April 1, 2012 Reading Notes

April 1, 2012 Reading Notes

http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/

Deuteronomy 18-20

I just read that all 21 hopefuls for the Republican nomination are happy and in one accord in one Accord. April Fool!

For many reasons, it looks like the reading today has drifted into randomness, but I think Moses and God are driving forward on with a very strongly connected theme of keeping the land pure before the Lord and keeping its people strong in the Lord.

Deuteronomy 18

Vs. 1-8 So the king was to devote himself to the law under the guidance of the priests and Levites. Now God restates the provision for the Levites who live among the people, guiding the nation into the knowledge of God. The fact that this has been restated so often means that it was important, and that the people might have the tendency not to respect or value the importance of the Levites living among them. To see this importance read Deut. 33:10 and 2 Chron. 17:8-9. The people would desperately need the Levites.

V. 3 What were the "cheeks," the rump? And I guess the stomach means the abdomen muscles. If not, I wouldn't have fought you for it at the table.

Vs. 9-14 It would be the Levites helping the people who would keep the Law before them. The Levites would supply guidance from God by teaching the people His Word. In contrast to the Levites, false prophets would rise among the people. That was a given.

V. 10 Notice that Moloch worship, the sacrificing of unwanted babies, was mentioned first. This worship took care of a social/personal need.

V. 14 The next mention also took care of a social/personal need: ways to contact the spirit world to get guidance. God, through the Word and the ministry of the Levities, would supply that guidance.

Vs. 15-22 God said He would bring another prophet to guide Israel. Now God brought lots of prophets to Israel and Israel had lots of leaders and prophets; but this guy must have had a special meaning in the minds of the Jews, a meaning they understood even back then. Later, the Jews would come to John the Baptist and ask him if he was "the prophet." Jesus was that prophet. It apparently meant one man, like Moses, who would lead the entire nation before God. So, from this text you understand that God will send prophets to guide the people. From later texts (Isaiah, for example) and the NT, we understand that God is promising to one day send "The Prophet." And we know Him.

In the context of this message to Israel, Moses is telling the people that even in hard times and chaos, He will provide a leader for them.

Notice that they are told two ways to understand if a prophet were true. If he spoke for other gods, he was false. And if he made a prediction that didn’t come true, he was false. Also remember, in really tough cases, they had local Levites and they could always go to the priest with the Urim and Thummim.

Deuteronomy 19

Vs. 1-13 Just as idolatry would contaminate the land and defile the nation, so would the shedding of blood of the innocent. Again, King Manasseh led his people to irrevocable judgment, first spiritually, and then by the guilt of all the innocent blood he spilled. Oddly enough, he reigned longer than any other king.

Along with the cities of the Levites, Moses had already given them three special levitical cities of refuge in Deut. 4:41. Those cities were on the east side of the Jordan in the inheritance of Reuben, Gad and ½ Manasseh. These cities of refuge would be on the west side of the Jordan and they will be named in Joshua 20. Also, just by the fact these cities were present, they were a visual reminder that the people were to make sure the innocent were protected and the laws were followed. In all questions like these, the people were to go to the Levites to protect the land and their blessing before God.

V. 8 Notice that Moses uses the words here that Jabez will later use in his prayer in 1 Chron. 4:10.

V. 9 Notice too, that IF the people really obeyed, and God was able to give them all the land He had promised to Abraham, God would have added three more cities. This never happened.

Vs. 14-21 The other way to contaminate the land and to defile the nation was through injustice and theft. Notice that the first four of the Ten Commandments are in respect to living with God. The next six commandments are how to honor God in living with one another. Later in Israel's history, God and the prophets will lament that the people only deal unjustly with one another.

Notice that the priests got involved in this too. Cases would go to the local officials and if those lying were too good and they didn’t have enough proof of a thing, they went to the tabernacle. The high priest had the means for determining the truth of a matter. Too bad they really didn't use the Urim and Thummim. It was a long way to Jerusalem, and why bother when you could flip a coin or throw some sticks on the ground to get guidance?

Vs. 19-21 If Israel had done this, the report would have gone out and the good people would have had confidence in the Lord. The bad ones would have feared to do anything to their neighbor. It would have been a public testimony that would have kept the people and the land pure.

Deuteronomy 20

Vs. 1-9 God had made provisions to keep them secure in the land. Those same provisions would guide them in warfare.

V. 1 Notice that their confidence was in remembering how God had saved them and brought them out of Egypt.

Vs. 2-4 The priest was to be the primary motivator for the people. He would direct their thoughts to God.

Vs. 5-9 In looking at this list of who was to be excluded from battle, it sort of boils down to all those who were not fully focused and confident in the Lord. The issue was faith and dependence, not courage. Also, those who would breed fear or bitterness were not necessary. This was the lesson they had learned of how a few could have an adverse effect on the nation.

Vs. 10-15 Notice that these verses have to do with nations outside of Canaan. This would be in the far future for Israel. David received tribute from some nations and had some control of Damascus. Had the nation actually obeyed God, they would have had the borders promised to Abraham.

It seems to me here, too, the main point isn't war, but compassion. However, if I was a non-Israelite male and knew our army had been defeated on the field and now Israel was marching on our city and I'd be fighting Israel and knew about these laws, I'd relocate. For a city that decided to fight Israel, everyone was spared, but the guys. For a surrendering city, everyone was spared and were put to forced labor in Israel. This is what will happen to the Gibeonites after they trick Joshua, and it works out well for them. They worked with the Levites, close to the tabernacle, and they all became believing.

Vs. 16-18 Just for perspective on the law being given here, it's important to notice that the only land Israel was told to war against was Canaan, and there they were to take no prisoners for the reason mentioned in v. 18. This was God's punishment on the sickness of the people who lived there. In order for Israel to become involved in any other conflict, the other cities and nations were the aggressors who attacked first. Most often, after Israel was attacked and defeated the army of the aggressor on the field, they went after the city the army came from.

Except for God's judgment on Canaan, Israel was never told to fight against anyone who didn't attack them first. Sihon and Og and the Midianites were examples of people who Israel tried to avoid and had no quarrel with, but who attacked Israel first. These lands became the possession of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Vs. 19-20 I guess this fits into the compassion scenario. No wanton destruction was allowed. I think of Levi and Simeon when they destroyed Shechem. Even at the end of his life, Jacob condemned their uncontrolled, arrogant wrath and cruelty in wantonly laming the livestock in that city.

Luke 9:28-50

Vs. 28-36 Mark mentions that it was six days after Peter’s confession of Jesus’ identity (and Jesus’ rebuke of Peter) that Jesus invites the guys up the mountain to pray. Then according to Luke, it was eight days after those events, while Jesus was praying that He was transfigured. Matthew and Mark mention this event too, but Luke is the only one who says what Jesus was doing when He began to glow. Kind of cool, huh?

Vs. 32 Apparently this must have happened near the evening, which would account for Peter and the boys being so tired.

As Jesus had predicted, some standing there would see the glory of the Son before death.

Vs. 37-42 On the next day when they came down from the mountain, Luke mentions the story of healing the man’s son. Now we see divine glory contrasted with human unbelief.

Vs. 43-45 In contrast to the glory of the transfiguration and to the majesty of Christ shown in healing the boy, Jesus strongly reminds them that things are not going to go the way the disciples think. This Son of Man would be rejected and killed. God's plan of redemption would lead Jesus to "defeat" and "disappointment," at least from the standpoint of the disciples' expectations. Isn't it funny that even the best of us, serving God in the harvest, still battle with our expectations in contrast to God's actions? We learn, too slowly, that He is wise beyond all of our thinking and does what is best for His purpose and plan. We simply follow, sometimes with no clue of what He's doing.

