January 23, 2014

JANUARY 23

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 46-47

Genesis 46

Vs. 1-4 This is an important event. Israel would not return to the land for 400 years. God is particularly tender to Jacob. Jacob had believed in the promise, and now God was not only confirming the promise but giving Jacob additional information to pass on to his heirs. It doesn't appear that God spoke to people often, but we see God speaking to Jacob here (who, by the way, didn't leave the promised land, even in the famine) at a time when it was important to encourage Jacob. God confirms the promise, showing His faithfulness to His plan of redemption. There is little to suggest that there was ongoing devotion to God and seeking Him on the part of Jacob. This is one of the few times we hear of Jacob offering sacrifices. Yet, God remained faithful and tender.

Beersheba was a special place in the lives of Abe, Isaac and Jacob. This is where Jacob stole the blessing and ran to Haran to enjoy life with Laban.

As Moses is writing this, he is surrounded by the millions of Israelites who were brought out of Egypt and returning to the land. God was and is faithful to His Word.

Vs. 5-27 The math summarized here is an editorial on how many descendants of Israel went in to Egypt. What is being counted are those who belonged to Jacob by blood. Later in Numbers we'll see how many descendants of Israel came out. Remember too, that Jacob took all his servants and livestock. That would have been a small city. The little comments made about the number of men Abe took to rescue Lot, and the fact that the holdings of Jacob and Esau were so large that the land couldn't hold both of them, are important to remember and think about to give you a 3D view of what is happening. They would have been a large company.

Vs. 28-34 Notice that Jacob sent Judah ahead, showing again, the prominence of Judah. There have been a lot of tears in this story, but thanks to the Lord, there is now a happy ending.

It’s interesting how the Lord often blesses through bad things. The Egyptians hated shepherds, forcing Israel to locate in Goshen, which was a well watered delta paradise, even in the time of famine. The Lord knows what He's doing and even uses the sin of man to accomplish His purpose of redemption.

Genesis 47

Vs. 1-12 This shows the meeting with Pharaoh and the settling of Israel in Goshen. Verse 9 gets me every year. Jacob was 130 years old and he summarizes his years as "few and evil." And we know it is no exaggeration. What a sad statement, and to think, Jacob, the man who believed in the blessing, was himself responsible for much of his own personal tragedy.

When the results of what we have done (and the chain reactions thereof) are complicated, tangled, and out of control, we feel trapped and feel we have no control. But the solution is simple. When you come to your senses and commit yourself to following God, in the next thing you do, honor the Lord. At that point, no matter how complicated you have made life or what is being demanded of you, dare to honor God. Being in the Word gives us confidence in God's love and faithfulness, and His Word tells us what to do. The Gordian knot is simple to deal with. You don't unravel it, you cut it. But it takes using the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. And it takes a person who is surrendered to the love and heart of Christ to make this happen. Yet, it is so simple as to be profound. The next thing you do, honor the Lord. He leads to truth and peace.

Vs. 13-26 So, why do you think that Moses and the Spirit want us to have this particular information? Here is something to think about. Israel grew as a nation inside of Egypt for 400 years. The Egyptians remembered what Joseph had done for them as a nation for 2-3 hundred years. That is an incredible legacy. The US has gone 200 years as a nation and we still (sort of) respect the founders of the country. As we see new generations arise and people tinker with, and misunderstand, the intent of the founders, we could figure that in another 100 years we will forget to respect and honor them. We already have begun imagining ourselves to be geniuses who could have done a better job, without their education and faith, and without paying the price they paid. The Egyptians are grateful for Joseph saving their lives. Joseph was a hero and patriot. But that will be forgotten.

This section is probably here to show us the actions that made Joseph a national hero whose respect lasted hundreds of years, until a pharaoh came who didn't know Joseph, and made Israel slaves.

Vs. 27-28 God gave Jacob 17 good years with Joseph, not to mention peace and honesty in his life and family. If Joe had his sons during the first seven years of plenty, it means that Jacob got to see Joseph's sons enter their 20s.

Vs. 29-31 This section actually introduces Jacob's final blessings. Jacob wanted to be buried in the family grave, in the land of promise. This was in anticipation of God's promise to lead the nation back into Canaan and to give it to them as an inheritance.

In all the details of this story, God never lost sight of working toward the redemption of man and the coming of Christ. We are now a part of that plan and story. We have seen what happens when people lose sight of God's plan, but we have been saved by Christ and commissioned by Him. We are to follow Him into the harvest to bring the news of this salvation and promise to the lost. Our commission is to make disciples who make disciples. We need to make sure we're not the ones who bring the chaos into our lives through trickery, ambition and impatience. Still, there will always be resistance and hardship for those who follow Christ. The Spirit's power isn't seen in His keeping us out of trouble, but rather in His creating peace and joy in us as we follow Christ through the trouble.

Matthew 15:1-28

Vs. 1-9 These Pharisees and scribes (lawyers of the law) got more than they bargained for with this criticism. The scribes had created so many laws and traditions in addition to what God had written, that people were no longer following what God said. As a result, it was very hard for a person to find God. This is what is behind Jesus' rebuke.

Honoring father and mother meant providing for them in their old age. The scribes figured that if a son wanted to commit to supporting the temple with his money, he would be exempt from helping his parents. Jesus didn't see it that way.

Vs. 7-9 Jesus' quote of Isaiah 29:13 is really a description of the power of sin. Rather than serving God, we create a god and laws to appease our conscience and allow us to serve ourselves.

Vs. 10-20 After Jesus contradicted the leaders publicly, the disciples came to Jesus privately and received the explanation of His teaching.

V. 12 The Pharisees already wanted to kill Jesus. Apparently Jesus' public rebuke regarding "unwashed hands" put them in an especially murderous mood.

Vs. 13-14 The disciples still feared the scribes and the Pharisees. I think one of the reasons Jesus interfaced with these leaders so often was to teach His disciples that God was bigger than they were and that the Word had to be expressed without fear of them.

Vs. 21-28 Jesus left Judah because the Jewish leaders were so mad, and eventually He began to take His message to the Gentiles. In essence, He had already been rejected by the nation and its leaders. They would make that official later. Now, you can see Jesus expanding His ministry to the Gentiles.

Jesus tried to keep His visit here "low key," but the Father had other plans.

V. 22 Notice that there is a very evident and extraordinary faith in the Canaanite woman. For her to call Jesus the Son of David was not normal. She knew something and Jesus picked up on it. It will explain why Jesus could challenge her faith and use her as an example to the disciples.

Jesus was shifting His ministry to the Gentiles and toward the birth of the church. Israel had all but officially rejected Him, and the cross was looming ahead. The disciples were true blue Jews and they hated Gentiles. We will see God work with the disciples and other Jewish Christians in a mighty way to help them overcome their prejudice and hatred. This is a first step. They will see a faith in this Gentile woman that they have seen only rarely in Israel.

V. 23 Jesus ignored the woman in order to show the disciples the depth of her faith. I always find this amusing that she was begging Jesus for her daughter and now the Twelve are begging Him to get rid of her.

Vs. 26-28 So, who was being tested and who was being given a lesson here? I know the words about throwing the children's bread to the dogs seems hard, but it looks to me that Jesus knew her faith in the Son of David would win the day. I think it is the disciples who are getting the test and the lesson. It was the Jews who viewed the Gentiles as dogs. In spite of Jesus' words, her need and her faith in Jesus drove her forward. Faith persists and God is merciful. The woman grasped that and persisted until Jesus blessed her and freed her daughter. Jesus praised her faith and the disciples received a lesson in how Gentiles could follow Christ.

Isn't it interesting that the people who claimed to be following God were Jesus' worst enemies. Their rigid, self-made laws made Jesus their enemy. They determined what God should be like and what He should say, and so they couldn't accept Jesus. Yet when Jesus went to those who knew they were lost, to the Gentiles, He found sincere faith and openness. That should tell us something about working in the harvest. We are to work in the harvest and with those believers who have a willingness to follow Christ into the harvest. Unfortunately, many disciples ruin themselves trying to work with churches that are not interested in the harvest. These churches live to hold the "rules." It is sad to say this, but I have been in churches where Jesus couldn't have been an elder. I'm sure if He had shown up, they wouldn't have liked Him. In the harvest we find the Lord and we find the freshness of new faith. That is where we are to make disciples who make disciples.

Psalm 19

When I read a psalm like this, I picture two periods of David's life, both of which were simpler, less busy and complicated than when he became king of the entire nation.

