December 8, 2012 Reading Notes

December 8, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Well these are the last days….of December 2012. If you've been keeping up, you might be exhausted. If you haven't been keeping up, hopefully you're thinking that January 1, 2013 looks good for a new beginning. I know there are Christmas parties and church things, shopping and traveling. But if you do have time to catch your breath somewhere in the day, I'd encourage you to keep reading. Tomorrow we begin Revelation. Revelation is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing for reading it and heeding it. And besides, if you have a couple of quiet times between now and the end of the year, you won't feel like such a spiritual schlep when you regather your nerve endings when the kids head back to school, and you begin another year in the Word. Trust me, if you struggled reading your one-year Bible this year, next year you'll do much better.

Also, just as a public service announcement for those who have too much time - on December 13, 2010, on this blog site, I started posting an original short story. Each day I posted a few chapters and finished it by Christmas. You might find the story interesting. Sharing a Story and the Reason Why / Looking Out for Number One, chapter one

By the way, you will be finishing two books today and beginning two new books tomorrow.

Hosea 10-14

Our last day in Hosea. As you're reading though all of this, keep making observations and look for associations either in the text or between things said here and other parts of the Bible. Keep yourself awake and observant.

Hosea 10

Notice that it seems this is all exclusively aimed at the northern kingdom.

V. 1 This is total irony, to take God's blessing and make idols for ourselves. We've all stopped doing that, right?

V. 2 The breaking down of altars was done by King Josiah. You remember who he was, right?

Vs. 3-6 These people didn't need God as their king. They felt content and self-sufficient. Even today, if we're feeling good, do we really "need" anyone? God would remove that arrogance from them.

V. 5 This altar at Bethel was one of two that Jeroboam set up, so the people wouldn't go to Jerusalem to worship. After all, he thought, didn't Israel worship a calf in the wilderness? And if it was in the Bible, then it must have been biblical, right? This is what determined the dark path of the northern kingdom. To be fair though, it was Solomon, the wisest guy in the world, who introduced idolatry into the united nation's bloodstream. The joke here is that the Assyrians threw Israel's "god" on a wagon and carted it away.

Vs. 7-8 God would humble this people by taking away His blessing. Interestingly, Jesus quoted v. 8 to the women of Jerusalem as he walked through the streets to His crucifixion in Luke 23:28-30. Also, the people of earth will say this during the Tribulation in Rev. 6:16.

Vs. 9-10 This is referring to Judges 19. Again, the events at the end of Judges were big things. The event in Gibeah was a poison that never left the veins of Israel. There was also another story at the end of Judges. As a result of that story, guess which tribe of Israel is not represented in the 144,000 in Rev. 7:4-12. Those little stories had huge results because they showed a poison that infected a people.

Vs. 11-12 God had pampered Israel, but God would refine Israel through hard work, hoping Israel would turn to Him. This is rare in Hosea to find God calling out to the people in the middle of His pronouncement of their sins and their judgment. It must have been because of the imagery of sowing and reaping and seeking the Lord (instead of Baal the fertility god) for their needs. Even in this final hour, God was pleading with the people to seek Him.

Vs. 13-15 Bethel means "house of God." During the times of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, this place had good connotations. Can you remember a showdown at Bethel where God pronounced judgment? It was in 1 Kings 13, just after the northern and southern kingdoms were established. A man of God was sent to pronounce judgment on King Jeroboam and the northern kingdom. Now, 200 years later, this is the final fulfillment of what God said. Who says God isn't patient? He tried everything to give the people a chance to repent and come to Him.

Hosea 11

This chapter laments the northern kingdom's seeking help from Egypt.

V. 1 Guess where this verse is quoted. Look at Matthew 2:15. In the history of Israel this was a great moment, as well as in the history of salvation.

V. 2 This makes me think of that generation of Israel that rejected Jesus. The more He called them, the more they rejected Him.

Vs. 3-7 Verses 3-4 are contrasted to verses 5-7. God tried to help and heal them, but they rejected Him and would be subject to cruelty and slavery. Notice in v. 4 how God bent down to them and how in v. 7 the people bent themselves away from God. As God has said before, their calling out to God was for themselves and their appetites. It was not from true repentance or a sincere desire to draw near to God.

This ends this long portion of God declaring the people's sin and His judgment on them. Just to keep this in perspective, remember that God is showing how all mankind responds to Him.

Vs. 8-12 Now comes the promise of hope and salvation.

V. 8 The cities mentioned here are obscure, but flip the page and look at Jude 7. These were the "surrounding cities." Kind of cool, huh?

God's compassion is tender. This is either the image of a man to his child, or because this is Hosea, the image of a man to his unfaithful wife whom he still loves.

V. 9 So how is God going to change them without coming to them in wrath? Look at Isaiah 55:8-11 and you get an idea of what God is alluding to here, and His resources transform the hearts of people.

Vs. 10-11 He has used both of these animals before in a negative sense. Now God is saying when they hear His roar they will be glad and will seek Him for shelter and protection. This time the dove will have sense and seek Him.

V. 12 As we've seen in Ezekiel, those in the southern kingdom were also idolatrous, but God rescued the majority of those people from exile. I think their faithfulness was seen in that they still had men like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel & Co., and others who sincerely worshiped God. The northern kingdom was devoid of godly leaders.

Hosea 12

V. 1 This seems to stand alone as a rebuke to Ephraim (the northern kingdom).

Vs. 2-6 There will be punishment for Judah and thereby God will, in symbol, punish all of Jacob. Jacob was a liar and a thief, but there was faith found in him. God will nurture that ember of faith in Judah, representing Jacob, and they will return to God. These people are the ones God brought out of exile, and they are the seed of those who will be present when Jesus establishes His kingdom.

Vs. 7-9 For Ephraim's dishonesty and injustice, God will lead him again into the wilderness. The Feast of the Tabernacles, near the Day of Atonement, was to have made the people remember their humble pilgrimage through the wilderness. Israel, united or divided, never held this feast, living in tents or booths, until the days of Nehemiah (Nehemiah's celebration of the Feast of the Tabernacles was still over 250 years in the future). They may have held the feast, but they didn't live in tents and makeshift huts as they were told to do.

When Jesus told His disciples, Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh (Luke 6:21 ESV), He was sharing this same principle. If we forget our salvation and saturate ourselves in the things of this life, we forget His love and care. And we can make idols out of all of His blessings.

Vs. 10-14 Because of Ephraim's provocation God will humble them, as he humbled Jacob by making him work for someone craftier than he. God will guide them by His prophets.

Hosea 13

Vs. 1-3 Ephraim was an exalted and respected tribe which carried the birthright given by Jacob. Joshua was of Ephraim. But the people of Ephraim were foolish and led the nation into idolatry.

Vs. 4-14 Actually, it was God who exalted Ephraim. So, since God gave and was not thanked, but rejected, God will now humble the people. Notice that in v. 4 God ransomed them out of Egypt. Then in v. 14 He says He will not ransom them now.

Vs. 4-8 Because they used God's blessing for their own sin and pleasure, God would become an adversary and make them live in fear and awareness of their danger. It doesn't matter what your position is or if you have a bag of gold, if you live in fear.

Vs. 9-13 In 1 Samuel 8, the people rejected God and demanded a king of their own liking. God gave them a king that reflected their hearts, King Saul. That wasn't very pretty. It led Israel into further confusion until God appointed David, a man after His own heart.

V. 14 Notice that this is a famous verse quoted by Paul in 1 Cor. 15:55. In Hosea, death will consume Ephraim, but in 1 Cor. 15:55, because of Jesus, death no longer has any power.

Vs. 15-16 Back to the thought of Ephraim being exalted among his brothers. That is ended now, once for all.

Hosea 14

This is the final message of hope and salvation

Vs. 1-3 God not only encourages them to return in repentance, but He tells them what to say.

Vs. 4-7 God promises them restoration.

Vs. 8-9 This is an interesting challenge from the Lord. It sounds like the appeals of wisdom in Proverbs, but more like the challenges in the book of Revelation to take heed to the message of the book. Look at Rev. 22:10-21, and compare Hosea 14:9 with Rev. 22:11.

Jude

So, meet another of Jesus' brothers. Jude wrote with apostolic authority, so he must have been a respected leader in some circles. Like James, this letter is filled with images and references to Old Testament history.

Vs. 1-3 Although he had planned to write a letter encouraging these people about their salvation and growth in Christ, he found it necessary to warn them to put up a strong fight against false teachers.

V. 4 There was a line of teaching, seen even in 1 Corinthians 5 and 6, that since God is interested in saving our spirit, and since the body is fully kaput, one should feed the spirit. Whatever the body does doesn't count. This led people to embrace the kind of spirituality we've been reading about in Hosea where you give lip service to God on Sunday and then let your body and its desires lead your life the rest of the week.

