May 1, 2014

MAY 1

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Although they are not linked in our reading, both Samson and Samuel lived during the same time and both are listed as judges in Israel. I mention this because both of these judges share some common elements and two very strong similarities. They both have unusual birth stories that God takes a lot of time to describe. I wonder why. Also, both were Nazirites from birth. There is an obvious comparison being made, yet it isn't obvious unless you are reading year after year.

If you download the entire May Reading Notes (the link for finding them is at the end of the disclaimer below) you’ll find the following helpful charts.

“Chart of the Judges” - The Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 375.

“Canaan in the Days of the Judges” - The Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 377.

“The Judges and the Oppressors” - The Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 385.

Judges 13-14

Judges 13

V. 1 This entire chapter is the birth story of Samson. That really interests and surprises me. I've never noticed this before. There are some unknowns here. It seems that the Philistines oppressed Israel for 40 years before Samson came on the scene. No other enemy ruled over Israel that long. It seems then that the births of Samson and Samuel, both of whom fought to break the Philistine domination, must have occurred during this time of domination. If you look at the other judges, their victories ended the enemy's rule; but with Samson, his main victory was at his death. And even then, Samuel was still fighting against the Philistines.

Vs. 2-7 Notice who the angel is who makes this announcement to Samson's mother.

Vs. 4-5 Notice that the mother is told to drink no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. The only Nazirite condition given to the child is that his hair wouldn't be cut. Samson will violate every Nazirite condition except the cutting of his hair until, well, you know the story. What is interesting is that the only other person in the Bible whose Nazirite birth is spelled out this clearly is John the Baptist.

Vs. 8-14 This is the confirmation of Samson's coming birth. The Word of God was rare in those days. What is interesting is the faith of both of Samson's parents. Apparently the parents obeyed everything the angel of the Lord said to them.

Vs. 15-20 This seems just like what Abraham did when the angel of the Lord visited him. Here, the Lord was only interested in sacrifice and devotion, which only the Lord can receive. It is interesting that the Lord allowed the offering to be made in Zorah instead of Shiloh where the tabernacle was. When we see the situation at Shiloh when we get to 1 Samuel it will make sense. Eli's sons were desecrating every sacrifice and were turning the tabernacle into their private brothel.

Vs. 21-23 The result of Samson's parents having had this kind of interaction with the Lord was that it strengthened their faith. Verse 23 probably sums up what the Lord wanted to accomplish.

Vs. 24-25 The Lord blessed Samson. That's amazing. It is hard to understand what this stirring of the Spirit was, since among other things, Samson was not a moral man or a devoted follower of God. It looks like the Lord used Samson in spite of himself. This is not a good role model for kids, even if he had "superhero" strength.

I think the lesson I would see here, for me or us, is that God's blessing and privilege do not determine obedience or gratefulness. These parents were blessed and they obeyed, but Samson will not obey. He is listed in the Hebrews 11 for his faith, and God used him, but his faith was mingled with deep rebellion, selfishness and debauchery. Oddly enough, these are the same things Paul warns Christians against in his letters. I think the lesson for us following Christ in the harvest, during this very dangerous time on earth, is to be very careful about our devotion to the Lord and to be alert to what physical and emotional things are tugging at us. We need to understand the tug and take care of it the right, God-honoring way. Like Paul says in Ephesians 5:15, Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

It is instructive to see how both great faith and great disobedience can exist in the same heart. It is scary to see how this caused Samson's own downfall and limited the impact he had in serving God and the nation. David’s life will be an even bigger and more profound lesson in this area. And we have popular people and preachers in the church who have fallen. Again, quoting Paul, “Let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall.”

Judges 14

Vs. 1-4 Samson’s parents seem godly and were right in what they said to their son. Samson was disobedient to them and unconcerned for what would honor God. God didn't sanction this behavior; but in a case like this, God accomplished His own purposes, using a rebellious, immoral, disobedient servant.

Vs. 5-9 Samson’s parents exercised their parental duty in overseeing the legal arrangements for the marriage. Maybe they saw Samson go off into the vineyard, thinking he was going there to pray and come to his right mind. That didn’t happen, but a strange intersection of divine providence took place. Both in killing the lion and in getting the honey, Samson defiled himself by touching something dead. There is more here than meets the eye. It isn’t just that Samson had super strength, God must have given him tough skin and amazing quickness and reflexes not to have been cut or stung.

Vs. 10-18 I'm always amazed by the creativity of Samson. In a way, he was an artist. He was emotional, creative and fun-loving. Also, I'm struck by his raw confidence. He experienced all sorts of very aggressive, hostile situations and remained without apparent fear. It appears he enjoyed the psychological warfare.

Just for some perspective here, The Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 405, mentions that the word for feast is “drinking party.” Samson was violating the Nazirite vow here too.

V. 17 This is our "hero's" fatal flaw. This is the same thing that will finally break him with Delilah. It isn’t just that he gave in to whining women, but that he didn’t choose faithful women who loved the Lord.

V. 18 This is really hard to wrap one’s head around. This situation represented a defeat and humiliation for Samson. It appears that God designed this entire event to get Samson riled up and to move him to action. It seems to me that if Samson had had a heart for his people and a desire to honor God, he could have found some Philistine injustice to have motivated him to righteous wrath. It seems to me that Samson was indifferent to the plight of Israel or the promise to Abraham. And he definitely liked Philistine women. That God had to do this to get Samson motivated does not speak highly for our superhero.

I think it’s interesting that even as Samson expresses his hurt and anger, he makes very picturesque rhyme.

Vs. 19-20 It is interesting to see that when the Spirit rushes upon Samson, there is a spirit of judgment and anger. Samson isn't the only one this happened to. We’ve also seen this with Othniel and Gideon and will see it again with King Saul.

This uncontrolled and undefeatable strength is what will keep the Philistines so terrorized, that they will not extend their rule over Israel for the 20 years that Samson is a judge. Samson becomes the unstoppable “terminator” to the Philistines.

None of the judges in the book of Judges took an interest in directing the people to the Lord and encouraging the nation to be unified around their worship. Samuel will begin to do that, yet Samuel's judgeship will be one of conflict with the Philistines too. Here, a guy like Samson with all this potential is used, though very sadly, in spite of his selfishness and arrogance. Here and elsewhere, God will use his appetites and pride to put him in places to strike fear into the enemy. As followers of Christ, this story teaches us that God can use us in spite of our disobedience. As disciples in the harvest, that is the last thing we want. We want to be trained in every way to follow Christ, carrying our crosses as obedient servants in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples who make disciples into the next generations. I wouldn't mind the strength and creativity, but I'll settle for obedience and humility, seeing fruit that gives glory to the Father and pleasure to our Lord.

John 1:29-51

Vs. 29-34 This testimony is the fulfillment of John the Baptist's ministry. Notice that this was the day after his interrogation by the guys sent from Jerusalem. They probably had left for Jerusalem to report.

John the Baptist has two things to say. Verses 29-31 declare that Jesus is the Lamb of God. Verses 32-34 declare that Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Spirit and life. Jesus was baptized with the Spirit and baptizes with the Spirit.

Vs. 35-42 This is how it all began. What is amazing to me is that many of John's disciples did not follow Jesus. Even here listening to John, it took faith and obedience to leave John and follow Jesus. These two disciples of John the Baptist understood that John was sending them to Jesus. These two guys never stopped following Jesus.

Since John, the writer of this Gospel, never refers to himself directly, I suspect that John was the other disciple.

V. 38 According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 275, the word for “stay” is used a lot by the writer and is translated elsewhere in John as “abide.” So there is a double meaning here.

We don’t hear much from Andrew, yet it was his faith in following that brought Peter to Jesus. The Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 275, makes the observation that in the three times we see Andrew in the Gospel of John, he is always bringing someone to Jesus. As you read, look for these.

V. 42 I wonder, at this point, if Jesus had some supernatural insight into Peter's future when He said, "So you are Simon, the son of John." I’ve heard people wax eloquent regarding Jesus “taking authority” over Simon by “naming” him. That may be, but I worked with a guy in Germany, Dieter Michel, who always gave nicknames to younger workers he was training and they loved him and followed. It was fun and built a team. We’ll see that Jesus had nicknames for some of the other guys too.

