February 1, 2015

FEBRUARY 1

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Exodus 13:17-15:18

Exodus 13:17-22

Vs. 17-18 The Lord led Israel, and in a way that made no sense to the Egyptians or to anyone else.

What we should think about as disciples is when God leads us in a way that makes no sense to others, He has His reasons. Our confidence should be in following Him, not in knowing why or being able to explain why He seems to be leading us into a dead-end.

Vs. 21-22 Introduced here is the cloud and the pillar of fire which will be with them for another 40 years. Reading about these signs is so easy, but their significance defies our imaginations in several ways. First, how incredible it must have been to have these every day and night. They must have been huge. Second, how incredible to see these every day and yet not trust God. It makes the rebellion of the people very strange. God might be right. There might be something very wrong with all of us that defies all reason. Sin is incredible in its depth and power in us.

Exodus 14

Vs. 1-4 Notice how God is still coaching Moses. He is explaining, step by step, what is going to happen.

At the end of this document, there is a map of the possible route of the Exodus, from The Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, p. 253, that might help you to understand how God led them.

Beginning at Rameses, they went south and then up north. You can see the city of Migdol mentioned in v. 2. The Red Sea apparently was really the Reed Sea, that is today’s Lake Ballah. I guess the words for "red" and "reed" are as similar in Hebrew as they are in English. The people were encamped facing across Lake Ballah toward Migdol. This must have given Pharaoh the confidence to act rashly, thinking the people were sheep lost in the wilderness.

Vs. 5-9 Pharaoh and his boys are mad. With a hardened heart, his foolishness is intensified to the point of complete irrationality. If they haven’t beaten God yet, why do they think this is a good move? But now, the final step to Israel being without threat in the wilderness will be accomplished. With this next defeat, the Egyptian military will be reduced to a national police force just trying to rebuild and protect a ruined country.

Vs. 10-14 It is incredible to read these words from the people to Moses in light of all the acts of God's power they have seen. And then, there is that pillar of fire standing near them.

God says He will get glory from Pharaoh. When you read Romans 11, the issue of God “using” Pharaoh (and the unbelieving in general) comes up. And just to be fair, we all have a hard time imagining God twisting someone’s mind to do His will without giving them a chance to believe. In all of what we understand and do not understand, all the conflicting thoughts of God’s election, foreknowledge and our freewill will come together and will prove, as Paul says, “God’s righteousness.” In the angelic world God is in court and the accuser searches God’s actions to see if He is playing according to the rules. I think this is why the angels attest to God’s holiness. It’s not because they’re assigned this duty for our sake, (for great verses and great songs); but for them, and the issues at play in the angelic conflict, God’s holiness and righteousness are important to them.

A key verse on this is Romans 9:22, What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? So here is my thought. What if God, in His foreknowledge, knew that a child to be born would never accept Him in faith and would always be in rebellion? In God’s vast wisdom and planning and foreknowledge, He could surely move events around that person and even use that person’s responses to His purposes. Paul’s point is that God would have a price to pay also, that is, enduring the rebellion of this person for 70 years. God could just “snuff him out.” If you’ve been a school teacher or had a horrible tenant in a rental house, you’ll know enduring this kind of rebellious person is not a delight. We think God can just “put this out of His mind,” because He’s in outer space or someplace, but I don’t think so. God is here and I think sin seriously grieves God. We’re just used to it.

Also, regarding freewill and God’s ability to “direct” us, you wonder what rights we really have. For example, in a recent election, they did surveys on how different groups voted. There were the ethnic groups, and then gender groups and religious groups, but I never found one on how the prison population voted. I’m sure that would have been a substantial block of people, and it would be interesting to see what issues were important to them and, so, how they voted. Oh, that’s right, they can’t vote. They lost the right to vote because of their crimes. In all societies, those guilty of crimes lose rights and often their freedom. They have the basic rights (basic defined by the culture) but many freedoms are removed. We’re “guilty” too, right?