Vs. 46-48 As Jesus taught them of His coming death and resurrection, the only thing the disciples could grasp was the coming of the kingdom. They sort of had the right idea, but their motivation and expectations were all wrong. They would sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel, but greatness was a matter of humility and service. Jesus used the example of a child and then said that the greatest was the one who was least among them.

Vs. 49-50 When Jesus said, “among you,” John thought about someone they had seen when they went out preaching. They rebuked this other disciple because he was not “among” them. Jesus cautioned them. In the future they would be happy to see many new disciples of Jesus, even some who ate pork chops.

Psalm 73

This is an amazing psalm. Take your time here.

Vs. 1-3 Notice the conflict the writer has in all of what he humanly sees, feels and understands. Notice what it was doing to him personally, emotionally and spiritually.

Vs. 4-12 This block of verses is held together by the two “therefores.” Verse six talks about why they are so proud and verse ten talks about why people follow them. Apparently God allows them to prosper to test the hearts of men.

Vs. 13-15 This was the test to Asaph. What do you do when experience seems to contradict the Word of God?

Vs. 16-17 It is the seeking of God in this kind situation, going to God, going to the Word, that saves the day.

Vs. 18-22 It seems that Asaph is reflecting. Now that he knows the truth, he looks back at himself and how he almost gave up.

Vs. 23-24 But God continually held him even in this trial.

Vs. 25-26 are worth memorizing.

Vs. 27-28 Verse 27 is how he understands God will deal with the wicked. Notice that they are far from God. The contrast is in verse 28, and you are doing it now by drawing close to God in His Word. Even with His Spirit within us, only by finding His closeness in His Word truly helps and shields us from despair in this world.

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

Proverbs 12:10

Sounds like what we were talking about at the end of Deut. 20, above. And I would add from J.R.R.R.R.R.R.R. Tolkien that only an orc wantonly cuts down trees.

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.

March 31, 2012 Reading Notes

March 31, 2012 Reading Notes

http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/

We've made it a quarter of a year! Don't worry about getting behind, just keep toning those "read the Bible every day" muscles. Eventually it will get a lot easier. Remember, put the Bible somewhere where you can see it and just read a page or two in passing. Some days it might not work, but some days I’ve done this and have been able to catch up a day.

This also means that you've read about a quarter of the Bible. That's something to celebrate. I'd suggest taking your Bible (and wife) and going out to McDonalds, getting a Senior Coffee © and their Cinnamon Melts ©J and enjoying today's reading.

Deuteronomy 16-17

Deuteronomy 16

These are the feasts again. Thanks to Laura, I'm seeing "at the place (He) will choose," all over the place. I never saw that before. Remember, these feasts and festivals were meant to focus their hearts on God and His love and deliverance. This was not just for their celebration and joy, but also for their protection. This was a way for God to be sure they would always remember what He had done for them.

What also stands out to me more and more is how God keeps mentioning that He brought them out of Egypt and their slavery and made them the most honored nation under heaven.

Vs. 1-8 Israel was to celebrate the night God delivered them. This would launch them into the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread, reminding them how God led them out of bondage. The final day was to be a Sabbath celebration. This feast was to have been attended by all the men, and it could only be attended in the place where the Lord made His name dwell. That would be at the tabernacle. It would be a national gathering.

Vs. 9-12 The Feast of Weeks was the Feast of Firstfruits and took place seven weeks and a day from the Sabbath celebration that ended the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This was a celebration of God giving them fruit and blessing. This was Pentecost and a day to remember the freedom God had given. In the New Testament, this was also the day the church was born and the Holy Spirit began to indwell those who believed in Christ.

Vs. 13-15 This feast called the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles began with the Day of Atonement. For seven days the people lived in tents, remembering the years in the wilderness when God fed them and made them a nation. Remember Nehemiah 8:17. The people never celebrated this feast after Joshua died.

Vs. 16-17 This would have taken a lot of faith for all the men to take their families, leave home and spend a week in Jerusalem. But, it would have been their salvation, and the thought of their salvation would have been fresh in their minds.

Vs. 18-20 The mention here of the judges and officials seems logical since these guys would be models of obedience to the community and they would make sure that the people held to these feasts. You could imagine someone giving a judge a bribe to let him stay at home, instead of going to the feast and wasting his time.

Vs. 21-22 These things were not only planted or put up near altars but they were everywhere. The judges would see that this didn’t happen. It didn't matter how artistic and beautiful the poles were, Israel was not to imitate the Canaanites.

Deuteronomy 7

V. 1 Since God was giving the best to Israel, they were to be bold and liberal in giving the best in return.

Vs. 2-7 To understand this section, we need to remember that for the past 38 years, Israel has been averaging 400 funerals a day. Why? Because someone rebelled against the Lord and many were swept with them into bitterness and sin. This wasn't an open license to conduct "witch hunts," but rather this was a way of keeping the nation pure. If any Israelite wanted to live in another country and not hold the Sabbath, and eat pork chops, and worship other gods, all they had to do was leave and they were free. It was a big world and Israel was only a small piece of real estate. No one had to live in Israel.

Notice that verses 4 and 6 indicate that there was a process. This wasn’t to happen quickly; in fact, if it did happen it was to be a testimony to the nation to obey the Lord.

Vs. 8-13 If the situation was beyond them and they needed an answer, they just had to go to the place the Lord chose to set up the tabernacle and ask the priest. What was so special about the priest? He had a special pouch on his ephod (bib apron) where he had the Urim and Thummim, remember? Amazingly, you never hear of Israel using this except on a couple of occasions. Probably, they didn't believe it, or didn't want God's answer, and didn't want the hassle of having to travel all the way to the tabernacle.

Vs. 14-15 God knew the people would need a king someday. In fact, Jacob’s blessing of Judah in Genesis 49 shows that the kings would come through Judah.

Vs. 16-17 Solomon, the wisest man in the world, broke all of these. In fact, the first thing Solomon did was make a marriage alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt. Building an army showed a lack of confidence in God and pride in one’s leadership. And, as it says here, to get horses, you had to go back to Egypt. Gathering wives was also forbidden and Solomon had them in excess. When Solomon grew older, his wives influenced him to build altars to their gods and sacrifice there. Just think of that. Solomon built the temple to Yahweh as a young man.

Vs. 18-20 When it says "Law," it is probably referring to the five books of Moses, or maybe only Deuteronomy. Under the supervision of the Levites, the king was to make his own copy of the Law and he was to read from it every day of his life. I doubt that the wisest man in the world did that. I would say that David definitely did this when he was king in Hebron for seven years, and that Psalm 119 was a byproduct. I would also bet that Josiah made a copy of Deuteronomy.

So what would writing out and reading the first five books of the Bible do for a king? At this point, we can ask that of ourselves. What does it give you? You get creation, the fall, and the redemptive plan of God working though Noah, to Abraham , to Israel. It gives you a perspective of life and this world, and it fills you with mission. More than everything else you see God's love in working to free men from sin and death.