Since this happened in Bethany beyond the Jordan (near Jericho), it means that Andrew, Peter and John, who lived near Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee, had traveled a long way and left their business to hear and follow John the Baptist. In that sense, they had a very deep spiritual interest to begin with. Jesus was looking for people with this kind of faith to build upon. That is good for us to remember as we are asking the Lord to show us who is ready to be brought into a disciple-making group. Jesus didn’t select just anybody.

Vs. 43-51 Within two days of John's testimony, Jesus had three disciples. Now Jesus left this area and went straight up the Jordan River to the north side of the Sea of Galilee and gained two more disciples. We can assume that these guys were ready because of the ministry of John the Baptist. They were all extremely spiritually minded. These guys were more than warm bodies.

Notice that Jesus must have known Phillip and that Phillip probably knew Simon and Andrew. These were not huge cities. Phillip was another man of faith, waiting for the Messiah and he sought out a similar man, a friend named Nathanael.

Vs. 47-48 There has to be more to this statement by Jesus than meets the eye. It might have involved a nickname or even something deep in Nathanael's heart that only Nathanael knew he was seeking. Nate's reply, How do you know me, would seem sort of insincere unless, in fact, Jesus hit on something that was important to Nathanael.

V. 49 This is interesting. You wonder what the average Jew (assuming Nathaniel was average) thought about the Messiah. Here it is. The Messiah was both the Son of God and the King of Israel. Understanding that this was how Israel viewed the Christ, you wonder at the unbelief of the religious leaders. Jesus told them He was the Son of God and the Son of Man and they simply refused to believe. For the Messiah to claim these titles would not have been blasphemy. Everyone expected the Messiah to say He was the Son of God.

Vs. 50-51 might allude to what Nathanael was reading or thinking about under the fig tree. The image is Jacob resting at Bethel and seeing angels ascending and descending from heaven. It might illustrate Nathanael's own seeking to be close to God and His desire to interact with God. If that's the case, Jesus is telling Nathanael that he's about to get his desire and then some.

Not that we fully make use of our privilege, but having the Spirit living in us gives us exactly what Jacob saw and Nathanael desired, full and open communication with God.

It is interesting here that the apostle John is giving us a view of how Jesus first began to build His group of disciples. I think I’ve already learned a couple things.

Psalm 102

With this psalm, I find I'm back to psalms I can deeply identify with, calling out to God for His answer and help. It is a long psalm with different parts which you'll notice if you use a pencil to mark where the thought changes.

Vs. 1-2 This is the initial, urgent cry for help.

Vs. 3-7 This seems to be the emotional state of the writer. He is suffering both physically and emotionally.

Vs. 8-11 This is the reason he feels like this. His enemies have been able to taunt and harm him and God has let it happen. This is like what happened to David when he had to run from Absalom as God was punishing David for his acts against Bathsheba and Uriah.

Vs. 12-17 It seems that the writer is appealing to God’s love for Jerusalem, His promises to Israel and His plan to use this city to draw the nations of the world to Himself.

Vs. 18-22 Zion will be the place from which the Lord shows mercy to the needy, and it will be the place where the needy (including the writer) will praise God as the nations gather there to worship.

Vs. 23-24 This is another appeal of the writer for God to restore him.

Vs. 25-28 God made the earth and He made promises of faithfulness to His servants. The earth will end, but God’s promises will be fulfilled. Therefore, our hope is secure because we set our hope on God who remains, and remains faithful.

Proverbs 14:15-16

We talk about simple faith and the faith of the simple. Apparently simple faith is prudent and careful, full of growing discernment regarding God's will. The faith of the simple seems based on feeling and is reckless and careless. This doesn't answer all the questions, but it does provide some guidelines for the wise.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 30, 2014

APRIL 30

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Some of what is written here in Judges isn't so much "the history of the nation," as it is biographical sketches of how being lost on earth damages the soul. There is a price tag associated with living far from God, whether you are a believer or an unbeliever. Our sickness is so grave and deep that to think we can live a day without God, connected intravenously to His Word, listening every moment to His Spirit to be led by the Spirit, is just crass foolishness and unbelief. It shows what we really think - that all this Jesus stuff is good, but not really vitally necessary. We could easily end up like the men we will be reading about, not realizing that God put their stories here, publicly, in plain view, so that we could learn the lessons and avoid their tragic mistakes.

Notice, too, that almost nothing is said about Israel as a unified nation. The further you go, the more provincial things become. Rather than tribes banding together to help one another, they are a nation in name only. So where was that unity supposed to be if they didn't have a king? They were to be unified around their common worship at one place where all the men of Israel were to gather three times a year: at the tabernacle. Once they lost their worship, they lost their unity. The same thing happens to us, but we are smarter in our disobedience. They worshiped idols, visibly, and neglected the only true worship that united the nation and people. We worship Sundays, often singing the same songs that everyone else is singing. But our worship isn't supposed to be around a building or a service, it is around our Savior and His mission, the Great Commission.

Israel's worship was daily, in the offerings for sin, reminding them of the kindness of God and the depth of their need. Their worship on the feast days was in remembrance of their history of deliverance.

Our worship and following Jesus in the Great Commission does all of this for us. As we go out we are reminded of grace and His kindness in our salvation. In this recognition, we bring the message of the work of our Savior, the power of which brings fruit and redemption. To worship on Sunday, and not worship in going forth in the harvest, might mean there are other things more important to us that fill our needs and desires and you can guess what the Bible calls those things. And so we end up in the same place as the people we're reading about. They knew the stories, but they didn't know the Word or the God who wrote it. We need to constantly fight against that happening to us.

Judges 11-12

Judges 11

Vs. 1-11 Notice that Jephthah's life history seems similar to Abimelech's, and that he also surrounded himself with worthless company. That he went out means he and his merry men robbed people and towns outside of Israel. He gained a reputation, and part of his résumé said he was good at fighting and leading men.

Notice, too, that more is said about Jephthah and what he knew, or didn't know, than about his battle. The battle against the Ammonites is only vs. 32-33.

Vs. 4-11 You don't read anywhere here that the elders of Gilead sought God regarding their decision. Apparently Jephthah was ceremonially made the leader of the people of Gilead at Mizpah and Jephthah spoke to the Lord there. The only thing noteworthy about this place was the covenant Laban and Jacob made there.

Vs. 12-28 Notice that Jephthah sought a peaceful solution first. His understanding of events and time (300 years) is pretty accurate. If you sense that he knew his history well, then take note of what follows. Jephthah didn't know the Lord well at all. Again, we'll see that knowing "about" the stories is not a substitute for being in the Word and knowing the Lord through His Word.

V. 24 In a way, it seems like Jephthah makes this a duel of the gods. This reasoning would have worked well if Israel had been obedient. If they are ignoring God, God would ignore them and it would make it look like the other gods are bigger. Just a caution here, notice that you could understand that Jephthah really believed that Chemosh had given the Ammonites their land. He doesn't call Chemosh a false god.

Vs. 29-40 It is hard to find any verses in Scripture, next to each other, which are so stunning and frightening, than vs. 29-31. The Spirit came upon Jephthah. That's good. Jephthah makes a vow to God to offer the first person that comes out of his house as a burnt offering to God. How can that be? It shows that religious sincerity can be totally wrong and ignorant of God, even in the service of God. We see this even today among Christians, and we still do not grasp the power of sin and the need for each of us to be in God's Word. Listening to a sermon and stories about God or singing about God doesn't do the same thing as sitting together with Him, looking at what He has said. It is the difference between looking at a pill and actually taking it.

Vs. 34-40 I have done all the gymnastics with these verses trying to get Jephthah off the hook, imagining that there was a group of people dedicated to God, like Samuel, who served at the temple for life as virgins, like nuns, but these people didn't exist. Also, vows could be broken that were in violation of the law. The solution would have been simple. According to the law, Jephthah could have bought or redeemed her with money so that she didn't have to fulfill this vow. If he had only known the Bible. The most simple and obvious reading of the text is that Jephthah had a simple, sincere, second-hand understanding of God and he had mixed the paganism of his culture into it. The worship at the tabernacle had failed and the Levites were not doing their jobs. Jephthah was a sincere victim of extreme ignorance in his worship and understanding of God.

I say this is all tragic, in light of guys like Jephthah and Samson, being in Hebrews 11:32 in the "Hall of Faith." Their faith made them acceptable and pleasing to God, and they did amazing things, but their ignorance and sin utterly ruined their lives.