When we live in a way that is dishonoring to Jesus, we deny Him by our lifestyle and choices. Since the faith has been delivered to us, it is vital that we guard and protect it, especially from hypocrisy.

V. 5 Here is one example of apostasy, the children of Israel being led out of Egypt. Paul refers to this in practically the same way in 1 Cor. 10:1-5, including the reference to Jesus.

V. 6 Although these angels had great privilege and power, when they overstepped God's command and will, they were put in prison. This, I believe, is a reference to what happened in Genesis 6:1-5.

V. 7 The area around Sodom and Gomorrah had been like the garden of God, and apparently Lot was a witness to them, but they didn't heed the word and they were destroyed.

Vs. 8-13 These teachers are compared to those who had great privilege and went astray, and Jude described them in very graphic terms.

Vs. 8-10 These people were arrogantly involved in defying the spiritual forces, ranting against demons. I've heard of people doing this in such a proud way that it makes you wonder why Satan doesn't just whack them since they are so proud and unbalanced in their attitudes; but actually, Satan probably likes it. This gives these teachers a following among the unsteady, but the true spiritual attitude is the one Michael showed.

V. 9 The event Jude is referring to here is not in Scripture, but it was a part of Jewish tradition. Apparently there was some truth to it. God did, in fact, hide Moses' grave; and He did it for a reason.

V. 11 Notice the apostates and false teachers shown here. Cain, the firstborn son of Adam, is known for a half-hearted sacrifice and murderous jealousy against his righteous brother. Balaam was a prophet of God who taught the enemy how to corrupt God's people, bringing God's judgment on them. Korah was a Levite who incited a rebellion against the men God was using to lead the people of God. All of these people had a position of respect before God which they misused to their own destruction and the destruction of others.

Vs. 12-13 They bring nothing to the church but hidden danger. They are empty and deceitful.

Vs. 14-15 Both in the oral tradition of the Jews and then written in the non-biblical book of Enoch (110 B.C.) it was said that before Enoch was taken (about 65 years before the birth of Noah) he pronounced judgment on his generation, that is, that generation mentioned in Genesis 6. Some think that Enoch will be one of those two witnesses in Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.

V. 16 Jude's final description of these people. They are not just teachers, they are complainers. Look again at 1 Cor. 10:9-10, where Paul mentions some of these same things.

Vs. 17-19 These warnings appear in John, in Peter and in Paul's letters. John, Peter and Paul said these guys would come. Jude says they have arrived.

Vs. 20-21 Just as Paul challenged Timothy so often, the people were first to make sure they were close to the Lord, following His Word.

Vs. 22-23 Then they were to minister to the weak and doubting and to those lost in error, some of whom were unbelievers. In doing so, they were to keep themselves clean.

Vs. 24-25 Focusing on our Lord is what keeps us from stumbling and makes us able to bring glory to God. This is one of the greatest benedictions in the New Testament.

For us as disciples this all reminds us that making disciples keeps us focused on protecting the truth and entrusting it to the next generations who will go beyond us.

Psalm 127

As the worshipers approached Jerusalem, this song reminded them of the foolishness of toil and anxiety when only God can bless us. Then it brought them to focus on the true blessing God gives - our children, both physical and spiritual.

Vs. 1-2 These verses talk about our striving where only God can give us success.

Vs. 3-5 These verses tell us where our real passion and labor of love should be.

Unless the Lord Builds the House, Keith Green

Proverbs 29:15-17

How funny that these proverbs appear with this psalm today. It seems interesting that v. 16, about the increase of wickedness, is sandwiched between two verses of parents loving and investing in their children. And yes, the rod, reproof, and discipline are love. It works for the Father, and we would be remiss to dismiss discipline, reproof and the rod. See Hebrews 12:6-8.

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.

December 7, 2012 Reading Notes

December 7, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Hosea 6-9

So, if you understand God's pattern in Hosea, He gives a pronouncement of judgment followed by a declaration of salvation and hope for the millennial future of Israel. Since we're reading a one-year Bible this pattern is broken. For example, today we will begin with the salvation and hope declaration from yesterday's judgment.

Just for your information, the third cycle of judgment/salvation is: 4:1-5:14 (judgment) and 5:15-6:3 (salvation). Today we'll begin a fourth cycle of judgment (6:4-11:7) and salvation and hope (11:8-11). Tomorrow we'll finish Hosea and it will end with hope.

You might not get all of the imagery or nuances from Hosea or the other minor prophets, but at least when you get to heaven and you bump into these guys, you can say you read their books. And for here and now, the Spirit will give you what you need, this year and in the years to come.

One thing to think about as you read this is that what we have written here were probably different sermons or messages that Hosea gave to the people. Can you imagine what it would have been like to hear this stuff? At first some people might have made fun of him because his wife was a whore, but once they understood that she stood as an image for the people, I'll bet the snickering ended. After all the years of God working with Israel, heroically trying to win the people back, God is expressing through Hosea what it has felt like trying to lead these people, and mankind in general.

Yet, in the end there is salvation; therefore, it is very intriguing that Hosea is quoted in a couple of interesting places in the New Testament having to do with God's plan of redemption.

Hosea 6

Vs. 1-3 This is the hope from the previous declaration of judgment we read yesterday.

V. 1 Notice how God had just talked about tearing Ephraim and Judah like a lion, but now God will bind up what He has torn.

V. 2 This is an interesting reference to being raised on the third day. I'll bet that is exactly what it means.

V. 3 This is a spectacular verse that will be on the lips and in the hearts of that generation in the Tribulation that turns to the Lord. You might wonder how this supernatural change will come upon Israel. Compare Isaiah 55:10-11 with this verse.

Vs. 4-11 Judgment for Ephraim (the northern kingdom) and for Judah (the southern kingdom).

V. 6 Notice what God really wanted. This is the same as the first commandment, to love God. Also, this is quoted by Jesus to the Pharisees of another adulterous generation at Matthew's party in Matthew 9:13 (ESV), Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

V. 11 This could be pointing to the fact that Judah came out of their exile, or it could be referring to the place of eminence this tribe will have when the Kingdom is established.

Hosea 7

This seems to be exclusively written to the northern kingdom. Notice that God mentions their lack of crying out to or seeking the Lord. This is a sign of the depth of their blindness, especially when you consider that the ministries of Elijah and Elisha were exclusively to the northern kingdom. Along with this lack of crying out was their hopeless religious confusion. They thought that crying out involved burning incense on hills and "bowing down" to Baal.

Vs. 1-7 They were totally corrupted, like bread that was totally leavened.

V. 7 Not one king of the north was a godly man. Notice that none of them called upon God.

Vs. 8-10 Notice that you can see a pattern, in that this block begins with a declaration about Ephraim and ends with their lack of returning or seeking or knowing God. So, what does God focus on here?

Vs. 11-13 What is God's focus here? What do you think God meant that they spoke lies against Him?

Vs. 14-16 This seems to summarize this lack of seeking God. Notice verse 14. They cry out to God, but what they are really desiring is a return of wine and grain. They are not crying out for Him or to Him alone. I think that's a lot like us. If someone asked us what could happen that would really make us happy and feel good, it would look like a million dollars, recognition, computers, cars, media stuff, a house, etc. Could any of us be happy in a hut with the presence of God, but no food that we knew of for the next day, no job, no insurance, just the presence of God? Especially in the west, our spirituality is thinner than we think. We would be crying out like these people and our desire wouldn't be for God per se, it would be for the "stuff" of God.

Hosea 8

The emphasis of this part of God's judgment seems to be how the people outwardly claimed to know God, but never followed His Word.

Vs. 1-3 This is interesting because it is saying that the sign of judgment is in the sky above them. Crying out with idolatrous and adulterous hearts seems to be the focus. The more I read what Jesus said, the more I find Him telling people not just to hear what He said, but do it.

Vs. 4-6 They chose their own kings and gods according to their desires. How could they say they knew God?

Vs. 7-10 The first part of this verse is famous. They would not only reap what they sowed, but God would punish them by intensifying what they wanted. If they wanted to go away from God, He would show them the result. Without His care and protection, there would be no food. Not only that, the countries to which they ran for help would use and disappoint them.

Vs. 11-14 What a funny contrast, even though they were sacrificing, they didn't understand God or His Word.

V. 14 This is what the people sought instead of God to make them feel secure. God would remove everything, until eventually, He was all that remained for them.

Hosea 9

At the root of their rebellion was the satisfying of their needs. Again, it is interesting how much teaching Jesus gave to His disciples on not being anxious about life, seeking Him first and being rich toward God.