Vs. 1-6 First, all those years as a shepherd, looking out on God's creation created a deep devotion to God in David. It takes time and quiet for this to happen.

Vs. 7-14 Second, in those seven years in Hebron as King of Judah, David also learned. I believe it was in those years, reflecting on God's saving him from Saul, that he transcribed the first five books of the Bible, as Deuteronomy says a king should do. It was probably during that time when David wrote Psalm 119. His devotion to the Word of God grew during this time of quiet.

In this psalm, you have both the declaration of creation to the glory of God, and the Word of God declaring the glory of God.

What always hits me is that when David had time or took the time, his heart was wholly the Lord's, and God's glory flowed from his life. But when this same man became busy, distracted and engaged in the press of life, he failed. He drifted from God and brought deep pain into his life and family.

What the Lord wants us to see in the life of David, besides enjoying this great psalm, is that a disciple should follow Christ simply in this life, abiding in Him, taking time with Him, working in the harvest. That is the life that declares the glory of God. A life full of things and activities and multitasking doesn't do that for God. At best it makes for a very superficial disciple. At worst, it makes for a life that looks like Jacob's or David's.

Proverbs 4:14-19

Many of the proverbs have a contrast, and this one does too in vs. 18 and 19. Following Christ, His way, brings clarity, hope, stability and growing light. It is interesting that the lives of Jacob, David and Solomon became darker as they became busier. They became shrewder, more political, more complicated. These men became less focused on God and more focused on themselves. Life is busy, but the focus has to remain uncomplicated, simple and cleansed daily by the Word. We are to honor God by following and abiding in Christ and His love, in the harvest.

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

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

January 22, 2014

JANUARY 22

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 44-45

Genesis 44

Vs. 1-13 As you see this adventure unfold, you can guess what is coming. The important thing to figure out in all of Joseph's actions since meeting his brothers is what he wanted to "test" or find out. Making his brothers suffer was not his intent. He had to see what was in them. Their sign of grief in v. 13 is important. They could have all gone home without Ben. This shows a change in them. At one time they turned their backs on Joseph. Now, they were willing to go back to Egypt and face possible imprisonment for the sake of Benjamin. This is hypothetical because it never happened, but I'll bet if the brothers had still had their former murderous attitudes, this would not be a story of forgiveness and reconciliation. This is what Joseph had to know before he could reveal himself to his brothers and before there could be complete forgiveness and reconciliation. Their actions and attitudes were as good as saying, "We're sorry."

Vs. 14-17 Notice how this verse begins and who becomes the representative of Israel, Judah and his brothers. Verse 16 seems to be a confession of sorts. Again, they are offered the opportunity to turn their backs on Benjamin and go home.

Vs. 18-34 This is the offer of Judah to take the place of Benjamin. Except in the case of Eliezer, Abraham's servant, it is hard to think of a longer block of dialogue from any one person. Judah is showing his heart here.

V. 28 Jacob's heart still held Rachel as his main wife. God had a different view. Jacob's favor of Joe and Ben was not a balanced part of his family, but that was Jacob.

Vs. 32-33 In essence, this is what Jesus, the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah," has done for us.

Forgiveness is one thing, and the process of restoring trust in a relationship is another. I have known Christians who demand forgiveness to get the monkey of guilt off their backs (not to correct the wrong they did), and then demand the relationship should be instantly renewed. Then they point to this story. Without the process of confession of wrong and repentance, even God does not forgive. Repentance can begin the process of restoration, rebuilding and proving trust, but rebuilding trust is also a process. When we as Christians explain forgiveness as "just forgive and forget," people think we're crazy. If we point to the story of Joseph and say "forgive and forget like Joseph did," we confirm that we are crazy and we haven't read or understood the story. If Joseph's brothers had been arrogant or dishonest here, with no real sense of guilt or repentance, it would have been a much different story. Joseph and God made them prove themselves.

Genesis 45

Vs. 1-3 They had been in such awe of Joseph as the Egyptian tyrant, you can imagine their utter shock and dismay, especially if his eye makeup started running. (Egyptians in the movies always wear a lot of eye makeup.)

Vs. 4-15 When Joseph calls them near, some people suggest that he showed his brothers he was a Hebrew. An Egyptian wouldn't have been circumcised.

V. 5 This has to be one of the greatest verses in the OT. It is in this sense that Joseph is a type or illustration of Christ. In the same way that the brothers sold Joe, mankind "sold" Jesus. Yet in both of these situations, in spite of the sin of the perpetrators, God used what they did to bring salvation.

I don't think Joseph always understood why the Lord had sent him to Egypt. I'll bet it wasn't until he saw his brothers bow down, and he remembered the dream, that the process began. But, the process began in a heart that was fully humbled and yielded to God. I don't think Joseph had any super power of spiritual insight. His heart was close to the Lord, and therefore, he was very teachable. If "close to the Lord and teachable" is a superpower, you can have that one too. Being in the Word daily helps you get there, just like you're doing.

V. 6 Notice the time marker here. Joseph was sold when he was 17 and came to power when he was 30. After those 13 years of servitude came the seven years of plenty and now two years of famine had gone by. Joseph was now 39 and hadn't seen his family for 22 years.

V. 15 I'd love to know what the brothers said to Joseph. Hopefully they apologized and asked for forgiveness.

Vs. 16-20 God just kept pouring on blessing. The Pharaoh himself invites Israel to live in Egypt and to possess the best land. Joseph didn't even have to ask.

Vs. 21-28 I always smile when I read v. 24. I'm sure Joseph expected them to look back and blame one another for the idea to kill or sell Joseph. I could imagine Reuben saying, "Didn't I tell you?" And then someone else saying, "I was planning on sneaking back and letting him go too. Hey, whose idea was it to sell him anyway?" It was all lost now in forgiveness and God's saving purpose.

V. 27 I wonder what was going through Jacob's mind when he saw this vast caravan, with moving trucks, pulling up to his tent.

Notice also that Jacob's spirit comes alive again. It is evident that Jacob had been heartsick for 22 years. That is a long time to suffer like this with a dead heart. I'm not saying anyone deserves this, but God really did not cut Jacob much "slack" in dealing with Jacob's own sins against Esau. And we’ve still never heard Jacob say he was sorry for anything he did to Esau. God is not mocked. As a man sows, so shall he reap. That is true even if you are a child of God. For us as disciples, we cannot think that because we love the Lord and work in the harvest, He will let us get away with what He knows is wrong. We can persist and disobey, but look what it did for Jacob.

Matthew 14:13-36

Vs. 13-21 The Lord has ways of teaching many things at one time. In what Jesus did here, He was showing the masses that He was the Messiah. The full impact of this event is seen in John 6 where Jesus calls Himself the bread of life. But more than that, you can look at this entire event as a training lesson for the Twelve.

Jesus will refer to this feeding again to show the disciples they didn't need to be anxious about their lives. But one not so obvious lesson here is that Jesus showed the disciples what to do with 5000 people. You wonder how the disciples were prepared for the 3000 people who came to Christ on Pentecost in Acts 2. Here is how they learned. You break them into groups of 50 or 100 like Jesus did.

Vs. 22-23 The Twelve also learned to expect problems after success. Or maybe they learned not to trust "success" at all, but rather God. The reason I'm saying this, unknown to us here, but revealed in John 6, is that after the feeding of the 5000 Jesus' popularity began to disintegrate; in fact, many disciples left him. Jesus sent the disciples away because the crowds were going to come and make Him king by force. In another couple of days, that same crowd will reject Jesus' claim that He was the bread that came down from heaven. Many of his disciples would never follow Him again.

Vs. 24-33 This was a very important event. Jesus wasn't showing off. In fact, Jesus wasn't planning on the Twelve even seeing Him at all; but when they saw Him and cried out, Jesus knew the Father had other plans and He went with it. Seeing Jesus (and Peter) walking on water would come in handy in John 6 as the crowds and disciples were leaving. At that point Jesus asks the Twelve if they too will leave, and Peter spontaneously blurts out, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:68-69) It is interesting that Peter didn't say, "Who else can walk on water?" They learned something in the boat and they worshiped Him. God used that crisis on the sea to strengthen the faith of their hearts for the crisis of faith in John 6. Just as with God's working in Joseph and his brothers, there are no accidents in God's planning and preparation.