I think God is trying to make a strong point here and in the three stories that follow. People can call upon God sincerely and follow Him sincerely, yet His own people can still be ignorant of Him. The same Corinthians who had the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14 were the same people worshiping demons in chapter 10. When Jesus says that we need to hear His words and do them, He is commanding us with profound simplicity. We need to know His words. The Bible is meant to teach us about God, about our Lord, to know His heart and mind and plan and will. Then, we need to do what He says. The reality is that many believers don't know His word, but they know something about it, so they assume they know Him and His will. This "feeling" about God actually becomes an extension of their own wills and desires and plans. Being a disciple means having one Lord, one Word, one Spirit and one command to follow.

Judges 12

Vs. 1-7 Do you remember the Ephraimites who came after Gideon to make trouble? Their concern in v. 1 is that they wanted a share in the plunder. This time they picked on the wrong guy.

V. 6 Can you imagine losing 42,000 people in a single battle? At the end of Numbers, over 300 years before, the Ephraimites numbered about 32,000. Who knows how the tribe might have grown in this time, but it probably means that losing 42,000 men reduced the tribe to near extinction.

V. 7 just seems sad to me.

Vs. 8-15 These guys are all localized even though it says they judged Israel. Notice that two of these men were rich with children and donkeys, meaning they were also very rich with stuff.

Notice that Abdon was buried in the hill country of the Amalekites. The Amalekites would not have been there, if Israel had followed God.

Today's reading is why, as disciples, we need to follow Jesus in the harvest making disciples who make disciples. Discipleship is growth in Christ in His Word. Jesus summed it up like this in John 15:7-8, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples."

Without loving the Lord and following Him in the Word and obedience, we are really only following our own desires and making our own god. Even believers get lost on earth, forget who their Lord is, and they forget there is a harvest.

John 1:1-28

This is one of the most amazing chapters of the Bible.

Vs. 1-5 The Jehovah's Witnesses insert an "a" in "…and the Word was a God." It is totally wrong, but they use it to support their view that Jesus was once Michael the Archangel who was turned into a god.

Notice that Jesus was the maker of all things. And He is life. And knowing Him gives all men light.

I was reading this morning that the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples, and Jesus told them that if the disciples were silent, the very stones would cry out. God the Son, the maker of all things and the life and light of men was entering Jerusalem and they couldn't see it. How sad.

Vs. 6-8 A big point that John makes involves the witness of John the Baptist. John was the fulfillment of not only Old Testament prophecies, but He was also the final OT prophet.

Vs. 9-13 If you understand this, you see that there is no room for Islam or any other religion. The one Creator came to His creation. Because of the power of sin in us, mankind couldn't see He was the creator, and Jesus' own family and nation rejected Him. But salvation became open to all who would receive Him. Verse 13 shows that being born again is a creation by God and has nothing to do with us, other than receiving Him.

Vs. 14-18 John never recovered from this amazing visitation. Neither should we. The wonder of this verse needs to live in us.

Notice in v. 15 that John and the Spirit are making a point that John the Baptist said that Jesus was the Christ.

Vs. 19-28 This event would have happened at least 40 days after Jesus was baptized. After the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus returned to John, victorious. John had become such a phenomenon that this was an official delegation sent to question him. He not only said he wasn't the Messiah, he said he was the herald who went before the Messiah.

V. 26 Jesus was already back from the wilderness. John knew He was there.

V. 28 This Bethany was on the east side of the Jordan.

We are not finished with the witness of John the Baptist. Just like John the Baptist, our only reason for being here now is to give praise and testimony to our Lord in the harvest.

Psalm 101

This psalm begins sunny, but ends darkly in judgment, or does it? It think this was written by David after he was the king.

Vs. 1-3 David is committing his life to following the Lord in the influences of heart and his conduct in his house.

Vs. 4-5 He also declares that he will not have close associates who do not follow the Lord. He would also be a judge for the innocent, helping them against the arrogant and proud. Too bad he didn't keep to this. We'll see that the more political David became, the more compromised his heart became.

V. 6 David is promising to show God's kindness to these people in obedience to the Word.

Vs. 7-8 David might be overstating his devotion to keeping Israel worshiping God and keeping the people holy.

We tolerate wickedness in our lives, and out of necessity, in our towns, cities and world. But shouldn't there be a desire to see wickedness done away with? That may not be our heart, but it is the heart of God to judge all wickedness. Here is something that Jesus said regarding this judgment, and you'll see that the result is kind of unexpected. It is unexpected in that none of us realizes the dampening power that sin and wickedness actually have on a person, a family, a town, city, country or on the world in general.

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. (Matthew 13:41-43)

Removing the wicked allows the righteous to shine like the sun.

Proverbs 14:13-14

When I read this, I think of what Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." We can fool others, but God knows what is in our hearts. By reading through the Bible like this, learning more about God and His heart, the Spirit is changing you and giving you a different treasure in your heart, out of which you learn to speak and live. Again, it is all about hearing and doing.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 29, 2014

APRIL 29

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

So, we are at a landmark. With today's reading, you have made it a third of a year. You have read 100 psalms and you have finished Luke, the last of the synoptic Gospels (summary, parallel accounts), plus you've read the first six books of the Bible. Even if you're behind and your "regular reading" muscles are not yet toned and strong, you've probably done better than you did last year. More importantly, you've given the Spirit lots to work with. You've already had insights and grown stronger in the Lord. But even with some of what you've read (that you think has gone in one eye and out the other), when you don't expect it, a word will come to you or a story will come to mind and you'll see the Spirit giving you insight or leading you in the situation you are in. That's what being a child of God and a disciple in the harvest is all about: growing in Him. All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. And He leads us through His Word and the Spirit.

Judges 9:22-10:18

Judges 9:22-57

Vs. 22-26 There is an expression, "God doesn't always pay on Friday," meaning that He doesn't always pass judgment according to our sense of timing. I wonder what it was like for Jotham to have to wait three years to see God finally work things around like this.

V. 23 We will see this a couple more times in 1 Samuel 16:14 and again in 1 Kings 22:19-23. God judges those who rebel against Him by allowing demonic forces to give them what they want. I'm sure God is doing the same today.

V. 24 God didn't forget what had happened and He included those who supported Abimelech. Since God knows the heart, you can still be guilty without pulling the trigger. It's good to keep your heart cleansed from this kind of guilt.

With all of this betrayal going on, it is interesting that Abimelech seems ignorant of it. He doesn't do anything until he is incited to action by the anger of Zebul (the city's mayor) in v. 30.

V. 38 Zebul (one guy with a funny name) goads Gaal (another guy with a funny name) to take the fight to the open fields. A bad move for Gaal.

Like medieval castles, in the center of the grounds of the castle they had a tower for refuge and defense. It sounds like they started a fire on the roof of the tower and everyone died from the smoke.

Vs. 50-57 The same trick didn't work at Thebez. In God's justice, He guided a woman to throw a small millstone, about the size of a brick, on the troops and she beaned Abimelech. God's justice was complete.

Abimelech was never called a judge. He ruled a part of Israel and by his presence he kept other enemies at bay, but he never brought peace. This story shows the awful condition of the nation. No other tribe sought to correct the murderous injustice Abimelech and the men of Shechem committed on the family of Gideon. This is what being free of God and His Word can do for you. It frees you up to be corrupt.

Judges 10:1-18

Vs. 1-5 The only things I see with these two judges is that Tola was on the west side of the Jordan and Jair was on the east side of the Jordan. Tola probably kept the Philistines at bay until the arrival of Samson. Jair may have kept order until Jephthah arrived. It seems that they were sort of like local heroes to be reckoned with, though it never says who they fought against. Jair was a rich man, like Gideon, with lots of sons and donkeys. I wonder if they had donkey races, and if so, I'll bet they looked funny.

Notice that although these men were judges, it doesn't say that there was a period of peace. You get the feeling that these men were very local and gave peace to the area where they lived. They still accounted for 45 years of bringing a good influence to the land.

Vs. 6-9 The two peoples mentioned here will be the focus of the next two judges. Jephthah will go after the Ammonites and Samson will go after the Philistines; although in Samson's case, it's hard to say he went after anything but Philistine women. He was a judge by arrogance and intimidation only.

Vs. 10-16 Eighteen years is a long time. The people here are finally crying out and repentant. It seems that this time, they understood, as a people, that they were really in trouble and knew that their trouble was because of idolatry. Notice that they willingly put away their foreign gods/idols. Where were the Levites and what, if anything, was happening at the tabernacle in Shiloh?

