April 21, 2012 Reading Notes

April 21, 2012 Reading Notes

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

Joshua 22:21-23:16

Joshua 22:21-34

One point of interest I saw today as I was reading my German Bible was the place where the altar was built. In verse 22:10, it says "the region of the Jordan," in the English versions; but in the German it says, "The Stone Circles." The Greek says "Gilgal (which means circle)." This is the place where Israel had crossed over the Jordan seven years earlier. The nation had lived there for some time as it began to fight against Jericho and other cities. More importantly, this is where they set up a circular monument made of "stones" that they brought up out of the waterless bed of the Jordan as the people had passed across the dry river bed.

When the two and a half tribes came to this place after seven years of absence from their families, and after all the battles and campaigns, the sight of this "literally" monumental place must have stirred them. It might have been that the events in the wilderness, as well as the crossing of the Jordan, all seemed so long ago. Now they realized it was possible that the other tribes would forget that they were all related.

Vs. 21-23 This is a very heartfelt and motivated rebuttal of the accusations. What they did here might have not made sense to me, but they had very sincere motives.

Vs. 24-28 Notice how often their children or descendants are mentioned here. In a perfect world this wouldn't have been a problem, because they would have begun gathering at the tabernacle for the feasts three times a year, and so there would have been a means of gathering and communication. After Joshua's death, few obeyed the Lord.

V. 29 It is notable that they affirm that the tabernacle was the only place to worship God through offerings.

Vs. 30-31 Phinehas is the spokesman and says that through this potential crisis, they have seen that the Lord was in their midst.

Vs. 32-34 What I find interesting is all the unity: the unity of the nation to find out why the altar had been built, the unity of the 2.5 tribes, and then the unity of the entire nation regarding the resolution. The people had learned lessons in the wilderness, and up to this point, everyone was following God. This unity was a sign of God's blessing

Joshua 23:1-16

This is the first half of Joshua's final address to Israel. Today the message is to the leaders (v. 2). Tomorrow the message will be to the people and the book will come to an end. Get ready to celebrate with a McCanaan and a Milk&Honey shake.

Vs. 1-4 This is the second time now that we have seen a leader of Israel hang up his sandals. If you were leading a group of disciples, what would your final address be?

Joshua seems to be telling them that he is about to change his residence to God's zip code, and he briefly recounts what God used him to accomplish for the people.

Vs. 5-13 It seems here that Joshua is exhorting them to follow deeply the promises of the Lord. Based on what God had promised, they could be strong and courageous, following the Lord and taking the initiative as God led. Obeying the Lord and loving Him would be the key.

Vs. 14-16 All of what God promised had come true and they could have had total victory. It is sad to think that all of what Joshua warned them of would come true in Judges. Notice how Joshua says that just as God fulfilled the promise of giving them the land, if they disobey, He will just as certainly, fulfill the promise to remove them.

There are three things that stand out to me in what Joshua says.

First, he directs the people to understand that God had blessed them and fought for them. They were to be grateful and focused on God.

Second, in verse 11, Joshua focuses them on God's love. Following as disciples, too, has to originate out of His amazing love for us.

Third, Joshua warns them of the danger of leaving the Lord by not obeying. As disciples, there is a lot of distraction in life and in the church. Our mission has always remained very simple for each individual and for every church. But life on earth blurs our vision, and the body of sin wears us down. Daily refocusing is necessary. That is why disciples need to be in the Word daily. And that is why Jesus showed us the model of being with a group of disciples, reaching out and making disciples. We need to keep one another encouraged and sharp in Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKdeplv1IcM&feature=related

Luke 20:27-47

We've had these same events before. God is giving us this repetition for a reason.

Vs. 27-38 While the question about taxes was designed to get Jesus in trouble either with the Romans or with the Jews, depending on His answer, this issue was meant to make Jesus look foolish. The Sadducees had probably used this on many Pharisees and had great success with it. Instead, Jesus turned this into a very simple, but powerful, moment of teaching. Actually, I still find what Jesus says in verses 37 and 38 profound.

Vs. 39-40 Even the enemy, the scribes, were pushed to sincerity and silence by the truth, honesty and insight of what Jesus had just said.

Vs. 41-44 But rather than Jesus schmoozing up to the scribes, He pressed the point. Jesus gives them another one of those simple, obvious, and extremely profound insights. Again, Jesus isn't doing this to prove any point or further the conflict. He is fishing in the harvest. I guess that's what you call a "mexed mitiphor."

Vs. 45-47 Jesus had said this earlier to the Pharisees, but the scribes (lawyers) were a branch of the Pharisees. This is not the worst thing Jesus has said about the scribes, but in this situation, it was like throwing gas on a fire. The judgment of God would come on Israel because of their leaders, so Jesus' condemnation was more than just. At the same time, we noticed that when Jesus honestly stood against these leaders, others like Matthew the tax collector, understood that the way to God stood open through Jesus. I think that is why Jesus is being so bold and so open in what He is saying. There are people standing by whom He is hoping to reach.

I was reading this morning Jesus telling His disciples, "even as the Son of Man came, not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." Even under pressure, near His death and in the face of His enemies, Jesus was still honest and caring and reaching out to anyone who would hear. As His disciples, we are to abide in Him and do the same in our particular part of the harvest.

Psalm 89:14-37

This part of the psalm is like reminding God how He has blessed David and promised him a perpetual reign.

Vs. 14-18 Because they rest and hide in God's righteousness, faithfulness, and love, and because they exalt in Him, He is their strength and shield. This is a way of saying they have made themselves dependent on God. God is their only help.

Vs. 19-26 When we first meet David, he will be a young teen who is surprisingly anointed by Samuel to be King of Israel. He was God's choice and God had promised. And then we will watch God exalt David's faith. And then we will watch David run for his life for a decade. It is during this waiting and running and crying out that David became "a man after God's own heart." And in all of that, God proved over and over, that David was His man and confirmed His steadfast love and faithfulness to him. Why do we think we should expect any other treatment if God loves us as much as He loved David? We are servants and slaves of our Savior.

Vs. 27-37 In light of what Scripture says about a future bodily reign of David on earth under the Messiah, this promise to David was very profound. David, for all of his faults, became a model of the Messiah. We have already seen that Jesus was both the Son of David and the Lord of David.

Even though this is a great and exalted promise, notice what is said in verses 30-33. Even though a son of David may stumble in his walk with God, God would still regard the promise to David. Solomon would be the first and real threat to this covenant, but I think the occasion for the writing of this psalm was Absalom's rebellion. If so, the psalmist, with David sitting in, is asking God to not allow the rebellion of David's son to make Him forget the kindness He has promised to David. Punishment was promised, but so was covenantal love and loyalty.

In reading these last verses I am amazed at the promise of God. And to think, that as disciples, we have something that makes the promise to David look like a two-year-old's Sunday school drawing. Our Savior has promised amazing things to us eternally and also as we follow Him into the harvest making disciples who make disciples.

Proverbs 13:17-19

As a disciple, verse 19 hits me. To do what we need to do at this time in this harvest, we need to be able to say, "No," to our desires, not just when they are evil, but also, when they are a silly use of time. For us as followers, the biggest temptation is to fritter away time with little endeavors that are not evil. These things come under our radar and they occupy our time and blur our focus. "No longer being a fool," to me, means to stop following the rabbit trails that, while not evil, lead me away from abiding in Christ, His love, His passion and His mission.

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.

April 20, 2012 Reading Notes

April 20, 2012 Reading Notes

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

I had a little mini insight in today's reading. It didn't come because I'm smart, but because I've been reading like this for so many years and the bell finally went off. I'm saying all this because if you read your One-Year Bible year after year, the Spirit will do the same things with you.