As I was reading this morning, I thought of how important it is for us as disciples to be in the harvest and remember that God has rescued us. The further we get from the harvest, the less we remember what it was that God freed us from. Our salvation seems like a dusty trophy on a shelf. In Deuteronomy God constantly reminds Israel that He is the Lord their God who led them out of slavery. The same is true for us and Jesus tells Simon the Pharisee, "he who is forgiven little, loves little." How do we remember the value of our own salvation and where we were? By making disciples of lost people, we are constantly reminded of what it was that God freed us from and how needy we are of His grace and help.

Israel needed to go to the feasts to remember they were saved. As disciples, we need to be led by the Lord to the foot of Calvary (the Lord’s Supper) and to follow Him into the harvest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3sJsl0t9dc

Luke 9:7-27

As you read all of this section, you can see how the parts fit together.

Vs. 7-9 Herod's question shows that everyone was wondering who Jesus was. Especially now with the twelve going out and working miracles, there was more questioning. Eventually this will lead Jesus to pop the question to the disciples regarding His identity.

Vs. 10-11 The disciples returned exhausted and Jesus took them on a trip to get to a lonely place. Apparently they stayed too near to the shore and the crowds saw Jesus and ran there before them.

Vs. 12-17 This is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. What you miss in Matthew, Mark and Luke is that immediately after Jesus fed the 5000, the people and many disciples left Him as mentioned in John 6:60-71. As the crowds and many of His disciples were turning away from Him, at that moment in John 6, Jesus asked the twelve if they were going to leave too. Peter came up big in John 6:68.

Vs. 18-20 Notice that Luke mentions that before Jesus questioned His disciples, He was praying. Only Luke mentions that. Jesus asks them directly, "Who do men say that I am?" Peter shines again and Jesus makes him the pope (JUST KIDDING!!!).

John doesn't have this specific questioning of the 12, "Who do men say that I am," that Matt. Mark and Luke have.

Vs. 21-22 Notice that Luke leaves out Jesus' words of blessing to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19. Believe it or not, in Acts, there is a lot of tension in the Christian church, especially coming out of Jerusalem. You see this in Galatians 2:12 and in Acts 11 and 15:1. It might be that because Luke hung with Paul, and Paul was being constantly hounded by Christians from the "circumcision party," that Luke didn't want to confuse his Gentile readers with Peter being the "big boss" and Jerusalem being the center of the world.

Vs. 23-27 Just before these words, Peter rebuked Jesus and Jesus rebuked him back. Luke left that out too. Since Jesus had just lost many disciples, these words to the twelve would have taken on more meaning. There was a price in following Jesus. There would be glory, but they, like us, would always be tempted to stand out of harm’s way and fail to announce their allegiance to Jesus and to His words.

We are always tempted to keep quiet, but our joy in our salvation can get us past that. It says that perfect love casts out all fear. If we are alive in the love of our Savior, who can we fear?

Psalm 72

This psalm is supposedly from Solomon. If so, it sounds like Solomon was having a good day. Some think that this psalm has a prophetic element looking at Jesus' millennial reign because of the absolute language used that couldn't be referring to Solomon.

Since so much is said that would be self aggrandizing if written by Solomon, I wonder if it wasn’t written by David, perhaps the final thing David wrote, to make sure that the people would accept Solomon as their king. There was a great deal of tension and political intrigue when Solomon became king. Notice that it mentions a “king of Sheba,” not a queen. And it does say that this psalm was the last of the prayers of David.

V. 1 Looks like this could be David asking God to bless his son.

Vs. 2-11 Look at all the requests for blessing that begin with the word “May.”

Vs. 12-14 Israel and her king were to show compassion for the needy based on their slavery and God’s grace to them.

Vs. 15-17 This sounds like Deuteronomy. As a result, the people and the king would live long and be blessed.

Vs. 18-20 Again, this sounds like David to me. The Lord is to be blessed and glorified in all the earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXgQ5Yco064

Proverbs 12:8-9

In some versions, verse nine is expressed differently, indicating that there's something in the Hebrew that isn't clear. There seems to be a play being made on the word "despised" (Greek "turn up your nose") in verse eight, so that it is immediately reflected in the word for "lowly" (Greek "dishonor") in verse nine. It isn't clear if the good man in verse nine has a servant or is a despised common worker. The RSV, Luther and Einheits (both German) give this other sense. The proverb might look like this;

8 A man is commended according to his good sense,
but one of twisted mind is despised.

9 Better to be despised as a lowly servant and do your work
than to play the great man and lack bread.

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.

March 30, 2012 Reading Notes

March 30, 2012 Reading Notes

http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/

Deuteronomy 13-15

Look for recurring words, phrases and themes. There are some big themes that God is emphasizing for Israel.

Deuteronomy 13

Vs. 1-5 It's interesting that the example mentioned here is where the words of the prophet come true and God allows it to happen. Wouldn't miracles be a case for listening to what he says? Paul ups the ante on this and says in Galatians 1:8, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed." I’ll bet Paul was thinking of this portion of Deuteronomy.

I really don't think we grasp the consequences of sin and separation from God. Truth is vital and far more important than our experience. That is why the Bible is important. This thing on earth is happening so slowly and invisibly as to put us to sleep. Reality, however, remains unchanged. In spite of what we feel, there is a contest for the souls of men being waged every day. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20, O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"--

By the way, this would have been someone like Balaam.

Vs. 6-11 Now this rule was only for Israel as they were a nation under God's rule. This is hard for us to choke down, I know, but the lessons of the wilderness taught them that (as Paul says in 1Cor 5) "a little leaven leavens the whole lump." How much cancer is acceptable? What God is setting up here is a "perfect" society that He knows won't work. It won't work, not because it is a "perfect" society, but because there is something in mankind, inside of each person, that rebels against God. By the end of the book of Judges, everything will have fallen apart. Sin will be shown to be sin.

Vs. 6-7 Notice that the enticement is to worship gods they have never worshiped. If the argument is raised that they were told not to worship the gods of Canaan, then they might say, “I know, those were really bad and awful, but this god is from far, far away and is OK. It is from a place called ‘USA.’ Now we’ll press this button here and watch the idol ‘boot up.’” (I’m trying to be funny.)

V. 10 These gods were in contrast to the God they did know, who saved them. Notice how important their salvation was. As long as they treasured what God had done for them, they would be safe.

V. 11 If they did this, it would have a good effect in the entire land.

Vs. 12-18 Moses has gone from addressing the false messenger, to the false loved one, to the false city. This will happen at the end of Judges and the tribe of Benjamin will almost be lost. It is a very sad and conflicted story. But I’m sure this was repeated throughout Israel. In fact, one of those stories at the end of Judges shows the entire tribe of Dan going “idol.” I think it is for this reason that the tribe of Dan is not mentioned among the 144,000 in the book of Revelation.

Since Christ, the power of the Gospel and the love of God is the only thing that works in a pluralistic, relativistic, lost world. Society today doesn't give a parent or employer many rights on limiting the freedom of the people they are responsible for. As disciples of Christ, the truth we bring is wrapped in spiritual power and in the love of Christ working through us. Sin rebels against law. It is not so powerful when confronted by the love and grace of Christ. Today our work is not to shape people or nations by activism, but by working and witnessing and praying "under the radar" to see people come to Christ.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. 3 This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Deuteronomy 14

Vs. 1-2 These verses attest to their great privilege on the earth and launches this chapter on being a distinct people for the Lord on the earth. Here, they are told not to copy this pagan custom of mourning for the dead.

Vs. 3-21

Since God says in the NT that all foods are clean, this was a law showing their “differentness” among the nations. It was the equivalent of them eating with a fork and a knife instead of their fingers or blowing their noses instead of picking them.