Now, if you look at the entire scope of things biblically, that is, “in reality,” our biggest foe is Satan, standing before God and proving, by what we do, that we deserve judgment and death. Whatever role Satan was supposed to have for good has been used by him for evil, giving him power when we mess up, like giving the board of directors the right to run the company because the true owner is in jail (and they put him there). Along with this, God had to save us, not violating any rules of righteousness and justice. Satan watches this. Yet God does have the right, since we are guilty before Him, to direct us and manage us just like you would direct people in prison who have lost their rights because of their crimes. For those who will never trust or obey Him, He is perfectly free to direct as He pleases. Look at Pharaoh, the wealthiest and most powerful man on earth at that time. All of that privilege was also from God. He hardened his own heart against God. He was already in rebellion, and that being the case, God made it worse and engineered Pharaoh’s actions, as a guilty man, to lead to God’s glory. Anyway, that’s just my take on things.

Again, I wonder how the people of Israel could doubt God when there was a pillar of cloud/fire right there with them. Miracles do not make people believe. Sometimes they only expose the heart of unbelief.

Note that instead of crying out to the Lord, they go after Moses.

Vs. 15-18 This is an amazing event, and the lesson for us as disciples is to follow the Lord no matter what. God can deliver.

Notice again how God coaches Moses and assures him.

Vs. 19-20 Here the angel of God, in the cloud, went between the Egyptians and Israel. Notice too that it was dark on one side and gave light on the other. For an interesting note on the pillar and the angel of God (angel of the Lord), look at 1 Corinthians 10:4.

Vs. 21-31 People make a lot of the wind and the role it played as if to explain this by the wind. This was just a flat out miracle. God provided a wide path in the sea for at least 2 million people to cross (600,000 men plus women and children). The wind may have dried the surface, but if it was strong enough to push back the sea, it would have been strong enough to blow the people away.

Pharaoh was totally irrational in following. Not one of the soldiers survived. Egypt was ruined.

Exodus 15:1-18

If the people had had hearts of devotion to God, this would have been very meaningful. In that it was inspired by the Spirit, it shows great things about God. In many respects, this looks a lot like the kind of praise David expressed toward God.

Also, there is another group that will sing this song of Moses. They are found in Revelation 15. Can you see the connection between their situation and the event here and why it would be fitting for them to be singing this song?

V. 13 Notice the mention of God's steadfast love. That is much like David.

Vs. 14-16 The effect of this and everything that had happened in Egypt is that the nations feared the Lord. When the people get to Jericho forty years from now, that fear will still be present in Jericho.

Vs. 17-18 Again, in David's praise there is often the mention of God's presence and sanctuary and the Lord reigning forever.

This song is very heartfelt, I’m sure, but the people will soon forget all this and complain. Emotion is never the measure of true devotion and commitment to God. Being a disciple means giving up your life to follow Christ in the harvest. Following Christ has less to do with emotion than raw devotion, love and faith. I love emotion, but seeing this reaction of the people and seeing how much the church loves worship, but is allergic to reaching lost people, I don’t put any weight on great bands and worship in church. I think we are conditioned to think that feeling gushy toward Jesus is the goal. Jesus says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” And below, there is a parable to this effect.

Matthew 21:23-46

Vs. 23-27 I remember reading this the first time and identifying with the irrational hardness of heart of the Pharisees. They were afraid to give a straight answer, weighing the options.

Vs. 28-32 This parable underscores Jesus’ first principle of discipleship: obedience - not emotion, following - not talking. This was very true and you can imagine that the Pharisees were not happy with what Jesus said here.

Vs. 33-41 I’ve often thought that this entire scenario is irrational on the part of the people running the vineyard. Why would they get the land if they killed the heir? There is no rational reason. In the same way, when suppressing the truth is the goal, there is no rationality. We might see this on the part of unchurched people where it is pitiable and understandable. Where it hits us the hardest, as disciples, is when you see this kind of suppression and irrationality on the part of believers, churches and leaders. I have been in churches where there was no fruit, but rather a rigid, self-righteous guarding of the truth and church tradition. It was as if they knew nothing of the love of Christ and true mission of the bride. If Jesus had shown up, they probably would have opposed Him and thrown Him out.

