If you don't
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the day's reading, http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/. This
site allows you to select from several languages and several English
translations.
JUNE 6
Whoa! You did it again. You have now read fourteen books of the Bible,
plus you are nearing the end of Psalms. I'd recommend a Caramel Frappuccino
with an extra shot of espresso blended in.
1 Kings 1
Vs. 1-4 This is letting us know that David was getting to the end. If
this was his last year, he was 69 or 70. Since David became king at 30 and
reigned 40 years, the math is easy, even for me. There will be some overlap
with Solomon; because, as we will see, David had a lot of instructions to pass
on to him.
David was an old 70, by anyone’s standards. The weight of ruling might
have done this to him, but I think it was the weight of the damage he had
caused in the lives of others. If any of us had to bear the body count of those
who died for his sin, the one son raping a daughter, the other son killing the
other son, etc., etc., etc., it would have aged us too.
We don't hear this until later, but, obviously, Abishag became David's
wife. Yet the fact that they never knew
each other added an interesting technicality that will appear later. But she
was still a king's wife, and the connection to her could make someone eligible
for a right to the throne.
Vs. 5-10 I'm not sure what happened here, because it was common for a
king to make his son co-regent and they would reign together for a while. That
sounds like a wise thing to do and looks like discipleship to me. David
apparently didn't do this and in the absence of his leadership and guidance,
people looked at the tottering old guy (with his human hot water bottle) and
took the leadership into their own hands. It would seem that David’s decline in
his late 60’s was pretty severe. None of what Adonijah did in this event could
have happened in a short time. It all took planning. Also it is obvious from
what is said here and later, that it was known that Solomon had been chosen by David
and God to be king. It seems then that God allowed, and would use, this
situation to expose Solomon's enemies and remove them.
V. 6 Notice, it is the Spirit who is making this editorial judgment.
You wouldn’t call David a model father. It seems to me that once David had the
promise that one of his sons would sit on the throne, and then after the sin
with Bathsheba and Uriah, his hope for his sons was somehow intensified by fear
and guilt. It seems he didn’t punish Amnon, thinking that Amnon would be king.
Then David allowed Absalom to go wild and still hoped Absalom would be king.
And now Adonijah, his next oldest, received no guidance and the situation
became very dysfunctional. I wonder if in his regret and guilt he doubted that
God would fulfill the promise. His desire for his sons to follow him on the
throne seems more of the flesh than of the Spirit, especially when it keeps
mentioning that they were tall and handsome. Didn’t he seem concerned with
their spiritual qualifications?
(As a side note, later we will see the evil and spiritually confused
Ahab select one of his sons to be his heir and give his other sons cities to
rule in other parts of northern Israel. This is probably what David should have
done.)
Vs. 7-8 But God in His sovereignty used this leadership vacuum to allow
sides to become visible. Joab wasn't listed among the mighty men; he was
dishonest and he was very self-serving. I don't know what is going on with
Abiathar; but his family was destroyed, partly because of David's lie, not telling
them what danger they would be in if they helped him. That might have
influenced Abiathar, or it might just have been that these men rejected the
choice of Solomon because of the circumstances around Solomon’s birth. Who
knows?
Notice that the mighty men, including Joab's own brother, were not part
of this rebellion and they were not invited. It shows that THE THIRTY were
deeply loyal to David. The fact that Solomon wasn't invited means they knew he
had been chosen to be king.
Vs. 9-10 This was Adonijah's own coronation/rebellion just outside of
the city. Everyone important who was not invited was in danger of death. If
this event went unanswered, there would be no way to undo it.
Vs. 11-14 Nathan was apparently nudged by the Lord in the eleventh
hour. It was time to act. The rebellion had revealed itself and Solomon's
kingship had to be confirmed. If you want something to make you think, do a
search on this prophet Nathan; and look at all the "red letter"
events in David's life, in which Nathan was involved. I'd like to say something
wise here, but I just saw this myself and I'm still pondering the meaning of
it.
Vs. 15-27 The purpose of these announcements, first by Bathsheba and
then by Nathan, was to rally David. This did to David what the attractive,
human hot water bottle couldn't do. It got his blood boiling. Now and to his
death, David would be energetic and go out with his sandals on.
One of the things that is playing a role here is the word of judgment
that came through Nathan, that the sword would never depart from David's house.
David saw that it was happening again. Soon someone would be dead, and he was
right.