V. 20 Again, it showed a sense of propriety and "rightness" to their customs. I definitely wouldn’t lament that I couldn’t eat road kill or something that just fell over and died.

V. 21 As often as this is mentioned, I wonder if this was just a point of propriety or respect or if it had something to do with Egyptian/pagan ritual or superstition.

Vs. 22-29 This section is about the tithe and in that there is a link between only offering the tithes at the tabernacle and the provision for the Levites. In giving the tithes, there is the underlying value that this is important. But why? Does God need food? No. So do they give because of raw obedience? That only takes you so far. Valuing the presence of God at the tabernacle was faith. Providing for the Levites was also faith, because they scattered around the country and taught the people spiritual values. They were the "Sunday school teachers" of Israel. If the people lost the value of being a spiritual nation they would stop coming to the tabernacle and they would stop providing for the Levites. These two "rules" showed what the people truly valued in their hearts. And, their tithing showed they understood that God was providing for them.

When the people came to offer the tithe of their crops, they were to celebrate before the Lord. This is kind of interesting because verse 26 suggests a feast and a celebration. Before the Lord, held in check by their love for God, they could buy any food and drink wine or "strong drink." There is the balance between the occasional being "merry of heart" and being a perpetual drunk. Drunkenness means being given to being drunk. There is a positive rendering of being mildly intoxicated that God doesn't seem to judge; for example, Ruth 3:7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain; and she came secretly, and uncovered his feet and lay down.

Vs. 28-29 Here was an exception to going to the tabernacle. On the third year, they brought their tithes into their own towns, invited the Levites who lived in the area and then held a feast for the Levites and all of the poor and needy. More on this in the next chapter.

Deuteronomy 15

Vs. 1-6 Now this would never work today. Apparently, not only was the 50^th year the year of Jubilee where lands would revert back to the owners and slaves, people who had sold themselves to someone because they were poor, would be set free. This canceling of debts and freedom of servants also came every seven years during the Sabbatical year. Today this would mean the credit card companies would cancel your bill every seven years!

Note that verse six gives the reasoning for this. If the people obeyed, God would so super-bless Israel that they would have so much that they would be sinning to hold back and not give freely. They were not to try to get rich, but to be openly generous with what God gave them. This sounds like some of the things Jesus said to His disciples.

Notice also that in verse 4, it says they would not have poor people, but in verse 11 it says they would always have poor people. So what does that mean? I believe it means that God would work things out so that there would always be people who needed help from others. This would be to test the hearts and generosity of the people. Personally, I would rather have been on the giving end of that process than on the end where God pulled the rug out from under me to put me on the receiving end to test the hearts of others. But it is obvious that God was going to do this. I think this goes for today too and extends to health care costs and to the protection of the helpless. Lots of wisdom is needed in all of this, but the point seems obvious; God keeps some people in a state of need to see if the surrounding society is humble and willing to care and share.

The contradiction in verses 4 and 11 is dissolved in that God would bring people to the place of being poor, but Israel would meet their needs so that they would no longer be poor. That would be pretty cool.

Vs. 7-11 Again, remember that this wasn’t true, genuine slavery. People were free after 6 years. Imagine today if someone was out of work and destitute. Mercedes comes along and says, "We'll give you a job, food and a place to live if you'll sign a 6-year contract." Isn't that nuts! Who would say no?

Vs. 12-18 In fact, if the situation was really good, at the end of 6 years, the "slave" could say he wanted to stay on permanently and could retire from there. The nations back then were largely farming communities. Help was always needed. The people were to be generous and actively help people by signing them on to work. God said He would bless them for that. For the provision of six years of food, clothing and shelter, a poor person worked. Not a bad set up for the poor. No local government was involved and no taxes were levied on the people to give aid to the needy.

Vs.19-23 are again that test of heart and security in God's provision. Animals were valuable, yet as the animals gave birth, the first of those animals suitable for sacrifice had to be given back to the Lord. Sacrifice and gratitude were built into every day of everyone’s lives. Those men and women of faith who realized they were set free and now blessed because of the promise to Abraham would love much and give back to God out of joy and thanks. To everyone else, sacrifice would be a religious duty. When we get to Malachi the people were not giving God the best, because they were pressed by hard times. It's hard to give when it hurts, but it really is hard to give if we don't believe or trust God.

I am so impressed in all of this, that God kept telling the people to remember they had been slaves and were now free. They were free because of God’s amazing grace and His desire to bless. Do we work in the harvest following Christ for any other reason? He loved us. How do we know? He set us free, dying for us while we were still enemies. As disciples making disciples in the harvest, we need to love the Lord and we need to remember our chains.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FRAYGLMjP4

Luke 8:40-9:6

Luke 8:40-56

V. 41 This was back in Capernaum. Jesus was popular there and remember that Jesus just healed the servant of the centurion who built this synagogue. For Jairus to come to Jesus was one thing, but to fall at His feet meant that Jairus was desperate and believed Jesus could help.

Vs. 42-48 This was a God planned fiasco. I’m sure when it happened Jesus smiled, knowing His Father was designing a situation in which many hearts would be revealed. I need to smile more.

This is the first time I’ve ever noticed that the woman was sick as long as Jairus’ daughter had been alive. They were both 12, in a manner of speaking.

Unlike us, Jesus was not upset, anxious about the delay, or embarrassed by Peter’s question. I need to learn to abide in the Lord.

Vs. 49-50 This was Jairus’ test of faith and by allowing Jesus to come to his house he was showing faith.

Vs. 51-56 Reading Mark’s account, I have a feeling this went very quickly once Jesus got the mourners outside. He didn’t want to draw attention to the event. I’ll bet it was only seconds after entering the room that Jesus had her on her feet.

Luke 9:1-6

And now we have another twelve. This is just coincidence….I think.

To understand the chronology here a little better, read Matt. 9:27-34, then Mark 6:1-6 and finally Matt. 9:35-38.

It seems to me that the dramatic nature of these healings and the second rejection in Nazareth somehow added to the decision to send the twelve out. Their confidence would have been high.

To read a more complete version of this, look at Matthew 10. Matthew was one of those disciples.

Psalm 71

This psalm and the next four are pretty long, and it's easy to get lost in the alternating thoughts of crying out and confidence and desiring justice and praising God. I'd suggest you choose something(s) to underline; for example, the pleas (rescue me, be not far from me, etc…) or the praises.

This looks like it could have been written by David later in life and just before the fight with Absalom’s army.

Vs. 1-3 This is vintage David. God was his refuge.

Vs. 4-11 Here you have the cry for rescue. David asks God to hold him now in his old age and failing strength as He did when David was young. Once again, David’s enemies thought God would not save him. They forgot that God’s grace was upon David.

Vs. 12-24 Notice how often David says he will testify to the Lord and notice how many ways he says he will do this.

I find verse 20 interesting, "You, who have made me see many troubles….will bring me up again." Even David realized that God led him into troubles, to show him that he could depend on God and that God would revive him again. That is a good lesson for a disciple to learn. He leads us to bring praise from our mouths. So let’s do it.