Notice how often the mention of wine, food and offerings is mixed together. They were religious, but if God is only a tool for us to get fed and have comfort and satisfy our desires, our desires are really our god. And God isn't fooled by our religiousness.

Vs. 1-3 This is what drove their religion and their actions, a prostitute's wages, food and clothing. Notice that Ephraim returned to Egypt looking for help, but was dragged away to Assyria. Even those who ran to Egypt for help were eventually confronted and killed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.

V. 4 God is not mocked. He wouldn't accept their worship.

Vs. 5-6 In fleeing the Assyrians, the Egyptians would take them and abuse them.

Vs. 7-8 In the day of their need, their lying prophets were no help to them.

Vs. 9-10 The seeds of their corruption were seen back in their history. Gibeah was the town in Benjamin, at the end of Judges, filled with homosexual men who killed the traveler's wife. This launched a civil war.

Baal-Peor came while the people were still being led by Moses in the wilderness, when the presence of God was visible in the cloud and the manna was being given every morning. Sin is a spiritual disease in us that defies every rational thought.

Vs. 11-17 Notice that this is all directed to Ephraim, the northern kingdom, and the result will be exile. As far as we know, these people were lost to Israel forever. There were some of the people, the remnant, who God might have kept track of, but it seems from Chronicles, that the only Israelites who survived from all of the tribes were those who heeded warnings like this and moved south into the land of Judah. Those people went into exile with the southern kingdom into Babylon and were restored to Israel.

When you read what God says about Israel, you realize that they are representing all men. We are all fallen and we are all this sinful. Sin is awful and utterly awesome in us. Sin will dominate us if we desire anything other than God, and the only way we can desire God is through Jesus. In Jesus we are forgiven, and the Holy Spirit gives us a newly created life, residing in us so we can follow Christ. Israel tried to fulfill their desires and passions and sort of give lip service to God. Sin is too powerful for that kind of life and deception. This is the same for us even as Christians. If we desire anything more than Jesus, it takes over. When Jesus told His disciples to take heed and beware of all coveting of anything, He wasn't being religious, but vitally real. He was trying to protect them and us. The reformers said "Sola Scriptura." As disciples our cry has to be, "only Jesus." Our focus on Him and following Him in His Word and in the harvest is the only way we can really live to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength and with all our mind. Paul told Timothy this in 1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV), Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. If we don't take hold of it, something else takes hold of us.

3 John

V. 1 From verse 5, it appears that Gaius was a respected man in the church and had some influence in terms of leadership and making disciples.

Vs. 2-4 Probably as a result of Gaius, there are people walking in the truth. This guy is someone John knows and trusts.

Vs. 5-8 As in all the churches, there were traveling preachers and workers who were passing through and going on to other lands. The gospel was new and there was a world to reach. Gaius was one of those people who supported this work, in spite of false teachers.

Vs. 9-10 Here is the reason this is being sent to Gaius and not the entire church. Diotrephes was stopping the church from supporting outsiders. Under Diotrephes, the church was becoming an isolated fortress. It appears that Diotrephes was overly conservative and held a very self-centered, authoritarian view of leadership. In the early church, there was a spectrum of error, but most of the deep problems faced by Paul came from the very conservative, exclusive, law-driven side of the church. It seems that Diotrephes was so law and authority-oriented, that he didn't even recognize the authority of the apostle John.

Vs. 11-12 This is the other reason John is writing Gaius personally, so that he would welcome and help Demetrius. In fact, some think it was Demetrius who carried this letter.

Vs. 13-15 Again, this letter was intentionally short because of the need for Demetrius to be helped, and because John was hoping to come personally and tend to the situation.

We are used to seeing Paul having to defend himself and his apostleship, but even John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was not counted as worthy by a guy like Diotrephes. Sometimes the church is just more fun than you can stand. Thankfully we know the Lord of the church.

Psalm 126

This song sung by the worshippers coming to Jerusalem could have been written during many periods of Israel's troubled history. Since the psalm is talking about the fortunes of Zion being restored and the city being a testimony among the nations, it could be that this song was sung by those who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.

Vs. 1-3 I can't imagine what it was like for these people who returned, or even for a man like Daniel, to know that the Lord had allowed the people to return to Jerusalem. It was a miracle.

Vs. 4-6 These verses sound like what Jesus said to His disciples in John 4:36, Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. Today we work in the harvest following Him, denying ourselves, taking up our cross, choosing to hunger now, being poor now and mourning now for this lost world. Someday we will fully understand the work that He did through us, by making disciples and bringing in the sheaves, and we will rejoice.

This psalm is sung by the Sons of Korah and begins on the timeline at 12:20.

Psalm 126, Sons of Korah

Proverbs 29:12-14

I guess if I had to put all three verses together, I would camp on verse 13. The poor man and the oppressor owe God faithfulness, since He gives both of them their life and understanding.

To deny our debt of gratitude would be verse 12, with the result that light leaves the land and it is ruled by darkness, like in Ephraim, the northern kingdom.

To respond in faithfulness to God is verse 14, with the result, as God showed to David, that God will further bless that faithfulness.

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.

December 6, 2012 Reading Notes

December 6, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

So, today you begin and end 2 John, the 24th book of the New Testament and you continue in Hosea, the 28th book of the Old Testament. That is a major achievement on your part.

Regarding Hosea, remember where he comes in the history of Israel. Solomon had introduced idolatry, spiritual adultery, into the veins of Israel at the end of his reign. God broke the kingdom into two parts, Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The north went completely bad, right from the beginning. There were no godly kings; and in order to keep the people from going to the temple in Jerusalem to worship, they set up two golden calves, allowed anyone to be a priest, encouraged the worship of all gods and mixed these other worship cultures with what was left of the worship of Yahweh. God tried to win the people back through the ministry of Elijah and Elisha, but these men only confirmed that Israel was completely lost. Timewise, Elisha has just died and now Hosea comes with thirty years of sermons on spiritual adultery and an object lesson regarding that adultery, his own marriage to a vilely unfaithful woman. Hosea's marriage became a cultural phenomena and his sermons were a final warning for people to return to God. Those who heard the Lord went to Judah during the ministries of Micah and Isaiah and the reign of King Hezekiah. Those who remained rebellious to God became totally corrupt. They went into exile with the Assyrians and were lost.

Kings of Judah and Israel and the Preexilic Prophets, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, p. 513

Hosea 4-5

Hosea is organized into sermons of punishment and salvation. Today in Hosea we only get the punishment and one verse of hope and salvation. The hope that God gives that will offset the punishment declared today is in 5:15-6:3 tomorrow.

Hosea 4

Vs. 1-3 Notice that this description of guilt is on all of the people, all of the children of Israel. Notice what God says is missing, and notice what is there. Without knowing the Lord in truth, there is no steadfast love or faithfulness. They had mixed pagan worship into the fabric of everything. There was no more knowledge of what was really true. More than that, there was not a pure view or understanding of God. These people had become as corrupt as the people who Israel had to drive out of Canaan. What was actually worse is that they had had the knowledge of God, but gave it up to pursue gods that were more to their liking.

V. 2 These are all violations of the Ten Commandments. Swearing is invoking a curse against others using the Lord's name, a violation of the third commandment. In Milwaukee, growing up, that's how we greeted people. You would have thought it was a commandment to use His name to curse people.

V. 3 This sounds like the curse on nature and the groaning of creation from Romans 8.

Vs. 4-14 It seems to me that this block of verses is aimed at the priests and prophets. Their corruption in verses 1-11 led to the resultant corruption of the people in 12-14. We have seen in both Jeremiah and Ezekiel how God holds the leaders responsible for the downfall of the people and the culture. It is hard for us to grasp this, but the worship of Yahweh was mixed with paganism. Not only did Jeroboam bring in the golden calves, but Baal worship was mixed with pseudo-worship according to the law. Remember that Baal and other forms of fertility worship had a very strong sexual component to them, in the "worship experience" itself. How could you compete with that? The worship itself was for them to gain blessing and prosperity for themselves, and then the actual "worship experience" kept them coming back for more. There were priests who were broadminded and knew of Yahweh and though they brought in elements of Judaism, they met the people at the calves, not the tabernacle or temple. They were priests, but they were utterly lost, like so many representatives of "Christian" religions today who conduct services, but do not know God, are teaching error and are bound for an eternity without God.

Notice in some of the wording how God will say, "you forgot…I will forget."

V. 6 This sounds like Jesus' "woe" on the scribes/lawyers, Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering. (Luke 11:52 ESV)

It is hard to imagine a culture this thoroughly corrupt (except for a small remnant of people), but some of our cultures in the west are getting there.

Vs. 15-19 Judah is warned here, but the point is that the rebellion in the north is so deep that the cure will require something even deeper. King Hezekiah paid attention to warnings like this.

