September 22, Reading Notes

Isaiah 39-41:16

Isaiah 39

I believe these guys came after the humbling of Assyria. We have seen that Hezekiah showed them everything. There might be thought that Hezekiah should have had nothing to show them because he had sent tons of gold, silver and anything that wasn't nailed down to Assyria to keep them from attacking. Of course that didn’t work and God told them it wouldn't; but after God destroyed the Assyrian army, their camp was full of loot they had taken from everyone else. I'm sure Hezekiah got some of that. In essence, what Hezekiah was showing them had been a gift from God.

Vs. 5-7 There is no expressed condemnation of Hezekiah, but it is implied.

V. 8 Does not have a complimentary ring to it. This judgment was about 100 years away, so why get so worked up? We could understand Hezekiah. Would you get worked up about something that will happen in 2111? But because of this attitude, Hezekiah had a hand in bringing the nation under that judgment.

Here is the view of what Hezekiah did from God's perspective.

2 Chronicles 32:24 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the LORD; and he answered him and gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 32:31 And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to try him and to know all that was in his heart.

All of the kings faltered when they found success, but the way they faltered was specifically unique to each king. They showed a weakness and unwillingness to fully trust God in some area of their lives. With Hezekiah, I have to believe that it began when he thought he was going to die. The attack by the Assyrians was bad, but Hezekiah stood. Hezekiah got sick and he wept bitterly. After this, even with God saving him, his heart was not fully the Lord's. Hey, nothing would happen for 100 years. Hezekiah would be long gone.

For us the warning here is obvious. Some of us are like a rock in some areas, but it is our anger, or worry, or our sexual needs or our need to be secure or to be liked, to be financially comfortable, that can shred our faith and get us irrationally focused on ourselves. Some unexpected scare or attraction or frustration can enter our lives, and suddenly we're faced with a temptation that could erase all the faith and devotion for God we have shown over the past years. This story is a warning to us from God.

Isaiah 40

Now with chapters 38 & 39, particularly 39, we have the Babylonian exile clearly stated. Exile meant the extermination of a people. People were forced to worship other gods, speak another language, take new names and they were removed from their land and culture. Most nations taken into exile never recovered. Judah and Israel would not only survive, but thrive because of God. So now, in the shadow of this dark threat of death to the nation, God breaks out with some of the brightest and most magnificent declarations of hope and restoration ever given to man. Isaiah 53, located in the middle of these 27 chapters, is stirring, and something every disciple should memorize. I wish I had done this sooner.

Get ready to meet some very well known verses.

Vs. 1-2 The strength of this declaration is in proportion to what Israel has suffered on this planet since the time God formed them. Israel has been a lesson and they have represented mankind.

Notice that Jerusalem is mentioned.

Vs. 3-5 The context here is the same in the NT regarding John the Baptist. The deliverer and king was coming.

These first five verses were made musical by G. F. Handel and I still like listening to this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dDjva1ecYo

Vs. 6-8 A warning to all mankind. And our hope: The Word of the Lord will stand forever.

Vs. 9-11 The king is coming.

Vs. 12-20 This section is about this king and is organized around the question of who He is.

V. 13 Paul quotes this in Romans 11.

Vs. 21-26 Here, in the 3rd and 1st person, God declares who He is.

Vs. 27-31 In light of who God is, Jacob-Israel (the unified people of Israel) can trust that the Lord will deliver and restore them…both in return from Babylon but ultimately under the Messiah.

Vs. 29-31 Are some amazing verses and, if you have time, they are worth memorizing.

Isaiah 41:1-16

Vs. 1-7 are a warning to the nations that nothing will stand in God's way or stop His predetermined plan.

V. 4 This is what Jesus says three times in the book of Revelation.

Vs. 8-16 In these verses you get an idea of how God has used Israel as a servant, and how He will use them in the future. Their failure has been an example to all of mankind, and as they represent the redemptive purpose of God in the world, they have been the object of human and spiritual hatred. These are absolutely great verses.

This song emphasizes the comfort God gives to those who come to Him. This is the same comfort which we as disciples present to people in the harvest as we tell them about turning to Jesus to forgive them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgevn7VR3n4

Ephesians 1

Actually, I don't know why I like Ephesians. I'm sure everyone has a favorite book in the Bible. This book is really good. After Galatians, where grace was mentioned as being so important, in Ephesians grace is painted for us. God's love and kindness and delight in those who know Him is described, so that by the time you get to chapters 4-6, you just know that obeying and following are the only logical things to do since He loves us with such reckless abandon. So, let's go. I would suggest reading this slowly and trying to drink this chapter in.