Proverbs 12:5-7

I don't know. I guess I'd rather hang with the righteous dudes. So what does real biblical righteousness look like? Just, fearless, compassionate, and enduring. Jesus put it like this. Luke 6:47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like…

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

March 29, 2012 Reading Notes

March 29, 2012 Reading Notes

http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/

In Deuteronomy 8:3 we read why God gave Israel the manna. This is also the portion of Scripture Jesus used in His confrontation with Satan. I remember a time last year when there was snow on the grass, but it wasn't a solid blanket, but patchy little puffs all over everything. I wonder if that's what the manna looked like. As I thought about it and what God was teaching Israel, I was thinking how much I need all those lessons today in my life. Here's some of what struck me.

God could still do today what He did for Israel then, and He could meet all of my needs instantly if He chose to. So, I'm really very secure, whether I feel secure or not. In the wilderness, the people weren't allowed to gather the manna and store it up for security. They had to be secure in God, every day. They couldn't work the fields or make gardens because they never knew when they would be moving. Their lives were focused each day on the mercy of the Lord, learning of Him, waiting each day for His provision. God intentionally fed them like this, little by little, showing His power and showing that their security was in Him. They were to learn that man doesn't live by bread alone, nor by savings, nor by work, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Being secure in God's daily care and eternal power seems to be what God was also teaching David as he was living in caves and running from Saul.

How does God teach that same thing to us without taking us through similar experiences? It makes me appreciate my present situation and makes the day seem like something God has designed rather than a random mess. Life might not look "normal," but I am totally secure and taken care of by God's daily provision. Our Lord is an amazing teacher, and His Word is strength and health to the heart.

Deuteronomy 11-12

Deuteronomy 11

It seems to me that this chapter concludes the introduction of the sermon. Moses restates 6:1-9 in verses 18-21.

Vs. 1-7 Notice how often it talks about loving the Lord. The people were not slaves; they were saved. Their salvation should have made them grateful. They were to follow and obey out of that love for God. Moses tells them to consider what they saw. This was God's teaching and discipline. They were now to pass this on to their children who didn't see what God had done. They had seen how God used His power to free them from Egypt and destroy Pharaoh's army. God also disciplined a family of the Reubenites. Both events showed God's great power. One instance was deliverance and the other punishment. They needed to lay this to heart, as do we. They also needed to pass these things on to the next generation. In a sense, they were to make disciples.

Vs. 8-12 These instructions are being given out of love so the people will be strong and not only win the land, but hold on to it. Notice again in verse nine that the promise to Abraham is mentioned. The fact that God's eyes were on this land was a good thing, if they obeyed. If they obeyed, God would water the land and they wouldn't have to irrigate it like they had to in Egypt. That would be a good thing if they obeyed.

Vs. 13-17 This seems like it should have been an easy thing to have loved the Lord. Loving the Lord was in contrast to worshiping other gods. That would have been a "no brainer" except that the worship in Canaan was very sexually oriented. And too, even for us, worshiping other things is easier than we think. I was reading Ephesians 5 this morning where Paul says that a person who is covetous is really an idolater. Even the Corinthian church had fallen into idolatry. We can all understand the cause / effect relationship here. Why would God bless the people if they were worshiping something else? The real question is, "How could they worship anything else when God was so big and real?" But now they had visual help. They had the manna each morning and the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud. Once they were in the land, they would have the feasts and the worship at the tabernacle. They would have to follow God by faith in the promise to Abraham and by obeying the law.

Vs. 18-25 There is a lot of restatement here, but it is very passionate, both from Moses and from God. God really, really, really wanted to bless them. Notice that when he tells them to lay up the words in their hearts, Moses also tells them how to do this in verses 18-20.

V. 22 Notice again the restatement of loving the Lord and the promises that follow. It is obvious that we are nearing the end of a very important and passionate argument.

Vs. 26-32 In the context of the Mosaic covenant, there would be these blessings and curses. We'll read about this event later in Deuteronomy and we'll see it done in Joshua. It will be a testimony to the people. Actually, the people will testify to their need to obey and what will happen if they don't obey. The words will come out of their own mouths. This generation will obey, but apparently not in teaching their children.

V. 30 As Israel is receiving this command, Moses reminds them that in order for them to get to these two peaks, God will already have brought them into the land.

Though we are not under the blessing and curses, as disciples, there is something for us to learn here too. Even the best of us fall, and sometimes we have a hard time recovering. Sin and discouragement has an incredibly acidic effect on our hearts and minds. Not only that, Satan is the accuser, standing before God telling Him we deserve judgment. Satan shares this with us too. In fact, Satan, like Balaam, lures us into sin so that God will have to punish us, knowing that God would never punish us if we didn't bring the punishment on ourselves.

So, how do you know if it is God humbling, teaching, or chastening you, or if it is Satan and your own fallen nature tearing you apart? Satan and self always tell you there is no more grace for you and that you are a failure. God never does that. This is why reading your Bible through is so important. Did Jacob deserve grace? Does Israel deserve grace? Wait until we get to Judges. Will David, the murderer, deserve grace? Or will Solomon the idolater who sacrificed his children, or Manasseh, who did worse than all of them and brought irrevocable judgment on his people, deserve grace? But they all received it. After repentance, even after falling into sin for the millionth time, God looks on us as a Father, encouraging our next step in obedience with His grace. And He will use us, just as God used all of those men after their repentance. Satan and self will destroy you and make you unfit to be used by the Lord. God will restore you. There may be consequences that you'll have to deal with, but you couldn't be loved more, and you will never be shunned by Christ. Look at Paul, the murderer, who remembered what he did right up to the end of his work in the harvest. Paul was an example of how Jesus will lift the fallen and bless them for His glory, just like us. 1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

If you had a child who had done everything wrong and made every mistake, as a parent, would you condemn them to failure and self hate, or encourage them to health and obedience? And if they obeyed, would you rub their noses in their past failures or lead them on to restoration and success? This is what the Pharisees couldn't stand about Jesus, blessing a woman who had been a terrible sinner, or asking a tax collector to be His disciple.

Deuteronomy 12

V. 1 This seems to be a key verse. So, after loving God, what did He want them to do?

Vs. 2-7 This would be very hard for Israel. First, they had to destroy all of the idols and places of worship. Some of the idols would be made out of precious metals. Some of these places might look nice, like a place where you'd want to come and meditate. But second, they themselves could only worship and offer sacrifices at the tabernacle. This was one way God wanted them to love Him. They were only to come to Him and then to come to Him only where it was appointed. The people in Canaan worshiped their gods on every hill and under trees. It is interesting that later when we read about the kings who followed God, many of them still allowed the people to sacrifice and worship in the hills and not in Jerusalem. No one had the guts to say "No."

Vs. 8-14 This is sort of like the tree in the garden. They could do all sorts of other things, but worship and sacrifice needed to happen in God's presence in the place He designated. Notice in verses 7 and 12, there was to be rejoicing in God's presence as they celebrated their sacrifices.

V.8 This is the refrain at the end of the book of Judges.

V. 9 This is the "rest" talked about in the book of Hebrews

V.10 Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, quotes this.

Isn't it interesting that the phrases from Deuteronomy were used so extensively in the rest of the Bible and people actually knew these verses? Now you do too.

Vs. 15-19 Up until now, if any domestic animal was killed to be eaten, it had to be brought to the tabernacle. That wasn't far away since they all camped around the tabernacle. Once they were in the land, the tabernacle would be too far away. Now they could kill the animal at the house, but there was one act of paganism they were not to take part in, and that was the drinking of the blood or eating the bloody, undrained meat. God had been getting the people away from this during the wilderness wandering. Now they would just have to obey.