I mentioned yesterday that one of the cities the Levites were given is a city of refuge: Ramoth in Gilead. I mentioned that there is a place in the Bible where the three words are spelled as one: Ramoth-gilead. This is the scene of a very spooky portion of Scripture. Actually, a lot of things happen there. You see Ahab (not from Moby Dick, but similar) getting set up to fall into God's judgment and you see a godly king, Jehoshaphat, making a devastating mistake. Then you witness Michaiah, a lone, starved prophet, open a window to let us see what actually takes place spiritually before the throne of God in heaven as he uses the demonic to judge the disobedient and rebellious on earth. The entire event is in 1 Chronicles 18, but look particularly at vs. 18-22. You can get some real insight out of this. I have always been intrigued by this story, but I never realized that what Ahab was using to lure Jehoshaphat into fighting with him had once been a spiritual city, a city of the Levites, a city of refuge. What a noble cause to use to entice Jehoshaphat into bonding with him and his evil. You can imagine Jehoshaphat thinking, "Of course God will bless us if we try to recapture this city from Syria, that had once been a godly and holy city of Israel." This makes sense to me why a good man like Jehoshaphat was fooled. I think that's pretty cool and very instructive. And it is only because of reading the One-Year Bible, year after year.

Joshua 21:1-22:20

Joshua 21

This is the final act of establishing the people in the land. The Levites were given cities to live in, with land to plow and keep their animals. God spread the Levites throughout Israel. Since they no longer needed to pack up the tabernacle, they would be organized to minister at the tabernacle in shifts. In the meantime, they were to have a teaching ministry among the people. So, rather than gathering the Levites around the tabernacle in Shiloh, they were spread out. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, "someone has estimated that no one in Israel lived more than 10 miles from one of the 48 Levite towns." (p.364)

V. 11 We have heard of this city before. It is Hebron, but when Caleb conquered it, it was the city of a giant among giants. I don't think Caleb had a problem giving this city to the Levites. The Levites were to be a good influence in Israel.

V. 17 I never noticed this before, but the city of Gibeon, where the guys tricked Joshua and made a covenant with him, became a city of Levites.

V. 18 This is the future city of the priests and the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah.

V. 38 This is Ramoth-gilead.

Vs. 43-45 This states the completion of the administration of Joshua and the essential conquest and division of the land. If only the people would have continued to follow the Lord.

This summary didn't mean that the fighting was over, and it didn't signal the completion of the Abrahamic covenant. Everything here is still partial, but the doors are open for the people to take the land by following God in faith.

Joshua 22:1-20

This is an interesting event. It hints to future problems, but at this point, it shows Israel's very solid focus on obeying the Lord.

Vs. 1-6 Notice what Joshua says in verse 5, and see how many individual commands you can get out of this. If you have trouble, find the infinitives introduced by the word "to." This verse would not only make a great sermon or devotional, but it describes the life of a disciple. And what is all this about love? I thought we didn't hear about loving God in the Old Testament.

Vs. 7-9 As Joshua sent them back, he commanded them to share with those who had been left behind to protect their families and property and to begin farming the land. God and Moses had already laid the groundwork for this.

Vs. 10-20 Tomorrow we'll read the answer of the 2.5 tribes as to why they built the altar. That these people built an altar is interesting. They could have built a Mt. Rushmore of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. This altar showed that they regarded the worship of God at the tabernacle the unifying symbol of Israel. It was still a bad idea.

Notice that the people are totally unified in their response in vs. 11-12 & 16.

V. 12 Notice that they sent Phinehas to lead the people in understanding what had happened.

Notice the references to how the sins of a few hurt the entire congregation in 17, 18 & 20.

V. 19 They offered the solution of letting the 2.5 tribes join them on the west side of the Jordan.

Since there is no mention of Joshua, it seems that Joshua was retired and that the new guys like Phinehas were leading the people. More on this story tomorrow.

Regarding discipleship, the thing I see in this account is the necessity to constantly be training the next generation of leaders. Phinehas had good family connections, but we also see him in action as a man who had a heart for God. When he mentions the fiasco at Baal-Peor in verse 17, it was because he himself took the lead in that situation when everyone else was paralyzed. It is interesting for me that the priests had an upcoming leader in Phinehas, but the nation had no one to follow Joshua. The next leader we will see is Othniel, who was close to Caleb and who was probably influenced by Caleb. In the case of the rest of the judges, no one looks like they were "discipled" for leadership.

Since our focus in this life is to constantly be making more and better disciples, it shouldn't be rare to find leaders who have come up in a group to assume leadership from the past generation and groom leaders for the next generation. In working in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples, we should be pros at developing men and woman who have a heart for God, and who are convinced that their mission in life is to follow Christ in the harvest making disciples who make disciples. It is hard to break that chain of generational preparation if we embrace our mission as makers of disciples from and for the harvest.

Luke 20:1-26

We have read these events before in Matthew and Mark. Jesus is close to His crucifixion, and here, He's in the pressure cooker of controversy and conflict.

Vs. 1-8 So, as a disciple advising other disciples, what principle would you pull from this event that would arm people in your group to give a good answer in this kind of conflict?

Vs. 9-19 I don't know about this one. Would you advise your guys to be this pointed? It kind of cuts against our cultural sense of being "politically correct."

V. 16 One note here is that Luke records the Pharisees saying, "Surely not." In Romans, Paul (a former Pharisee) uses this all the time. In Romans 3:6 it is "by no means."

Vs. 20-26 I'm always amazed when I read this. I wish I could teach myself to come up with these kinds of answers. As a "near" application, I think it is fair to tell the people we are helping become disciples (especially in an election year), not to complain about government and to do the work of a disciple in the harvest, bearing much fruit, glorifying the Father and so proving to be disciples of our Lord. Jesus said that if we seek His kingdom first, He'll take care of the rest.

This is a rather "exhausting" video, but "He'll Take Care of the Rest" by Keith Green is great. The song begins after a minute and thirty seconds. Whether it's "success" in our following as disciples in the harvest or waiting for God to meet our earthly needs, we are just to focus on following Jesus in the harvest and to be faithful for our part. God takes care of results and keeping us fed and clothed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAe0q21YgTQ

Psalm 89:1-13

Ok, so this is interesting. This guy, Ethan, is the brother to the guy who wrote the psalm yesterday, Herman. Names are hard to track down, especially since the names vary in spelling over years and books. Some guys even had more than one name. Also, it is hard to know when they lived because sometimes the head of the clan is named and then only the "famous sons" are mentioned with names skipped in between. But check this out, look at 1 Chron. 2:6 and then at 1 Kings 4:31. You find the same names together. These men were known to be wise, and so it's mentioned that Solomon was more of a wise guy than both of them put together. It means that they probably lived before Solomon and during the time of David.

Now, it says that they were together (if it's the same guys) when David brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem in 1 Chron. 15:15-19.

This psalm will be spread over today, tomorrow and the next day. If both men were with David during the time he fled from Absalom, I wonder if (and this is just pure speculation) the psalms were meant to complement each other somehow. In the betrayal of Absalom and the civil war that took place, Psalm 88 seems to capture the extreme darkness of the days of running and uncertainty, and Psalm 89 seems to remember the glorious establishment of David by cries to God to restore David again.

Vs. 51 (April 22) sounds like the verbal abuse David took at the hands of Shimei in 2 Sam. 16:5-9. I'm saying this now to suggest that that event might be the framework of this psalm.