I wonder how this conversation with the Lord took place. I wonder if the people gathered together at the tabernacle in Shiloh.

Vs. 13-14 God gave the people what they deserved.

Vs. 15-16 The people were genuinely ready to follow God. Now, too, God was quick to move.

One of the benefits of being close to God in His Word and following Him is that we don't need God to use hard times to push us to repentance, obedience and the putting away of idols. We respond to challenges in an entirely different way, understanding that the Lord is moving things in the harvest to open up opportunities or to work some purpose we don't understand. But we don't have to worry that we goofed.

Vs. 17-18 It's interesting that these verses are included today since they really apply to tomorrow. They were looking for someone to lead them You'll be surprised to see that they find a guy like Abimelech, only much truer to God. Jephthah is another of these judges who knows the stories, but doesn't know the Lord through His Word.

Luke 24:13-53

Vs. 13-35 I don't know who isn't inspired in some way by the story of the guys going to Emmaus. I would have loved to have been there. There is a lot to observe in this account. Have fun.

V. 27 That would have been a great talk to hear. These guys became totally engaged and v. 32 expresses what they were feeling. That still happens if we abide in our Lord's Word.

V. 34 On Easter, many Christians in all countries have a greeting and response when they see each other on Easter morning. One says, "He is risen!" and the other person says, "He is risen indeed." That response is taken from this verse.

We have no record of what happened when Jesus met Peter. We hear about it here and in 1 Corinthians 15, but the details are missing. Apparently Jesus had some very private words with Peter to keep him from giving up after having denied him.

V. 35 This is a great sentence and I'm sure it has launched many sermons.

Vs. 36-43 This is Luke's "proof" that Jesus was risen and that the disciples were not just having a mass mirage of some kind.

This is the meeting that Thomas missed. I wonder if when Jesus put the fish in His mouth, if the disciples looked to see if it went through Him and hit the floor.

Vs. 44-49 The Holy Spirit had not been given yet, and for the next 40 days, they would need to understand the Word. So Jesus opened their minds. This is exactly what the Spirit does for us. We do not understand the Word for any other reason than that He helps us. Jesus' word to His disciples, to seek and find, apply to our understanding of the Word and God's will. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:7) Do we really press on to understand until the Lord shows us?

Vs. 50-53 When I read this quick summary, I get the feeling that Luke might not have had the writing of Acts in mind. If he had, I think he would have made a smoother transition between books. The first part of Acts covers this section in much greater detail.

I wonder if Theophilus got this book and said, "Luke, this is great, but you can't stop here. Here, I'll stake you a couple hundred thousand drachma to write the continuing story."

Even beyond the book of Acts, we are the continuing story, following those who have gone before us, following Christ in the harvest while it is still day.

Psalm 100

This is a short, beautiful psalm that has launched a thousand songs.

Vs. 1-2 Notice that all the earth is to praise God, serve Him and come into His presence with singing. It is good for us to remember that sin isn't just what you do, it is also what you don't do. For moral, noble, lost people not to treat God as God is still sin. To give thanks isn't a command as much as it should be an involuntary reaction to Him.

V. 3 This expands on v. 1. He is God our creator and God our shepherd. And, we belong to Him. That is not slavery. It is an amazing and liberating life.

V. 4 This expands on v. 2. We are to come to God. Adam sinned and hid. The response of the saved is longing to be in His presence. Does He really get our time? Do we just sit before Him and enjoy Him?

V. 5 It is because of that steadfast love and that faithfulness that Christ sought us and died for us while we were yet sinners and enemies of the cross. I'd say that that defines God as pretty good.

Proverbs 14:11-12

I wonder if the way that seems right is the one that convinces you to make heaven here and live in houses, as opposed to realizing that we should choose to live in tents here and work in the harvest, until the Master calls us in from the fields.

Without the Word of God we are lost and will conjure up our own opinion of God's will or the "right" way. We need our "meds" daily. Without the daily input of the Word in our lives, all of us would stray from His love and His purpose for us in this harvest.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 28, 2014

APRIL 28

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Judges 8:18-9:21

Judges 8:18-35

Vs. 18-21 Apparently there is something going on here. Normally Gideon would have had these kings killed anyway, but his words indicate that these two kings were responsible for killing his brothers in time of peace. Gideon is taking the responsibility as the blood avenger as he does this.

I have never understood why Gideon did this to his young son. I'm sure there was some cultural meaning, but every year I think what a bad idea this was.

Vs. 22-28 This was an understandable gesture by the people, wanting Gideon to be their king. I wonder why Gideon didn't ask the Lord and I wonder where the Levites were. Since Gideon asked for help in other places, why didn't he ask for guidance from the priests? But I think we will see why Gideon didn't seek the priests.

Gideon was very firm on the idea that God ruled Israel. Of course, this only worked if the Levites were in place and the people obeyed God. If they did their parts, then Israel was untouchable.

Apparently during the fighting Gideon did more leading, than collecting of treasure, so for the main part of his pay, he asked the people to donate an earring. This way Gideon would be blameless if any accusations were brought against him, saying he took the biggest share. Up to here, this is all good thinking by Gideon.

V. 27 This is the only negative that God mentions against Gideon. Remember, this is Samuel writing about Gideon years later, so there is a historical perspective here too. If the only understanding of ephod we have is used here, it is the apron worn by the high priest in worship in which the Urim and the Thummim were held. Why would you want this unless you wanted to represent yourself before God and obtain answers without using the tribe that God had designated for this? The land was full of corruption and I have a feeling that Gideon had no respect for the Levites. I think this explains why there were no Levites present. Why go to them? Later, King Uzziah will be stricken with leprosy for disrespecting the priests and Levites and trying to represent himself before God.

V. 28 This will be the last time we will read of the land having rest in the book of Judges. The next rest will come during the judgeship of Samuel. The next true rest will come during the reign of David.

Vs. 29-35 This report about Gideon isn't written in a negative way, but, in my heart, it indicates that not all was well with Gideon. His wealth allowed him to live in extravagance. We will see another judge with lots of sons who rode on lots of donkeys. It is another way of saying that he had lots of money. You notice that when the people wanted Gideon to be their king, they mention him having a small family. In the years that passed, apparently, Gideon was a busy guy. All that Gideon built without God will come to ruin.

It seems to me that what you learn from Gideon, as a disciple, is that he had no lasting influence. When the battle was done, he lived for himself, not the Lord, and not for building the future generations of Israel. If the future of Israel had meant anything to him, he would have gotten the Levites involved and he would have been a godly influence to make the Levites prominent again in Israel. Gideon's first response to the angel of the Lord revealed his ignorance of the Word. His ignorance of the Word caught up with him. He needed the Levites.

The test of a disciple is living for Christ, before, during, and after the "battle." The harvest goes on. People are still lost, needing to know Christ, and disciples need to keep being made and equipped for the next generation. In spite of all this need, we still need to be in the Word and personally close to Christ, abiding in Him and following Him His way. We can't be too busy for Him and His Word, and we can't disrespect the church. Regardless of the critics of the church, the church is still the bride of Christ and entrusted with the harvest. We need to stop criticizing other churches and just do our work. As disciples of our Lord in the harvest, we need to make disciples, building the church to be a disciple-making community in the harvest.

Notice what happened to Gideon when there was no goal to strive for or no battle to fight. It is the same thing that happens to us. We might not have an army of spouses (what madman would want that?), but our cars and TVs and phones and apps and computers and everything else make us flabby, fat and unfocused as the storm approaches the harvest.

Judges 9:1-21

Vs. 1-3 Gideon's concubine in Shechem is mentioned in 8:31. This "wife" and her son lived with her parents in Shechem and not with the other wives and sons. Gideon would have visited on occasion.

In Genesis, Shechem is a notable place, for good and bad. And in Joshua, Shechem is the place, between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, between the blessing and the curse, where Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel before he died.

Abimelech (melech is a form of the word king) is not only using the need for a king to push his proposal, but also the resentment he has toward being rejected from his father's family. This looks like a bad episode from a TV show.

V. 5 The mention of killing all of Gideon's sons on one stone suggests a public execution.

V. 6 Notice that it wasn't until Abimelech had done this, that the men of Shechem made him king.

Vs. 7-21 This is a long story by Jotham, but you get the point. If this was a fictional event, you would have placed Jotham over on Mt. Ebal, the mount of the curse; but in reality, he needed to be on Gerizim to make his escape.