Vs. 34-36 After they landed at Gennesaret, Jesus walked to Capernaum with the boys. He was instantly recognized, and everywhere He went, they brought sick people on pallets and laid them in the market places so they could touch the fringe of His robes. It is after this that the people who just ate the loaves on the other side of the sea would find him in Capernaum for the showdown in John 6.

Psalm 18:37-50

Vs. 37-43 We haven't yet read the entire life of David, but you will read this psalm again after we've seen what David went through. This psalm is a summary of his hardship. These verses recount the victory and glory that God brought to David after those long years.

Vs. 44-45 Even the troops that came against David from Syria and as far as Assyria were defeated by David.

Vs. 46-48 David not only realized that God had done this to fulfill the promise God had made to him…

V. 49 …but I think David also understood that the promise of redemption from Adam through Abraham was operating here. Paul quotes this verse in Romans 15:9 having to do with the plan of God to save the Gentiles.

V. 50 This is a reference to the promise God made to David that one of his offspring would reign over Israel forever. That would be Jesus.

Proverbs 4:11-13

These words are true. If there is really any qualification here, it has to do with what our goal in life is. If our goal is to walk or run on our own way, pursuing what we want, or pursuing what we think God should want, we may stumble. But if our goal is to follow in the harvest, waiting on the Lord, knowing that God is sovereign, then there is no way to fail or fall. In some respect, what we are reading in the OT proves this. Men messed stuff up, but God's plan and purpose was still accomplished. God could have done the same things without Jacob's trickery and without the brothers having to sell Joseph. Their plans caused the stumbling. Following the Lord in His way is easier than it looks. Our expectations and desires and plans are what hamper us. The Lord trains us to follow Him, to abide, to hold to His Word, to wait. The world can be chaotic, but we can still have peace and security following Christ, reaching the lost and making disciples, because we are keeping hold of Him. Or in our case, we are being held by Him.

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

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

January 21, 2014

JANUARY 21

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 42:18-43:34

This portion of text isn't complete until Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. The question you need to be asking yourself is why Joseph is doing this. We always use Joseph as an example of "instant" forgiveness without realizing there was a process involved in him forgiving his brothers. God was working and there was a plan in progress. When people push a "just forgive" commandment on others and use Joe as an example, it shows they haven't really read or understood what is happening here.

Genesis 42:18-38

Vs. 18-20 So, why do you think Joseph wanted them to bring Benjamin? Was it just because he wanted to see his brother?

Vs. 21-24 These are amazing verses. What does it say to you about the power of what they had done and how it affected their lives over the past 22 years?

I always laugh at Joseph putting Simeon in prison and then seeing that Jacob isn't really in a hurry to rescue him. I wonder if Joseph chose Simeon for this reason, knowing that there would be no real pressure to come and get him. Remember, Simeon was the eldest of the two brothers who murdered the men at Shechem.

Vs. 25-28 What do you think putting their money back in their sacks was meant to accomplish? What was the reaction of the brothers? Joseph wasn't interested in generosity. He wanted them to feel something, and it worked. Notice that they understood this as judgment from God. They were living under the sense of guilt and judgment for what they had done to Joe.

Vs. 29-36 What is notable in this section to me is Jacob's words to his sons at the end. He is a bitter sad man who cannot trust his sons. Somewhere in this Jacob is still being punished by his own trickery and his inability to say that he was wrong.

Vs. 37-38 This is the offer of Reuben to protect Benjamin. There will be another offer in the next chapter and it is good to think of the difference between these offers. Reuben had already sinned against his father and family without any apology. If you look at the offer itself, there is no guarantee that Ben would come home. The option of killing Reuben's two sons sounds strange and unimaginable.

Genesis 43

Vs. 1-10 Eventually the food was running out and they had to return. Now comes the offer of Judah to protect Benjamin. Did Jacob finally accept this offer because they were out of food? When we get to chapter 49, Jacob blesses Judah above all of his brothers and predicts that the Messiah will come from Judah. There is something here that is sacrificial and like Jesus. He offered to take Benjamin's place, to be his substitute. That would ensure that Ben would return and that if payment needed to be made in Egypt, on the spot, Judah would make it with his own life. I think this is what made Judah a better man, and his offer points to the heart of our Savior. This should be the heart of a disciple.

Vs. 11-14 On the one hand this is good and polite. On the other hand this is Jacob being Jacob, making sure they have what they need to win the favor of this Egyptian tyrant. Yet in this moment of challenge, Jacob decides it is time to pray and bring God into the matter.

Vs. 15-25 When the guys arrived, Joseph prepared a meal. I always wonder how long that would have taken, like when the Lord and the angels visited Abe and Sarah…"Hey, can you guys stay to eat? Good!" Then to the servant, "Hey go kill an animal and prepare it." If it was me, I'd have said, "Do you like Chinese?" and then ordered out.

Notice that the brothers thought this was a trap because of the money that had been put back in their sacks. Apparently Joseph had briefed his steward, who went along with this test. Keep in mind that Joseph is testing his brothers to discover something about them. Now the brothers are at ease.

Vs. 26-34 It must have been a great meal.

Notice that Joe is melting down emotionally.

V. 32 Notice that the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews. That will become important later.

V. 33 Notice that Joe is still messing with their heads.

V. 34 Now their hearts were merry. All was well. But the big test is about to come. Soon we'll see what Joseph wants to discover about his brothers.

Matthew 13:47-14:12

These look like disjointed events, but it will be good exercise to try to see how things are presented.

Matthew 13:47-58

Vs. 47-50 The parable of the fish is similar to the parable of the wheat and the weeds except there is no enemy here. Remember what Joseph told Pharaoh regarding seeing the dream twice? The repeating meant it was certain to happen. God will judge all men. Judgment is coming. People need to be told that and they need to hear the good news.

Vs. 51-52 In trying to bring the Word of God to people, the disciples were being taught to use the old and the new. I think that means Jesus was using the parable to show them how to use the truth of scripture (the old) and make it new with illustrations of today's world. I think the Lord wants us to do the same. We need to be aware of what is happening in our world to use its examples as ways to illustrate the reality of the Word.

Vs. 53-58 This is the second time Jesus has returned to Nazareth. The first time was a very solemn event where Jesus declared He was fulfilling Isaiah 61:1-2. The people should have celebrated, but instead they tried to kill Him. Now, a year later, Jesus was famous. He was a phenomenon in Israel and everybody loved Him. Look at how they "explained" Jesus away, into insignificance.

V. 58 Notice what the result was. It was not that Jesus' power was dependent on their faith, but if they disregarded Jesus, they wouldn't come to Him to be healed. He couldn't do much because they wouldn't come to Him. It's the same today.

Matthew 14:1-12

Vs. 1-12 This is the death of John the Baptist.

Vs. 1-2 Jesus was famous, but they didn't understand who He was. Herod was not only motivated by unbelief, but also by his bad conscience. Just like Joseph's brothers, Herod was interpreting everything in terms of his guilt in putting John to death.

Vs. 3-12 I remember the first time I read this account of John's death, how I was impressed by Herod having to save face. Because of his vows and his guests, he allowed himself to be pressured into doing what he knew was wrong. He was a king, but just a small, lost man. And to boot, he really was a bad guy.

So, you have the parables, that is, truth given in a story form. If people wanted to understand the Word and draw close to God they could, but there would be some effort. Then you have the people in Nazareth rejecting the living Word of God. Finally there is Herod. Mark says that Herod would often summon John and listen to him until he worked up a lather of guilt and conviction. Then he would send him away and later hear him again. But Herod never changed. The Word had no effect on him. Both Herod and the people of Nazareth were like people in the parables who didn't comprehend and didn't even try.

Psalm 18:16-36

Vs. 16-19 I always imagine that David wrote this after he was made king, looking back at running from Saul, hiding in caves and despairing of ever being blessed by God.

Vs. 20-24 Among all of the ways God protected David, He kept David from avenging himself three times. That is what David is referring to regarding staying righteous and being rewarded.

Vs. 25-27 When you look at what happened to Saul, Nabal, and others who lied and tried to hurt David, God paid them back according to their own ways. You see this with Jacob. God judged Jacob's trickery by putting him under someone who was more devious, Laban.

Vs. 28-36 What a great declaration to God's help. Amen. It may require waiting, as it did for David and Joseph, but the message is true. God will train and equip us and lead us on for His purpose and glory.

Proverbs 4:7-10

Proverbs 1:7 says that the beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord. Here it says that the beginning of wisdom is to set your heart to get wisdom. I think it means that first you find Christ, and then you seek His Kingdom and ask and seek and knock.