All of this is a bit harder when a psalm is spread out over so many days. Then on the 23rd we get two psalms because they were both written by Moses. Go figure.

Vs. 1-4 Notice how God's steadfast love and faithfulness are linked to God's sworn promise to David. Implied in what is said here is that God should be praised as a result of all of this. This sounds very much like David.

Vs. 5-7 The heavens praising the Lord here are the angelic realms where God is ruling and served.

Vs. 8-10 Even the dangerous forces of nature are subject to God. Their subjection to His power is seen as His faithfulness to mankind.

Vs. 11-13 Even the majesty of creation praises the name and sovereign power of God.

Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story.

Proverbs 13:15-16

Amen!

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.

April 19, 2012 Reading Notes

April 19, 2012 Reading Notes

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

Believe it or not, we're going to finish Joshua this week. It’s time to get ready to celebrate. I know that the past few chapters of Joshua have been less than interesting, but some of what has been said is hinting ahead to Judges. Judges will be packed full of action, but what will keep you awake will be the shock of seeing those people, as compared to what we’ve heard in Deuteronomy and seen in Joshua.

Joshua 19-20

Joshua 19

When reading repetitive stuff, it is interesting to take note of the editorial comments or names of cities that seem familiar. There are a few interesting comments in this section and some notable cities.

Vs. 1-9 Simeon's inheritance was in the middle of Judah's land. You’ll notice that it says Ziklag belonged to Simeon, but it really belonged to Judah too. Eventually Simeon's land became absorbed into Judah and the tribe of Simeon moved north. The same thing happened to the land belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin actually "owned" Jerusalem, but you never think of it as belonging to anyone other than the tribe of Judah.

Vs. 10-16 This is the inheritance of Zebulon. There isn’t much to note here except that this “Bethlehem” is not the Bethlehem in Judah near Jerusalem where Jesus was born. Zebulon was included in the prophesy of Isaiah 9:1-2 regarding the coming of Jesus and the people who sat in darkness seeing a great light. Gabriel came to Mary in the city of Nazareth in the territory of Zebulon.

Vs. 17-23 This is the tribe of Issachar. If you read your One-Year Bible year after year, the name Jezreel will seem to have a familiar ring. This is where Elijah became terrified for his life and fled from Jezebel. It is also where Naboth died, and where a group of dogs got indigestion. They ate something (somebody) bad.

Vs. 24-31 This is the tribe of Asher. You don’t hear much of these people. Mt. Carmel should sound familiar, and at the dedication of the baby Jesus in Luke, the prophetess Anna, of the tribe of Asher, is on the scene.

Vs. 32-39 The territory of the tribe of Naphtali should sound familiar. Naphtali is also in the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2; and its cities, like Capernaum, figure prominently in Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee.

Vs. 40-48 The territory of Dan figures tragically in the stories to follow. Verse 47 summarizes this history, but we’ll get the rest of the story in Judges. Some of the cities mentioned here actually were in the list of those belonging to Judah. Dan never really settled in the land they were given. In Judges you’ll see why they were driven from their inheritance.

Vs. 49-50 By command of the Lord, Israel gave Joshua his own city which he rebuilt. Old people need hobbies when they retire. That command was the same one that God gave concerning Caleb, that both men would have land where they had walked as spies. It is interesting that while Caleb was the first to be given his inheritance, Joshua waited to the very end. The leader was the last to be served.

Joshua 20

Vs. 1-6 These are the cities of refuge. The purpose of these cities was to insure there would be justice for accidental killing, so that the nation would not be guilty of spilling innocent blood. The fact that this law and these cities are mentioned so often should make us think of the importance God put on innocent blood. This goes back to God’s curse on Cain for killing Abel. Killing innocent unborn babies may be plausible in our culture, but it is not missed or dismissed by God.

Vs. 7-9 It is interesting that all of these cities will be mentioned tomorrow in another "grouping" of cities. Notable in this list are Hebron and Ramoth Gilead. Hebron will become the city where David reigns over Judah while directing the seven-year civil war against the loyalists of the house of King Saul. Ramoth Gilead is the city that King Ahab will try to win back from the Syrians with King Jehoshaphat’s help. That event is where we will meet the prophet Micaiah in 1 Kings 22:15, in an episode that will make your hair stand on end.

Luke 19:28-48

Vs. 28-40 We've read of the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem before. Note that the people who owned the colt either knew of Jesus and the Scriptures surrounding this event, or God gave them some supernatural flexibility to let some guys just walk up and take the colt. I get the feeling that the people were anticipating this event.

Vs. 39-40 Apparently the Pharisees were not expecting the people to be proclaiming Jesus to be the Messiah. It is so ironic that the Pharisees thought that Jesus should have had the decency to correct the crowd. Can you imagine having missed this moment, standing next to Jesus, correcting Him? They know the truth now.

Except for the fact that there will be no condemnation in heaven, I wonder if we met an old-time saint in heaven and told him when we lived and what we have in Christ, if he’d say, “Wait. You had that, and that and that? And all you did with it was THAT?” Every generation takes for granted what it has been given.

Vs. 41-44 Jesus wept over Jerusalem and gave a near and far description of what would happen to Jerusalem. In the near future, that generation of Israel would be judged and Jerusalem would be destroyed in 70AD by the Romans. In the distant future, the city and the people will be nearly destroyed again during the tribulation. Knowing what is happening here, it is eerie to have Jesus tell them that they missed the time of their visitation.

Vs. 45-46 This is the second time Jesus has cleansed the temple. The first time is recorded in John 2.

Vs. 47-48 I find it interesting that the leaders were afraid to arrest Jesus, because people listened to Him so intently. The irrationality of sin permeated the thinking and actions of these leaders. That irrationality is still operating today, even among God’s people. Sin is still alive and well, if we don’t take advantage of the Word and the Spirit. That’s why we need our meds every day; that is, we need to be washed in the Word, keeping our hearts before the Lord, submitting our lives to Him, and following Him in the harvest.

Psalm 88

What is so gripping about this psalm is that there is no "up side." I've never seen a psalm end so darkly. I would say it is inspired by God who tells us to keep seeking Him, even, when emotionally, there is no end in sight. It sounds like this guy is praying out of raw faith, with the sickness of heart mentioned in Proverbs 13:12.

It could be that this psalm is connected to the psalm for tomorrow. Psalm 89 might give the positive side of what is being expressed today.

According to 1 Chronicles 6:31, this writer might be one of the singers who David appointed to lead worship after the ark was brought to Jerusalem. Judging from some of the themes in this psalm, it seems like this guy might have put King David’s personal sorrow to music. If this psalm was written by or in conjunction with David during his life, it could be that the situation being reflected here has to do with Absalom’s rebellion.

Vs. 1-2 This crying out sounds like David.

Vs. 3-7 As David left Jerusalem with his followers, he was in total humiliation and in great danger. When you read the account, David would have been killed that night if Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s advice in 2 Samuel 17:1.

Vs. 8-9 If that rebellion was the cause of this psalm, only David’s most loyal followers stayed with him, yet he was stunned that some of his trusted friends left him. David actually lost the entire country, and his own son was trying to kill him.

Vs. 10-12 One of the constant promises David made to God was to proclaim His love and deliverance. You can understand David’s logic here. If he was dead, how could he do that? I’m sure God wasn’t sitting in heaven listening to this and then said, “You know, Gabriel, he has a point. If I kill him, then what?” In a backwards way, David is promising to proclaim God’s grace if God will spare him.