Jotham was predicting the events to follow. Whatever happened here with the family of Gideon, Israel would never be the same and they wouldn't see rest. Verses 16-19 are a charge, not only against the people of Shechem, but against all of Israel. Notice that there is no outcry from the other tribes when they learned that Gideon's family was slaughtered like this. The people, all the tribes, should have risen up as one man to seek justice, but nearly everyone was corrupt and serving idols. How different this is from the end of Joshua, when the tribes gathered together because they thought something was done wrong in building that altar. There will be justice here, but justice isn't always "instant." In the first verse of tomorrow's reading you'll see how long Jotham had to wait to see God finally move in and judge Abimelech and the people of Shechem.

Luke 23:44-24:12

Luke 23:44- 56

Vs. 44-49 It was dark from noon to 3 p.m. It was a supernatural darkness. It doesn't mention a storm or a solar eclipse. The curtain in the temple, hiding the Holy of Holies, was torn, but not as the result of an earthquake. Luke doesn't mention the earthquake. The people who came for the "spectacle" left disappointed, beating their chests in sorrow (of not seeing a sign, not because Jesus died). At this point, those who loved Jesus were watching from a distance.

Vs. 50-56 We don't hear of Joseph until now. He, like Nicodemus, was a member of the Sanhedrin, the group that plotted Jesus' death. Nick and Joe were against what had happened and were probably not invited to the meeting. The grave was Joseph's and apparently Pilate and Joe knew each other, so the request was granted. Being in Joe's tomb fulfilled Isaiah 53:9.

Luke 24:1-12

V. 4 If you add up all of the angels, there were probably at least five present at the resurrection, two in the tomb, one on the stone and these two sneaking up on these women and scaring the soldiers.

V. 11 is interesting. Even though they knew these women well, and even though the women were pretty excited, these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. The great heroes of Christianity responded like duds. Someone promoting themselves would never write a fable like this. Obviously, this is true and these men were no heroes, yet.

V. 12 We know that Peter and John took off for the tomb. Why Luke only mentioned Peter might be because Peter would have been better known by his readers.

Psalm 99

This psalm is focused on worshiping the Lord in Jerusalem, in the temple (where He rests His feet), before the ark of the covenant, which is the mercy seat and the throne of God. With this imagery in mind, see if you can find all of this. Since it mentions the peoples, it is another indication that Israel was mindful of its part in the plan of redemption, leading all peoples to God. That is still to come. Again, I think this psalm was part of David's desire to unify the people by bringing Israel together to worship in Jerusalem.

Vs. 1-5 It is interesting that there are two prominent ideas here. First, that Zion is the place where the Lord exercises His authority, and second, that the nations should both tremble and praise Him. This is exactly what will happen during the Millennium.

Vs. 6-7 The psalmist mentions that three prominent priests called upon God and God spoke to them. This was to motivate the people to come and allow the priests to lead them in worship, instead of doing their own thing like Gideon did. During the judges and during Saul's reign, people worshiped as they desired, but not as God had told them. This was written to correct that.

V. 8 This is both a motivation and a warning.

V. 9 Here is the point of this psalm.

Proverbs 14:9-10

What an interesting couplet. In v. 10 it suggests that a heart that is locked up by a lack of confession remains closed and isolated. The fool in v. 9 doesn't realize the freedom that having an open and cleansed conscience gives. The wise person openly confesses his guilt before God in worship and receives God's acceptance. The wise person knows submission before God and he knows the joy of having a cleansed and open heart. These few words could keep a disciple from developing heart problems.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 27, 2014

APRIL 27

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Judges 7:1-8:17

Judges 7

This chapter has one of the more well-known stories of the OT. It also gets used for management and discipleship pointers all the time.

Vs. 2-8 Notice how often you find the words, the Lord said to Gideon. God was very involved in this action and in guiding this fearful follower.

V. 3 Isn't it interesting that God told Gideon to let the fainthearted go home? The last sentence where it says, Then 22,000…, the RSV and Luther say first that "Gideon tested them and then 22,000 returned home." Gideon did as God said and the people left. Humanly speaking, this says something for Gideon's faith in accepting God's way of doing things, considering he was facing a huge army. Later we will see King Saul break faith with God when the people begin leaving him as he is getting ready to face the Philistines. Waiting for Samuel to arrive and sacrifice to the Lord was too hard for Saul. Seeing these 22,000 men leave was just as much a test for Gideon.

I've heard people discuss why the "lappers" were chosen over the "kneelers," and my conclusion is that it had nothing to do with one group being better fighters than the others. God simply wanted the smaller group.

Vs. 9-25 Notice that it was God who told Gideon to go and listen to the dream (nightmare) being explained. The Lord's encouragement of Gideon was very gracious. This was good timing too.

V. 18 When Gideon had the men yell out, For the Lord and for Gideon, I think he included himself because of what he heard in the explanation of the dream. The enemy army knew Gideon's name.

Notice that once the victory was given, Gideon engaged the help of the other tribes. Gideon, in a good sense, always seemed to be thinking of doing what he did with others.

Since God was doing this, He didn't need the numbers. Actually, God could have fought this war completely without Gideon. So, why did God need anyone at all? There are some good things for us as disciples here. One thing that stands out to me is that every generation needs to follow God and allow Him to give them their own experiences of grace and deliverance. This event became a testimony to the people, showing them, among a thousand other things, that the Lord loved them and could deliver them if they followed Him. We have the Word that tells us to follow and trust God, but God gives us our individual testimony of His love and power as we trust and follow.

Judges 8:1-17

Vs. 1-3 This is a strange event and we'll see this kind of situation again, but not with a happy ending. The tribe of Ephraim seems to have an awful, aggressive spirit. The issue was not that they wanted to help, but they wanted the booty, the goods, materials, money, weapons and livestock they would obtain from the plunder. Gideon is the model of diplomacy. And, in fact, Ephraim was called and they were raking it in. They were saying they wanted to have been called to the initial battle to have obtained the plunder of the Midianite camp. In a few pages, Ephraim will pull this stunt again with a guy who has just "lost" his daughter. Jephthah won't think it is funny and he won't back down.

Vs. 4-9 These Israelite towns guessed wrong. Since Gideon already had the Midianites on the run, these people should have trusted God and helped him. This lack of faith and disloyalty to God and to Gideon would prove fatal for them. If Gideon was known to the Midianites, he was certainly known to his own people. Not to help was the same as refusing to follow the Lord. It might have been that these towns had seen how many Midianites had retreated, and were now looking at how few men Gideon had. They may have been good at mathematics, but it is always better to side with the Lord and let Him make the final accounting.

Vs. 10-12 Here is where we get the numbers. The enemy began with 137,000 and were reduced now to only 15,000. Gideon personally only had 300 men with him and they were about to clean house. Obviously the victory was from the Lord, in fulfillment of what He had spoken to Moses in the blessings and curses. If Israel obeyed, one man would be able to put a thousand of the enemy to flight. It was God who fought. The people were merely representative and there for clean-up.

Vs. 13-17 Gideon, as a judge, also judged and gave order to Israel.

I guess my thoughts for us as disciples are what I shared above. The stories of others may encourage or inspire us, but what God wants for us is more. As we follow His Word, trusting and obeying Him in the harvest, He gives us our own stories as we see Him do that which only He can do. So many of our stories today come from popular writers and the experiences of the saints of yesteryear. God wants to do things with us in our part of the harvest that testify to His presence with us and His power to transform people. We need to follow as disciples, reaching the lost and making disciples. He will show us it is not by our power, but His. He will receive the glory as we tell others what we have seen Him do.

Luke 23:13-43

Vs. 13-25 Luke makes it clear that Pilate really did try to release Jesus, including a massive "pre-pre-crucifixion" beating to make the Jews feel sorry for Him, feeling that justice had been delivered. The number of beatings Jesus received are, humanly speaking, why He needed help carrying His cross and why He died so soon. The reality is, that if any of us had received those beatings, we would have never been the same and might have died from the wounds. It might have been years before we could have done anything public. We would have never been normal. Here and in John's account, you sense that Pilate was slowly understanding the deep, irrational, spiritual hatred that was flowing through that place.