V. 41 It is interesting to see that the Pharisees were totally engaged in the story and wanted to judge those tenants too.

Vs. 42-46 They realized that Jesus had spoken this against them. They were the tenants and were also fulfilling a part of the Old Testament prophecies. Interestingly, they didn't arrest Jesus because they, again, were weighing the options.

Psalm 26

As disciples, following our Savior in the harvest, can we bow our heads and say these words to Him with this sincerity and meaning?

Vs. 1-5 Isn't it interesting how similar this sounds to Psalm 1?

Vs. 6-8 These verses mention something important to David and to us, praising God and being close to Him. Whether we find it in a room or in a chair in a corner, I think it needs to be the constant yearning of a disciple to be close, confined, connected to Christ, quiet and alone, to enjoy His presence. As important as the harvest is, the strength of our hearts, what gives us the ability to withstand the conflict and pressure of this earth, is quietness with the Lord, with His Word, in prayer in that place where we meet Him.

Vs. 9-12 Again, David is crying out and sees his hope and confidence in the Lord.

Proverbs 6:16-19

So, as a disciple, which of these do you need to avoid? I found a couple.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

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

January 31, 2015

JANUARY 31

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

If you have been reading with us for the month of January, congratulations are in order! You’ve read through Genesis and you’re into Exodus; you’ve almost finished Matthew; you’ve read 24 of The Psalms and you’re six chapters wiser than…well, I don’t know, a door knob. For some of you, this is a major achievement and it will only get better. You’ll discover a lot of great things about the mind and heart of God. Most importantly, you’ll grow in your love for Jesus and your commitment as a disciple in the harvest. And next year, if you do this, you’ll be surprised how much you’ve remembered and how much more you’ll see as the Spirit weaves His Word into your life and heart as a disciple.

Exodus 12:14-13:16

Exodus 12:14-51

Vs. 14-20 Oddly enough, in Matthew, Jesus is entering the Passover week. He won’t be cleaning out the leaven, but maybe cleansing the temple was dealing with a kind of “leaven” that had permeated the people and their minds. Jesus’ ministry spanned four Passover feasts and culminates at a Passover. Anyway, back to the OT.

First, the Passover is the major identity symbol, festival, event of the nation of Israel from this point on. Sure, there were other things, the land, the temple, circumcision, the Sabbath; but this was now the beginning of their year and God built a memorial of redemption into the beginning of the year. What is interesting is that it points to their spiritual identity born out of redemption. Circumcision and the Sabbath show that the people are separated (holy) for God, but the Passover shows that they were saved by God.

From this point on God is making a nation and giving them ceremonial and cultural laws, many of which will only apply to Israel as God’s nation. This will be important to remember, since some of these laws are very binding on them and very narrow. The laws are meant to highlight God’s holiness, the reality of sin and their need for forgiveness/being close to God. For now, this is just to say that while the laws and rituals were binding on them, they are not binding on us. Yet there is something, some aspect of understanding God and His plan or His holiness, which we can learn from. The following law on leaven is a case in point.

Note that if anyone violated this law to have no leaven in the house or to eat what was leavened, they would be expelled from the nation. That’s pretty hard. It applied to them and not to us; but the question is, “What was the point, and what can we understand about God?” Also, remember that no one had to remain in Israel. If they didn't like the Lord or His laws, they could have just left and moved back to Egypt or gone to Paris or someplace. But if they wanted to stay, they had to live there God's way.

In the NT, leaven is sometimes referred to as something bad, which slowly works its way into a church or teaching or a person and eventually dominates them. In one instance, leaven is used positively regarding the “invisible,” growing kingdom of God in this world. So, this custom regarding leaven is an “object lesson” that God uses to teach us, and it would be woven into the culture and ceremony of Israel as a warning.