Vs. 13-18 Although this is many years after David’s actions with Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, Absalom’s rebellion and the betrayal of his friends goes back to that event. God was still punishing David as He had foretold. David knew he was still reaping what he had sown. Appealing to God’s mercy was his only hope.

Proverbs 13:12-14

It seems to me that what makes this trio of verses work is the middle verse about revering the Word and following the commandment. That middle verse’s wisdom shapes our desires and expectations, and it shapes our concern and counsel to others. The Word is constantly telling us that our hope needs to be in the Lord, not in our expectations of what we think He should do. He is holy and sovereign and we are His servants. I think that when we become wise and teach others, that middle verse is what we will tell those following the Lord and it will keep them from falling into snares.

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.

April 18, 2012 Reading Notes

April 18, 2012 Reading Notes

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

Joshua 16-18

This might be a good place to find a map, on-line or otherwise, to figure out where these tribes were situated. You could Google "map of the tribes of Israel." Some maps keep the other nations in the land, others only show the land that was given by Joshua. It is good to see the land they were supposed to have received. This map seems pretty accurate and shows the large amount of land given to Judah. http://www.spbts.org/youth/jrhi/12tribes.html

It says in Joshua and Judges that the people obeyed until the last of the elders who served with Joshua had died. This means that the two references you will find saying, "the Canaanites were not driven out, but put into forced labor," were written later as historical notes.

Joshua 16

Vs. 1-4 Next came the tribes of Joseph. I find it interesting that normally you would give the firstborn his land first. God decided that Judah was the honored tribe. You’d think that everyone would have been jealous of the huge amount of land given to Judah, but some of it was the worst land. The south was desert and wilderness and there were very fierce enemies. God gave the hardest territory to the tribe with the godliest leader. In a manner of speaking, I think He still does that today. Opposition is given to those who can bring it before God, fight in prayer and perseverance, and still prosper in the harvest.

Vs. 5-10 This is the territory given to Ephraim. Notice verse 10. Now, it does say in 15:63 that the tribe of Judah wasn’t able to drive out the Jebusites in Jerusalem. I think God had a purpose in that and Jerusalem was a fortified city. Actually, we’ll see that Jerusalem was also in the territory of Benjamin (18:28). The big difference between that comment about Judah and this one about Ephraim is obvious. Ephraim had the opportunity to win, but instead of sending these people into God’s presence, they put them to forced labor. Ephraim wasn’t tricked into making a covenant with the Canaanites, they just disobeyed, using the situation with the Gibeonites as a precedent. This was for their own convenience and economic prosperity. I’m sure there are also soft-hearted, humanitarian arguments.

Joshua 17

Vs. 1-2 Now we get to Joseph’s other son, Manasseh.

Vs. 3-6 This shows the fulfillment of the situation with the daughters of Zelophehad. This is the fourth time these women and this situation is mentioned. It will be mentioned one more time in 1 Chronicles 7. It seems to me that God is making a point of what happened here. Not only did God protect the inheritance of Zelophehad, but He laid out the precedent of extending these rights to women. Based on what happened here, thousands of other situations could be determined. God’s heart was known and it was written in Israel’s law. That’s kind of nice of God to do that.

Vs. 7-13 This is the land division for Manasseh. You notice verse 13. Again, this was added later, after the fact. This is absolutely tragic and it is exactly what God told the people not to do. We are getting ready for the darkness that is the book of Judges.

Vs. 14-17 This story is also very foreboding. I don’t know if there is an intentional contrast to Judah and Caleb, but there is a definite difference in the tone of this request and Caleb’s request. There is no faith visible in the people of Joseph, only whining. Both in verses 15 and 17 Joshua tells them they were able to do this from the standpoint of power. But they didn’t have the faith.

Notice that the people are already making excuses for not driving the people out. It is almost as if God has done the big work through Joshua, and now "the disciples" have to live by their own faith. Tragic as it is, left to their own faith and their own initiative to seek after God, they failed; not because God failed, but left to themselves, they really had no faith, or, to use one of Jesus’ parables, they had no root in themselves.

Joshua 18

V. 1 In the Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, pages 360-361, Donald Campbell links the tone of the people of Joseph to the move Joshua makes here to establish the tabernacle in Shiloh. The people were worn out and becoming fearful. They would now have to follow and obey by faith and there were already signs that they were beginning to fail. This is the first mention of Shiloh. Apparently they set up camp there and that is where the tabernacle was for about 300 years, until the ark was lost to the Philistines during the lifetime of Samuel.

Vs. 2-10 This is pretty interesting how they decided to divvy up the rest of the land. You can sense again in verse 3 that there was a reluctance of the people to joyfully strike out and take the land that God had already shown He would give them. You wonder too, if the other tribes felt bad because so much was given to Judah, Manasseh and Ephraim. Notice that it is mentioned again that the Levites were given no inheritance of land. Also, the decisions were not being made at Shiloh with the priest. The lots being cast were probably the Urim and Thummim.

Vs. 11-28 This is the land given to Benjamin, on the northern boundary of Judah. Eventually, Judah and Benjamin would become the southern kingdom. Though Simeon is given land, like a bubble, in the middle of Judah, they will move to fertile lands up north. When the kingdom splits, the northern kingdom will be ten tribes and Judah will actually be Judah and Benjamin.

Of note here is the mention of Jerusalem also belonging to Benjamin (and apparently also to Judah). Also, notice Gibeah in verse 28. This city is the center of a tragic story at the end of Judges. It is the first city of Israel to go “Sodom,” and in the civil war that follows, the entire tribe of Benjamin will be reduced to 600 men.

Luke 19:1-27

I've never noticed this before, but it seems that all of this takes place at Zacchaeus' house. Jesus had told His disciples that you had to receive the kingdom like a child. So in Jericho we’ve met Bartimaeus, crying out and, once healed, bounding around Jesus, following Him. Now we’ll see a contrast to the rich, young ruler. A rich man who is saved, and again, acts like a kid.

Vs. 1-10 It is interesting that just recently, God brought Jesus into contact with the rich young ruler. Here, you have a tax collector. He was rich and he hadn't been a completely honest guy (since he had people to pay back), but he was repentant and willing to give everything away for the sake of knowing Jesus. Funny how the religious young ruler backed away from Jesus, and the sinner was ready to follow.

Vs. 4-6 Again, you have childlike faith to the point of climbing trees and bounding around in joy. Notice that this is the second story in a row of someone willing to "seek" Jesus and to endure shame for doing it. Zacchaeus, like the blind man, wasn't blind to who Jesus was.

V. 7 I’ll bet you don’t have to guess who “they” were.

Notice, too, that over half of the story has to do with Zacchaeus seeking Jesus. The remainder of the story is the proof of his sincerity and salvation. Jesus didn't have to ask Zacchaeus to give anything because he was already ready to do so.

V. 9 Zacchaeus wasn’t saved by doing what he did, but like the test to the rich young ruler, the willingness to give stuff away proved that his treasure was in heaven and that money didn't own his heart like it did the rich young ruler’s.

V. 10 I read today, "A disciple is not above his teacher….it is enough that a disciple is like his teacher…." If this was why Jesus came and it expresses His passion, we too should be living to seek and to save what is lost.

Vs. 11-27 Luke tells us why Jesus is telling this parable here. This story is similar, but not the same as the parable of the talents that Jesus will tell in Jerusalem the Wednesday before He dies. You probably have a note telling you how much a "mina" was. That would be a hefty amount.

In light of the purpose of the story, what was Jesus trying to get across to the twelve and to the others who are following Him? Everyone was hoping He was about to overthrow the Roman government and bring the religious corruption to an end (everyone knew the chief priests were no good).