Vs. 28-31 We don't have any record of God or David saying that Solomon
would be the next king. It did say that Solomon was loved by the Lord. Maybe as
a result of that early prophetic recognition, David changed Solomon’s name to
Jedidiah and knew he would be king. If you look at 1 Chronicles 22, it looks
like David was collecting stuff for the temple and drawing up plans; he was
coaching Solomon. That might have taken time. So it is possible that before
David became bedridden, he had promised the kingdom to Solomon, but then had
gotten very sick. The other possibility is that 1 Chronicles 22 came after this
incident, and David rallied and enjoyed better health until he died.
Vs. 32-40 Whereas Adonijah's plan took some time and counsel, this plan
got David’s blood moving and progressed very quickly. Solomon and many others
were in danger. Talk about cutting through the red tape. They called the city
together. Solomon rode to the tabernacle, and the official trumpet that
designated holy days was used. After this, Solomon went to David's throne.
Although this coronation was thrown together, it was and looked fully official.
From 1 Chronicles 23, you get the idea that there was a second coronation
later, after David put his sandals on and was back on his feet.
Vs. 41-53 The fact that this was a rebellion is shown by how everyone
with Adonijah reacted when they knew that Solomon had been made king. Oops!
They knew they had disobeyed and been discovered and judged. They knew that
Solomon was to have been king.
V. 50 In the tabernacle was the altar where they burned the sacrifices
to obtain mercy from God. Adonijah went in and grabbed the corners of the altar
at one end and sent word that he wanted to receive mercy.
Vs. 51-53 Solomon's answer and actions show that he had been groomed
for the kingship and was ready to rule. Solomon also knew that this had been
rebellious and would have meant his death and the death of his mother. Adonijah
deserved to die, but Solomon showed him mercy.
This was one of those situations where you see neglect and a lack of
leadership and wonder if it really makes sense to wait on God. But here,
Solomon did the right thing by waiting, even though his life was in danger. And
suddenly, one afternoon, boom, he was king. God is sovereign. If something is
His will, He will throw the party together at the last minute and it will look
good. That's a good thing for disciples to learn.
Acts 4
Vs. 1-4 At this time, the priests were of the party of the Sadducees.
The double irritant was not only the preaching of Jesus, but the preaching of
the resurrection. The Sadducees didn't believe in the resurrection and that's
why they were “sad, you see.” They were really sad that the guy they had killed
was back.
V. 4 This appears to be 5000 additional believers. That would make
about 8000 men (plus women and children?) or about a third of the population of
Jerusalem. Again, with the baptisms and all, this would have been a very
public, visual and exciting happening in the city. So while Peter and John were
hauled off to jail, the other ten apostles, and probably lots of disciples,
were baptizing the new believers. This was great teamwork.
Vs. 5-12 This again is the fulfillment of what Jesus had told them
about not being anxious about what to say, because it would be the Spirit of
their Father speaking through them. Wow, what a message. Notice that Peter and
the Spirit put the emphasis on what caused a lame man to be healed. This lame
man had been a fixture at the temple, and all the priests, Sadducees, Pharisees
and all the people knew him. This wasn't a discussion about opinion; it was
obvious that a miracle had taken place.
V. 11 On the Wednesday before He died, Jesus had quoted these words to
the chief priests, scribes and the elders of the people. Now they are hearing
them from this Galilean fisherman.
V. 12 This is an immortal saying from the Spirit through Peter. This
declaration of salvation in Christ alone is one worth memorizing.
Vs. 13-22 Luke makes a point in Acts to show how often the disciples
are (Christianity is) pronounced innocent. This is the first public trial of
the disciples, and the leaders have nothing to say. You can bet that word of
this got around town. This would almost be the same as the authorities
approving what they did.
Vs. 13-14 This sounds so much like Jesus that it must have seemed eerie
for them. They couldn't guess that it was really the same Spirit speaking.
V. 19 It is interesting that they learned from Jesus not to give
direct, defiant answers. They knew to turn the situation around to make the
leaders have to make a decision. Obviously it is more important to obey God.
And, obviously it was the Spirit teaching them what to say.
Vs. 22-23 Again, the Father had the Son walk by this lame man for a
reason. In fact, God had everyone walk by him. They noticed him to the point of
complete familiarity. Now that he was healed, the people were rejoicing and the
leaders were in shock. This should give us some patience to allow God to do His
work, even if we think something is unfair. We don't know what God is planning
down the road.
Vs. 23-31 What a great prayer and understanding of how the Lord was
using them.
Vs. 25-26 This sure gives you an appreciation of Psalm 2. And it is
awe-inspiring to think of when the Lord wrote Psalm 2 through David, and when
He fulfilled it. His judgments are unsearchable and His planning is
inscrutable.
V. 31 I've never been in a prayer meeting where we had an earthquake.
They already had the Spirit dwelling in them. This filling of the Spirit is
like what we've seen with Samson. It was a special, temporary empowering to do
the task before them.