V. 16 This is interesting. A lamb that follows its shepherd is easy to care for and obedient. Israel is no longer like that.

Hosea 5

Vs. 1-14 This is the declaration of judgment, beginning again with the leaders, religious first, and then political.

V. 4 This is a very sad diagnosis of why the problem with those people was incurable. It seems that because they had so redefined truth and what it meant to know and worship God, that even when they tried, they did not seek Him, but rather their own lusts. Verse 5 shows that Judah became part of this. Notice in verse 7 how pagan ritual and bearing children through Baal worship is linked to the new moon festivals. Keep this in mind when we read 2 John.

V. 8 Apparently the people of Benjamin led the way in some of this.

V. 10 Removing a landmark was like rewriting the truth. You didn't know where the right or wrong was any more.

Notice the images of the moth and lion and that both of them will strike Ephraim and Judah. What are the differences in the destruction these two very different destroyers bring?

V. 15 This verse is the first verse of the section promising hope and restoration. Though this restoration wouldn't come to that generation that would be destroyed, eventually the people of Israel, in their distress, would earnestly seek the Lord. Until then, God would remain distant from them, waiting.

Even today as disciples in the harvest, we know that not everyone will respond to the offer God is making. Making them respond is not our job. Some are not ready now and some never will be ready; but some are ready now to come to Christ and to follow as disciples who will make disciples. We simply present the message.

2 John

This short letter by John was probably written in the same timeframe as 1 John, but here John was planning to visit this church and so he kept his message brief. The things John mentions are very similar to 1 John and seem like his way to give this church some basic guidelines and things to think about until he arrived.

Vs. 1-3 The elect lady is a church and the children are its members.

Notice how often John uses the word truth in this introduction. It sets the tone of the entire letter. Just like we saw in Hosea, once the truth is compromised and reinvented, there is no longer a basis for knowing God or knowing what is right or wrong in a culture. Paul often told Timothy to guard the truth and said that the church was the pillar and defender of the truth. The more you read your Bible, the more the Spirit entrusts to you and the better equipped you are to protect the truth and pass it on to others.

Vs. 4-6 John rejoices that there are people following the truth. He takes the idea of truth and transfers it into the order to follow the truth, a commandment. He then says the commandment to follow is to love one another.

I'm not sure if there was a situation within the church that needed to be dealt with, but I have a sense that when we become so warfare oriented in defending the truth, we can lose our love for those who know Christ. In fundamentalism I've seen this. I've seen a great defender of the truth become hard of heart and make enemies of his friends by harping about the uses and meanings of words. When we get to Revelation, we'll read about the church of Ephesus as a church that fought hard to defend the truth, but lost their love for Jesus. Ironic and sad.

Vs. 7-9 We recognize this teaching about antichrists and deceivers not only from 1 John, but from what we've read in Daniel. Your translation has the before both deceiver and antichrist, but these are not the antichrist, just little imitations of the one who will come later.

V. 8 Note that what will be lost is full reward, not salvation. I was reading again this morning how Jesus told His disciples to seek the reward the Father offers us. These rewards are all summed up in seeking Him and making Him our treasure. I'm finding out that it is harder than I think to be wholly satisfied in Him and seeking Him. I need to work on finding everything I need in Him and let the rest rot. That's hard to do in the west between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when everyone wants us to buy stuff and we equate holiday happiness with shopping and eating.

V. 9 If we don't abide in the teaching of Christ, we operate without God, without the leading and direction of His Spirit. We see this all the time, as Christians we know, or who are public figures, get themselves into trouble. For a disciple, simply and humbly abiding in Christ is important. Following Christ in the harvest is important. To live without abiding in Him is not how we want to live. If we leave the truth, if we disobey, if we get drawn into sin, then we step away from God and His truth, following our pride and passion. We don't lose our salvation, but we do dishonor God and give Satan something to use to reproach the name of our Savior. That's the point here.

Vs. 10-11 This is the same as being unequally yoked with unbelievers, or what Paul talks about regarding associating with Christians living in sin (2 Cor. 6:14). You still love them, but your relationship to them is one of restoration, not acceptance. And beyond that, there are people and false teaching that need to be dealt with strongly. If you saw someone pouring poison in a well, the time for being politically correct and winsome would be over.

V. 13 John means that the believers where he wrote this were greeting the believers to whom he was writing.

Psalm 125

As you read these opening verses and think of what we read in Hosea, you wonder what went wrong. These people were certainly singing the right words. But it all comes down to obedience to the truth. If the truth gets eaten away by false teaching or by our redefining truth to our passions, then we remake God in our own image. In that sense, God becomes lost to us.

This is why we are in the Word, firsthand submitting our hearts and minds to His truth. In this way we learn who He truly is, and He defines us. And that's a good thing, because in Him and in His truth we are unmovable. We abide in Him regardless of what life throws at us as we follow Him in the harvest.

Vs. 1-2 This was the psalmist taking the eternal view of Jerusalem as God's chosen city. This is true, but will only be realized during the Millennium.

Vs. 3-5 All of this has an "earthly" ring to it; that is, these are earthly consequences, not necessarily dealing with heavenly salvation. The Lord brings justice to the righteous. He blesses the upright who follow Him. Those who turn away from the Lord wind up like those who don't know the Lord at all, at least on earth.

This is a good song of this psalm, but I doubt the original had an 84-second guitar intro that sounded like El Paso from Marty Robbins.

Psalm 125 Sons of Korah

Proverbs 29:9-11

So, what do you think God is warning us about with these three proverbs?

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.

December 5, 2012 Reading Notes

December 5, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

By the way, in some countries St. Nick comes tonight to fill shoes with good things.

Hosea 1-3

Hosea is one of the "minor" prophets, meaning that his recorded message was short. There were actually many prophets whom God used, who we don't know, who never wrote. So then, it is significant that God chose to have the message of Hosea recorded and circulated around Israel and included in the Word.

Hosea is one of the better known minor prophets because of the unusual thing God asked him to do. If you look at the following chart you'll see that Hosea continued the prophetic ministry against Israel after Elisha was gone. Although Amos and Jonah were there for a short time after Elisha, Hosea continued. Since God had already pronounced judgment against the northern kingdom during the ministry of Elijah, you wonder what Hosea's impact was meant to be. He couldn't have saved his country. Maybe there were individuals who could still turn to God. That was definitely the case during the time of King Hezekiah when many from the north finally left and moved south to Judah. Also, I think that Hosea had an influence on Hezekiah, who was a godly king and would have paid attention to what the Lord was saying. In fact, if you compare the dates on the chart, Hosea was pretty much finished with his ministry when Hezekiah was just beginning to come to power.

Kings of Judah and Israel and the Preexilic Prophets, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, p. 513

Here are some guiding thoughts about this message of Hosea. First, the message God gave him was to emphasize and expose the spiritual adultery of Israel and, thereby, to warn Judah. Second, though we only have 14 chapters, you can see by the chart that Hosea's ministry spanned a couple of decades. Third, although the message is very hard, there is mercy and hope mixed in; in fact, there is a very clear structure of judgment being declared followed by a message of salvation and hope. This cycle will happen about five times. Just like the promise of God's restoration of His people, I'd like to think that the relationship with Hosea and Gomer ended well, like a little miracle on earth.

Hosea 1

Vs. 1-3 Some of the names of these kings should be familiar to you. It was during this period that the northern kingdom was captured and taken into exile by Assyria and when the Assyrians tried to take Jerusalem.

Vs. 2-3 Lots of people object to God commanding Hosea to do this. We have seen that the life God gave His prophets was not glamorous or easy. Isaiah had to walk around naked for a year. Jeremiah endured persecution and incredible sadness. Ezekiel acted out several disaster scenarios over a couple of years and then lost his wife. Daniel & Co. lost everything.

It is very probable that Hosea already knew Gomer, had a crush on her, and married her knowing she had an unsteady heart, but before she was fully unfaithful. If Hosea's relationship with her mirrored God's relationship to Israel, that would be a fair description. God didn't make a covenant with a whore, but showed His love to an unsteady nation. Could Hosea win Gomer back and would she change? If God's work with Israel is the model for the human drama and sadness Hosea is about to endure, then, there would be a happy ending for Hosea.

The son is clearly Hosea's son.

Vs. 4-5 Jezreel becomes a name for judgment. This was the deciding battle where Assyria took Israel.

Vs. 6-7 This is again, Hosea's child with Gomer, a girl called No Mercy. The nation of Israel was removed and God showed them no mercy from the Assyrians.

But notice in verse 7 that God did show mercy to Judah. God says that He will save Judah; notice that He says how He will not save them. Do you remember what God did to the Assyrian army when they threatened Jerusalem? This was during the reign of King Hezekiah. I think Hezekiah read Hosea.