The offerings, on the other hand, had to be made at the tabernacle. Along with the offerings, they were to share with those who served at the tabernacle. They could always have feasts at home, but their worship was to be a celebration before the Lord at the tabernacle.

Vs. 20-28 Notice the repetition regarding the blood of life. This was a big deal for God, mentioned as far back as Noah. The repetition was important here. God was allowing them to slaughter their cattle for food, but with His guidelines.

V.20 This verse links Jabez (1Chr. 4:10) to this time of the conquest of the land.

V. 26 But here we are talking again about the sacrifices and worship. Notice that v. 28 brings them back to being careful to do what God is saying. They needed to obey for the sake of their children.

Vs. 29-32 This brings the chapter full circle. Again, these instructions seem like a no brainer. Why would you want to understand why a pagan people offered their children in sacrifice? How could you be enticed to do that? And yet Solomon will.

I think Deuteronomy is incredible. And what is really interesting is that most of what God is saying to the people is exactly what we need to hear and apply to our hearts. We are not better than these people, and even with the Spirit, we are not above falling into the same traps. The Corinthians did. Maybe there are some innocent looking things in our culture that we don't need to become a part of. After all, we are here on mission, following Christ. As disciples in the harvest, we need to be careful how we walk, making the most of our time, because the days, as Paul said, are evil.

Luke 8:22-39

Vs. 22-25 Do you ever think about being totally awed by God to the place of fear? Me neither. We need the Lord to restore this sense of awe to our hearts, and I think the place we find it is in the harvest, not special meetings at church or boat trips on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus shows His power where His passion is, in reaching the lost and dying and making disciples who make disciples.

Vs. 26-39 Matthew has two men here. It is the same event and both Matthew and Luke are accurate, but Mark and Luke only quote the spokesman of the demonic duo.

V. 29 Apparently Jesus had commanded a spirit to come out and it did. Jesus saw then that the problem was deeper. A Roman legion would have been 6000, but that isn't to say there were 6000 demons in him. It is interesting that we are told in Mark 5:13 that the herd of pigs was about 2000.

V. 35 Luke tells us that the man was sitting at Jesus' feet when the crowds came.

Vs. 38-39 This is really all the Lord asks us to do on earth. So what has the Lord done for you?

Psalm 70

Once again, those who seek the Lord like this are driven to their knees by need, so that, after waiting for His deliverance and crying out in desperation, they see and are awed by the salvation of the Lord. Then they declare to all men, from their hearts, that God is great. This is how God taught Israel, how He taught David, the disciples in the boat, and the possessed man. Why should I expect anything different if the Lord loves me and wants to use me as His disciple?

V. 1 This is the cry for help. This morning I was reading in Luke 18:7-8, where Jesus said, "And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Faith cries out and keeps crying.

Vs. 2-3 This is the usual gang of those who were lying against David and seeking to kill him.

Vs. 4-5 Verse 4 happens because of a heart like in verse five. David was humbled before God and didn't seek help anywhere else. He learned this through suffering and God vindicated His servant. Amen.

Proverbs 12:4

Seriously, I never go a day without realizing how blessed I've been for the past 34 years. I have only known the first part of that Proverb, and that is pure grace.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

March 28, 2012 Reading Notes

March 28, 2012 Reading Notes

http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/

Deuteronomy 9-10

This morning I read Romans 11:25, "Lest you be wise in your own conceits, I want you to understand this mystery, brethren: a hardening has come upon part of Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles come in." Apparently, the response of the Gentile Christians to the grace they had received was pride and arrogance. Paul needed to remind them that they were no better than the Jews. God had simply shown them love and grace. Here in Deuteronomy, Moses and God didn't want Israel to forget who they were either. What was about to happen to them was all grace that they didn't deserve. That's good for us to remember as we follow in the harvest. This isn't about morality or who knows more. Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up.

Deuteronomy 9

Vs. 1-3 Moses mentions that there were fortified cities, great armies and huge men (targets) to fight. These were the things that the ten spies had said to discourage the people and make them bitter. But this generation had already seen that it would be God who would fight for them. It's hard to fight a consuming fire.

Vs. 4-5 The reason God would thrust these people out was because of their wickedness and because of the promise to Abraham. It had nothing to do with the righteousness of Israel. Moses will now tell a little story.

Vs. 6-29 In fact, Israel was a very stubborn and rebellious people. The generation standing there listening to Moses wouldn't be rebellious, but they had the benefit of living through the results of their parents' sins over the past 40 years, living in the camp of death. These words would fall on fertile soil. That wouldn't be the case in the next generations.

Vs. 6-12 This should have been a great moment for the nation. Moses was on the mountain confirming the covenant. God, Himself, the Creator of the universe, was actually writing on the stones Himself. No other nation in the history of the world had ever experienced this. That is the point here, I think.

Vs. 13-21 Yet, at that very moment during their greatest privilege and God's revelation, the people had already broken the covenant and put themselves in mortal danger before God. Moses is trying to make them see the irrationality of what they did by making that calf. These people might have looked to Kadesh-barnea as the best example of their rebellion, but God and Moses led them back to the first and most irrational act they committed. This sin was still a part of them, and it has been a part of every heart, including ours, since Adam and Eve.

V. 17 That covenant was broken, illustrated with Moses smashing the tablets. God would reestablish the covenant with them.

V. 19 Moses had to plead for their lives.

V. 20 This is the first time we have heard that God was ready to take out Aaron.

V. 21 Their sin had been so vile, they couldn't even reuse the gold of the calf. Moses made them drink it, which also was ironic since God, not the calf, had given them the water.

Vs. 22-24 Now Moses, parenthetically relates the sin with the calf to the sin at Kadesh-barnea.

Vs. 25-29 Back to the calf. Moses went up on the mountain again to beg for God's mercy for Israel. Notice that the basis for God's mercy was the covenant with Abraham. This would have shown the people that they needed to put their faith in what Abraham had put his faith in. They would break the Mosaic Covenant but their hope was in the grace of God as seen in the promise to Abraham.

Deuteronomy 10

Vs. 1-5 On the basis of Moses' pleading, God's mercy and His remembrance of His promise to Abraham, God allowed new tablets to be cut and the covenant was reestablished. Verse 5 is a summary since the ark hadn't been built yet.

Vs. 6-9 This seems to be parenthetical, showing that even Aaron's death and the selection of the Levites to guard the tabernacle was a result of the sinfulness and rebellion of the people.

Vs. 10-11 It was when Moses came down off the mountain (and the tabernacle was built and the people were numbered and put in order) that God commanded Moses to lead the people into Canaan. You would think that after that fiasco with the calf, the people would have been obedient. This generation knew exactly what happened at Kadesh-barnea and had been suffering under it for the past 38 years.

I think the people got the idea. They had not been an easy people to lead. So much of what is written here testifies to the honesty and accuracy of this reporting. No great nation would ever air their dirty laundry like Israel is doing here. This isn't a testimony to them as a great people. It is a testimony to their God, His love and His forgiveness.

Vs. 12-22 What things stand out to you in this section? I don't know about you, but this stirs my heart. What does God seek? At the top of His list is love. Love is a relationship. Even in marriage this is the key. You can break love down into actions or responsibilities like communication and faithfulness and service to one another, but these only help us try to grasp what love really is. What God really gives to us and wants from us is love. There are many religions and misrepresentations of "god" on earth, but none of them come close to the reality being expressed here. God is deeply clear and straightforward about wanting a relationship with us that is first and foremost a bond of love. This is the consistent message of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Someone needs to preach a message on this. This song would be a great way to complete the service.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFZV_P7124k

Luke 8:4-21

It is interesting that Jesus began to tell these parables after He was very popular. The Pharisees and scribes were beginning to explain His power by saying it was from Beelzebub, and His family thought He was out of His mind. This parable would have been a challenge to the people and it would have been instructive to the disciples, letting them know that there would be four kinds of people who would hear their messages too.

