spirit that He was the Holy One of God, and so they stayed. Big ol' struggling Peter was learning to see and understand with something other than his eyes and head.

Elisha saw Elijah ascend. This wasn't a test of his vision or his courage, it was a test of his spiritual understanding. Something happened there that we cannot comprehend by reading this. It might be similar to what Jesus said in challenging His murmuring disciples. The entire snipe-hunt with Elijah was a test of his spiritual understanding. And God's Spirit came upon Elisha with might and power to complete the judgment of God on the nation.

Vs. 19-22 Another miracle. The word would get out that God was still among the people of the northern kingdom through this unusual prophet.

Vs. 23-25 So just as God taught the military to respect Elijah, word would get out that this bald-headed prophet was an ambassador of Yahweh and was due proper respect too. I'll bet nobody toilet-papered his house either.

Acts 13:42-14:7

Acts 13:42-52

This doesn't sound like a "day in the life of a church planter," but in Acts, it is a day in the life of Paul.

So much of this sounds like Jesus' instructions to the twelve when He sent them out in Matt. 10:14-23.

It appears that Paul began at the synagogues and found those who easily came to Christ. In this case they organized a city-wide outreach.

V. 48 Gentiles flocked to the Lord. Notice the part of the verse that points to election or more what Jesus said in John 6, "no one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him."

V. 51 Because of the synagogue system, Paul and Barnabas were able to organize the church fairly quickly. Notice that the disciples were filled with the joy of their salvation, and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 41:1-7

Barnabas and Paul had a simple strategy of what towns to visit and how long to stay. Brilliant.

Psalm 139

I heard a very tired Steve Farrar speak through this psalm about 4 years ago and it was very good. He was tired and kept chastising Christianity Today and certain groups that toy with the "newness of God" baloney. That baloney says that God doesn't really know what will happen next, so He will change His mind depending on what we do. It's baloney. God's foreknowledge is absolute.

Anyway, this psalm is a comfort in thinking that God knows us completely and loves us totally. And remember, His steadfast love endures forever.

Proverbs 17:19-21

This is all pretty straightforward. The "high door" is referring to pride and showing off your stuff.

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.

June 20, Reading Notes

1 Kings 22

Vs. 1-40 We meet Jehoshaphat in this story, but the object is really the death of Ahab.

V.1 Notice that there was no need for this war. You wonder what Jehoshaphat was doing there.

Vs. 4-5 Jehoshaphat was a godly king in Judah, and I think he was trying to unify both kingdoms by making peace and doing some stuff together. Great idea. Maybe he did this because his father, Asa, was at war with the northern kingdom and it kind of ate his lunch and his faith. I think this peace also had a godly "spin" to it in trying to bring unity to Israel, but it is always better to check stuff out with God. Not every human move toward peace is God's will. This will actually be the tragic flaw of Jehoshaphat that will rain horrible cultural ungodliness down on Judah. If we were going to make a policy from his life, it would be to ask God first and then the peace has to be on God's terms. Visible in what Jehoshaphat did was a lot of human and fleshly motive.

V. 7 It also appears that Jehoshaphat saw through the prophets a little and thinks he will be a good influence on Ahab by suggesting they see a "real" prophet of the Lord.

Vs. 8-14 I really like this poor beaten prophet.

V. 15-16 My take on this is that Micaiah answered with some sort of sarcasm in his voice, parroting the other prophets, making it apparent he was ridiculing the entire circus atmosphere.

What Ahab says here is so ironic that it is funny.

Vs. 17-23 Now, we are looking into God's court where the fallen angels still enter and where God uses them to chasten and judge men. We'll get another look at this in Job. All the angels God made, including Lucifer (Satan), still report to God. When God calls for judgment on Ahab, it is clearly a fallen angel that comes forward. What is interesting is that God Himself grants the mission and its success.

Unfortunately for Jehoshaphat and Ahab, they had already decided to do what they were going to do regardless of what those prophets or God said. Their hearts were already set and hardened, so God gave them what they wanted as judgment against them. He allowed a demon to supernaturally empower the speech and persuasion of the lying prophets. That means that these prophets were really good and inspiring. Sometimes it isn't good when God gives you what you want if you really don't want what He wants.

Vs. 24-28 Micaiah was completely humiliated. Jehoshaphat should have seen this, but he had already given his word or as proverbs below will say, made a pledge for his neighbor. In this Jehoshaphat was a complete fool.

Vs. 29-40 Ahab was really setting up Jehoshaphat to be killed, but God made sure the arrow went into the air and came down in the right place. Apparently, the well is where Naboth and his family were killed.

Vs. 41-50 Jehoshaphat was a godly king and did a lot of great stuff, but his human attempt (without seeking God's will) to unite the kingdoms will completely destroy all that he built. That ought to be a word to the wise. Look at verse 49. Even though he was rebuked by the Lord for his association with Ahab (in Chronicles), Jehoshaphat persisted in trying to be friends with the evil rulers north of him.

Today too, you see a lot of Christian leaders trying to make public relational bridges to very ungodly groups and very ungodly concepts. They do it because of the “love of God” or “tolerance” or whatever, but the result looks utterly foolish and they harm the people of God and the mission of Christ. Jesus preached repentance and sent the twelve out preaching repentance. We don’t have to be condemning, but we do have to preach the Word of God and leave it to Him, not our savvy. It is between them and God, we are just the messengers, not the architects of reconciliation. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…."

Vs. 51-53 Ahaziah was like his father and Jezebel, his mother, was still running things. The judgment on Ahab's house would soon follow.

Acts 13:16-41

We are fully into Paul's 1st missionary journey.

What is interesting as you read this, note how much Paul knows about John and Jesus and what they said. This sermon is being given in a synagogue. Note also how often Paul mentions names, like David. Also, notice how often he mentions the resurrection.

Psalm 138

In reading this psalm, note that David is praising God for delivering him from everything that was thrown at him. So then, he is giving testimony to all those forces of God's greatness and power and love.

V. 1 The word "gods" could mean mighty ones, either being human or spiritual. Notice in verse 4 David refers to the kings of the earth and in verse 7 he talks about enemies.

Verses 3 and 7 seem parallel when he mentions God's help giving him courage.

Twice it mentions "your steadfast love endures forever."

Proverbs 17:17-18

These seem like contradictory verses. One says that a friend or a brother is always there for you. The other says you're a fool if you make yourself the guarantor for your neighbor.

This seems to say that there is a line you don't have to cross, and shouldn't cross for a friend or a brother. Loyalty and love is enough. Or you just give for your neighbor's need without having to receive in return.

In the case of Jesus, He didn't make a pledge on our honor, he paid it all.

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.