Vs. 8-9 A third child for Hosea with a very harsh name, Not My People.

Vs. 10-11 (Actually, 2:1 is a part of this, and is a transition.) Here is the salvation and hope. Do you see the aspect of this promise that will only be complete in the Millennial Kingdom? Note that Paul quotes from this section in Romans 9:26. Notice too, how the name Jezreel, that formerly denoted judgment, now becomes a word for salvation.

Hosea 2

V. 1 This is transitional in that the children of this blessing are to cry out to the mother, the nation.

Vs. 2-13 This is the declaration of God's judgment on Israel, mirrored in some respect by Gomer's actions toward Hosea. You can imagine that people were watching this drama between Hosea and Gomer, getting really mad at the behavior of Gomer in response to the kindness of Hosea. But when they said to Hosea, "Too bad you married a whore," Hosea's answer would have singed their ears; because the idolatrous people of Israel were the real whores.

But, on a personal level, can you imagine Hosea going through this, feeling all the love and betrayal and ridicule and anger. This is what God felt toward Israel, and still feels as those He loves betray Him.

V. 3 Notice this image of the wilderness. God will use isolation to punish Israel as in verse 7. If you understand the scope of biblical redemptive history, Israel is still in this wilderness, being prepared to finally cry out for their Messiah.

Vs. 14-23 (actually to 3:5) This is the declaration of hope and redemption. Notice again that the fulfillment of this promise of redemption is still future.

V. 14 It is in the hardness and isolation of the wilderness that God will woo Israel to renew her faithfulness.

Hosea 3:1-5

This is the command to buy back his wayward wife who has become the slave of another. God did the same thing with His people, and with us, as slaves of sin. That is why Jesus is our redeemer. He bought us back.

V. 5 We have seen this in Ezekiel. David will be the ruler of the reunited and redeemed Israel.

Isn't it interesting that even when God is meting out judgment, He is very careful to affirm His love and to give hope of redemption? Who says there is no love or grace in the Old Testament?

1 John 5

Vs. 1-5 There is a lot packed into these verses. John is repeating what Jesus Himself said so many times in so many different ways: "Why do you call me Lord and do not do what I say?" Remember, Jesus' commandments have to do with following, not living morally and staying out of trouble. Those "right living" things are assumed of anyone who names the name of Christ. His commands have to do with following and acknowledging Him, testifying to Him, in a lost world. We are to work in the harvest, making disciples who make disciples. We are to have our loins girded and our lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return home from the wedding feast, to open up to Him at once when He comes and knocks. (Luke 12:35) Obeying Jesus has nothing to do with living mousey, moral, invisible lives on earth. In verse 5 this belief that overcomes is not silent or invisible.

Vs. 6-12 This is a great affirmation to the redeeming power of Christ as our Savior. This also seems to be a rebuke to some of the false teachers. There was a line of thinking and teaching that said that the man Jesus was not God the Son, but was only possessed by God the Son. In their thinking, at the crucifixion, God the Son left that poor guy on the cross because it is impossible for God to suffer or endure such sinful behavior by men. By the way, that was probably also Satan's thought. The incarnation, God becoming fully man and remaining fully God, was a mystery. If Satan had understood that Jesus was fully God and fully man, he might have understood that Jesus could pay for the sins of man. I think this "wisdom of God" is what Paul was referring to when he said, None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Cor. 2:8) Jesus was not only anointed Son of God at His baptism, by water, but He was shown to be the Son of God at His death, by blood. The Holy Spirit testified over all of this. The incarnation is the reason why salvation can only be through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Vs. 13-15 The key thoughts here are, that you may know, this is the confidence, and we have the requests. All of these things were shaken by those teachers who had attacked the full adoption as sons that we obtain through Jesus, claiming Jesus was only a man and not the God-Man.

Vs. 16-17 Apparently there were people sinning and being chastened by God with death. We see this in Acts 5:1-11 and in 1 Cor. 11:30. As we've seen in 1 Corinthians, Christians are capable of a lot of sin and God does, at times, chasten by using sickness and death.

V. 18 Jesus is the one who protects, in His hand, those who abide in Him.

V. 19 So we should live like it, working in the harvest.

V. 20 Our lives are to be lived very simply, in Jesus, seeking Jesus, following Jesus.

V. 21 Any passion other than Jesus can lead us into idolatry.

Psalm 124

I wonder what this sounded like as it was sung by the people as they walked to Jerusalem for the feasts. It is interesting too, that this psalm is of David. That might be why there is the thought of deliverance from enemies.

Vs. 1-5 David understood that with all the fighting, ducking, and hiding that took place over the years he ran from Saul, if it hadn't been for the Lord, he would have died. In all the battles David waged for Israel, it wasn't his ability as a leader that won the day. It was not that he had some incredible fighters that gave the victory. It was the Lord. This is the same for us. This realization can't be "lip service;" it has to be heartfelt and deeply understood.

Vs. 6-7 We can say the same not only regarding salvation, but as we escape the effects of the sin within us every day we walk on this planet.

V. 8 Amen!

This is an interesting song, but you have to listen for 30 seconds before the song begins.

Pilgrim band PSALM 124

Proverbs 29:5-8

Vs. 5-6 Lots of capturing birds imagery here. I wonder if that imagery is continued in the righteous man singing. I guess the guy doesn't understand that he is spreading a net for his own feet.

V. 7 Here too is an inability for the wicked to understand.

V. 8 Those who start fires (among people) often get burned by them, but a wise man understands how to put them out.

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

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

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

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

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

December 4, 2012 Reading Notes

December 4, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

We have less than a month to go. If you are caught up, that is amazing. If it has been "hit-and-miss" for you, you've still probably read more of the Word than you did last year, and you have some ideas going into the new year of what you'll have to do to stay on target. But let me ask, why are you doing this? On a superficial level, there is no difference between you and someone who hardly picked up their Bible. But if you are pursuing the Lord, what you're doing makes all the difference in the world. Remember Hebrews chapter 11 and the words, "By faith…." All of those people pursued God by faith and God blessed them, but that blessing was often only in that they grew closer to God. The verses that drive me on are John 14:21-23:

He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Since you are finishing up Daniel today, you might treat yourself to a peppermint something.

Daniel 11:36-12:13

Daniel 11:36-45

Vs. 36-39 At this point the words regarding this ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes (AE), begin to directly mirror the behavior of the antichrist (AC) in the later part of Israel's history. What is mentioned here will happen in 170 A.D with the Greeks and Antiochus Epiphanes (AE). What will happen at the time of the end of the time of the nations of men will deal with that expression of the fourth empire and the antichrist (AC). Although verse 40 gives a clear indication of a time shift in the angel's explanation, there are some things mentioned in this section that show that this king will exalt himself as the antichrist will and as Antiochus Epiphanes never did.

Some of the references to the one beloved by women and the god of fortresses may not make sense to us, but they will be clear to the people who have to go through this worldwide Tribulation.

Vs. 40-45 Not all nations will follow the antichrist, and since he can't be in more than one place at one time, they will rise up against Israel. Eventually there will be a worldwide showdown in the plain of Armageddon. Remember too, that the conditions of those future days will look very desperate and primitive. There is no reason to believe that oil refineries will be working and that there will be gasoline available for these military ventures. According to Revelation, the king of the east will cross the Euphrates with 200 million foot soldiers to join the party. It is possible that some of these will be on horseback.

V. 41 The area of these countries is present-day Jordan and the area around the Dead Sea. This is important. Jesus said that when the people living near Jerusalem saw the "abomination that makes desolate" in the temple, which the AC will put there, the people were to flee into the mountains. In Revelation, the description of this flight and the pursuit of Satan is scary, but God will save the people in the wilderness. The area of these countries is where the people will go to hide. It's about 15 miles from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. We see how people in mountains can hide now from the mighty, high tech US military. Imagine how much better they will hide from the AC if God is helping them and if the world has been reduced to very primitive low-tech warfare.

V. 44 And then the antichrist will hear about these approaching armies from the north and east and decide he has other fish to fry. Still, he will kill many followers of Christ, both of Israel and in all other nations. The slaughter of God's people will be a test of the hearts of men and women, and it will confirm the justness of the wrath of God upon mankind.

Daniel 12

Vs. 1-4 This is a summary of the final 3.5 years of the Tribulation and the judgment that follows. Verse 2 is one of the clearest verses in the OT regarding the resurrection. This sounds like what Jesus said in John 5:28-29. And verse 3 sounds like Matthew 13:43, Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Vs. 5-7 It is significant that this number of days is given and that the angel gave it by raising his hands and swearing by God. If you were trying to hang on during that time and knew the day those last 3.5 years began, you'd be happy to know an exact number. That the angel swore by God makes this a very solemn declaration. We don't grasp this.