Vs. 4-8 This was said for the crowds and there were probably some people who got it.

Vs. 9-10 This is the blindness of the nation that was predicted in Isaiah 6:9. Oddly enough, Paul quotes this in Romans 11:8 and follows it by quoting Psalm 69:22, down below. You only get this by reading a One-Year Bible.

The parables were meant to show who was seeking God and who really didn't care.

Vs. 11-15 Note that the real focal point of the parable and need for bearing fruit is expressed in what Satan seeks to prevent in verse 12 - believe and be saved. People differ on their interpretations of the seed in the shallow ground and seed in the thorns. I have met professing believers in both soils. Who knows? The goal of the Word is not only faith and belief and salvation, but fruit that bears more fruit, or as we would say, disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Vs. 16-18 These verses, for me, show that bearing fruit has something to do with declaring the truth publicly, treasuring it in our hearts and growing in the truth we have been given.

Verse 18 was said to the disciples and Jesus used this illustration with them a couple of times. I think Jesus is saying to all of us disciples, when the Spirit shares something with us, if we don't use it, we lose it.

Vs. 19-21 I don't think Jesus thought His family would show up here, but He used the situation to show the importance of what He had just said. To be in relationship to Jesus was not to be a blood relative or even a Jew. Those closest to Jesus, male or female, Jew or Gentile, Greeks and those who wish they were Greeks, are those who hear the Word of God and do it.

Just to say it again, as disciples, our "doing" of God's Word is following the Lord in the harvest. His commandments are not primarily so we can live morally pure lives on earth and get to heaven with a clean score card. We are to obey His commission and glorify the Father by bearing much fruit and so proving we are His disciples. We are to labor in the harvest making disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Psalm 69:19-36

Remember, as you read this section, David's own suffering was given to him from God, to allow David to express some of what Jesus would feel in His last days in Jerusalem and on the cross.

Vs. 19-21 When I read this, I think of the Pharisees and Sadducees trying to humiliate Jesus. I think of Judas betraying Jesus. I think of Peter, James and John falling asleep as Jesus was praying in the garden.

Notice verse 21. Jesus was offered wine mixed with a narcotic and then later, he was offered vinegar as he hung on the cross to keep Him alive until Elijah came to rescue Him. The people were hoping to see a miracle.

Vs. 21-28 This is David asking God to judge these people who were lying and pursuing him. Interestingly, Paul says that this happened to all of Israel in the form of hardness of heart and spiritual blindness. Verses 22-23 are quoted by Paul in Romans 9, expressing that the same kind of spiritual blindness that led Saul and others to resist God, kill the priests and pursue David, led the nation of Israel to resist God. The height of this blindness would have been seen in the crucifixion of Jesus. That generation was punished for rejecting their Messiah, as seen in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD and the scattering of the Jews.

Vs. 29-33 David became a testimony to the peoples and a leader and commander for the peoples. God disciplined and made David a great man though his suffering. He became proof of the grace and mercy of God.

Vs. 34-36 God had probably given David the idea of making Jerusalem, Zion, his city. And I'll bet in those years of running and hiding, David dreamed of the day he would bring the ark to Jerusalem. Yet this section has the hint of millennial glory. A day will come when Jesus will reign from Zion, and all nations will worship Him. Israel will glorify their Messiah and testify to His greatness and love.

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

Proverbs 12:2-3

Again, sometimes to spend more time on a Proverb like this, especially if you're using it for a short message for a group, take it apart and put the parallel pieces together. Take time to notice the couplets and the parallelism in the verses. The second verse usually advances the image of the first verse. In the One-Year Bible they do a pretty good job of keeping these couplets together.

2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord,

(and in all the storms of life the branches might get beaten by the wind and he may be refined by fire)

but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

but a man of evil devices the Lord condemns.

(and although he might look successful and God might use this man for His purpose)

3 No one is established (takes root?) by wickedness,
Especially in hard times or hard circumstances, it costs something to follow Christ in the harvest and to remember we are here on mission. Our witness is often shown most powerfully in honoring God where others don't, and facing the consequences. It is more important that the lost see Christ than for us to get a "deal" or a promotion. I know a guy from the Ukraine who came to Christ, because a fool took a beating for Christ in the Russian army in Siberia. The guy's branches definitely got broken, but his root never moved and God gave him unknown fruit. Peter watched and thought, "It would have been so easy to have lied. What would possess a man to take a stand like this in such a dangerous place?" Peter found out.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

March 27, 2012 Reading Notes

March 27, 2012 Reading Notes

http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/

Deuteronomy 7-8

Deuteronomy 7

Vs. 1-5 In reading this section you might want to review the post for March 20th where we addressed the issue of God ordering the death of the Midianites in Numbers 31. Hundreds of years of mercy had been shown these people. Men like Abraham and Melchizedek had been witnesses among them, yet their cultures became incurable cesspools of idolatry and sexual perversion. For those who didn't relocate, God was calling all who stayed in their towns into His presence. The innocent (children below the age of accountability) would go into a place of comfort, but those who had been idolaters and not responded to God's messengers, would be put into punishment. Remember what Abraham said to the Lord in Genesis 18:25, "Far be it from thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"

Vs. 3-4 Note that God speaks of the inhabitants of the land as if they were a danger to Israel, danger by spiritual / cultural infection. This is the same thing that the Spirit tells us, not to be conformed to this world. It would be like asking what the acceptable level of growing cancer should be in your body. Yet all of us are far more tolerant of sin and hindrances than we should be.

Vs. 6-11 Notice how often love is mentioned in these verses. Anyone who says that you don't find love in the Bible until you get to Jesus in the New Testament, has never read the Bible. Even though these verses are to Israel, there is something in every disciple that should respond to these words.

Vs. 12-16 In the last section and here, there are some interesting things going on. The relationship with God, like any relationship, needs trust and maintenance. In all times in history, for all people, obeying God meant pleasing Him and receiving His blessing. Disobeying God meant displeasing Him and, at some point, receiving punishment. In the last section it mentioned that God was blessing Israel because of the promises made to their fathers. The promise to Abraham was unconditional and will be fulfilled completely in the future by Israel in the Millennial Kingdom. The blessings being promised here are very conditional. They are a part of the Mosaic covenant, the covenant made at Mt. Sinai. This covenant, the Old Testament, is built on obedience to the law. According to Romans 7, the law was given to reveal the sin that is a part of our nature. The law couldn't get rid of sin and it couldn't save. So, this covenant with Moses under the law has nothing to do with salvation. Salvation was always through faith in the promise to Abraham. But obedience to the law from a heart of faith would bring blessing of such a nature that it would become a testimony to the world. Any outside nation, witnessing the blessings described here, would want to come to Israel and "drink from their well," and receive the same blessings.

Vs. 17-26 Here again, there is a mixture of the promise to Abraham and the covenant under Moses. God would drive the nations out before Israel just as God humbled Pharaoh in Egypt. This was based on His promise to Abraham. Faith in that promise would enable Israel to boldly worship God only according to the Mosaic covenant. They would also know, because of their faith in the promise to Abraham, that God was doing this and that the idols of these nations were trash to be destroyed. Israel would also have patience to obey and allow God to slowly give them the land, knowing that God would certainly fulfill His promise to Abraham.