A disciple keeps on pressing to know Christ, just like Paul said in Philippians 3:12, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Disciples keep on pressing, abiding, seeking, asking, knocking…following the Lord they love in the harvest.

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

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

January 20, 2014

JANUARY 20

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 41:17-42:17

Genesis 41:17-57

Vs. 17-33 Knowing that the dream came from God makes it a very interesting dream. What stands out to me is the length. Fourteen years is a long time.

Vs. 34-36 Joseph was a "full-service" dream revealer. I'm sure this was part of God's working too.

Vs. 37-45 Talk about "rags to riches!" This deal included power, authority and a wife. Isn't it interesting that God had this planned all the time and never told Joseph. God was making Joseph a certain kind of man that He could trust with this kind of power and responsibility. Joseph never knew what was coming and he could have given up; but then, God kept just enough favor and blessing coming, to keep Joseph encouraged through his trials. And He can do this with us. His wisdom and working are beyond our comprehension, or as Paul said in Romans 11:33-36, O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Vs. 46-57 In this summary of the fulfilling of the dreams and the success of Joseph's work, there is some very interesting information.

V. 46 Notice how old Joseph was when he entered into service. He was sold when he was 17 and now he is 30. He was a slave for 13 years. The years with Potiphar and in the prison taught Jacob skills. He learned the language, the customs, the business of buying and selling and he learned the laws. But he was still a slave and still suffered under the injustice of what his brothers did to him. And then, there was the injustice of what Potiphar's wife did to him. I'll bet that was a long 13 years.

Vs. 50-52 What does the naming of his children tell you? We make Joseph out to be a superhero, and he was, sort of. Still, I'm not getting the idea that he knew yet what God was up to. The names show that Joe was still grieving and healing, and this, many years later. The year before the famine means that Joe was now 36 and hadn't seen his family for 19 years.

V. 57 All the "world" in that area of the world knew there was grain in Egypt. Egypt would have been a hopping place.

Genesis 42:1-17

Time has passed. To see how many years it was now since Joseph had seen his brothers, peek ahead at Genesis 45:6.

Vs. 1-5 After all these years, we finally hear something about Jacob and the family. Actually, the adventures of Judah (chapter 38) have taken exactly as long. What does v. 4 suggest to you? In Jacob's thinking, Benjamin was the only remaining son of the Rachel side of the family. By now all of the other men had their own wives, families, tents, servants and herds.

Vs. 6-17 This is Joseph meeting his brothers.

V. 9 What is the importance of this verse? What does this tell you about Joseph and his thinking the past __ years? It does not seem to me that Joseph anticipated seeing his brothers or had given the significance of his past dreams any thought until now.

Why do you think Joseph is treating them so roughly? I don't think it has anything to do with revenge. The last time Joe saw them, they were murderous, merciless men.

We'll put more of this together tomorrow. It is enough to say that, as disciples, God doesn't do everything in our lives at once. We often look back and say that we should have known or understood something at a certain time in our lives, or we wish we had. The Father is a good teacher. His plan is vast and He teaches us in His time. He opens our eyes according to His timing and plan. In the meantime, even in our struggles, we trust Him and follow in the harvest.

Matthew 13:24-46

It would be a good exercise to think of how all of these parables fit together. The parable of the sower comes first, then the wheat and the weeds, then the mustard seed, then the ditty on parables, then the explanation of the wheat and weeds, then the hidden treasure and finally the pearl of great price. I think I have it figured out, but your exercise will benefit you more than my ideas, and don’t try to Google and find someone else’s explanation. Do it yourself.

Vs. 24-30 The wheat and the weeds. Jesus gives the parable here and then the explanation later. This parable is similar to the parable of the net and the fish later, but this story has the twist of there being an enemy. So, what do you think the role of the enemy is here? The weeds don't keep the wheat from being harvested, but they do make the growth of the wheat more difficult and it makes the harvest more work. Ultimately all the wheat will get into the barn and all the weeds will be burnt. It seems like the impact of weeds is the difficulty during the present time regarding the growth of the wheat and the kingdom.

Vs. 31-32 In Jesus saying that the mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, I don’t believe He is trying to make a scientific statement. In the experience of the people listening, the mustard seed was a very small seed, probably the smallest they had to deal with. What do you think Jesus is teaching about the kingdom in this parable? It seems like the point is that of a small beginning being contrasted with the huge result. I've heard some people suggest that the birds are evil, but I don't see that. In other places a king's sovereignty and power is expressed in his ability to provide shelter to the birds and animals.

V. 33 Again, this is a positive expression of the kingdom being small in its beginning and size, but permeating everything though unseen.

Vs. 35-36 As Matthew has done before, he is showing that Jesus was fulfilling the words of the OT prophets. It is interesting to see who this prophet was. Look at Psalm 78:2.

Vs. 36-43 This is pretty straightforward, dealing with the end of the Tribulation and the second coming of Christ. Still, notice that the time of the impact of the parable is now and the difficulty the weeds present to the growing wheat and the growing kingdom. The angels won't break into a sweat doing their part. Notice in v. 43 what happens to the children of the kingdom once the weeds are removed. I think that helps show the point of the parable.

V. 44 This is pretty easy to understand. Is knowing Christ worth everything? Paul thought so in Philippians 3:8.

Vs. 45-46 Ditto. Isn't it interesting that the dream of pharaoh was repeated twice using different figures. Here we are given something similar. That it is said twice means that it is certain and true, fixed by God. Genesis 41:32

Given the importance of understanding what Jesus is saying, as disciples we can ask ourselves if we are giving enough of ourselves to growing in Jesus and serving Him in the harvest. Is knowing Christ the most important thing in our lives, visible in all we say and do and spend our time on? The hidden treasure and the pearl are an invitation to a willing heart. I've been following for 35 years, and although I agree with the "give everything" teaching, I still catch myself holding back from really giving everything. These parables are a constant invitation and exhortation to give everything and follow our Lord in the harvest. That's what disciples do. Or as someone has said, "To give all that you are for all that He is; this is the gospel according to Jesus."

Psalm 18:1-15

Vs. 1-6 As with most of the psalms so far, the first six verses are great encouragement and will resonate with those who have been in the press and have desperately needed the Lord to rescue them.

Vs. 7-15 These images are of God coming to David's rescue. What do you see in the images that follow, that is interesting to you? To me this was figurative of how God vindicated and brought David to the throne, but it looks literal with regard to the events in Revelation before the Son comes to His throne.

Proverbs 4:1-6

These verses seem autobiographical. Solomon is recounting David sitting down with him and talking.

It seems to me that Solomon wrote this during a period when he was close to the Lord, but he drifted later in life. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, did not heed this advice. The inspiration of the Spirit and the truth of God's words remain, even though the messenger didn’t heed his own message. Here’s what Paul said to Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:16, Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. (RSV "and your teaching") Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

It makes sense, doesn’t it, and it really applies to us as disciples making disciples.

The other thing that hits me and applies to us as disciples is v. 6, love her and she will guard you. Apparently in Solomon's later years, he loved something else.

For us as disciples, for our entire lives following Christ, there is no more secure place on the planet than abiding in and loving our Lord, staying in His Word, working in His harvest. Life situations change. Our ages change. Our Savior, His love and His salvation remain the same. It is our love for Him and our hope in Him that keeps us.

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

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

January 19, 2014

JANUARY 19

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 39:1-41:16

There is nothing like adversity to focus you on the Lord. Now, adversity doesn't always have a positive effect on everyone, but to the right people, the kind of loneliness and hardship Joseph experienced brings them closer to God. I don't think Jacob responded well to adversity. He just fought back. But what happened to Joseph seems to have caused a positive change, as God engineered this hardship to shape him.

Genesis 39

V. 1 Joseph was bought and sold by "Midianites" who are referred to as Ishmaelites. Midian was one of Abraham's sons born to his wife, Keturah, after Sarah's death. (Gen. 25:1-4). In those 100+ years, the tribe had grown and mixed (as Esau did) with Ishmael's clan. As a nation, the Midianites will be a problem to Israel in a couple of important places. It might be that Jacob's sons regarded all of the other seven sons of Abraham, and their descendants, as Ishmaelites.

Vs. 2-10 It was apparent to Joseph and to Potiphar that the blessing was from God. Joseph didn't have to be grateful to God and allow that to determine his behavior and heart, but he did. Mixed with his pain and sorrow, God's blessing drew Joseph's heart to God. Jacob was blessed by God with Laban but didn't express his gratitude. Most people really don't. But Joseph was grateful. So when Potiphar's wife went for him, Joseph realized that he would ultimately be throwing away his relationship with God, not repaying God in kind for the mercy and blessing he had received.