Vs. 8-12 Daniel's heart was so big toward God and his people, the more he heard, the more interested he became.

V. 9 Shut up and sealed means you will have to be there in that time to understand what is going on. We are not supposed to fully grasp it.

V. 10 During this Tribulation, those who love God will become more purified, and the wicked will become more wicked. It is a time of testing and revealing.

V. 11 The 1290 days extend from the defiling of the temple up to the cleansing of the temple and reestablishment of worship in the temple. Jesus will arrive in about 1260 days, but I'm sure there will be some business to take care of first, like the judgment of the nations. And I think rather than Him just cleaning up supernaturally, there will be people employed to clean and repair the temple and have it ceremonially rededicated. There will be a lot to do in 30 days.

V. 12 Blessed is the person who is there at this celebration. Jerusalem will be cleaned up and the King will officially, before the world, take His throne in Jerusalem and begin ruling the world.

V. 13 Just as it says in Ezekiel that the resurrected David will govern the people of Israel, I wonder if the resurrected Daniel will govern the people of Iraq from Babylon. If so, it will not have been the first time.

But for now, we work in the harvest as the clouds approach. When it all comes down, we'll have great seats to see how Jesus will justly judge the world, and we'll be at the celebration of His thousand-year kingdom.

1 John 4

In chapters 1 and 2 John has talked about walking in the light and truth of Christ. Even Christians can walk out of the light. In Chapter 3 John began talking about abiding in Christ's love as the evidence that we know that love. Now John begins to talk about the guidance of the Spirit in knowing and living the love of our Lord.

When Jesus told the disciples about what the last days before His coming would look like, He warned them regarding false prophets and false Messiahs. ( Matt. 7:15, 24:11, 24:24) I'm sure John and the others were surprised how quickly error and false teachers began to come into the church. In the days of the Tribulation it will be far worse.

Vs. 1-6 Up until 3:24 John had not mentioned the Holy Spirit. Notice that the confession of Jesus as God the Son who became flesh is a mark of the Spirit. Anyone could say Jesus came in the flesh without being truly saved, but keeping the commandments of God in the Spirit of God means understanding who Jesus truly is. A false understanding of Jesus springs from a false spirit and leads to a warped walk. As disciples, our obedience and walk are directly connected to our love and understanding of Jesus. Just like in Romans 8 and in John 14-17, it is the Spirit who guides us into a proper balance of understanding. All of this becomes visible by our love for the Word, our obedience to Christ in our walk and in the harvest, and by our love for one another.

Vs. 4-6 Anyone led by the Spirit continues in the teaching of Jesus and the apostles, and in our case, the Word.

Vs. 7-12 The evidence of the work of the Spirit in us is knowing the love of God and loving one another. Verse 8 is not stating evidence of salvation, but evidence of knowing God relationally. The true understanding of the love of God is that we love. Even though no one has ever seen God, by loving one another because of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of God's love, we show that we have a relationship with Him. Notice what Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV), The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Even in 1 Timothy, the context for this verse is false teaching and teachers.

Vs. 13-18 The evidence that we abide in God is that His love is alive in us and is seen in our love for one another. If we are fully living in the love of Christ, there is no fear of what will happen when we stand in His presence, because there will be no judgment for us.

I know this all sounds like circular reasoning, but here is the simplicity in our walk with Christ that is very visible. You even see this simplicity of the Christian life in Paul's prayer at the end of Ephesians 3. The most important thing for us to be growing in is the love of Christ. This love is grounded in His Word, understood in His Spirit and poured out in His mission. Working together as His people, we express His love to one another inwardly and His love for a dying world outwardly, and we are strengthened in our work for Him. But it all flows out of knowing and showing His love. Love is the key word and the key for our lives in Christ. But, love is not without definition. Love is defined by God and Jesus and their effort to save a lost world. And where do we know this love? Through His Word and by His Spirit. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 (ESV)

An example of what is being said here is that a husband is told to love his wife as Christ loved the church. It is fair to say that if a believing man doesn't do this, he really doesn't know the love of Christ. It doesn't make him unsaved, but it really shows his lack of knowing Christ and his lack of maturity in Christ. This is the point that John and the Spirit are making here, using love for one another as the example of relationship and maturity.

Vs. 19-21 According to John and the Spirit, this is an absolute. We really do kid ourselves and treat God's truth lightly when we claim to love God but cannot get that love to connect to loving others, including the lost and the people of God. I think a lot of churches don't work because they are not following Christ in the harvest. It is appropriate not to feel at home in a group like that. However, in a church that is working to reach out and make disciples, we need to love one another as Christ loved, and maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and love.

Psalm 123

Vs. 1-2 As the worshipers walked up those roads leading to Jerusalem on Mt. Zion, it was really the Lord they were approaching. It was really the Lord they were seeking. I like verse 2, that they will persist in prayer until the Lord shows them mercy. When the disciples finally asked the Lord to teach them to pray, He restated the Lord's Prayer to them and then added what they had never heard before: the parable of the friend knocking on his friend's door at midnight. Perseverance is necessary and natural; after all we are praying to our Father who loves us. We are appealing to His kindness and love.

Vs. 3-4 It is a truth that we often seek God because outside circumstances show us we need Him. It is also true that God allows these circumstances to come to us to drive us to Him.

Proverbs 29:2-4

Sometimes, just for the fun of it, try taking a triad of verses like this and restate them. For example:

When the righteous increase, when children love wisdom and the king builds his land with justice, the people rejoice and fathers are glad. But when the wicked rule, when children live in passion and rebellion and when bribes are common, the people groan and the wealth of a land is squandered.

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.

December 3, 2012 Reading Notes

December 3, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Daniel 11:2-35

As we enter into all the detail of the prophecies in these two chapters, there are a couple of things to take note of. First, what we're reading today will all take place before the birth of Christ, during a very dangerous time in the life of Israel. Tomorrow will deal with the Tribulation and the events just before the second coming of Christ. Second, we need to understand what the purpose of this detailed prophecy is. Rather than simply showing us that God knows everything and coordinates everything in advance, it is meant to be a help to the people going through these events and distresses. For example, in our reading today, historians can look back and verify the details of what is said here and give names to the people and identify the events. But for the Jews who went through this, it not only gave them an idea of what would happen, but it gave them incredible hope and courage as they saw the Scripture coming true and the events unfolding. It was almost like having tomorrow's newspaper. They understood that God was with them and that nothing was outside of His control. With some of this detail, they could even plan ahead. Much of what we read about the Tribulation in the book of Revelation seems foggy and hard to understand for us, but for those people who will go through the Tribulation, what God has written is going to make perfect sense. It will give them hope and courage.

V. 2 Xerxes was this fourth king and was the husband of Esther. He is mentioned here because of his wars with Greece. He was hugely defeated and got the Greeks incredibly mad.

Vs. 3-4 This is the rise and fall of Alexander the Great.

Vs. 5-20 The four kingdoms of Greece will constantly fight with one another and Israel will be in the middle of a lot of that fighting. For the Jews that lived during that time, these words in Daniel assured them that God was in control of the chaos.

Vs. 21-35 These are the adventures of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (AE), the precursor of the coming antichrist. If you want some good, but not overly lengthy information on him, read the Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, pages 1369-1370.

V. 21 Apparently AE wasn't an obvious ruler. There was deception and intrigue that led to his sudden rise to power. In the same way, it probably won't be apparent who the antichrist is until he is suddenly in power.

V. 22 The prince of the covenant was apparently a priest who AE had put to death.

V. 28 Somehow AE will already resolve to fight against Israel, probably because of their stubborn insistence on worshiping Yahweh.

Vs. 29-30 As AE was in Egypt, he was confronted by the growing Roman Empire and forced to retreat. In fact, AE was personally humiliated by the Romans who drew a circle in the sand around him, forcing him to make his decision then and there to agree to their demands.

V. 30 Those who forsake the holy covenant are traitorous Jews.

Vs. 31-35 And so AE vented his anger on Israel. These verses describe how he tried to stop the worship, desecrate the temple and exterminate Judaism. This anger and frustration, and the reasons thereof, probably foreshadow why and what the antichrist will do in the Tribulation. During the Tribulation, as powerful as Satan is and even with the authority the antichrist has, even unbelieving nations will rebel against him, blind to the real drama being played out.

V. 32 AE will win over those who really don't like to follow Yahweh.

V. 35 Even as the angel is explaining this to Daniel in such detail, it seems he makes a transition to begin talking about the time of the end. Yet, even in the Maccabean Revolt that occurred because of the actions of AE, there were godly men who understood these words of prophecy and sacrificed their lives for God. Some of what happened during that period will mirror some of what will happen during the Tribulation, especially the cunning working of AE and the antichrist.