Deuteronomy 8

Vs. 1-5 Notice in v. 1, that the commandment is to be obeyed in view of God's grace in fulfilling the promise to Abraham. Faith would empower them to obey.

God educated and disciplined the people out of grace and love. Not only did God care for them, but in v. 3 He humbled them with need and let them hunger so that they would see that He could take care of them. You may have noticed that v. 3 was quoted by Jesus in His temptation.

According to what God has said in the New Testament, this is also how He disciples and prunes us.

Vs. 6-10 In obeying the commandments, God would lavish His blessing on them and in turn they would praise Him.

Vs. 11-20 Notice how this warning is mixed with God's reminder to them of their deliverance and salvation. God also reminds them that He is the one who fed and sustained them for 40 years in the wilderness.

I guess what speaks to me in all of this is that the glow and joy of our salvation in Christ needs to be present in all we do and all we are. We live only because of Him. How can ignore we Him or not follow Him into the harvest? How can we not surrender everything and take up our cross? How can we withhold the love and grace we have received and not tell it and share it with those who are lost?

Why did God choose us to become followers of Christ? Love. If you witness to people, you understand the miracle of someone who will listen and open their heart. Why? Because they're smart or sensitive or good? No. Somewhere in there, I believe there is a molecule of will, so small as to be nearly inconsequential. The rest is pure grace; God choosing the foolish and the weak and low and despised to save and make followers of Christ in the harvest. Given this privilege and calling, we need to keep our love for Christ alive by treasuring our salvation, as we follow Him in the harvest making disciples who make disciples.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17xF0e-KNkQ

Luke 7:36-8:3

One of the things we see in the Gospels is that Jesus was very sensitive to accepting and responding to the things the Father and Spirit put into His path. For us disciples, Jesus becomes the model of walking in the Spirit and abiding in God. One thing I constantly wonder about is that Jesus accepted so many invitations from Pharisees to dine with them. Holy heartburn! Every one of them became a conflict, and a divine opportunity to present people with the truth of God and the person of the Messiah.

Luke 7:36-50

Vs. 36-39 Pharisees, I'm told, often gave dinners and people were invited to stand against the walls and listen in to the conversations. It seems that this woman might have already heard Jesus' teaching and was moved by it. The ointment suggests that she was a well-to-do sinner. This may have some connection to Lk. 8:1-3.

V. 38 This definitely would have been scandalous for a rabbi to let a known prostitute do something like this to him.

Vs. 40-43 Either Simon's body language gave him away, or probably the Spirit revealed his thoughts to Jesus. Both of these debts were big. Fifty days' wages would be nothing to sniff at. 500 days' wages would be enormous.

Vs. 44-48 This comparison and contrast is all based on their perception of Jesus. Simon invited Jesus out of a feigned respect for Him. In fact, in terms of acts done, there was no respect shown to Jesus at all. Notice that Jesus acknowledges Simon's view of the woman, but in an ironic way. Her sins, which were many, were forgiven. The sinful woman, having heard Jesus and having understood God's forgiveness, lavished Him with respect and honor. When Jesus pronounced her forgiven, it was in response to her love that illustrated her faith.

Vs. 49-50 Again, the Jews (leaders) questioned Jesus' right to say this. Jesus ignored them and stated the reality of the case. Her faith had saved her. The result of her faith and salvation was to show Him love, respect and honor.

Just like in Deuteronomy, we are faced with the response of love again. Love doesn't save us, but it does and should issue from our faith and the reality of what we have been saved from. We love because He first loved us. The question for each of us is, were we really, really, really lost, or sort of on the border? This event and what it teaches cuts right to our hearts too. Those who follow in the harvest passionately are those who realize the miracle of their own salvation. They realize they were desperate, with no way to pay. They were lost, separated and hopeless. They love much and because of this love they follow their Savior in His mission, seeking the lost, working with the other redeemed, making disciples who make disciples.

What does the Lord say to you in this story?

Luke 8:1-3

The connection between the story above and these verses is pretty clear. This woman may have been one of those who followed Jesus. It is actually suggested that the woman with the ointment may have been Mary Magdalene. It doesn't say it is. The woman who anointed Jesus' feet was a sinner, but it doesn't say she had been demon possessed. Although, obviously, He might have already cured her, and then, you wonder why Simon wouldn't have had a bigger fit if she had had demons. Who knows?

What we do know is that another Mary, the rich one who lived with Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, heard this story and, just before Jesus was crucified, humbled herself and did the same thing for Him that this "sinful" woman did. (John 12)

At the end of this passage it mentions other women who became disciples. Why did they follow Jesus? Why do you follow Jesus? It wasn't just because He healed them. They followed out of love for the One who set them free.

Psalm 69:1-18

Today we just have the first half of Psalm 69. As you begin reading it, understand that this psalm is quoted often in the New Testament. The Spirit designed David's experience to mirror what Jesus would someday feel. It is pretty interesting that God can do that with us and our lives, to be an encouragement or lesson or model for others. And it's funny, He doesn't ask us first. He just does it. And since we know He loves us, and we love Him and know that we would have been dead without Him, we rejoice in His use of our lives, knowing that, "in everything He works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Read this psalm in terms of Jesus' suffering on the cross.

Vs. 1-3 Imagine, both David and Jesus felt this.

Vs. 4-5 I'm sure verse five didn't apply to Jesus. David's accusers lied about him to make the people believe that King Saul's desire to kill David was justified. The Jewish leaders did the same to justify their killing of Jesus.

Vs. 6-8 Somehow I feel these verses. David was followed by men and their families who now shared the same reproach that David did. They were wanted men. Think of this too in terms of those who followed Jesus.

David had been anointed by God and told he would be king as a young teen. He was simply honoring God. Saul's jealousy wasn't his fault. In the same way, Jesus honoring His Father, became His reproach among the Jews.

V. 8 John 7:5 "For even His brothers did not believe in Him."

Vs. 9-12 John 2:17 "His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'” Isn't it interesting that David had a deep desire and zeal for seeking God at the tabernacle and that David was the guy who wanted to build Yahweh a temple in Jerusalem. So much of what we read in the psalms shows David's desire to live in God's presence and be hidden in His sanctuary. David was zealous for God's house and was accordingly called an idiot by everyone who didn't share his view of God. I imagine that in Jesus' day, there were those who told "Jesus jokes" and that there were a couple bar-room songs dedicated to Him.

Vs. 13-18 This certainly was David's daily prayer as He ran from Saul for possibly a decade. This may also have been Jesus' prayer or feelings during His trials from His enemies. It may very well have been what Jesus felt on the cross.

More tomorrow.

By the way, just like Israel will be honored for God using them as an illustration to mankind, David will also receive great future rewards for God using him to teach us waiting, praying and the suffering of our Lord. In the days to come, both Israel and David will be humbled that God used them like this for the salvation of mankind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbyzhi70D4

Proverbs 12:1

There's that "L" word again. When you look at Psalm 69 and understand this is God's idea of discipline or "pruning," I'm not so sure any of us would willingly enroll in that course. However, when we first learn to love God through our Lord and His love, this isn't something that scares us because we know Him. This kind of discipline is what Romans 5:1-8 is all about.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/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 or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.