These are great discipleship lessons, but they have to be lived. Without the hardship endured in following Christ in the harvest, most of us never learn to focus on God. Without the blessing of seeing Him use us in the harvest, most of us never truly appreciate our salvation and His grace and mercy to us.

Vs. 11-20 Joseph wasn't wearing much if she could pull off his robe and see that he was uncircumcised. I guess they dressed differently back then, like the Scots in kilts. Abraham and Isaac grew an enormous community in Canaan that had now dwelt there many years. You can figure it out from the text. If Abe was 75 when he entered Canaan and Isaac was born when Abe was 100 and Isaac lived to be 180, then this community had been a part of Canaan for over 200 years. This group was known to the nations and was a stop on the caravan routes. They were large and wealthy herders and Bedouin, known as Hebrews, living in tents. And they had this one particularity, the men were circumcised. Over the 200 years, the Egyptians, especially the merchants, had heard of the Hebrews. Remember too, we'll find out in a couple of chapters, that the Egyptians despised shepherds as crass, dirty, bottom dwellers. Now, with her anger and resentment focused on Joseph, she sees he is obviously a Hebrew. Yuk!

I once messed up in a Sunday school class, saying that Potiphar probably knew his wife was a flirt and had to save face and didn't want to do this to Joseph. The teacher wisely corrected me by pointing out, in the text, that it says that when Potiphar heard the story from his wife, his anger was kindled. Pot got hot, and Joe went to jail. Paul says we should study to be approved workmen. You've got to know the text before you teach and before you venture out on a limb. That embarrassment taught me a good lesson, and, as you can see, I still remember that magic moment of correction.

Vs. 21-23 Notice that even in the bitterness of being wrongfully accused, without appeal, God immediately began to give Joseph favor and to bless everything he touched. This was the Lord's confirmation and help to Joseph, but then, Joseph had to be in the right frame of heart to see this. Joe was still in prison. As disciples, we too have to be looking for where the Lord is working. He is always with us. We need to be alert, even when things don't "go our way." And in this, Joseph is humbled again, and lifted up by God again. Guess where Joseph's hope and gratitude were being focused. Did you notice the reference to God's steadfast love?

How much time is passing in Joseph's life? There will be clues, and you've already been given a big one. You know how old Joseph was when his brothers sold him. These sorts of little details make you skilled in understanding and applying the story. I still shake my head when I see pictures of Daniel in the lion's den, depicted as a young man. It's what happens when you don't pay attention to the context or the text. No wonder few people know how important Daniel 6 is, and sadly, it is all there in the book. Disciples need to read with curiosity and pay attention to what God is saying.

The same applies here. We need to pay attention to the passage of time. Joseph wasn't "automatically" godly. God didn't change Joseph overnight, and He won't do it with us either. If you pay attention to the text, not only will you be blessed by God's wisdom, you won't preach or teach superficial baloney.

Genesis 40

V. 1 Some time after this is hard to understand now, but it will make sense tomorrow, unless you are really curious and figure it out today. And if you figure it out, figure out too, how old Joseph is when he reveals himself to his brothers. But one caution: If you go to some Bible study guide or search online and let someone else do the work for you, you'll miss the joy of discovery. Finding the answer someone else figured out doesn't do the same thing for your heart and growth as finding it yourself.

Vs. 2-22 I'm not sure if Joseph had understanding of all dreams, but the Spirit definitely nudged him here and showed Joe what these two dreams meant.

V. 23 This chapter is a bridge to what is to come. For us as disciples, it is important to see how God used this event to form Joseph. We can go to the next chapter in a second, but Joseph couldn't. Joseph was forgotten and never knew that the cupbearer would eventually remember. Amazing. All Joseph knows at this point, and for the next two years, is to live everyday for God, to forget his family, and to forget that one weird moment when he interpreted those dreams, when it seemed that something might work out for him. In that daily life and disappointment, God was molding his heart for chapter 41.

Genesis 41:1-16

Vs. 1-8 Two years later. In tomorrow's reading you'll learn how old Joseph was when this happened, and therefore, how long he was captive in Egypt and even how old he was when he interpreted the dream of the cupbearer. And not just 2 years, but 2 whole years.

Vs. 9-13 The cupbearer finally made good on his promise.

Vs. 14-16 In case we think that Joseph had it good in jail as the assistant to the warden, notice what the jail was called. The pit!

Notice the work of God in Joseph's words. Obviously Joseph is a great man, but God made him that way. But who would want to go through what God led Joseph through? I think a disciple should be willing to enroll in that course, being pruned by the Father to bear more fruit in the harvest.

Matthew 12:46-13:23

Matthew 12:46-50

This section should have been placed with the text from yesterday.

Having heard that Jesus was "beside himself" and that He was possessed by the devil, the family freaked and came to get Him. The sword that Simeon said would pierce Mary's heart was beginning to cut its way through, as she, herself, was beginning to doubt her son and all the events around His birth. Among the brothers were probably James and Jude, both writers of letters in the New Testament. I always imagine that the plan was that Mary should distract Jesus. Then two of the brothers would come in high and put the grain sack over Jesus' head and around his arms, and then the other two would come in low with the ropes. Once tied, they would carry Jesus home like a sack of potatoes.

Anyway, Jesus was not falling for this one; in fact, Jesus is absolutely focused. He points to His disciples and (quoting Luke) gives the simple message of discipleship, But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." (Luke 8:21) Amen.

Matthew 13:1-23

What I think is important for us as disciples, in this section, is the emphasis on "wanting to hear and understand." This is very much the same as "seek and you will find, etc."

Vs. 1-2 Jesus was out there a long time teaching and told several parables. Matthew is keeping the parables and their explanations together.

Vs. 3-9 Have fun!

Vs. 10-17 If you put the other gospels together, when they get in the house the disciples ask Jesus two questions. They wanted to know what this parable meant, and then they wanted to know why Jesus spoke to the people in this fashion, using parables.

Jesus told parables, not to hide the truth, but to reveal who was interested in understanding. It was a test of the hearts of the people. The promises to those who "ask and seek and knock" are absolute. The faith promise here for the disciple (that is, it is only a promise if you believe it and do it) is that the more you give Him in seeking to understand (time in the Bible, praying, doing), the more you will get back. This will, itself, be a motivation for some people; yet others will just say, "Whatever, I'm good with what I've got."

V. 14 The prophecy in Isaiah is a judgment saying the people didn't want to understand. If they really wanted to understand, there was enough that was clear that they could strain a little with the result of turning to God and being healed and saved. When we read the parable, it doesn't seem all that hard. But the tendency for people is to hear what they desire and what fits their thinking. Most believers don't really pay attention to this parable.

Your observations here are more important than anything I have to say, but if you are interested, I made some entries dealing with this parable.

December 14, 2010 http://fencerail.blogspot.com/2010/12/hearing-and-sharing-in-harvest-and-ch-2.html

December 1, 2010 http://fencerail.blogspot.com/2010/12/hearing-in-harvest.html

Psalm 17

If you have never felt pursued, this might not do much for you. I used to speed read Psalms, until I got "run over" in ministry. Now I can't read them fast. Don't they read like posts to God? And imagine the compassion and understanding of a God who would inspire them.

As you read this, remember that David was trained, like Joseph, through long years of hardship. Notice the references to God's steadfast love and to seeking refuge in Him.

Vs. 1-5 In 1 Samuel 24:5 you find one of the occasions when David showed his integrity by sparing the life of King Saul. David was tested, proven innocent and yet he was still in danger. He was still lied about by Saul and his men and they still pursued him. David is not only asking God to look on that, but he is also recognizing that God put him through that test.

Vs. 6-9 David's hope wasn't in the help of his men or opportune circumstances. He knew that God was watching over him in His steadfast love.

V. 8 I never understood the expression apple of your eye and how the English-speaking world misunderstands this, until I learned German. In German, the word for "eyeball" is, literally, "eye apple." Turned around, what is being said here is that God will protect us like any of us would protect our own eyeball. Not only do you cover your eye, but if anyone threatens to poke out your "eye apple" you tend to get angry and aggressive. We get this image of God having found a nice, juicy, ripe, red, shiny apple, and if you try to take a bite out of it, boy, will He get mad. No. The apple is an eye-apple, or for us English speakers, an eyeball.