In the immediate context, the lack of leaven has something to do with their being ready for action, and putting aside comfort in order to obey God. Think about this, because I think this really applies to us as disciples. We are not often ready for action and it hurts us. We might enjoy "leaven" too much.

Because of haste, the women were to make bread without taking the time to knead in yeast. This fits with the people eating the lamb, while being fully clothed for travel, with their knapsacks on their backs. The unleavened bread dough was to be taken with them, wrapped into the shawl on a woman’s shoulder. The point of all of this was the real-time need for them to be ready to roll.

I’ve seen reenactments of Passover feasts, but I’ve never seen one where everyone was standing, eating in a state of readiness, clothed for action and ready for an emergency. I guess we missed that part. The next notable time you see the Passover in the OT is in another state of emergency as Joshua is ready to go into the land. The last two times you see the Passover in the OT (and two of the best), the southern kingdom is in desperate need of redemption. When Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples and redefined it to symbolize the new covenant in His blood, it was a night of emergency and readiness and redemption.

Redemption and readiness is the context of the Passover and that is all in the larger context of emergency. There is an emergency going on right now, bigger than AIDS, bigger than the climate, bigger than terrorism, bigger than getting “supersized” at McDonalds. God’s people are to be ready, and for this time of redemption and grace, we need to be willing to do away with “leaven,” to be willing to live wholly for God and even put away some comforts and exercise restraint, to be focused and ready to work in the harvest, reaching the lost, making disciples, who make disciples.

Vs. 21-28 How humbling and moving…when I see the blood, I will pass over you (12:13), and they worshiped and obeyed. We need to do likewise and to obey, meaning serving Christ in the harvest. Never be ashamed to say, “The blood of Christ.” Explain it, but don’t be ashamed to say it. On account of the blood of the Lamb of God, we are saved.

By ignoring God, the Egyptians, though not all the Egyptians, came under God's judgment. All humans are under His judgment. Later, when Israel is about to enter the land I'll mention something about God's right to judge and bring death. Now is probably a good time to think about this too. God is loving, yet thousands of children died on this night. The most natural place for a person to stand would be before God. That is what we were made for, a relationship with Him. We are separated from Him because of sin, and that separation is spiritual death. Death is separation. Because of sin and spiritual death, our bodies are frail and our spirits eventually separate from the body. This is physical death. When our spirit separates from the body we stand before God, entering His presence. That shouldn't be a bad thing, but it is if we are also separated from God spiritually. God has the right to call any of us into His presence at anytime. We should be ready. For those who know God, that is the beginning of blessing. For those who have ignored God, that is the beginning of judgment.

In my understanding here, the children who were under the age of accountability were brought into God's presence and blessed. Those firstborn who were older and could have followed and accepted the God of the Hebrews, but didn't, were called into God's presence and judged. Death, for now, is how we enter God's presence. It doesn't have to mean judgment and doesn't have to scare those redeemed by Christ. Without sin, there would be no separation. With Christ, there is no judgment and only blessing.

Vs. 29-39 Moses said Pharaoh would never see his face again. Here, either it was just a message sent, or Pharaoh, being in mourning, never looked up or unveiled his face.

A lot of the stuff they were given by the Egyptians was jewelry, used later, unfortunately, for the golden calf, and then to make the tabernacle and the priests' clothing. Remember, they were slaves with no credit cards or other resources.

Vs. 40-42 This is an historical summary, recapping and adding to some of what was said to Moses before the Passover. Notice that from the time Jacob stepped into Egypt until now was exactly 430 years to the day.

Vs. 43-51 Note that future Passovers could be celebrated by any foreigner with one stipulation: those males had to be circumcised. The male represents the head of his family, so the women and children were covered.