For us as disciples, there is an application. We are entrusted with something. There also seems to be variable rewards based on fruit. Fruit is relative and all fruit is rewarded. Fruitlessness is not celebrated here. It seems that the lack of trying was the real issue. Is it fair to say that if someone has been "given" forgiveness and grace, they will see it as their mission to see that forgiveness and grace is "invested" in the lives of others who have not found it?

V. 26 This saying has been used by Jesus often, particularly in training His disciples. It is almost like He's saying, "use it or lose it." It might be like saying that a truly believing person will strive to understand and bear testimony to Christ, whereas a "professing" but lost person will not strive or be passionate about making their life count for Christ.

V. 27 These are the general masses who didn't want this man to rule over them. It seems that the servant who didn't engage in business for his master could be one of those who didn't really want his master to return. I find it hard to accept Jesus applying the words, "wicked" and "condemn" to a disciple in verse 22. On the other hand, if this parable is being applied to unbelievers, I can't see Jesus entrusting them with His truth, if that's what the mina means. We know from 1Cor. 3:15 that there will be a "test by fire" for disciples to see what they have built on the foundation of their faith and God's truth. My view here is that the "wicked" servant is a real believer who will be tested by fire and will find that everything he built in this life got burned away. That person in 1 Corinthians will enter heaven and live eternally, but he will enter heaven with shame as he meets the Lord he has let down and sees that his life for Christ was a sham.

The point for me here is, “Engage in business until I come.” Amen.

Psalm 87

This is a very interesting psalm. Basically it says that Zion (Jerusalem) is not only God's city, but will someday be the great city of the world.

Rahab stands for Egypt and Babylon is Iraq, both places where God led Israel. These two nations hosted Israel and will apparently be blessed for that, and with these other nations mentioned here, will someday be adopted and included in Israel's worship as part of Israel. It will be said that they were born in Zion. Verse 6 says the same thing. The Lord will include them in the register of those who have been “born in Zion,” belonging to the blessing of that kingdom. This all sounds like a fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him. Also, since this event has never happened to this point in history, I'd say it is referring to the Millennial Kingdom, where Jesus will rule the world from Jerusalem for 1000 years.

Notice that verse 3 gave birth to a song, a hymn, "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken, Zion, City of our God." Imagine my surprise when we moved to Germany and, watching a soccer game, discovered the melody of that hymn is the melody of Germany's national anthem.

V. 7 In the future, all joy will spring from that city, its river of healing and its King.

The following song is from Wayne Watson and based on the message of this psalm.

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

Proverbs 13:11

I guess the stories we have of lottery winners being ruined by their quick wealth bears this out. The real virtue here is steady diligence in work, rather than chasing after wealth, fame or success. I think this also goes for working in the harvest, growing disciples and building churches that labor in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

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.

April 17, 2012 Reading Notes

April 17, 2012 Reading Notes

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

Joshua 15

Vs. 1-12 This is a long chapter having to do with the land given to Judah. Judah is basically given the southern half of the country, from Jerusalem in the north to Kadesh-barnea in the south, and from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. That land portion was so huge that three other tribes would be given pieces of it, but eventually Simeon and Benjamin were absorbed into Judah, and Dan went rogue and took land in the north. This was a royal share of the land, which later allowed Judah to become a kingdom unto itself.

Vs. 13-19 And then there were those pesky giants. This story having to do with Caleb is conspicuous by its presence. Caleb’s daughter was given the southern desert (thanks, Dad!) and needed the water rights. The real impact of this story is that this is the first time we find the name of Othniel. He is a fearsome dude and unafraid of giants. He is also the first judge in the book of Judges.

Vs. 20-63 There are a lot of names of cities here, but be encouraged. After you have read through your One-Year Bible a few years, some of these will begin to stand out. One of the things that hits me reading this year is the number of enemy cities “given” to Judah. It would be like receiving the gift of Baghdad or Tehran. Many of these cities would be grave enemies of Israel for the next 400 years.

V. 31 Just for trivia and because I never saw this before, notice the town of Ziklag. When David finally got tired of being chased by King Saul, he headed to live among the Philistines in Ziklag. King Ashish gave Ziklag to David. How funny, because this town was originally supposed to belong to Judah. It won't be until the reign of David that the power of the Philistines is broken and these cities are under the rule of Israel.

V. 33 Notice the names of these cities. When you get to the story of Samson, you’ll see these cities because all of the adventures of Samson (tribe of Dan) really take place in the land of Judah.

Vs. 45-47 These are the cities of the Philistines which will loom large until David is on the throne. It is sad to think that if the people had kept following the Lord, God would have given them victory over these awesome enemies. The people were not to rest until the job was done. By deciding not to press forward, they fell backward. Instead of commanding the land and doing God’s work, Judah would be ruled by the Philistines.

V. 63 There are a couple of mentions of the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. It wouldn't be until David was king that Jerusalem would belong to Israel and become the city of David. They actually taunted David from the wall that he wouldn't be able to take the city. Bad choice. Of course the Jebusites had about 350 years (Judges to David being king) of experience seeing Israel flounder around in the land and fail. They hadn't been confronted by a man who was following God and who really wanted that city. Caleb apparently never personally tried to take the city, and Othniel lived south of Jerusalem in the desert.

In my thinking, the parallel to us as disciples is that we have been left here to work. Rest is coming. If we rest now and settle into life on earth, it overwhelms and defeats us. All of the blessing and strength the Lord promises us is in bearing our cross, following Him in the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples who make disciples. When we stop doing that and try to turn our calling into a comfortable Christianity, we become weak and at the mercy of our own sin, the enemy’s influence and the culture’s attractions. Worst of all, we are no longer following our Lord in the harvest, drawing on the strength and closeness He promises. For Israel and us, living in Canaan, without moving forward, means defeat.

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

Luke 18:18-43

Vs. 18-30 Many of the last illustrations Jesus has used, have to do with the Pharisees or rich people (the Pharisees were rich too). We know this guy as the rich young ruler. The designation of "ruler" means he was probably a ruler of a synagogue.

V. 22 I don’t think that the young man would have “gained” treasure in heaven by selling everything, but it would have shown that his true treasures were already in heaven. It would have made his true treasure clearly identifiable. Notice too that Jesus wanted him to give the money to the poor. This kind of action also shows your attitudes toward the poor. The Pharisees actually despised the poor, thinking their sin and laziness were their real problems. I think we do that too.

V. 25 The word for needle that Luke uses is a surgical or sewing needle. If being rich makes being saved almost impossible, I wonder what being fully supplied and sufficient does for us as disciples? Just a thought.

V. 26 If you put Matthew, Mark and Luke together on this story, you get a different impression. The twelve are completely shocked and overwhelmed at what Jesus said. The impact of the story is that having anything that qualifies as “riches” can make salvation impossible. Their shock was very deep. Again, it makes me wonder how we can play with being rich and still think we can be fully engaged in the harvest. We might be fooling ourselves.

V. 27 God apparently has an antidote. I’ll bet it doesn’t taste good.

Vs. 28-30 This is a short version of Jesus telling them to "seek ye first." God will more than make up for what we "give up" in following Jesus in the harvest. This is a very strong promise, and I know very few people in the western world who could live like this. But this is what Peter and the rest realized that Jesus was calling them to. Again, putting Matthew, Mark and Luke together gives you a fuller picture.