When I read v. 8, I always think of Elizabeth Elliot's book, The Shadow of the Almighty.

Vs. 10-12 This is how David felt about the people who were pursing him. It couldn't have been very pleasant.

Vs. 13-14 The second half of v. 14 seems confusing. I think the NIV has the right sense. O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. (Psalm 17:14)

V. 15 In spite of everything and regardless of what others did, David loved the Lord and was satisfied with and confident in His care. That's what made him a good leader and a man after God's own heart.

Proverbs 3:33-35

Don't these verses seem like what we've been reading about in Genesis, in the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? In a way, you see the contrast between Jacob and Joseph. Both faced hardship, but one received humbling before God and drew close to Him.

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

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

January 18, 2014

JANUARY 18

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 37-38

Genesis 37

Jesus commanded His disciples to “see the log” in their own eyes because of the consequences that personal blindness has in making disciples. In a family that's important too. Today we find Jacob repeating behavior in his family, that his parents, Isaac and Rebekah, were also guilty of: favoritism. This story might also shed some light on Reuben’s dark behavior.

Vs. 1-4 Notice Joseph's age. He would have been a baby, maybe less than one, when they entered Canaan. Now 17 years have passed. This would put Reuben's age between 28 and 30.

Notice also that Joseph is with the sons of the maids, not the sons of Leah.

Here is little Joseph, the snitch. He is openly honored and favored by Jacob, who let it be known that he loved Joe more than the others. Joe was probably protected, given a cool robe, and now, after 17 years of this, there is huge animosity toward him. What a neat place to grow up. What a nurturing environment. The stage is set for a disaster.

Vs. 5-11 Into this “accident waiting to happen,” God interjects two dreams, the second one actually gets Jacob mad. Notice that Jacob refers to your mother, meaning Leah. Rachel had died by this time. Leah was the leading lady, and Jacob later says that she was buried in the family burial site, a place of honor.

Vs. 8 and 11 show that God used the poor family dynamics to His advantage. God's plan was to put Joe in Egypt, and in doing so He revealed and catalyzed the evil of the brothers. There are a lot of things going on here, from which God will bring good, but it will be a long process. Later, God will use all their hatred to convict them.

Vs. 12-24 So what was Jacob thinking by sending Joe to check up on the brothers? Jacob was "out to lunch" when it came to understanding his family.

V. 18 It’s amazing that the brothers had no hesitation to want to kill Joseph. While this might reflect the hell on earth Jacob allowed his life and family to become, these were adult sons who could have forged their own relationships with God.

V. 19 This gives me the sense that the dreams had recently occurred, so their anger and jealousy were still hot.

V. 22 Reuben has a secret plot to free Joseph, but leaves to do something. Notice that Reuben's plan is through trickery. He was Jacob's son.

Vs. 25-28 Once they had Joe in the hole, they were so happy, that they had lunch. Probably if Joe yelled too loud they threw the occasional rock in the hole.

Vs. 26-27 It is good to pay attention to Judah's words. He is being less than noble here, but he is honest. He saves Joseph and he saves his brothers from murder and bloodguilt. This is the only good thing we've seen any of Jacob's children do so far. In doing this, Judah shows them how they can get some “cash for the trash.” The brothers probably all bought iPads from the Midianite traders.

One note of interest is the mention of these Midianites (from one of Abe's sons) being Ishmaelites (Abe's first son). It could be that Jacob's sons referred to all of Abe's other descendants as Ishmaelites, or it could be that the descendants of Ishmael and Midian began mixing together. In the history of Israel there is very little mention of Ishmael's descendants, but the Midianites play a major role in many events.

Vs. 29-30 First, Reuben's "trick" backfired. As the firstborn, Reuben should have openly stood against his brothers. They showed him who was boss.

Vs. 31-35 How amazingly sad this is. Jacob the trickster is wounded by his sons. And what an evil trick. They held this secret for years, watching their father suffer under their lie. And we don't know it yet, but holding the lie was rotting their souls. Later when Jacob learns Joe is alive, it says that Jacob’s spirit revived. That means that here his “spirit” “died.”

The result and judgment of Jacob's trickery is complete, but it has permeated the entire family. And don't think that Joseph was free from this influence in his heart. I have a feeling that the next 13 years will be hard, "cleansing" years for Joe.

Certain aspects of this story are suggestive of Jesus, being rejected by his brethren, being sold, becoming their salvation. It is interesting that it was Judah who did this. Jesus comes from his lineage. Judah will also play a role later in this story. We'll see that Jacob rejects Reuben’s offer to help, but accepts Judah’s offer. There is something good about Judah, that in the midst of this dysfunction, we don’t see yet.

As disciples, there is something about this story that is important to see regarding God’s sovereignty and man’s sin. This complete family catastrophe was not God’s doing, but He used it in all its complexities and misunderstandings. God often uses disharmony and malfunction to help us. We look at this story and understand that God was going to use Joseph to save the family and eventually grow the nation in Egypt, but do we see that God was protecting and preparing Joseph? Joseph was also a problem and a chip off the old “Jacob” block. God had to get Joseph out of that family to mold him through the trials of captivity and injustice. I don’t think there was a plan “B” in making Joseph the man he became, and he might not have been that man any other way. Also, it is usually recognized that being sold into slavery saved Joseph from the effects of Canaan’s sexually saturated culture and idolatry.

A couple years after one ministry malfunction I had in Germany, I realized that one of the “blessings” of this malfunction was that it created distance between our kids and a potentially devastating influence in the church. Not all relational malfunctions are bad, even if we don't understand them at the time. We have to trust God's wisdom.

This is all to say that when we see what happens in our lives or the lives of others, we shouldn’t automatically feel defeat if there is failure or disharmony, or if hard events intervene. Just as in Romans 8:28, our confidence as disciples making disciples is that God uses everything in our lives as we love Him, even our deaths, for His good and His glory.

Genesis 38: The Adventures of Judah

So, why is this chapter here? We don’t yet know that Judah will be anyone important, but he gets a whole chapter. Some suggest that this chapter shows the sexually saturated culture and influence that Joseph was “saved” from. Possibly. The chapter definitely shows God’s sovereignty in preparing the line of Christ. If you put all of the time together of all these events, this is happening at the same time and during all of the years of Joseph's servitude, imprisonment and rise to power (20+ years). It could be that this event with Tamar and the birth of the babies happened shortly before Judah and the others went to Egypt to buy grain. Perez had to have been born before they all went to Egypt. I say this because the chapter begins after Joseph is sold and this event occurs after Shelah was grown and able to enter into a sexual relationship (16-19 years old?) with Tamar to bear children for his brother Er. Then you have the birth of the babies. So, this chapter must encompass at least 20 years if not more.

Vs. 1-11 This sets the stage for what is about to happen.

V. 7 It is interesting that God took the initiative on this. The wonder is that He doesn't do this more often. Since all of us are guilty before Him, He could use His right to punish us quickly like this at any time. In Romans He says it is because of His mercy and wisdom, using even the rebellious for His purpose and glory.

Notice that the social “law,” regarding continuing the lineage of the dead man, was already in place before the giving of the law. Created in the image of God, man creates order, imitating the order of the Creator.

Vs. 8-9 Remember what Onan says here when we get to the story of Ruth. It will help you understand why the near kinsman will not take Ruth. Boaz gets Ruth.

Judah was either a bad dad, or the power of the culture ruined the boys, or both. His first two sons were evil and God put them to death. Tamar became the “black widow” in Judah's mind and so he holds back giving her his last son. Obviously there is not a sense in any of this of anyone going to God and asking Him for advice. Everyone was just doing what seemed right in their own eyes.

V. 11 Now, Tamar’s action was interesting. At this point in Jacob’s family, the promise to Abraham has been lost from view. There is no sense of anyone pursuing it. At least Jacob had pursued it. It may have been that Tamar realized Judah was next in line to receive the blessing of the firstborn. I don’t know. It might also have been that the promise was why Judah didn’t want to give Shelah, his last son, to “the black widow.”

All we know is that the line of the promise continues through Judah, and this story is somehow important. My guess is that the promise, somehow, figures into the actions of both Judah and Tamar.

Vs. 12-23 This was a very dangerous thing for Tamar to do. In a roundabout way this was legal and right, because Judah should have made provision for the continuance of his son's family and for children for the widow. That Tamar did this means she was pursuing what was right, even though it was wrong. And to think that God will use this.