We can understand the importance of these prophecies to the people who went through those very hard times, if we look at all of the information God has given us to encourage us during this time. As disciples following Christ, working in the harvest we understand more of what is happening in life, both on this planet and in the spiritual dimension, than any other peoples in the history of redemption. Jesus Himself told His disciples that they were seeing and hearing what others had longed to know, but were never able to see or hear. We continue in what Jesus said to His apostles in that we have the complete Word of God. Not living with this book in hand as we walk through this spiritual tragedy on earth is an awful mistake. We should be understanding our times and all the challenges, working in the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples. If we don't live by this book daily, we become lost on earth and live a faith without His strength or purpose. We have been given a great treasure and resource, and we ignore it to our own harm.

1 John 3:7-24

As you read this section, notice how often John mentions loving one another. That thought of a common love in Christ flows through this entire section of the letter. The tension in what we will read is that there were some in these churches who were not believers. It seems that the vast majority were believers, yet they were very immature, living according to the old nature, and not the new nature in Christ. The importance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is to show a believing couple who were motivated by the desire for status in the church. When Peter said to Ananias, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land," it showed that children of God can follow the flesh and be led by Satan. We know that, right? We don't have room here to find all the places in Paul's letters where this is shown or said, but keep this tension in mind as you read these verses in John. John isn't always saying people are not believers. He is saying that as believers they shouldn't be following the impulses of the devil, but those of the Spirit of Christ. John does say which impulses are from whom.

Vs. 7-10 Notice again that those addressed are little children, even the 70-year-old little children. I think John's purpose in this is to say, as Paul did, that we should walk worthy of Christ. It is clear from other letters that Christians are capable of all sorts of sin, from idolatry to immorality. In 2 Timothy 2:26, it mentions how Christians can be captured by Satan to do his will. 1 Tim. 5:15 talks about believers who have turned aside to follow Satan. Children of God should not act like children of Satan. If people are not unified in love, they are not being influenced by God, but by the devil. Our salvation in Christ and our mission for Him is supposed to bind us together. If being a believer and going to church means anything more than salvation and mission, it degenerates to a social club.

Vs. 11-15 If the last verses had to do with the influence of Satan, this block of verses seems to deal with the influence of the world. If believers are too focused on being accepted by the world, they will not love one another. Again, in a mature group of disciples, this wouldn't be a problem, but not all believers are mature and living from the principle of their new life. Paul told believers that they should put off the works of darkness and put on the Lord. That means that as believers, it is possible to live according to darkness, in death, and not in our new eternal life in Christ.

Vs. 16-18 You can see here that John was aiming high, at a cross-bearing kind of discipleship modeled after Jesus' sacrifice and love for us.

Vs. 19-24 Notice how often John mentions commandment in this section. It makes me think of David's passion in Psalm 119. Probably, in order to appreciate what John is writing here, we'd need to read John's Gospel, chapters 14-17. Verse 22 is a promise given often in that section of John. The love of Christ in the mission of Christ is what makes possible the kind of brotherly love God talks about. If a person is living that love, following Christ, regardless of failures, God forgives and overwhelms their guilty conscience. The Spirit within us is given to us to keep abiding in Christ and moving forward in the harvest. The fact that we keep moving forward, following the Spirit in the love and mission of Christ is visible evidence that the Spirit is within us.

Again, believers can hide from following Christ. But then, what evidence do they have of the Spirit in them, or that they are abiding in Christ? And then too, they miss out on all the blessings of the gospel. I grew up in a very Catholic area and the common motto was, "God helps those who help themselves." Actually, this is not true. If we don't abide in Christ and follow Him in the harvest, if we are protecting ourselves from persecution and hardship, why should He help us? We are helping ourselves, dependent on ourselves, and not on Him.

If you want an interesting example of this help, look at Luke 12:8-9. Now, as you read it, understand that by Christ acknowledging us before the angels of God, He is actually saying He will send them to help us when we are in that situation. Those people who "help" themselves by not acknowledging Christ, and therefore avoiding the punishment or scorn of men, don't need His help; and therefore, He doesn't "acknowledge" them and send spiritual aid. Remember, Jesus addressed this passage in Luke to His disciples, not to unbelievers.

Psalm 122

Both the house of the Lord and Jerusalem are lifted up in this psalm. We've seen in Ezekiel how the city and the temple, though destroyed, will both be rebuilt and will become the destination for generations in the future. Daniel's prayer in chapter 9, and the massive prophecies he was given by Gabriel, show the restoration of Jerusalem and the anointing of the King. Who knows, in the Millennium as people fly into Jerusalem, maybe they will sing this psalm as they travel from the airport up to the city to see the Lord.

Vs. 1-2 This was a passion of David's heart, forged in long years of running from danger and having to remain distant from the tabernacle. David worshiped God in spirit and in truth in the wilderness, but longed for the time he could stand before the tent which housed the Ark of the Covenant. That is where he knew God was present.

Vs. 3-5 It was in Jerusalem, once the ark was there, where people came to seek the Lord for judgments and mercy.

Vs. 6-9 Because of the temple, peace and security should rest on Jerusalem. It would have been the presence of the Lord that would have brought that peace. It makes you think of what John was writing above. If the Lord is present, it will be evidenced by peace and love.

Proverbs 29:1

Those of us with stiff necks are grateful for God's "gentle breaking," before we did irreparable damage.

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.

December 2, 2012 Reading Notes

December 2, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Daniel 9-11:1

These are two very interesting chapters in Daniel. Chapter 9 not only contains the second greatest prayer (my opinion) in the Bible, but it has the prophecy of the 70 weeks. Chapter 10 opens the curtain a little on the spiritual warfare going on behind the nations of the world and, actually, all of life. Buckle up.

Daniel 9

V. 1 Notice that this prayer is in the first year of the change of government. This was probably the year that Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. Very few people see the association between chapters 6 and 9, but you do; and it should make chapter 6 seem much more important and understandable. Just for trivia, let me ask you, what is the last visible, obviously supernatural, miraculous event God did in the OT. I think it might be Daniel chapter 6.

V. 2 What does this imply that Daniel had in his possession? Even Daniel read his Bible every day. Not only would Daniel have had full copies of everything written since Moses, he also had a copy of Jeremiah. Unknown to us, an entire culture of biblical scholarship had grown up and become established in the Jewish community in Babylon, complete with schools and a synagogue type of worship. I wasn't there but I'll bet it was financed and directed by men like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I'd bet Ezekiel was part of it.

Vs. 3-19 Here is the prayer. As you read this, think of Daniel being a teen when brought to Babylon, and now, 70 years later, saying this prayer. What a heart he had for God and for his people. I would guess that this is what Daniel was praying three times a day, and was praying on that day when he was thrown into the lion's den.

I only have a couple of observations here.

First, notice that Daniel identifies with his people. He uses "we" and "us" quite often. Notice too that he identities with and confesses the sins of the fathers. In Ezekiel we read that Daniel was probably the most righteous lover of God on the planet at that time. Why would he identify with the sordid sins of his idolatrous countrymen? Well, I'm sure it was because he was a humble guy, but not only that, he was an obedient man and knew his Bible. Read these two passages and you'll see that Daniel not only knew the Word, but he also obeyed it:

· 1 Kings 8:46-53 - This is Solomon's dedication of the temple.

· Leviticus 26:33-45 - This obscure passage will blow you away. I'm sure that Daniel knew these portions of the Bible and that his knowledge of what God commanded in these sections guided Daniel in his prayer.

Second, notice what Daniel's real concern was in verses 16-19. Notice the mention of Jerusalem. This isn't just a patriotic desire on his part. God had promised to dwell in that city. Notice, too, the desire that God's name should be honored and glorified in the world. I wish I always had that concern guiding my heart and actions. Interestingly enough, it is the same thought that's in the first line of the Lord's Prayer.

Vs. 20-23 Now I don't know if this was before or after the lion's den that Daniel was praying this and that Gabriel was sent to talk to him. I suspect it was after the lion's den, and that Daniel had proven his desire to live and die for God and his people. Notice that Gabriel came flying. I wonder what that looked like. I don't know if you know this, but in the early Superman comics, Superman often flew standing. Apparently wind resistance isn't a problem if you're super. I wonder if that's what Gabriel looked like. Second, notice in verse 23 that Daniel is greatly loved. God loves us all, but of how many people in the Bible does God say this? For most people, Daniel seems like a very insignificant character in the Bible. God didn't think so.

In Chapter 10 we meet an unnamed angel, but because Daniel had already met Gabriel twice and because of the reference to Daniel being greatly loved, some think that that angel in chapter 10 is also Gabriel.