As disciples we would be wise to remember that this same supernatural, spiritual resistance and hatred are always at work, sometimes even among the saved. Our praying and serving need to be on a supernatural level. Reading books on conflict resolution and honing our communication skills are great ideas, but thinking that we have the wisdom and skill always to succeed is foolish. We will never equal Jesus and Paul, and both Jesus and Paul said that our conflict is spiritual, both in dealing with the world rulers of this present darkness, and with dealing with the spiritually rebellious and depraved nature of men. Jesus was rejected and Paul was hounded by pharisaical believers. Our work in the harvest is no "cake walk," and any advances should be regarded as occasions to worship God for His grace.

Vs. 26-31 Matthew, Mark and Luke all mention Simon of Cyrene. What is significant here is that as Luke wrote Acts, the influence from Cyrene was seen. The men of Cyrene were some of the first gospel preachers to the Gentiles. And I wonder, like you do, if Simon had some hand in what happened in the spread of the gospel in Acts.

V. 27 This apparently took place when they were putting the cross on Simon. Luke is the only one who records Jesus' words to the women. It seems that His words to them foreshadow the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D. The destruction among the Jews would be so severe, that the only women who wouldn't lose a child would be the childless.

Vs. 32-43 In keeping with Luke's interest in God's grace and the gospel, Luke records the salvation of one of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. The other writers mention that they both verbally abused Jesus at first, just like all the others did. But in those hours on the cross, as the leaders paraded before Jesus expressing their irrational hatred, it must have dawned on one of these men what was happening. All that he had heard about Jesus came to mind, and even on the cross, as he witnessed Jesus and the hatred directed toward Him, he believed Jesus was the Messiah. This guy actually understood and believed that Jesus would be coming into His kingdom.

To think, that among Jesus' final words on the cross, there were words of confirming the salvation of a lost person. Even in His death, Jesus was alert to what the Father was doing around Him. This is something for us as disciples to think about as we live and die for Christ in the harvest. Jesus did not wrangle or cry aloud, but His Father used His heart, His silence, obedience and gentleness, even in His death, to convict others.

Psalms 97-98

We don't know who wrote these psalms, but I would think they were written sometime just after David became king, as he was organizing the nation around coming to Jerusalem, to Zion, and to worship. David appointed singers, some of whom had been with him during those long years of running from Saul. They would have known David's heart and spiritual influence and they would have been able to express these influences in worship. Since David was Israel's sweet singer, David may have had a direct hand in writing these psalms.

Psalm 97

Vs. 1-5 The earth recognizes that God reigns and it responds. The earth knows how to respond to God when He comes in judgment. Apparently men should do the same.

Vs. 6-7 This sounds like Romans 1:18ff. Interestingly, the heavens (angelic world) proclaim God's righteousness while God's followers witness His glory. Those who worship idols have the IQ of soup, and the demons behind idol worship are subject to God's power.

Vs. 8-9 God's choice to be worshiped in Zion, then and in the Millennium, shows that He is above all creation.

Vs. 10-12 seem to be for His servants and how we, as disciples, are supposed to respond to the Lord. It is interesting here to see the love of the Lord spoken of; but then, it is said that if we really love Him, it will be seen in keeping ourselves from things He hates, and hating them too. Our joy is to be in His deliverance, His light (His Word and the Spirit's leading) and His joy as we follow Him.

Psalm 98

Vs. 1-3 This song of joy is for the coming of God in salvation and judgment. Notice how often salvation is mentioned here. And look how often the nations are referred to. This reminds me of Romans 16:26, but (the gospel) has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith.

Vs. 4-6 The power of this joy is in proportion to our grasp of the greatness of the Lord and His salvation.

Vs. 7-9 The perspective is clearly that of being completely in love with the Lord. Judgment is only mentioned as being equitable, and His judgment is not to be feared by those who love Him. The real focus is that He will come, and when He does, everything will be complete and everything will rejoice at His arrival. This is a good thing to remember as we work in the harvest and live in a sad, tragic, dying world.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

There is that joy again and it should be present with us in the harvest.

Proverbs 14:7-8

V. 7 seems to compliment 8b, in that the wise man seeks God in all the events of life to understand God's way and will for Him. For a wise man, there is nothing that helps him find God's will in the presence of a fool.

Apparently, a fool's own folly looks like the right way for him.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 26, 2014

APRIL 26

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

I can tell we are all entering into the "dog days" of reading. Hang in there and as Paul said to Timothy, "but as for you, always be steady…" The Lord has a way of blessing you with something you've read when you least expect it. And you're getting to know the Lord, seeking Him. He will definitely reward that. And again, as Paul said in Philippians, "I press on to make it my own because Christ has made me His own." Happy pressing.

Judges 6

Vs. 1-6 Notice that it was the hand of the Lord that moved first and gave Israel into the hand of Midian. Remember that both Moses and Joshua promised the people that if they forgot the Lord and fell into idolatry, they would have to watch others take what they worked for. The Midianites made Israel look like a Walmart © parking lot.

V. 6 Notice that the people had to be brought very low before their crying out was genuine and unified. We've seen this in David and we'll see it at the end of Judges. Sometimes God allows "bad" to get worse, so that our asking goes to the depth of dependence on God.

Vs. 7-10 It seems to me that the Lord might have sent this prophet first to see if the people would respond with remorse and obedience to a human messenger. If they had said, “Who is he? He’s just a guy like us,” I think God would have let them sit a while longer. Apparently the people were humble.

Vs. 11-18 It is interesting that it is the angel of the Lord who came. Note also, that Gideon had heard the stories of God’s working in delivering Israel from Egypt and was struggling with God’s inactivity. He knew the stories, but not the Lord. Of course, if Gideon had understood enough of the stories, he would have known exactly why they were in such a bad situation. We know that the people didn't know the law and they were not hearing Deuteronomy read. Knowing the stories doesn't make you a follower. It is the intersection of the words of God, the listening heart and the Holy Spirit that brings life and change.

Vs. 16-18 Faith seems to have been a rare thing. Although the Lord promised Gideon victory, Gideon didn't exactly believe, but he didn't exactly disbelieve. He was asking for a test to make sure this was all true.

Vs. 19-24 There are many interesting things here. It appears as if God was not holding the people to worship at the tabernacle during this period of disobedience. Normally, sacrificing anywhere but the tabernacle was forbidden. God was looking for faith and devotion to His commands as He was giving direction. Notice that after the angel of the Lord left Gideon in shock, the Lord spoke to Gideon and calmed him. Having seen the Lord and now hearing this voice, Gideon knew it was the Lord who was invisibly with him, speaking to him. From this account and what we find later, Gideon was a fearful follower who needed lots of encouragement and direction. But, the Lord is OK with that. That’s something to give us hope as we follow Christ in the harvest. We don’t have to fit into the mold of any hero of the faith or into some preconceived notion of spiritual boldness.

Vs. 25-27 God gave Gideon very specific instructions. Although Gideon was afraid of the people, so that he obeyed God at night, he still did it. The altar was probably big, like a monument, so Gideon enlisted 10 men who helped him and then, apparently, informed the authorities. Again, the Lord works with Gideon in all of this.

Vs. 28-32 I love the response of Gideon’s father. I wouldn’t have liked a nickname like that. At least it wasn’t a tattoo.

Vs. 33-40 Verse 34 is interesting. It says the Spirit clothed Gideon, which is literal from the Hebrew.

One thing you see with Gideon in the case of the altar, and now in facing Midian, Gideon sought the help of others.

V. 36 I think that when a person has the right heart, the Lord doesn’t mind someone asking for confirmation of His will. It might depend too, on what the Lord has already done in our lives up to that point. If He has already shown us great acts of kindness and guidance, we might not need to ask for confirmation in continuing to do what He has already shown us. In this case with Gideon, there hadn’t been a sign of the Lord’s working for some time. And again, the Lord showed him a lot of understanding. I think He shows us a lot of understanding too.

Luke 22:54-23:12

Luke 22:54-71

Vs. 54-62 What is notable about this account of Peter’s denial is that Luke mentions that when the cock crowed the last time, Jesus heard it and turned; and across the distance, He met eyes with Peter.

Vs. 63-65 Jesus' self-control, for our sakes, is amazing. Jesus was the only person present who was in control of Himself, and He allowed these little evil men to harm Him.