Vs. 24-26 So, what do you see in Judah that makes him a better man than his brothers? In v. 26 you see two things. First, Judah admits guilt and declares he was wrong and she was right. Have you seen that anywhere in Jacob's family? Jacob never did it. Reuben, Simeon and Levi never said they were wrong. Judah publicly testifies to his wrong and clears Tamar. Second, Judah never has sex with her again, which was another way of acknowledging his sin and respecting the relationship before the Lord. This doesn't look like much, but it is the first glimmer of anything from this dysfunctional family. In a few chapters Judah will shine.

Vs. 27-30 How do you know this is the line of the promise? Because something weird is happening regarding the conception and birth. At least that has been the case so far. Notice that the sons are not listed as Er’s, they are Judah’s. This is the line of the promise that flows to David and then to Jesus via Perez.

For us as disciples there is a lot here and for me it boils down to pursuing the promise and trusting God. The world may look random and out of control around us, but God is working. As for us, we are to stay in the Word, loving and following our Lord in the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples who make disciples. And sometimes we get to see how God uses all the chaos for His own glory.

Matthew 12:22-45

This is a major confrontation and shows what the religious leaders finally came up with to “explain” and discredit Jesus. Although the situation looks like any other conflict Jesus had with the religious leaders, this lie about Jesus' power would begin to infect many of the people in Israel.

Vs. 22-24 The scribes (lawyers who decided the meaning of the law and laid out rules for obeying the law) were also a part of this. In Mark 3:22 they went on record as saying Jesus was possessed by Beelzebul.

Vs. 25-32 This is actually a very serious talk that Jesus gives them.

For us as disciples, what I find interesting is that Jesus was very relaxed in dealing with this accusation. Mark 3:23 says that when Jesus heard this, He called them to Him and tried to show them the silliness of their logic. We disciples need to have that same relaxed sense of hearing what is being said, and then seeking to give the other side of the story, firmly, with meekness, humility and a smile. In 2000 years, Christianity has not crumbled in the face of “facts” and “accusation.” We need to be confident in God.

I tend to define the sin against the Holy Spirit very narrowly. You actually had to be there, hear Jesus, see Jesus do a miracle, and then say, “He is possessed because that was of the devil,” to have committed the unpardonable sin. I don’t think we can commit this sin today.

Vs. 33-37 This was a challenge and an accusation aimed at the religious leaders, who put on a “front” of being good, but were really evil within. The real challenge here is that God is keeping track of what we say and, if needed, will prove by our words that He is just.

Vs. 38-42 Apparently the desire to see a sign was not honest. Jesus’ words are, accordingly, hard.

Vs. 43-45 The description of the unclean spirit, I think, is real. Jesus is telling us something that happens in reality. However, the real point of the story is that if you just clean up morally, but don’t put something in place of the evil that was there, the evil returns worse than before.

Jesus’ presence drove back the spiritual forces, and many people were cured. Nationally it was a good time. But the warning was, “if nothing takes the place of what went out;” that is, if they didn't accept Jesus as their Messiah, “what happens next will be worse.” The evil of that generation would return with a vengeance once Jesus was gone.

Notice that by bringing with it other, more evil, spirits, it was making sure it couldn’t be driven out again.

As disciples, we don’t offer people restored marriages or personal order, etc., as important as those things might be. We offer people the ability to be forgiven and have God enter their lives. He saves them and breaks the power of sin and leads them. Anything less is just cleaning the house, not filling it with the Savior.

Psalm 16

David wrote most of the psalms after running from Saul and being in constant danger. As disciples, it may not be until we are put down for trying to live for Christ and making disciples, that we will appreciate what David and the Spirit have written here.

Vs. 1-2 David had been poor and then successful and rich; and now he was desperate, poor and living on the land. It takes a lot to finally bring a person to the reality of v. 2. This is easy to say, but to mean it is priceless.

Vs. 3-4 Here is a contrast. David had come to appreciate those who loved the Lord, simple and poor though they might be. David had had friends in high places, who were all against him now. As David saw them living in darkness and rebelling against God, he understood that they were really deepening the sorrow of their own lives. David had probably worshiped with these people. Now he understood their hearts and knew their devotion was false.

Vs. 5-6 These verses take on a deeper meaning if David wrote them in the wilderness. This reminds me of Paul's words in Philippians 4:12-13, I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. I think this is why the Lord often leads His disciples into the wilderness in the harvest. That is where we learn this.

Vs. 7-8 Imagine David living day-to-day leading 400 men and their families in the wilderness of Judah and southern Israel. What a place to learn the amazing guidance of the Lord and to find His security in insecurity.

Vs. 9-10 What a place to find gladness, joy and security. Verse 10 is quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27 in his Pentecost sermon. Jesus is risen! That is the basis of our security and hope as followers of our Lord.

V. 11 The Lord drove David into exile. There (like Joseph) He made David learn and know the path of life, the joy of God's presence and what true pleasures are. Amen.

For me, vs. 2 and 5 have the deepest meaning. As disciples, what do we really want? In John 4:34, Jesus said, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. All of what I really want in this life, or want to see before I leave this place, is in Christ, “to do the will of Him who sent (I’d substitute “saved” for “sent”) me, and to accomplish His work.” It all boils down to Jesus, following Him in the harvest and being blessed to see the salvation of the lost and to see people made disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Proverbs 3:27-32

Vs. 27-28 Two years ago the Lord really hit me with these verses, to give aid to people immediately. So, for this reason, I always carry cash to give out if I sense someone needs it.

Vs. 29-30…especially when driving or talking to someone in lower management who didn’t make the decision we're mad about.

Vs. 31-32 As disciples we often envy the “decisive person of action,” but God can use all kinds. None of his cleverness really helped Jacob. We don’t have to take assertiveness training to be better disciples. We need to fall deeper in love with Jesus and dare to share His story and make disciples.

It was a scared Sunday school teacher who finally overcame his fear and walked into a shoe store and shared the gospel with a shoe salesman who had been attending his class. That salesman was saved and he walked away from shoes to save souls. DL Moody’s life was changed forever, and the Lord used him to change countless other people. All because of a timid Sunday school teacher. God uses all kinds, so we don’t need to envy anyone. We just need to follow Jesus as disciples.

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

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

January 17, 2014

JANUARY 17

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Genesis 35-36

Genesis 35

Vs. 1-8 I suppose it makes sense to think about God's timing. Today we see God lead Jacob to a place of commitment, formally renaming him and reaffirming the covenant He made with Abraham. But why now? They had been in the land some years already. If God had done this earlier, maybe the massacre at Shechem could have been avoided. On the other hand, with God leading Jacob this way now, after Shechem, it certainly isn't a reward for Jacob's seeking and devotion to Him. Whatever the lesson here, it gives some insight into God's mercy and patience in dealing with fallen humanity.

My sense is this. Before we are willing to follow God, we have to be made to be willing. Sometimes He just makes things happen to move us, or, more often than not, He allows life to bring us to a place of readiness. That readiness could be anything from boredom to joy to utter desperation. Looking at Jacob's life, he has a new start in Canaan and everything is fresh. Yet, he doesn't seem very devoted to God at all and appears to be showing no leadership to his family. But life was good up until now.

V. 1 Notice that God took the initiative. Remember the vow that Jacob had made to God in Genesis 28:22? Jacob had called Bethel God’s house and vowed to return there to offer God a tenth of all he had. Jacob had now been in the land 10 years and had never fulfilled that vow.

V. 2 Note that they all had idols. Rachel actually left Haran with idols. They were becoming like the people around them. And then, there is the dysfunctional family life they have lived. The point being, they already knew how to truly worship God, but had no need because they were sufficient and were happy the way they were.

The events leading up to this time were not "caused" by God. This was just "life on earth" taking its normal, fallen course. God simply allowed them to have their way, to let them see their need. How else do you realize that life without God is futile and that He is the only real security on earth?

But even in this disaster, I don't see Jacob and his family turning to God. They really are in danger because of what the houses of Simeon and Levi did. So God takes the initiative to save them, and to give them an opportunity to get serious with Him. This might have been a "teachable" moment.

V. 4 Burying the idols would have meant leaving money behind. Usually the idols were made from precious metals. I wonder why he didn't destroy their gods/idols. This might indicate a lack of devotion on Jacob's part since they could come back to these.

V. 5 This could have had two purposes. As protection, God put the fear of them into the hearts of the neighbors. This would have not only saved Israel (Jacob & Co.) from attack, but they also would have been totally ostracized from everyone, possibly keeping the influence of Canaan from entering deeper into their clan.