Vs. 32-37 So Jerusalem had been filled with pilgrims, people who had
come to the Feast of the Harvest. Now, apparently the week-long feast was over,
but those who had come to Christ wanted to stay and learn more about Christ
from the apostles. They couldn't learn online, and they had only brought so much
money and there were no ATMs. It was primitive. This is where the great need
came from.
Again, we wonder today why this isn't always happening; but if 3000
people from some primitive land, like Canada, came to your church this weekend
and all trusted in Christ so that everyone in your church was somehow moved by
seeing so many Canadians come to Christ, they would naturally join in to help
them. Eh? And if these 3000 people couldn't go back to their land, because
beavers took over or something like that, and you had to put them up, you and
your church would do the same as the believers in Acts. Eh? But, it would be
because of the Spirit and because of the mission. Eh? Take away the Spirit and
the mission and the bearing of fruit and this call to unity becomes contrived.
No one really gets unified around fellowship dinners and worship services, but
that's practically the primary focus of some churches. Eh?
V. 36 Enter Barnabas. There are lots of little things going on here. He
was a Jew with a good pedigree from the tribe of Levi; but he was from Cyprus,
meaning unlike the Jews in Jerusalem, he lived with and rubbed shoulders with
Gentiles. Barnabas would become a great encourager of the apostles and he would
"disciple" the apostle Paul. But the reason we are meeting Barnabas
here is because his generosity led to a situation that would become the first
instance of vying for status in the church and it would show the first example
of church discipline.
Psalm 124
This was a good reminder to the people coming to worship in Jerusalem,
leaving their homes and fields unguarded, that their hope of protection was in
the Lord. It was a call for Israel to remember God's faithfulness to His
promise.
Vs. 1-5 Israel's history from the death of Joshua to the kingdom of
David was one of loss and oppression. God helped, but He helped in spite of the
sin of the people. Still, He remained faithful to His promise to Abraham. If
the Lord had not been on Israel's side, they would have been devoured.
Vs. 6-7 This is the point of the song. It prepared the people to bless
the Lord out of a sense of deep gratitude.
V. 8 Amen, and we need to remember this too. David knew this, forgot it
during the taking of the census, but lived his last days knowing that God had
delivered him out of every danger.
As disciples, we can think our actions make things happen, and imagine
that how we zig or zag saves us from danger. It is really all in the Lord's
hands.
Proverbs 16:24
I keep trying to
learn this one. And then Paul and the Spirit say in Ephesians 4:29, Let no corrupting talk come out of your
mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it
may give grace to those who hear. So often my words are about myself.
Please Read
the Following Disclaimer
I'm writing the Reading Notes to and
for those who are following a One Year Bible and are 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, that is, 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 and important discipleship manual we have and it is the 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, or whom we are to be following. 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, as disciples, 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, 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 (BKC).
I read the BKC in doing background for the Reading Notes and refer to it quite
often. I also make reference to maps or charts in the BKC, though I will only
note where those resources can be found. Often you can do a search for these
and find them in Google books. Buying both volumes of the Bible Knowledge
Commentary would be a good idea.
I am not endorsing any particular
One Year Bible translation; in fact, I read something you probably don't, Die
Revidierte Lutherbibel, 1984. Unless noted, all Scripture quotes are from the
ESV Bible.
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. Often there is a breadth of opinion on certain events, both
historical and prophetic. Many of my views come from my church background,
theological training and my personal study.
I'm
doing this with discipleship in mind, meaning, I'm writing out thoughts that
will keep discipleship and our growth as disciples applied to what we are
reading. Remember, the real focus of the Reading Notes is to be a
supplement, a disciple’s commentary, giving motivation and insight so that we
will keep following our Lord in the harvest, reaching the lost and making
disciples, who make disciples. Being in
the Word every day, sitting at Jesus’ feet, learning directly from Him, is the
essential essence of being and making disciples.
May the Lord bless you as you follow Him in the
harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples, who make disciples. Dan
If you would like documents
containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go to https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.
If you would like a full
presentation of discipleship read Simply
Disciples*Making Disciples.
Or if you are struggling with
insomnia and would like a long boring dissertation on disciple making, these
can both be found on https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.
Reading Notes ©, Dan Kachikis
2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
The One Year Bible © by
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton Illinois 60189
The Holy Bible, English
Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of
Good News Publishers.
All charts/graphics/outlines
from the Bible Knowledge Commentary are used with the permission of David C.
Cook.
© 1983, 2001 John F Walvoord and Roy B Zuck.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary is published by David C Cook.
All rights reserved. Publisher permission
required to reproduce.
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