Vs. 31-34 Jesus had been heading toward Jerusalem in a round-about way. At this point, His GPS is no longer saying, "recalculating." Interestingly, Jesus had been in the region of Judah that extended (at that time) to the east side of the Jordan. He had now crossed over the Jordan and was going “up” toward Jerusalem. All roads led “up” to Jerusalem. His first stop was Jericho. This sort of sounds like Joshua.

Mark 10:32 says that Jesus was walking on ahead and they were all terrified. This talk that Jesus is having with His disciples is very serious, but they don't get it. I have a feeling that if we had been there, we wouldn't have understood either. Maybe the disciples thought, "With all Jesus was able to do, and knowing how true and good He was, how could anything like this possibly happen to Him? How could God allow it?" Sometimes you just follow without “getting it.”

Vs. 35-43 I always enjoy this story. The crowd tells the blind man, "It’s Jesus of Nazareth," but Bartimaeus cries out, "Son of David." Everyone who ever referred to Jesus as the Son of David in the Bible was neither “blind” nor wrong. What guts he had to keep crying out. In verse 43 Bartimaeus is following Jesus and glorifying God. And, the crowd that was following “Jesus of Nazareth” is now praising God.

It excites me to think that in any crowd, there might be a “Bartimaeus” sitting there, hidden in poverty or something else, waiting to be called to follow Jesus in the harvest.

Psalm 86

Vs. 1-7 This is the heart of David. All of the things God had taught David through years of struggles seem to be reflected in what he says here. God gave David many deliverances that nurtured his faith, but it was a long time before God fully delivered David. As a result of God leading David through trials, David had developed this heart and we are now blessed with this testimony.

Vs. 8-10 David understood that God was not only in control, but that all the nations would praise Him.

Vs. 11-13 This is what David needed in his current trials. He needed to be taught in God’s Word and to fear His name. David needed a heart of thanks, and he needed the comfort of God’s steadfast love. I could use all of those right now; in fact, that might be what the Spirit wants to tell me as I read this.

Vs. 14-15 This is the contrast between those who are pressing David and the security David knows he has in the Lord.

Vs. 16-17 I can really identify with this request. What do I really specifically need? I don’t know, but I really need God’s presence, His grace, His strength and His help. It would really be great for the Lord to bless with the kind of encouragement and visual acknowledgement that would let people who are questioning and doubting know that we are really following Him. That would be more than enough, and that can only come from Him, not us.

As disciples, we "rejoice and exult" in our trials according to Romans 5. That is because the Holy Spirit is in us pouring the love of God our Father into our hearts. This is the love shown in what our Lord has done for us. The Spirit turns what once were deadly and dangerous circumstances for our souls, into steps of growth and victory: proof that we belong to Him and are under His care.

Proverbs 13:9-10

We often think of the wise man in terms of someone we seek who has deep, balanced, experienced insights into life and the actions of people. We don't usually think of the wise man as one who has learned to take advice.

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.

April 16, 2012 Reading Notes

April 16, 2012 Reading Notes

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

Joshua 11:18 says that the war went on a long time. It seems, for us, that it's been quick, since we just started reading about it this week and now it's almost over. Obviously the Lord has given us an abbreviated version. Today we'll find out how long the fighting lasted from crossing the Jordan to the point of dividing the land. Even there, the Lord will tell us that there were still a lot of peoples and cities to fight against.

God hardened the kings so they would fight against Israel, but there were some examples of mercy and grace to balance the hardening. I don't believe these kings wanted to make peace, but I think the hardening is that God made them confident in their madness. Even the giants could stand against God. With God at your side, big guys make big targets. Big problems often lead to huge opportunities.

Joshua 13-14

Joshua 13

Vs. 1-7 This summary mentions that even though the military might of Canaan was broken, there were still people and cities to be removed. Even after great victories in our lives, God still keeps things in our lives that make us live by faith, still needing to depend on God. The introduction to the book of Judges explains this too.

Joshua was an older man and the fact that God told him that he was an older man indicates that his days of fighting were over. He had done what God wanted; the military might of Canaan was smashed, and now the next great task would be assigning the people the land. It could be that Joshua was in his 90’s as he entered the land and was at or beyond 100 at this point.

Remember, too, that this is an incredible moment in the plan of God and the life of the nation. They are about to be given a piece of the promised land that had been promised to Abraham. Also, as boring as these sections might seem, the fact that they are recorded in the Bible made them official real estate documents.

Vs. 8-33 The description of dividing the land begins with what Moses had already done.

Vs. 8-14 This is a summary of all that Moses did.

V. 13 At this point, this is just a report of peoples who were left in that part of the land. Actually, in a way, that was no problem since that side of the Jordan was not Canaan. These people were not under God’s judgment. If they threatened the tribes, they could deal with them by trusting God.

Notice in this chapter how often it's mentioned that the Levites had no inheritance. Their privilege was from God and the people needed to remember that. Also, their privilege was given in contrast to their lack of territorial inheritance.

Vs. 15-23 These are the legal boundaries of the land given to Reuben. Notice the mention of Balaam. He becomes a symbol of someone close to the truth, leading those in the truth into ruin. Reuben’s land was in the south, going up the east side of the Dead Sea and a part of the Jordan.

Vs. 24-28 Gad’s land went further north to the bottom of the Sea of Galilee.

Vs. 29-31 Finally, this is the land on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus did a lot of ministry there and in His day the population was predominantly Gentile.

Vs. 32-33 Notice that the Levites are mentioned again. What is also interesting is that Moses is the main person in all of this. So much of what we read here is about Israel’s obedience to God through His servant Moses. At this point, the people obeyed God and obeyed Moses. It is interesting that years later, the Pharisees who revered Moses tried to use Moses against Jesus.

Joshua 14

Vs. 1-5 This is the summary of how the land in Canaan would be divided. Notice that Joshua, Eleazar, and the elders were involved in this process. No one had the authority of Moses so the authority was spread around. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, page 356, this selection by lots was apparently done by taking a name out of an urn and then taking a land parcel out of another urn. God was the one who really decided. Also, we were told earlier, under Moses, that a large tribe should get more than a smaller tribe.

Vs. 6-12 Apparently, as the word was communicated to the tribes that the land would now be divided, Caleb came forward to address an issue. He not only represented Judah, but God had made some promises to him that needed to be attended to. Before the lots were cast, Caleb reminded Joshua of the promise.

It is inspiring listening to this man of faith. And think too, that although Caleb didn’t die and was rewarded for his faith, he still had to wait the 38 years in the wilderness as God prepared the next generation. I wonder if Caleb played a role in passing on his faith among the people of Judah? What a model for following Christ through all the turmoil of life and church and everything else. Caleb was focused on the promise of God.

Notice that this section gives us a time marker. By what Caleb says here, we know now how long Israel has been at war (chapters 1-12). Caleb was 40 when he went out as a spy. At that point, Israel had already been in the wilderness for a year and a half, being ordered as a nation. Then they wandered for 38 and a half years. So, Caleb would have been 78 when they crossed the Jordan. Since Caleb is now 85, this means that they have been at war for 7 years.

V.12 Apparently Caleb wasn't afraid of giants. You know, big guys make big targets.

Vs. 13-15 Joshua blessed his old comrade in arms. There was no lot cast, because Judah’s land would have to encompass the land promised to Caleb. Hebron would become the city that King David would live in for seven years as the king of Judah, as Israel fought a civil war with the tribes still following the family of King Saul.

It seems that Caleb went right to work. Notice that before Caleb named the city Hebron, it was named for its ruler who was a giant among the giants, and apparently an even easier target to hit. When this guy was put down, again, the land had rest from war.