Vs. 6-7 Can you figure out how many years earlier Jacob had slept here? He finally fulfills the vow.

V. 8 Since it mentions that his mother's nurse was with Jacob, he must have had some communication with his father. This woman would have been with Rebekah since she left her father's house to join Isaac. In mentioning the nurse's death, and later, the death of Isaac, it is safe to assume that Rebekah was already dead, probably before Jacob returned from Laban. If so, it means that Rebekah and Jacob never saw each other again after their trickery with Isaac. Self-inflicted punishment?

Vs. 9-15 Once Jacob fulfilled his vow (at God's urging), God faithfully confirms the covenant of Abraham. Again, there are no conditions mentioned. God's working to save mankind by fulfilling the promise to Adam and Eve, to Noah and to Abraham are firmly set on His faithfulness, not Jacob's or ours. There are some pretty notable people of faith in that line, but His working to save us is not dependent on our faith. As Paul & the Spirit say to Timothy, "When we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." Jacob certainly had faith in the promise, but there is no reflection of God elsewhere in his life that I can see. The fact that Jacob is named Israel does, however, denote his tenacity and endurance in pursuing the promise. He might have created a little "hell on earth" for himself due to his lack of following God personally, but he still had faith and he still fought. And so he was named Israel.

V. 13 It looks like the Lord met with Jacob in bodily form, as He had at the wrestling match.

Vs. 16-29 After the "mountain top," life comes crashing in again on Israel.

Get a Bible map and find Bethel, where the sacrifice took place, and then find where Rachel dies near Bethlehem. Because they had so much livestock, this wouldn't have been a day trip.

Notice that Jacob changes the baby's name. As Rachel died she wanted to call the boy Ben-oni, “son of my sorrow”, but as she was dying Jacob told her he would call the boy Benjamin, "son of my right hand." It was a name and place of honor.

Notice also, that Rachel is buried along the way, not in the family grave. Her burial place will later be where the shepherds were told of Jesus' birth, and it is the region where Herod killed all the children.

V. 22 This is a very sad story with huge ramifications.

First, Reuben, the firstborn of the unloved wife, sleeping with the maid of the loved wife (who incidentally was the mother of two of his brothers, Dan and Naphtali) was a dominant and aggressive act. I don't think they fell into "forbidden love," like you see in the movies. Bilhah was still his father's wife. This was the Alpha dog telling the other dogs he was the boss. Rape is a strong word, but I think Reuben forced himself on her. That is my take on this event. Imagine the animosity this would have created in the family between the Leah and Rachel sides.

Second, Jacob "hears" about it, but apparently does nothing. There should have been immediate justice of some kind. Imagine the effect in the family of doing nothing.

Third, Reuben, as the firstborn, has just lost his birthright. Jacob reveals this later at the end of Genesis when he dies. Of his first three sons, Jacob now has a "????" (whatever you want to call Reuben) and two murderers. Nice family. This will mean that the birthright will now skip past Reuben, Simeon and Levi to____. And we get a whole chapter devoted to him later. For Jacob, it will still get worse.

Vs. 23-26 With the completion of the twelve sons and, therefore, the twelve tribes of Israel, a summary is given here of who they were.

Vs. 27-29 Isaac dies and this creates a few questions and a cause/effect event into the next chapter.

I find it interesting that Isaac lives longer than Abraham, and still, we have very little information on him.

Jacob apparently didn't spend much time with Isaac. It seems this was the first time they saw each other. Was it because they both had huge amounts of animals or was it because of the bad air between them, or both? Who knows, but it is interesting. Although blind, Isaac would have been able to meet all the children before he died.

With Isaac's death, all that he owned, the animals, the workers, the money, the whole shebang, would now go to Jacob . As we'll see, I think that Jacob split this with Esau.

Genesis 36

God had promised Rebekah that she had two nations in her. The parents should have taught the boys all about the promise to Abraham and what He had promised at their births. This is the fulfilling of God's promise to make Esau a nation.

Vs. 6-8 The fact that both Esau and Jacob were now "super rich," and could no longer live in the land together gives me the idea that Jacob must have shared some of the inheritance with Esau. Again, I'm impressed with Esau. He gently takes the initiative and moves, leaving green Canaan for a less green area around Mount Seir.

The wrapping up of Esau's history means, among other things, that the history in Genesis is about to focus on Israel becoming a nation.

Matthew 12:1-21

Matthew is showing the increased opposition Jesus encountered from the religious leaders. Jesus left the Passover in Jerusalem under deep scrutiny. He had claimed to be God's Son. Apparently a contingent of Pharisees, returning from the Passover, went with Jesus. They were probably all returning to Galilee. If you read John 5, you'll see what happened there.

Vs. 1-2 It was considered work to "grind" or "husk" grain to make it edible, even if you did it with your fingers. So eating raw, husked grain was forbidden on the Sabbath. This was not a rule God made, but one of hundreds the Pharisees and scribes had forced on the people to make them obey the Sabbath. Notice how excited the Pharisees were.

Vs. 3-4 David was their hero, and in his hour of need, God allowed David to violate the law. In David's case the actual law, not a man-made rule, was violated, and yet God showed mercy.

Vs. 5-6 And then on the Sabbath, God commanded the priests to work and violate the Sabbath. The priest could have said, "Well that is because that's the temple." But Jesus told them what they could not see. Something greater than the temple was there.

Vs. 7-8 This verse indicates that some of these Pharisees were in Capernaum when Jesus had healed the paralytic and had attended Matthew's party. These were the Pharisees Jesus had challenged with this statement. Not only could they not grasp God's heart of mercy in interpreting the law, they were missing something awesome that was right in front of them. Jesus was the Son of Man, the eternal King and Son of God. He was Lord of the Sabbath.

You may be awed by this, but it only made the Pharisees mad.

Vs. 9-14 It is amazing to see how often Jesus ventured into harm's way. Even when the Pharisees wanted to kill Him, He still took their invitations to dine. When they blasphemed His character and His Spirit, He called them to come together and talked about it. Here it says that He went into the synagogue of these very Pharisees. You can say that Jesus had "guts," but He was probably showing them mercy, giving them a chance to understand.

V. 10 The man with the withered hand was probably a "set up."

Vs. 12-13 Between these two verses, Mark says, And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” (Mark 3:4-5) To my knowledge this is the first time it says that Jesus was angry.

V. 14 Matthew is showing the official point where the Pharisees said, "We really need to kill Him." In John 5, John explains this need to kill Jesus in a more complete way.

Vs. 15-21 When you read the prophecy that Jesus fulfilled, you wonder, as disciples, imitators and slaves of Jesus, how we think we have the right to be the opposite of Jesus. He never bashed the government. He was gentle and quiet, bringing a message of hope to lost and desperate people. Just like with Jesus, those who listen to us will be saved and those who reject the message are God's concern. We don't need to judge sin. We follow our Lord in the harvest, making disciples and bringing the lost His message of life and hope.

Psalm 15

Vs. 1 The question is, "God, who do You let get close to You and dwell in the safety of Your care?"

Vs. 2-5 The answer can be boiled down to "Those how hallow Your name and obey Your Word."

Jacob was invited to connect with God, but had other interests. For us as disciples, the answer to v. 1 is not living an "outwardly righteous" life. This is where we get fooled and think that if we are not "bad" people, we must be "good" people. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus says that this person who gets close to God is the one who hears His words and does them. That person is the true follower. The focus is living with Jesus, and that itself will clean up the behavior, but cleaning up the behavior does not mean living with Jesus. Jesus isn't fooled. Many Christians are simply outwardly righteous people who live by a list and don't rob banks, kill people or get pregnant out of wedlock. They have some faith, like church, listen to music and get religiously emotional. But Jesus' commands are commands like the Great Commission. They are commands of discipleship, following Jesus in the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

Whoever 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 anyone 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. (John 14:21-23 ESV)

Proverbs 3:21-26

These are great words, but for us as disciples, there is something else to not lose sight of. God's redemptive plan, His mission to us, frames this life and this world and all our reality. What Christ has done for us makes us someone in Christ: an ambassador, a disciple, a witness, a missionary. Life for us is not about being "wise" and staying out of trouble. Security and confidence for us means abandoning ourselves to His care as we follow Him in the harvest. Life for us is being "wise" in the wisdom of Christ and the reality of this world we are called to reach.

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

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