Vs. 24-27 Here is the interesting thing about the vision of the 70 weeks. It is an answer to the question Daniel was not asking. Daniel wanted to know when the Jews could return to Jerusalem, assuming that would end the desolations of Jerusalem. The answer given tells when Jerusalem will finally be restored forever in peace and when the Jews will enjoy the kingdom with their Messiah. Notice that verse 24 will be all of human history until the beginning of the Millennium. That means that some of this has not yet occurred.

In short, the 70 weeks work out like this. Each week is seven years.

V. 25 The decree to rebuild Jerusalem, not the temple, begins the clock. This decree was given to Nehemiah.

From Nehemiah to Jesus' crucifixion was 69 weeks (7 + 62) or 483 years. There are all sorts of calendars and such, but when you work it out, it is right on the money. The 483 Years in the Jewish and Gregorian Calendars, Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, page 1363. If you go to this link, you can also read Dwight Pentecost's discussion of this time.

So, even though the walls went up with Nehemiah, seven 7, or forty-nine years, were needed to completely restore the houses and streets of Jerusalem. Then for the next sixty-two 7s (434 years) Jerusalem existed in very unsure times. The seven weeks and the sixty-two weeks have no break between them. We know this because of Jesus' death.

V. 26 Notice that the anointed one, Jesus, is cut off after the sixty-two weeks (or sixty-nine weeks if you put them together). This is significant in that it shows there is a gap between the 69th week and the 70th week.

Notice also that the people of the prince who is to come, not the prince himself, destroy Jerusalem. This is in the gap of time between the 69th week and the 70th week. This happened in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. This prince, as we'll see in the next chapter, was the "guardian" angel who will guide Rome. More on this in chapter 10.

V. 27 Now then, the 70th week is the seven years of the Tribulation. He is that prince of those people; that is, the prince is the antichrist. Remember in chapter 7 we saw that the last empire would have a "horn" or king who would rise and war against the Jews. This is the antichrist who will make a seven-year peace treaty with Israel, and in the middle of that "week" the antichrist will kill the two witnesses, break the treaty, desecrate the temple and launch a worldwide persecution against the Jews. As we'll see in the book of Revelation, God will judge the earth during the first 3.5 years of that week, and by doing so, the followers of Christ will have a chance to hide and survive and reach out to any who are willing to hear.

So, the 70 weeks are for Israel, specifically for the city of Jerusalem. After the 69th week there has been a pause in the action for the church to be busy in the harvest. Look at Romans 11:25-26 to see Paul's summary of this. When that 70th week begins, it will be all about Jerusalem and about Israel fulfilling its role in this final chapter of their redemptive mission before the coming of Christ. There really won't be a need for the Church per se in this 70th week for the city of Jerusalem or the people of Israel. Everything will have to do with the Jews and the return of their Messiah. This is a reason why the taking of the church at the beginning of the Tribulation makes good sense. It is about the Jews reaching the world. We'd just be in the way, and it won't be about us. It will be all about the city of God and people of God. This won't be hidden to people. Even the most rebellious and godless will be able to see the handwriting on the wall.

Daniel 10

Daniel 10 will actually continue to the end of the book. The angel who comes as a result of Daniel's prayer and fasting will give him the details of chapters 11 and 12. Note that Daniel 11:1 is a parenthetical note by the angel, saying that he was led by God to stand up and support Darius during his first year as ruler over this part of the Persian Empire, even though the "prince of Persia" would not have appreciated that help. We know why the angel strengthened Darius, right? Darius took a huge chance by making Daniel part of his government and chapter 6 shows that the man had faith. As mentioned above, although no name is given for this angel, some people think it is still Gabriel.

V. 1 Daniel was given a word about a conflict involving his people and he understood it and was deeply distressed by it.

Vs. 2-9 As a result of the disturbing content of that word from God, he went before the Lord, fasting and praying for 21 days. Verse 7 reminds me of Acts 9:7 and Paul's conversion. In case you are wondering if this could be Jesus, the Angel of the Lord, you'll see why this is impossible.

Vs. 10-14 This is interesting news. This angel was sent to Daniel the first day of his praying, but was held off by the prince of the kingdom of Persia for 21 days. Obviously, if this angel had been Jesus, there would have been no battle. This prince of Persia was one of Satan's angels. Satan has been given the authority over nations, as he told Jesus. I think this was part of Satan's guardianship to help humans. Now that humans are in rebellion and under God's judgment, Satan's authority defaulted to a place of a ruling guardianship, controlling mankind as if we were inmates in a prison.

How do angels fight with each other? How was this angel neutralized for 21 days? What difference did it make that Michael helped him? Did Michael have a trick move or bigger biceps?

Vs. 15-19 It seems to me that the normal state of man in the presence of an angel is debilitation. Notice how often the angel has mentioned that Daniel is greatly loved.

Vs. 20-21 More interesting information. This angel had to go back and fight with the prince of Persia and when that was done, the prince of Greece was coming. Apparently every nation has a "prince" assigned over it. According to Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (RSV), When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of men, he fixed the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. For the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. Those sons of God are angels. God only kept one nation for Himself to further His redemption of mankind and that nation was Israel. Therefore, God assigned His own "prince" for Israel, the archangel Michael. We don't know who this unnamed angel is, but only he and Michael fight for Israel.

Daniel 11:1 As mentioned above, this seems like a parenthetical thought, that this angel began giving spiritual support to Darius back in the first year of his reign. Since this angel fights for Israel, he needed to strengthen Darius for the events surrounding the lion's den, the making of that decree allowing the Jews to worship only Yahweh, and for Cyrus to make the decree for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

It seems to me, that for us to do our work in the harvest, there must be unseen forces protecting and strengthening us too. Our battle begins in the Word and on our knees. Thankfully, we have the Spirit of God within us.

1 John 2:18-3:6

1 John 2:18-29

Vs. 18-20 John is now directly addressing the issue of false teachers. It seems that what John is saying is that now that we are in the last times, and that the antichrist is coming, little antichrists will arise. Notice that these came from within the church, but John says they were not believers, or they would have stayed in the church.

The anointing by the Holy One is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at rebirth.

Vs. 21-25 This is the key issue here. People were denying that Jesus was the Messiah. I don't know if this was a Jewish influence, but obviously you can't have the Father without the Son. (John 5:23) The Jews would have been pressing to have the Father, but not Jesus. Though a believer can still be a child of God in disobedience and rebellion to his Father, a person who is religious, but doesn't believe that Jesus is the Christ and Savior, was never in the family.

Vs. 26-29 Notice that everyone is being spoken to as little children. I think John is calling on them to live in simplicity of faith and devotion. (See Luke 18:17.) We have read many encouragements to Christians to hold fast to their confession. In both Galatians and Hebrews, there was a call to people to remember that they began in Christ and received salvation through faith in Him. Having begun that way, they needed to hold fast to the teaching they were given at the beginning.

1 John 3:1-6

Vs. 1-3 This is the key to true salvation and following as disciples, knowing the love of God. Of course, this love is seen in and defined by Jesus and the plan of God. John has just called them little children and now he is talking about how they became children, by the love of God.

V. 3 This is the yearning as children to be with Christ. I was reading this morning that Jesus told, even warned, His disciples to have their loins girded and their lamps burning and to be like men waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast that they might open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. There should be that yearning and excitement born out of love.

Vs. 4-6 This gets into the gray areas of who is and who isn't saved, but God knows. Paul knew this was a problem in the church and told Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:19, "The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Paul and Timothy both struggled with this. The sure indicator of true faith is that a believer loves Christ, and though they sin, they keep coming back and asking for forgiveness, and they keep following.

In all we are reading here, you understand the need for good, godly elders in a church who are themselves following Christ in the harvest, and who are shepherds and protectors of the flock. When Paul says elders need to be able to teach, it is not just for making disciples, but for protecting the church.

Psalm 121

In this song of ascents, as the pilgrims were traveling to Jerusalem, because of Jerusalem's height, all roads led up to Jerusalem. In this sense, looking up to the hills was looking toward Jerusalem, to the house and throne of God.

Vs. 1-2 This is easy to say, but trusting it in the storm proves our hearts.

Vs. 3-4 I was reading this morning about what Jesus said concerning the sparrows, "and not one of them is forgotten before God." And we are of more value to God than many sparrows.

Vs. 5-8 God is not only our "sunscreen" but also our shield and defender. It's good to know this truth in our heads, but even better when it is in our souls and hearts.

Remember, as the people obeyed God and went to Jerusalem, they often had to leave their homes and possessions unguarded. They needed a protector and God had promised to be that for them.

Proverbs 28:27-28

V. 27 Jesus said that disciples were to give to everyone who begs of them. A disciple shouldn't have an emotional hang-up here.

V. 28 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.