Vs. 66-71 The trial of Jesus had been illegal. They had to wait until daybreak to re-try Him with the full Sanhedrin. Notice that Jesus does some talking here. When He said that He was the Son of Man, it led to the question of being God's Son. This was a very clear statement. Verse 70 could be translated, "You have said it. I am." The you say is a Greek idiom meaning "yes." So what Jesus is saying is "Yes, I am."

Luke 23:1-12

Vs. 1-5 This is a hearing that looks similar to what we have seen in Matthew and Mark.

Vs. 6-12 This is only found in Luke. Jesus frustrated the entire situation by just saying nothing. It is interesting that Pilate and Herod became friends after this. That gives you a view of Pilate that makes you feel less sympathetic toward him, even if he was forced to hand over Jesus to the Jews. Apparently Pilate’s remorse passed quickly.

To me, it is interesting that Jesus held to what He taught His disciples. He didn’t cast pearls before swine. Herod interrogated Him at length. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Jesus to be mocked and taunted for as long as He was. This all makes me think that as a disciple, I have to be willing to be taunted and mocked; but I can stand with the security and knowledge that I am working in the harvest as Jesus was, and for the same purpose.

Psalms 95-96

Psalm 95

I don't know if this was written in conjunction with David, but I can imagine him urging this to be put to music, so the people coming to Jerusalem would put their minds on God and open their hearts.

Vs. 1-5 This is a call to come to worship their Savior King. David knew this King and His salvation very personally.

Vs. 6-7 This is a call to come and worship their Maker Shepherd. Especially in these two terms being put together, there is the urging to submit to His leading.

Vs. 8-11 This may seem like a less than happy way to end the psalm/song, but the warning is appropriate. Israel in the wilderness was blessed and still resisted God's loving leadership. God was using David to bring the people out of 400 years of wandering and despair. They needed to embrace the blessing of David's kingship with obedience to God.

Psalm 96

Vs. 1-6 This psalm seems to be a call to the people of the world. The one Creator created all men and nations. He is the only God and He has one majesty and splendor that should be worshiped by all.

Vs. 7-9 These are strong cries to worship God. If Israel did this, the next verse would be easy.

V. 10 With the heart of conviction expressed in the last verses, this would have been an easy testimony to give to the nations. This is very much like what we hear David say so often. God's blessing and salvation are to be shared with others.

Vs. 11-13 The creation will rejoice at God's coming. These parts of creation have nothing to fear of judgment, nor will the righteous. This is a call for all men to be ready to meet God.

This is why we have been left here, to praise God in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Proverbs 14:5-6

With the pairing here, it is almost as if you could read that a lying, false witness will always seek wisdom in vain, but a person who tells the truth will find it easy to gain understanding. He is already on the same wavelength as God's wisdom.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 25, 2014

APRIL 25

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Judges 4-5

One of the hardest things is to get a sense for the passage of time. I like knowing when things happened. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 388 (BKC-OT), about 200 years have gone by since the Exodus. I guess if you take the 40 years of wandering + 7 years of war + 10 years of settling into the land up until Joshua's death + 8 years of oppression + 40 years of peace with Othniel +18 years of oppression under Eglon + 80 years of peace with Ehud, you get about 203 years. Isn't this amazing how time is ticking away?

Judges 4

Vs. 1-3 So now we add another 20 years of oppression under King Jabin and his general, Sisera. It is interesting that these chariots kept Israel at bay. It shows that God wasn't helping them, because when He did help, He made those chariots a liability.

Vs. 4-10 It is interesting that during these 20 years, Deborah (means "honey-bee") was a phophetess. She was a judge, in that people came to her to hear a word from the Lord or to get a decision. I wonder what the Levites were up to during this time.

V. 6 Apparently the cries of Israel reached a certain level of intensity and God sent Deborah a command. Notice that God not only promised victory, but He said He would lure Sisera to come out with his chariots.

V. 9 I don't think it was wrong for Barak to want Deborah to go with him, but it is cast in a negative light. We will see other men who hear the Word of God from a prophet and simply obey. Barak didn't do that, but he is still honored in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith. Gideon will also ask for a sign of confirmation.

V. 11 This little note is a piece of the puzzle God is putting in place.

Vs. 12-16 We don't understand what happened here until we read the song in the next chapter. According to the song in 5:19-21, there must have been a supernaturally inspired torrent of rain that made the chariots ineffective. Sisera wouldn't have brought his "toys" out on a rainy day. Apparently there was no warning.

Vs. 17-22 Jael must have been there without her husband, who was probably a shepherd and out with the sheep. According to the BKC-OT, p. 389, it was usually the women who pitched the tents.

Vs. 23-24 Apparently, it was a huge battle and King Jabin was also wiped out.

Judges 5

Vs. 1-3 This is the introduction to the song calling the nations to see and hear what God had done. Verse 2 has always seemed like the miracle to me: The leaders led. You realize in any war, if it goes bad, the leaders are the ones who are targeted. Here, the leaders came forward and were willing to take responsibility.

Vs. 4-5 She mentioned that God showed His dominance and greatness at Mt. Sinai.

Vs. 6-9 Apparently the problems began after Shamgar and in the days that Jael and her husband left the south part of Israel and went north. Because of King Jabin, using the normal roads had to be abandoned. This continued until Deborah came. Verse 8 tells the root of the problem. Israel chose new gods and therefore couldn't fight the oppression. Verse 9 again celebrates the faith and courage of the men who were willing to lead the people. This looks like the real miracle.

Vs. 10-11 This is saying the word should get out to everyone, from the rich on their donkeys down to the people at the watering places. The people would be talking about the victory the Lord provided.

Vs. 12-18 You notice in this description of who helped that not everyone who was called responded.

Vs. 19-22 This is the description of the battle. If the people had followed the Lord, He would have given Israel more victories like this that would have strengthened their faith. They themselves would have regularly experienced the acts that God would have done for them to show His glory and to defeat their enemies.

Vs. 23-27 Verse 23 is apparently a town that didn't respond to the call to war. On the other hand, one woman was more courageous than they were. Jael's actions are described in slow motion. Apparently this was meant to be funny or ironic.

Vs. 28-30 Still expressing irony, those waiting for Sisera to return as he usually did, with the booty of those he conquered, waited and were disappointed.

V. 31 Amen, and there was peace for forty years.

Luke 22:35-53

To understand some of what Jesus is saying here, you need to look at v. 53, “But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” That hour was a bad hour.

Vs. 35-38 Jesus tells the disciples to expect the worst, to care for themselves and to be prepared to defend themselves in the immediate aftermath (hour) of His arrest. When He sent out the Twelve, Jesus told them they could depend on God moving in people’s hearts to provide for them. Now Jesus tells them the opposite. I believe it is because of this special hour on the earth. Except for the fall of man, this would probably be the second worst hour on earth and there probably won’t be another like it until during the Tribulation.

Vs. 39-46 Jesus tells the disciples twice what they should be praying for. Even here, Jesus is interested in His disciples. Notice that Luke mentions the appearance of the angel and that the angel came sometime before Jesus had finished praying. I always thought it was at the end of His praying.

Jesus was on the edge, humanly speaking, during this prayer. Being in an agony describes the depth of the human and emotional weight He was under. Submission and prayer, humanly speaking, got Him through. What a great model He is, and to think, nothing we can face will even come close to what He endured.

Vs. 47-53 Good old Dr. Luke tells us it was the right ear, and that Jesus healed it. I get the feeling reading this, that the words of Jesus were a distraction of sorts to get the mob focused on Him and to give the disciples a chance to run.

Psalm 94

There is no note as to the author of this psalm. Since v. 16 mentions persecution, I could imagine this was written by David as he was still waiting on the Lord to deliver him from Saul, observing how Israel was falling into more and more disorder.

Vs. 1-7 This is the psalmist's lament over the growing lawlessness in Israel.

Vs. 8-11 This is a warning to the people who are taking advantage of the lack of justice. Justice would come and God was keeping track of who was doing what.

Vs. 12-15 The writer is affirming that the discipline of the Lord makes you seek Him, waiting for God's sure and faithful justice.

Vs. 16-19 This sounds like David.

Vs. 20-23 Since it is impossible for God to tolerate the wicked, their judgment is simply a matter of time. On the other hand, v. 22 says, and as David has often said, the Lord is the writer's stronghold and rock.

I think as disciples, it gives us security to know and remember that God has all things under control, even if it doesn't seem that way. As we work in the harvest we are not responsible for judgment. We are to work in the harvest, praying for leaders and authorities so that the Lord would give us the freedom to reach those who are ready to hear.

