October 27, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 51:1-53

More on the judgment of Babylon. Reading all of this, the question I have is why so much space is given to Babylon. Babylon did take the last of Israel into captivity, and they did enter the temple and destroy it. This alone would put them in a special category.

Also, God put a lot of time into His work in Babylon and says some very big things about Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. Nebuchadnezzar built one of the seven wonders of the world and God humbled Neb and revealed Himself to Neb in ways He has never done this with other rulers.

I tend to think that there might also be something about Babylon that typifies the pride and rebellion of man. The tower was built there; Nimrod became a great man there; mankind was unified there in its rebellion and God had to judge mankind yet again. (As a result of that curse we have the German language.) There must be something going on beyond the words in Jeremiah. I say this because some of these words against Babylon haven't happened yet and in Revelation there is a very significant chapter about "Babylon" as represented in a woman sitting on a beast. There is apocalyptic meaning associated with this empire.

To show you what I mean, look at these references. Revelation 14:8, 16:19, 17:5 and 18:1-21. Much of what is written about Babylon in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel is repeated in Revelation. The fulfillment is yet to come.

As you read this section, look for structure and things to underline.

This might seem like a funny place to put this song, but in reading all of this about judgment and thinking about Revelation, I think of Jesus on His throne, taking the book of judgment. He earned the right to open that book by dying for mankind. That generation on the earth will behold His glory in His wrath. In heaven, we will bow and worship Him as the Lamb who was slain and lives forevermore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4CS9A-Kgrk&feature=related

Titus 2

Some of what Paul tells Titus sounds like things from 1 Timothy, just very brief and condensed.

Vs. 1-6 In 1 Tim. 5 Paul told Timothy how to address different groups. Here Paul tells Titus how these groups are supposed to behave.

It is interesting that older people in the church are to be models for the younger. This holds true especially for the older women. This teaching of the younger women looks like more than what accidently happens over a cup of coffee.

Vs. 6-7 Very brief compared to 1 Tim. 4:11-16

Vs. 8-10 This is directed to slaves.

Vs. 11-14 What a great declaration as to how our lives should reflect the truth of the gospel. These are the first verses I memorized back in 1537 as an Awana Leader.

V. 15 Apparently this thought was supposed to keep everyone focused on the mission of the church. This sounds like Paul's words to Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth."

Psalm 99

This song says everything we have read about God's love and judgment. He is loving, forgiving, yet an avenger of sin and wrongdoing. In a word, He is Awesome. It's probably appropriate to play this song here, sung by the guy who wrote it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oep3Tx7X3BQ&feature=related

Proverbs 26:17

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