V. 46 No bone was to be broken on the Passover lamb/goat. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” (John 19:36)

Circumcision was the symbol of being separated to the promise to Abraham, of making a nation through which all the nations would be blessed. Again, for the heart of faith, circumcision was linked to the plan of redemption.

You’ve noted that many Egyptians moved out with Israel in the Exodus. It might have been that the men were required to be circumcised first. For an Egyptian to be circumcised would have been a big deal, hopefully symbolizing their faith in the redeeming God of the Hebrews. Again, no one was being forced to live in Israel and keep these laws. I hear the south of France is pretty.

Exodus 13:1-16

It could very well be that as the people were gathering for their Exodus out of Egypt, God had Moses give this information to the elders and people. Moses left Egypt with over a million people. The logistics of this would not have been easy. There must have been some structure for gathering and there must have been some responsibility by the elders and tribes/families to hang together and direct themselves.

V. 1 This law of the firstborn is mentioned here because the Passover lamb had to be a firstborn. God, again, as a good educator, is establishing some cultural and ceremonial things into the life of Israel that He will use later referring to Christ. Luke refers to this law when Joseph and Mary take Jesus into the temple and meet Simeon.

V. 8 mentions something we’ll see a lot more of in Deuteronomy. The people were to teach these things to their children. Just like us, the kids would naturally say, “Hey, how come we have such strange customs?” The parents’ answers would all be linked to redemption and God’s mercy and power and love. In Deuteronomy, God says that parents should always be talking to their kids about the Lord and what He has done. It should be as natural as air, weaving it into all kinds of things. After quoting Deuteronomy 6:7, You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise, Howard Hendricks would say, “So, when else do you live?”

Vs. 9 & 16 were taken literally and perverted by Israel in the phylacteries. Properly understood, what God had done was, figuratively, to be on their hand, controlling all they did, and as frontlets on their eyes (like horses,) focusing their vision, all of this keeping their redemption and mission as a nation controlling their hearts and lives.

Again, I can still hear Hendricks’ Philadelphia brogue after reading Deuteronomy 6:8-9, You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. "This was to control all that you did and all that you thought, the doorpost of your house being the most intimate areas of your life, to the city gates being the most social areas of your life."

God is a great teacher. As disciples in the harvest, investing in the lives of others, this teaching is definitely for us. God’s love and redemption is to be the topic of our passion, controlling all we do, see, and think, from the intimacy of our homes…to our presence in our communities.

Tomorrow we’ll be back to the real-time adventure. Pharaoh gets mad and the Lord intensifies his hardness which makes Pharaoh really, really irrational, with a cherry on top.

Matthew 20:29-21:22

Matthew 20:29-34

A couple of notes:

There were two cities of Jericho, an old one and a new one. To leave one Jericho was to enter the other. A road filled with beggars and merchants went between the two. Matthew says, “leaving,” and Luke says, “entering,” and this is the explanation. Also, Matthew says there were two beggars, but Luke only names the spokesman, Bartimaeus.

It is significant that they were told it was Jesus (Lk., Jesus of Nazareth) but they cry out Son of David. Remember, the widow in Sidon said the same to Jesus. Again, the emphasis here is on the “promised one,” signifying that these blind men saw something in the reports that those with sight were blind to.

Very cool that they kept crying out when everyone told them to shut up. They knew their chance was passing and they had to act now. What faith! I wish more lost people were this “blind.”

Just for trivia, the story of Zacchaeus takes place here in Luke 19. I wonder why Matthew, the former tax collector, left out the story of another tax collector coming to faith in Christ. I'll have to ask him when I see him.

Matthew 21:1-22

Vs. 1-11 This is a very sad portion of Scripture for me. Luke says Jesus weeps here. They are visited by their Maker, the Author of life, their King and their Redeemer, and even with all the religiousness of their response at His entrance, in a couple of days they will be yelling to crucify Him. The power of sin is beyond comprehension. They missed the day of their visitation.