Luke 18:1-17

V. 1 So, Jesus has just told His disciples that things will get bad for them, and that things will really get bad for His followers during the tribulation. I guess that discussion was not so motivational for the disciples. Now He tells them to pray, instead of losing heart. Again, it is interesting that the Spirit moved Luke to include this. Luke was a missionary companion of Paul and knew adversity and persecution from the Gentiles, the Jews and the Jewish factions in the church.

Vs. 2-8 Notice that although the overall meaning of the story is for perseverance and pestering God in prayer, the object of the parable is begging for justice, vindication and deliverance. Verse 7 points to the focus of this crying out, and verse 8 refers, again, to the tribulation and the second coming of Christ.

Notice that the idea of praying, not giving up and not being disheartened, kind of sounds like God's words / command to Joshua, be strong and of good courage. Just as God promised victory to Joshua, Jesus is promising victory to His followers in the harvest.

Vs. 7-8 Jesus promised a quick response from God. This has to be understood during the time of the tribulation. During that judgment on the earth, there will be an almost one-to-one correspondence between the persecutions of the believing and God's terrifying acts of judgment toward the nations. As God brings judgment, instead of the masses of people repenting and coming to God, they will rail against Him and go after His people. But the more they go after the elect, the more God judges them. You'll see all of this when we get to Revelation at the end of the year. If you're interested now, reading Revelation 9-17 should give you a sense of this.

But even for us now in the harvest, we are to be crying out to God day and night. If it takes great disaster to make us cry out to God, and we're not crying out now, we really don't see life as it is. The believers in the tribulation will be living and testifying for Christ as the world gets darker and darker. Is our world really any different? We may not be visually losing massive numbers of people to "natural" disasters, but each day we are losing incredible numbers of people to death, blinded by the enemy, dying in their sins and going to hell.

Notice Jesus' question in verse 8. Faith continues to cry out. Faith knows that the only deliverance is from God. Faith understands that the only one who can help is God. In a land, and during a time, when we have so many resources, is it any wonder why we don't cry out? It is easy for our lives to become focused on us and not on those who don't yet know Christ. We have everything we need, so we don’t need to cry out. But if we are laboring in the harvest, we will always need Him and His help. Will the Son of Man find faith when He returns to the earth or will He just find religious belief? Not all religious belief is faith, even in our camp. If our love for Christ and our passion to follow Him isn’t directed to the harvest and the making of disciples who make disciples, we might only have a comfortable collection of beliefs.

Vs. 9-14 Verse 9 gives you the guide to understanding what He's about to say. These people who were to be cautioned by this parable were most likely disciples. The fact that a Pharisee was used in the parable is like Jesus saying, "Don't be a Pharisee." Also, think back to the beginning of chapter 15 when the tax collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus and the Pharisees began complaining. Jesus ended that entire lesson telling the disciples that they had to put aside their feelings and extend forgiveness to all who sought it. Jesus didn’t want his followers to become the next group of Pharisees.

Just like the "unworthy servant" who had only done what was required of him, even though we know and serve Christ, our prayer is to be like this tax collector, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." We carry the body of death until we leave this place, or if we are still around when Jesus comes and are changed. As disciples in the harvest, the minute we lose our perspective on our own lives, our own sin, the miracle of our own salvation, we lose compassion for the perishing. The grace we've received is what should move us to tell others, or as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:13-15, "For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Vs. 15-17 And here is a case in point regarding the perspective of the disciples. The disciples' problem with letting children be brought to Jesus for blessing was not theological, but a matter of their own standard of "importance" and "worth." Jesus told them that they needed to look to those who have faith. A child, or a sinner, who has just understood grace and forgiveness, responds with humility and gratefulness and excitement. This is a good lesson for us as disciples in the harvest. Who has faith to believe? Like the victim in the story of the Good Samaritan, it is often the person in need who looks humble, dirty, outcast and beaten up. Sometimes, the people we should be working with in the harvest are not the good-looking people on our "A" list.

Psalm 85

It is interesting to speculate a little, thinking about when some of these psalms were written. As I read this I can imagine David trying to form Israel around the worship of God. David inherited a country that had crumbled in neglect, and he not only needed to create unity, but Israel was being preyed upon by all of its neighbors. The things that had happened to Israel showed that God was judging the people for their disobedience and neglect.

Vs. 1-3 This sounds to me like an appeal to God to remember how He took Jacob from Egypt, through all the rebellion in the wilderness.

Vs. 4-9 Having read so many of David’s psalms, this sounds so much like his heart. Notice the mention of God’s steadfast love and the desire that God’s glory would dwell in the land.

Vs. 10-13 What an interesting way to express God’s blessing of unity and revival in the land.

It is interesting how often a prayer for the future is based on what God has done in the past. Knowing what God has done in the past gives us hope for the future. Reading through the Bible like this will be a great benefit to your praying and your faith. You’ll become more familiar with how God’s love and faithfulness in the past, gave, and still gives, His present followers hope in following His plan of redemption into the future.

Proverbs 13:7-8

Verse 7 appears to say that if riches are what you want, they will twist you and warp you whether you have them or not. Real richness is a matter of the heart being rich in God. 1 Tim. 6:9-10 talks about the "wonderful" effects of the desire to have money. The poor (and righteous and content) may not have the resources, but they also don't have the trouble and the twisting.

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.

April 15, 2012 Reading Notes

April 15, 2012 Reading Notes

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

Joshua 11-12

Believe it or not, today we finish up the conquest of the land. In terms of discipleship, there is a phrase that does point to something interesting. It is Joshua's claim to fame. It is one of those things that doesn't require a lot of skill or genius or talent. God kind of leveled the playing field when He called us to His side to work with Him in the harvest. The essential quality of a disciple is to hear the Word of God and to do it. That's what Jesus said. As you read, look for and underline where it says that Joshua obeyed. We can all love and obey the Lord, as we follow Him in the harvest.

Joshua 11

Vs. 1-5 The kings of northern Canaan come against Joshua and the Lord. Again, this is the irrationality of sin. These people knew what God had done, but still chose to fight. That’s what makes us human I guess.

Vs. 6-9 Here again we see God promising Joshua victory and Joshua warps into high gear. Joshua took the fight to the kings. It is interesting to see God command that all of the war horses were to be maimed and military gear was to be destroyed. If we have the Lord, we don’t need the enemies’ resources. You think of all the time and money Solomon invested in horses and chariots and understand what a show and waste that was. God was showing Israel and the nations that He was more than enough.

Vs. 10-15 Here are a couple of other things about Joshua. First, he destroyed the royal city, the symbol of might, and let the other cities stand. That was good strategy. Next, he regarded Moses as the servant of the Lord and honored Moses’ work. Finally, Joshua totally obeyed. It will be an honor to meet Joshua someday.

Vs. 16-20 These victories were God’s judgment on Canaan. We’ve mentioned before that He had shown hundreds of years of patience and had men like Melchizedek and Abraham live as witnesses among them. We know that there is a personal aspect to a person hardening their heart to God and then God encouraging the further hardening of heart. In both Rahab and the Gibeonites, we see that people were open to turn to God if they desired to turn to Him. In reality, God called these people into His presence to give account. God’s presence is a place of ultimate blessing and privilege, unless you don’t like God.

Vs. 21-23 It is kind of an interesting note that when Joshua broke the military might of Canaan, he also destroyed most of the giants. Remember, it was the presence of the Anakim that the 10 spies used to frighten the people. You notice the city of Gath. That will be the city that Goliath comes from.