Proverbs 14:3-4

So, why did they put both of these verses together? I’ll hazard a guess.

Foolishness hurts and destroys itself. Keeping your manger clean by not having an ox is foolish. A man should be willing to do the work of upkeep. Sitting and avoiding the toil that will bring others closer to the Lord gives you more time to enjoy life. But if you do the work, you’ll enjoy life more, and you'll have the blessing of God, along with an abundance of hope, having seen God work. The wise man welcomes the mess.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

April 24, 2014

APRIL 24

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Judges 2:10-3:31

Judges 2:10-23

There is a lot of great stuff to observe in this chapter. Have fun. I have a few things.

V. 10 It isn't that their children, the next generation, didn't know about the Lord, but they didn't acknowledge Him as their God. They became like the people around them, "recognizing" many gods and traditions. It could have been that the parents didn’t teach the children, but I doubt that. Part of the reason might be that parents talked about the Lord, but were very busy and consumed getting their lives together in the land. Maybe the children watched the parents and saw that living closely with the Lord was not a vital part of their parents’ lives. The parents' personal relationship with the Lord and their love for Him should have been more important than building their houses. On the other hand, the generation that doesn't have to fight for something doesn't appreciate what they have. Each generation, regardless of their parents, needs to seek the Lord.

Vs. 11-15 For the people to have worshipped any God but Yahweh was bad enough. Baal and Ashtaroth were very sexually focused fertility religions where both men and women gave themselves over to sexual intercourse and perversion in worship. In 1 Kings 19:18 where God says He will keep 7000 men for Himself who have not bowed the knee to Baal or kissed him, this is referring to becoming sexually defiled in that worship.

Vs. 16-23 These verses describe the cycle that will go through the book. Each time, however, the cycle goes deeper and the people become more degraded, ignorant and distant from God until we end up with the final two events in this book. This will continue for over 300 years of Israel's history. It makes you feel bad for God.

V. 17 They both literally and figurative whored after these gods.

Vs. 22-23 This will recur in today's reading. God broke the back of the military powers under Joshua, but He purposefully left nations there to test Israel's obedience. Through following God, this generation would have had their own experiences of faith in seeing the miraculous ways that God saved them.

Judges 3

Vs. 1-6 These verses begin to explain the reason for what happens over the next 300 years. Notice the references to testing. Notice too in v. 2, that the nations were left to teach Israel war. The new generation was just handed the land and didn't appreciate it. They didn't fight for it or have to earn it. God makes sure in every generation that there is opposition that makes us uncomfortable, so that we have to live on our knees and contend for our faith. I think God is doing this today regarding His people and the harvest.

Vs. 7-11 This illustrates what has been said about the cycle of the judges. Othniel was a transitional figure from the time of Joshua. He was not one of the elders who administered with Joshua, but He was a part of that generation that entered the land. As Joshua mentioned in his final address, the people were already drifting. Within Othniel's lifetime the people had given themselves sexually to Baal and were being punished by God. Othniel may have been the godliest of all the judges in Judges.

V. 8 Notice who gave Cushan-rishathaim power over Israel.

Vs. 12-30 Notice who does the strengthening in v. 12. Eglon ruled in the land of Reuben, but his power extended over the Jordan. The city of palms is Jericho. It wasn't rebuilt, but Israel apparently lived there.

Ehud was a messenger bringing tribute to this king of Moab. Many of the tribe of Benjamin were left-handed. The word for left-handed means there was something wrong with their right hand. But in Benjamin, it made them very unique warriors; in fact, many of them were lethal with both hands. Notice where Paul (also a Benjaminite) says in 2 Corinthians 6:7, by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left. This unconventional warfare was what Paul was referring to. No one expected weapons used by a left-hander. So if Ehud was patted down, it was for a right-hander; that's why he hid the blade on his right thigh. I guess a right-handed person would have put it on the left.

Notice where Ehud turns back, at Gilgal. That is where the nation came across the Jordan, where the stones of memorial were and where the 2.5 tribes built the altar. That these were referred to as idols probably means that the people made this a holy place, burning incense and offering sacrifices, which, even if sincere, were a violation of God's commands. Most likely, Gilgal had been converted into a place of idolatry. Yet, even here, the remembrance of the grace and faithfulness of God might have been the thing that gave Ehud the resolve to turn back and carry out this plan.

Vs. 20-25 You've got to admit. It was a good plan. Just so it’s clear, they were waiting on Eglon, because they didn’t want to disturb him going to the bathroom.

V. 30 This was the longest time of peace brought by any one judge during the period of the judges.

V. 31 This guy was probably a contemporary with Ehud. That is assumed because it doesn't give the length of time he delivered Israel. The period of time is marked by Ehud's judgeship. Later, Samson and Samuel were also protecting Israel at the same time too.

Also, this might not seem like much from Shamgar, but Samson was the same kind of guy. His strength, and a couple of good days of action, subdued the Philistines for years. It was probably the fear of Shamgar (or the sound of his name) that kept the Philistines in control. Imagine a guy who was so powerful, fast, and agile that he outnumbered 600 men. Later Samson will lay to rest 1000 Philistine soldiers with the jawbone of a donkey.

For us as disciples, I don't think there are too many lessons to be gained from left-handed assassins. There is a huge lesson for us regarding the obstacles God leaves in our way to prove our gratefulness for Christ's love and our willingness to bear our cross and follow Him into the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples who make disciples.

Luke 22:14-34

Vs. 14-22 It is clear from Luke's account that Judas was there for the inauguration of the Lord's Supper. Notice that this is summary of the entire Lord’s Supper. Verse 20 shows that part of the Lord’s Supper actually happened after dinner, or as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:25, after supper. At the beginning of their time Jesus took a cup, blessed it and passed it around. From this cup they all poured a little wine into empty cups they each had. During the supper Jesus broke the bread to symbolize His body. As they were still eating and at the end of the supper, Jesus dipped a piece of bread and gave it to Judas (John 13:27). Satan immediately entered Judas and Judas immediately went out. Then, after Judas left and the supper was finished, Jesus took the cup of the new covenant. So actually, Judas was there for the bread, but not for the actual consecration of the new covenant in the blood of Christ.

Vs. 23-27 The dispute mentioned in v. 24 is where Jesus would have washed their feet in John 13. Judas would have left after Jesus had washed their feet and explained what He had done for them.

Vs. 28-30 Jesus has already mentioned that they will sit on 12 thrones judging (ruling) the 12 tribes. This would be a good promise for them to keep in mind as this night, and the next day, unfolded.

Vs. 31-34 Luke is the only one who mentions Satan's demand to sift or test the disciples here. Jesus' prayer was for Peter personally, that his faith wouldn't fail. Either it was because Peter was their leader or because, as Jesus will explain, Peter's testing would be the most severe of all. The good news here is that even before Peter denies Jesus, Jesus tells Peter that he'll be restored and will be called to serve his fellow disciples.

Psalms 92-93

These are great, joyous, celebratory psalms.

Psalm 92

Vs. 1-4 It says that this was written for the Sabbath. Verses 1 and 2 give me the idea that it might have been written by David, as he was focusing all of Israel on worshiping the Lord in unity in Jerusalem. Notice the references to giving thanks to the Lord and declaring His steadfast love. These are David's hallmarks.

Vs. 5-9 Realizing that if this were written by David, you can understand that the Sabbath probably had not been held regularly in Israel for over 300 years. It could be that the wicked are those who disregard the Sabbath as a day to consider God's work and give Him thanks.

Vs. 10-11 This is the victory that God has given David. God gave David power. He exalted David and God let David see his victory over his enemies.

Vs. 12-15 This is what David learned. If a person follows God, God will bless him.

Psalm 93

Vs. 1-2 God's strength and majesty are seen in Him establishing the world, but superior to the world is the throne of God. It is everlasting and totally unmovable.

Vs. 3-4 The sea and forces of nature are seen as being powerful and chaotic, but God is mightier than His creation. Jesus showed He could tame the wind and waves.

V. 5 I guess if God is this great and has control over all things, we should trust His Word, and in faith, dwell in His house and attend His days of celebration.

Proverbs 14:1-2

Being wise and upright in fearing the Lord makes whatever you build in life good. But those who live by their own deviousness eventually end up destroying their own work and lives.

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

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go tohttps://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to print.