V. 9 Many of the people in this crowd would be shouting for Jesus' crucifixion in a few days. Emotion doesn't mean knowing Christ.

V. 11 Notice that unlike the blind men, the crowds are calling Him Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee. Remember, Nazareth meant branch. Those who were perceptive could have made the connection.

Vs. 12-13 Jesus cleansed the temple on the first Passover during His ministry (Jn. 2:13) and when confronted, foretold His death. This time, Jesus will die.

Vs. 14-16 So who do you really identify here as the blind and the lame?

Vs. 17-22 Obviously the lesson was not to show His disciples how to show off power. The tree symbolized “faithless” and “fruitless” Israel. The curse was made as they passed it, going into Jerusalem for the day, and they saw the effect when they were on their way back to Jerusalem the next morning. At once means that, though not cut down, it was totally withered when they returned. That didn’t normally happen to a tree.

So, is the lesson here on the power of faith to make things wither or fly into the ocean, or the power of faith to bring life and fruitfulness? In another place Jesus uses this same illustration to tell about the power of prayer; but here, since the tree represents a faithless, fruitless generation, it might also signify that even a small amount of faith can bring life and the blessing of God.

On the other hand, Jesus has told His disciples that they will have authority on earth in the harvest. They will be able to bind and to loose, which probably involves judging and releasing. This authority would be dependent on their faith.

Psalm 25:16-22

Vs. 16-18 This is a continuation from yesterday. Notice that in the beauty of this expression, David really was afflicted and distressed. But this is what drove him to God and gave the beauty to his words. It is interesting to me that David also asked God to forgive his sin. Jesus often mentioned prayer and the need to be forgiven in the same teaching. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25)

Vs. 19-22 Notice the cries for help, the waiting on God, and the desire not to be put to shame. Amen!

Proverbs 6:12-15

Interesting here that God is warning us that “secret” communication is a sign of insincerity, dishonesty and a bad heart. Since reading this, I’m careful about what is going on in my heart when I “wink” at someone behind another person’s back. Is it for non-verbal affirmation in a tough situation, or am I being a dipstick? People who are not honest will eventually be dealt with by the Lord.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://oneyearbibleonline.com/weekly-one-year-readings/?version=47&startmmdd=0101^. This version is set to the ESV but you can reset this to a different version or different language.

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 complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find it in my book:  Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to ^{dgkachikis@gmail.com.}

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

January 30, 2015

JANUARY 30

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

What’s great about doing this reading with other people, like in a discipleship cell, is that you can discuss and hear other observations and try out some of your own and have people tell you that you might have overlooked something. For example, I was talking about this stuff with my wife, who told me that the comment I made about the magicians not being able to “create life” had a problem because they were able to turn their sticks into snakes. I objected because I don’t consider snakes a valid life form, just like I don’t consider cauliflower a valid food unless you smother it in a cheese sauce, whereas I still wouldn’t like snakes even in cheese sauce. Anyway, where was I, oh yeah, she made a good point. Talking this stuff out in a group makes it fun and the Spirit leads you to other insights.

One other thing. This morning I read my German one-year Bible. In the German, the word they use for “fly,” means “biting fly.” That kind of puts a different curve on the curse of flies. Being a city boy, I automatically think of the common housefly, or in Latin, “buzzio obnoxyous.” If it was, in fact, a biting fly, that adds, as the Germans would say, a little “music” to that plague.

Exodus 10:1-12:13

Exodus 10

Vs. 1-20 Note that God does a great job of “coaching” Moses through all of this. He encourages Moses and lets him know what’s going to happen, even up to Pharaoh’s negative reaction. When we read this, it is very “one dimensional.” We don’t feel the emotion or see what was happening. Moses had to have been under tremendous pressure. Imagine walking into the White House or the capital of Tehran and delivering this message. God is being very good to Moses and Aaron in this very pressurized and deadly situation.

Also, this is the second time the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart. That’s 2 out of 8, meaning that Pharaoh is winning in the “who can harden my heart more times” contest.