As God said earlier, He doesn't remove every point of resistance. If He did, the land would waste away and wild animals would take over. It will take time for Israel to move into their inheritance. But what happened yesterday, and is happening today, is the breaking of military power in the land. From this point on, all that is left are small towns and cities that could be easily taken by each tribe. The "could" will be a sad commentary on Israel. Israel will remain true to the Lord during the life of Joshua and the elders, but after their influence is gone, Israel will sin and some of these towns and cities that could easily have been removed, will remain. Without God's blessing, even the smallest influence will overwhelm them, because like us, our strength is in the Lord. If the Lord is not present and we are not close to Him, we cannot fulfill the purpose for our lives or our mission on earth. Regarding our work in the harvest, Jesus said, "Without me, you can do nothing." If we "do nothing" it is because we have lost touch with Him and are living without Him.

Joshua 12

Vs. 1-6 This is a summary of the victories under Moses’ leadership.

Vs. 7-24 These are the victories under Joshua’s leadership.

Luke 17:11-37

Vs. 11-19 This is kind of funny to read because Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, but heading east and He'll eventually cross the Jordan. Jerusalem was straight south. The shortest distance between two points is always God’s way. There are some great lessons in all of this. Only Luke has this story, and it is the second time he has reported the cleansing of lepers. This story has a twist.

Vs. 13-14 Notice that they had faith. For them to yell this to Jesus showed they were aware of Jesus’ power. The fact that they went when He told them also shows faith.

Vs. 15-16 This guy was overcome with thanks and went all worshipful. He couldn’t help himself. So, how did they know he was a Samaritan? Did they wear name tags? But now you see why Luke included this story.

Vs. 16-19 Being overcome with gratitude and worship doesn’t have to be commanded. The others obeyed Jesus, but this man showed overwhelming love.

Luke was a Gentile, and a companion and personal physician to the apostle Paul. I’m sure Luke had experienced the conflicts Paul was constantly facing from the Jews and Jewish Christians (many of whom were former Pharisees who had been saved) who wanted the Gentile believers to take on Jewish custom and practice. Luke is showing his Gentile readers that the Lord himself honored the outcasts who worshiped with simple faith and devotion.

Vs. 20-21 Now in contrast, we see the Pharisees. Jesus had already said that the kingdom would be invisible like that mustard seed or like yeast in flour. That the kingdom was in the midst of them was Jesus Himself. The import of this episode is that the Pharisees sought to challenge Jesus, and once they heard His cryptic answer, left shaking their heads.

V. 22 I think as the Pharisees left, Jesus knew His followers would face deep persecution because of the kind of unbelief expressed by men like these. In light of that kind of persecution and scorn, there would come a time when the disciples would desire to see one day of God’s vindication, one day of what it would look like when the Son of Man comes in judgment. But, that time is for the end and they will have to take it by faith that it will be a judgment on mankind that will account for all harm done by the powers of unbelief.

Notice the plural “days.” The "days of the Son of Man" are the entire seven-year period of the Tribulation.

V. 23-24 During those days, many will claim “Jesus sightings,” or claim to be the Messiah. The disciples are to ignore these claims. "In His day," is the actual day of His bodily return. This sign is for His disciples at that point in history, letting them know that they won't have to go anywhere to find Jesus. They don't have to go running to find the false Messiahs that will crop up. Every person on the planet will see Him. The event won't be hidden and it won't look like normal lightning and they won't have to tune into CNN to figure it out. Also, they are not to be lured out into the open. The advent of false Messiahs might also mean that many people living through the tribulation, even unbelieving people, will have a religious, although warped, understanding of the tribulation. But in the end, only having a relationship with Jesus will count. The elect will live by obedience to this command.

Vs. 26-29 Using both the flood of Noah, and Lot and the destruction of Sodom, Jesus shows there was a time factor from the sudden beginning of the event to the destruction. Once Noah entered the ark and the rain began to fall, life as they knew it ended. Once the angels arrived in Sodom and Lot left the city, nothing was ever the same. Once the destruction begins during the tribulation, although seven years will pass before Christ's return, normal life will have ended. If you read Revelation you’ll see that the disasters of the first 3.5 years will break down the entire network and technology of the world. The entire planet will become “third world,” and that might be more advanced than things will actually be.

Vs. 30-33 These verses seem to parallel what Jesus says later regarding the middle of the tribulation and the desecration of the temple. That will begin a time of unparalleled persecution of the Jews and Christians over the entire earth.

On the other hand, since there is no reference here to the anti Christ, it could be that Jesus is applying this to the entire time of the tribulation. Those who think to save anything during that time will end up losing everything. Notice in verse 30 that it talks about a particular “day.” On that day the Son of Man is revealed. This could be talking about the beginning of the tribulation. It will be through the entire tribulation, as the Lord opens those seals, that He is revealed and makes His judgment of the earth manifest.

Interestingly, in v. 33, Jesus uses a phrase that He's used before regarding the cost of discipleship. I find this pretty interesting, to think He used the same images with slightly different meanings in different contexts.

Vs. 34-37 This could be talking about the time of persecution of the Jews and Christians. The implication would be that they should have obeyed what Jesus has just said and should have run for the hills. It doesn’t seem that these verses would apply to the rapture.

On the other hand, when you look at the very negative wording about the eagles (vultures) and wonder where these people will be “taken” to, the only parallel for this time frame is the battle of Armageddon. If you read Revelation 19:11-21, you will find the Lord arriving at the battle with His people (the ones taken?) and feeding His enemies to the birds. I’m just saying, there is some leeway here for another interpretation.

Notice that there is no v. 36. Apparently some copyist added it later to parallel the Olivet Discourse in Matthew. We have so many manuscripts of the NT that these are easy to find.

As disciples, especially in an election year, we need to be careful about submitting our lives and expectations to the Lord and His Word. These events are coming and the Democrats and Republicans will have nothing to do with it. Our passion has to be to keep our hearts free of civilian affairs so we can please the one who enlisted us. We follow Him in His harvest to reach those for whom He shed His blood as the storm clouds gather.

Psalm 84

According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary OT, page 855, this is a “pilgrim” psalm, meaning it was sung by the processions of people being led into Jerusalem for the feasts. It was a song that helped the people tune their hearts to worship. Though these songs were written by the sons of Korah, they may have been influenced by David. One of David’s passions was organizing Israel around the worship of God. As soon as he could, David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem because it signified the presence of God. David’s longing, particularly after the long years of running, was to dwell with God. We've seen these recurring themes in David’s songs: Dwelling with the Lord, finding strength in God, pleading that God would hear our prayer.

Vs. 1-4 It is interesting to me that God made us to dwell with Him in the garden. Whether it was David or Paul, as they grew in their faith they desired more and more to be in God’s presence.

Vs. 5-7 What an interesting way to express strength. All the ways of our hearts lead to God’s presence. It takes a while to learn this, but when God is our only desire, instead of living from bump to bump, we go from strength to strength as our hearts “appear” before Him.

Vs. 8-9 This is the only “crying out” in this psalm. It is the constant affirmation of those on this earth who recognize this separation from God. because of sin and desire this day to be over.

Vs. 10-12 Why wouldn’t we be content to serve at the door if it meant being in His presence? In that service all of our needs are met with favor, light and safety. Just reading this challenges my heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8CdpR159eE

Proverbs 13:5-6

What strikes me is the connection in verse 5 of falsehood, shame and disgrace. The latter two are a good reason to be truthful. Our deceptions find us out. Jesus warned the disciples to count on it.

V. 6 Righteousness is not a practical means to an end. It is living to please God. In gratefulness we desire to live in a way that expresses our gratitude to God and reflect His goodness. The fact that righteousness protects us is just collateral blessing.

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.