October 15, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 26-27

Today is an example of how Jeremiah and the Spirit organized material topically rather than chronologically.

Jer. 26

Vs. 1-3 The timing of this was at the beginning of Jehoiakim's reign, but it is evident from verse 21 that he was already reigning for a while and he was a very "no nonsense" kind of guy. So, Jeremiah was being thrown into harm's way, but God said He would protect Jer.

Vs. 4-6 A very simple message. The people had already slipped back into idolatry.

Vs. 7-11 Notice it is the priest and the prophets who are behind this.

Vs. 12-14 Jeremiah was faithful to proclaim God's word and to warn the people.

Vs. 15-24 There were still some good people around. Thank God for Ahikam the son of Shaphan. It should be noted that there were good people who had been influenced by Josiah's revival. In fact, the parents of Daniel & Co. were raised during Josiah's reign and those boys were born at the end of Josiah's reign. Daniel was from that era and became one of the most godly men in the Bible.

Jer. 27

The Word of the Lord fell on deaf ears during Jehoiakim. Now, in the time of Zedekiah the option is not "obey Me and be saved," but "obey Me and submit to Nebuchadnezzar."

Vs. 1-7 This is a very interesting summary of God's direction and power using Babylon.

Vs. 8-15 What an interesting test to give Zedekiah. Jeremiah will tell him this privately just before his death. Zedekiah should have listened.

Vs. 16-22 There is hope in what God says here, but I'm sure the priests (remember how much they liked Jeremiah in the last chapter?) were totally not happy.

2 Thessalonians 3

Vs. 1-5 It is interesting that Paul is writing this from Corinth and asking for their prayers and God's blessing. Corinth is the only city I can think of where Jesus appeared to Paul and told him to hang on. Paul had already faced church related worry and suffering. Corinth would now be added to that burden.

Vs. 6-12 Apparently some people quit their jobs thinking the Lord's coming was around the corner. Paul and Co. had set an example for the Thessalonians in working and caring.

Vs. 13-15 You can find similar warnings in 1 Cor. and in Romans.

Vs. 16-18 A closing of the letter marked with the proof of the apostle.

Psalm 85

Vs. 1-3 This looks like it could be talking about how God was patient with the people in the wilderness or during the time of the judges.

Vs. 4-13 This could have been sung to God immediately after the kingdom split or during any of the valley Judah went through. It could have be written during the exile or shortly afterward.

It is also true that we can pray this in many times of our lives. We change, our circumstances change, God is always the same and He is gracious, forgiving and full of loving kindness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dg55eP4zw8

Proverbs 25:16

So, to what do you think this should be applied?

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. Send comment or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.