Egypt is now totally ruined economically. If something like this happened to the USA, it would knock us out of “superpower” standing and the country would be laid waste. What we don’t see, regardless of what country we call home, is that nationally and personally, we owe God a lot more than we think.

Egypt would never return to its former glory or strength, economically or militarily; and, interestingly, in this “superpower” vacuum, Israel would be able to grow, unhindered, as a nation. I guess God knew what He was doing.

Vs. 21-29 Obviously it must have been a supernatural darkness, if lamps wouldn’t work.

God hardens Pharaoh’s heart (3 out of 9) and Pharaoh, rather than being repentant and open, is angry and bitter. This is sort of like getting into a fight and you know you should have stopped but you didn’t and now the other guy has inflicted such damage on you that your pride won’t let you stop even though you know you should.

V. 28 Although Pharaoh and Moses would meet again, it would have nothing to do with the conflict and petition we have seen. To "see his face," probably meant to petition him to let Israel leave. The next time they see each other, Pharaoh will plead with Moses to leave.

Exodus 11

Vs. 1-10 Apparently, before Moses left Pharaoh, he warned him of what was to come; and, since Pharaoh wouldn’t listen, Moses left angry with his hardness of heart. When Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, the same thing happened. Jesus asked the Pharisees a question, and they wouldn’t answer. Mark 3:5 says, And he (Jesus) looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart. Interesting parallel.

Exodus 12

Vs. 1-13 There is a lot to see here.

First, if you don’t know already, figure out what month this “first month” of their year is on our calendar.

Second, God is laying in place a national/cultural/personal tradition that will prepare them for the coming of the Christ. Talk about long-range planning. Think about the different parts of this preparation that connect to Jesus, salvation, and our redemption.

As disciples, our life and our call to follow Christ into the harvest, to reach out to dying people, begins with our appreciation and love for Him saving us. The Passover is a great picture of all of this.

When I read that they were to eat the meal fully ready to leave, it makes me think of how we, as disciples, are supposed to live on this planet. We are to be ready to work, to help, to share with others, to encourage and make disciples. Down here, we are always in the harvest.

Matthew 20:1-28

The connection of these two stories is in the last sentence from our reading yesterday about the first being last and the last being first. Jesus will now explain what that means. It will have a meaning regarding time, God's grace and purpose, and how a person views himself and his service.

Vs. 1-16 It looks like the time factor and the kindness of the master are at question here. Unfortunately, I probably would have been one of the guys complaining at the end of the story. So, what was the proper mindset?

First, each servant should have appreciation for even getting hired (saved). I find it easy to take my salvation for granted and think that I deserve it. The wonder of Him saving me is something that I should never “get over.”

Second, a focus on the harvest. In Germany, we had a yard with two cherry trees. Since it was rainy in Germany, the cherries would get ripe and then you’d have to “mach schnell” to get everything off the trees before the birds ate them or the cherries rotted. They’d rot right before your eyes. Everyone was busy with other things, and I was busy, too; but I remember being out there alone, working as quickly as I could, wishing anyone would help. I think, with an eye on the harvest, we don’t care who comes in the last hour and how much they are paid if we have a heart like our Savior, not wanting any to perish.

Vs. 17-19 I don’t know if it’s just me, but doesn’t it seem like Jesus is “coaching” His disciples just like God was “coaching” Moses? He’s telling them, again, what is going to happen so that when it happens they can remain strong, not  panic too badly, and hold on to their faith.

With regard to the "first and last" teaching, the direction they were going in following Jesus didn't look too glorious. This "vineyard" looked different than the vineyard in the story Jesus told.

Vs. 20-28 I’m not sure of all that was going on in the head of James and John’s mother, Salome. (Salome was Jesus’ aunt, that is, His mother Mary's sister. This means too, that James and John were Jesus’ cousins.) Did she believe Jesus was about to die? Did she think there would be a showdown in Jerusalem, with the boys emerging victorious? We’ll have to ask her.

