October 7, Reading Notes

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26

Jer. 8:8-22

Vs. 8-12 God takes aim again at the leaders of Judah.

V. 11 This is the second time God has said this about the leaders.

V. 13 I wonder if Jesus had this in mind when He cursed the fig tree?

Vs. 14-15 The people running.

Vs. 16-17 The coming judgment.

Vs. 18-22 This seems like the lament of God and of Jeremiah.

V. 22 The ironic and tragic truth is that there was a cure and the people didn't choose it.

Jer. 9

Vs. 1-2 are Jeremiah.

Vs. 2-6 The charge against the people. Notice that twice it says they refused to know God.

Vs. 7-11 Look at "I will." This is God mapping out His plan of action.

Vs. 12-16 This is like God pleading His case why He has to do this. Notice the call for the wise man.

Vs. 17-22 The Lord's punishment of the people.

Vs. 23-26 Again, who is the wise man? That would be verse 24. This sounds a little like those first two chapters of 1 Corinthians.

Colossians 3:1-17

Where Ephesians has six chapters, three that magnify God's grace and three telling us how to live that grace, Colossians has four chapters with the same breakdown. Chapters 1-2 talk about the greatness of salvation in Christ, and now we are entering the application of how to live that truth.

Vs. 1-4 There is an old critical motto that says some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. That isn't what Paul or God is saying here; in fact, the real point here is that if you are too earthly minded you are no earthly good. Based on all of what God has done in Christ alone, our minds, hearts and lives should be captivated and empowered by that truth.

It is interesting that Paul talks about setting our minds on things above. Paul had actually, literally, been there. You can imagine that when things became hard for him, he could close his eyes and remember what he had seen and remember how that was so much more powerful than anything he was facing. That is what is meant for us too. We have the Word and the Spirit, and by faith we can see and live beyond this earth.

We're here reading these verses, but you have read so much more. Think of what you've read in the OT, and in the gospels, Acts, and Romans up to here. Based on all of that, how should you live? What kind of joy should you have in life? How should you invest as a disciple in the harvest? If it could "grasp" us, it would change us. The reality is that as disciples we need to constantly be reading and allowing God's Word to remake us.

Vs. 5-11 God's truth changes us. God opens our eyes. Jesus sets us free.

Vs. 12-17 Notice the commands to "put on," and "let." All of this centers on Jesus.

There is lots to grasp and absorb in these verses. It'll take a lifetime. When we lived in Germany I remember doing the dishes late at night when everyone was sleeping, listening to this song. Beyond what we learn or are taught, there has to be a very innocent sense of wonder and gratefulness in what Jesus means to us. That's why a believer with a Bible, but without an education, in a poor third world country can have a closer relationship to Jesus than any of us, with all our blogs, books and programs. It is a matter of heart and devotion and wonder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CcebZCl_DM&feature=related

Psalm 78:32-55

V. 32 This is the bridge from the last section (yesterday) into today. Tomorrow will be the same as we get into the next section of Psalm 78. Today will end on a high note, but verse 56 will bring in the sad reality of how they acted.

V. 33 So God punished them.

Vs. 36-37 They only came back to God enough to help themselves and get some relief. Just like us.

V. 38 Still, God had compassion on them. Us, too.

Vs. 42-55 Remembering God's goodness and blessing to us is a constant theme in the psalms, and just a good thing to do when times are tough. So after all of this might and blessing, what did the people do? Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story.

And now an original song on Psalm 78. The lyrics are from the first part of the psalm from yesterday, but still are part of what we're reading today. Every couple needs a hobby and this is pretty cool, but Laura and I will stick to puzzles. Always remember to look at the background of shots you take. I'll bet that's a jug of apple cider on the table.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G54DjY_13r4

Proverbs 24:27

Good advice.

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 comments and feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.