Jesus was related to James and John and maybe they thought they would be given positions of honor because of their connection. Jesus would tell them that those places were only given by the Father, and then, they would be given according to service and suffering.

Vs. 26-27 These words not only helped defuse the anger of the other disciples, but they brought the discussion back to the "first and last" teaching Jesus had given. I'm sure they had as hard a time understanding this as we do. So who really is the "first?" Only God knows. We know that God's goal for us is to be servants of all as we serve in the harvest, uninterested in that position.

There is a lot of amazing stuff here for us as disciples. Are we willing to drink the cup? Are we willing to die as He died for the sake of saving lost people? Are we willing to be the servants of all? Read 1 Corinthians 9:19ff. Let this section sink into you.

V. 28 is worth a million dollars if we could ever internalize it and live it. As disciples of Jesus, we are to do the same thing He did and live the same way He lived in the harvest.

Psalm 25:1-15

I just can’t read these psalms of David, without my own heart being pulled at because of some of the terrain the Lord has taken me through. And, I believe, I hope, I’m closer and more useful to the Lord as a result of it.

Vs. 1-3 Notice the call to waiting. Verse 3 is quoted by Paul in Romans 9 and 10. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel.

Vs. 4-5 As we wait on the Lord, we need to learn of Him and understand Him. Understanding God and what is happening on this planet often helps us keep our heads in the midst of difficult circumstances. The best way to learn is to read the Word every day.

Vs. 6-10 David calls upon God to remember His steadfast love, and he expresses his desire to be taught and to know the ways of the Lord. David valued friendship with the Lord and He had learned enough to know that God's love was steadfast and faithful.

Vs. 11-15 It is interesting that David had a heart like this, always seeking God. It is what made him a man after God's own heart. In spite of his difficulties, dangers, and sins, David always turned to God and sought Him.

We get the second half of this psalm tomorrow. I wonder what it sounded like as a song.

Proverbs 6:6-11

Ok, grasshopper, look at the ant. (an old “kung-fu” joke)

For me, two thoughts help this “parable” apply to me.

First, this illustration has to do with anything that requires preparation, not simply getting ready for winter.

This could be anything from training for a career to preparing to meet God. The winter part intensifies the need; that is, “if you don’t do it now, you’ll die later.” I often think this is what made the northern Europeans a very organized and serious people. If you didn’t prepare, you died. And thanks to that, we have IKEA!

Second, I qualify as this fool. And don’t be so smug, you do too. We all do at some point, in some area of our lives. And as if the deadening power of our own sin weren’t bad enough, we have Satan telling us to sit back, relax, and not sweat, God is in control, “hey, flip over to that channel,” or “hey, go and see what’s on YouTube.”

Especially in the western world, our lives become overwhelmed with distraction and drifting, personally and in our churches. As disciples, God gives us purpose and focus in Christ and in the harvest, and it rounds out our lives with love and family and meaning. We have Jesus as a model, who came to seek and to save that which is lost. Like David says above, we need to cry out and learn His ways and seek His friendship. And then you have Jesus saying that to follow Him you have to lose your life. But then you receive it back again in Him.

What God is asking us, as disciples, to do here, now, on earth, in the middle of this desperate tragedy, requires focus and work and sacrifice. What we get in return is secondary (although great). But, it is still work. We’re yoked to Jesus, but it is still work. But, love gives you wings.

A quote I like from Oswald Sanders’ Spiritual Leadership is, “The heights by great men, reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

Great disciples are great leaders/servants, reaching out and making disciples; because they make and take the time now, to get closer to their Lord, instead of getting lulled to sleep by distraction.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://oneyearbibleonline.com/weekly-one-year-readings/?version=47&startmmdd=0101^. This version is set to the ESV but you can reset this to a different version or different language.

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 complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find it in my book:  Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to ^{dgkachikis@gmail.com.}

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