By the way, verses 3-14 are considered, by some, to be the most cumbersome sentence in the Greek language. It is all one sentence.

V. 15 "For this reason." What reason? Why is Paul saying this? How does this connect with what he has just said?

Vs. 17-19 is Paul's prayer for them. It is the first of two great prayers in Ephesians. Think slowly through what Paul is asking for them, realizing it is what God wants for you too.

All of this is not only what God has done for us personally, but there is a great emphasis on the church. Someone has said that Ephesians is not about "me and my God," but rather about "us and our God." Those famous verses in Eph. 4:12-16 are dependent on us all growing together in Christ and working together in the harvest. Paul, in Ephesians, describes how glorious the church is because of God's plan and Christ's blood.

Psalm 66

This psalm doesn't say who wrote it, but I did notice a couple things that reminded me of David.

V. 9 Do you notice how often David talks about God setting our feet upon a rock and giving us firm footing. In the wilderness, on the side of hills and mountains, broken rock and dirt made for treacherous footing. David must have seen that instability in walking as a symbol of this time of his life.

V. 16 Telling of what God did for him.

V. 20 The steadfast love of the Lord.

Proverbs 23:25-28

Vs. 25-26 God's words to heed your "godly" parents. They don't have it all wrong.

Vs. 27-28 This is very similar to what Solomon wrote at the beginning of Proverbs. The "pit" and the "well" might be some double meaning, but the main idea is getting caught and unable to save yourself.

You wouldn't get any of this advice from evening TV or our movies, but we still know this reality in our hearts. Even in the secular world, politicians and leaders who are caught with a prostitute or caught in adultery are not looked upon graciously. Still written in our hearts is the manufacturer's design that one man should love one woman in marriage forever.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/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 feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 21, Reading Notes

Isaiah 37-38

Isaiah 37

There are a lot of things for the Spirit to point out to you here. What impresses me is that all of what God said regarding this event was foretold years earlier. We have been listening to Isaiah prophesy and prepare the people for this event for over 50 years. Some people listened. Hezekiah listened and the Word of God bore fruit in him as he led the people through this. His faith is so genuine and deep.

Vs. 5-7 Notice how short God's answer through Isaiah is. God knew the situation wasn't over.

V. 9 This king of Cush is really the king of Egypt. The Egyptians were slowly taken over by their relatives from the south of them.

V. 10 This is Rabshakeh's pride speaking. He had probably expected to immediately begin a siege of Jerusalem. Now with this delay, he allowed his pride to get the better of him. Notice the mention of Jerusalem.

Vs. 14-20 What a prayer.

Vs. 21-35 This is God's response to Hezekiah.

V. 21 Notice why God makes this response. I guess He's trying to teach us something, although it is a very deep lesson if you think about it.

V. 22 Here and in verse 35 notice what God is defending.

V. 26 In his ranting, Rabshakeh said God had sent him. He was so "right" he should have listened to his own words and been humbled. Now it's too late.

V. 29 Hooks were used by the Assyrians to lead people away into captivity.

Vs. 30-32 God is promising Hezekiah that life in Jerusalem will resemble a time of peace and would slowly get back to normal.

Vs. 33-35 Amen.

Vs. 36-38 Notice this happened in one night. By now, you should know "who" the angel of the Lord is.

V. 38 According to history, this happened 20 years later. Assyria was still a world power. In fact, in about 50 years the Assyrians would lead King Manasseh by hooks to a prison in Babylon. But like God's humbling of Egypt years before, they never reestablished their might, and more importantly, they were never a real threat again to Judah and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 38

We have read this before. God is very gracious. I think this shook Hezekiah's life and bent his faith a little. We'll see this more tomorrow. What we read here and tomorrow is a warning for us.

Vs. 1-3 Some suggest because of verse six that this happened before God humbled Assyria. But Assyria was still a world power. God didn't create a vacuum in world politics. Yet, Judah wouldn't have to worry about revenge or having any more problems with Assyria. So, then, in my opinion, this happened chronologically after the events in chapters 36-37.

Vs. 4-8 I'm still amazed that God made the earth go backwards and it was "no sweat" for Him.

Vs. 9-20 So Hezekiah wrote a song of praise to God.

V. 17 Notice Hezekiah's recognition of his bitterness for himself, contrasted with the Lord's mercy.

Vs. 19-20 Hezekiah's promise to praise God for His deliverance.

V. 22 Remember that over 20 years earlier when Isaiah told Hezekiah's father, Ahaz, to ask for a sign he wouldn't. The sign given then was Immanuel. Hezekiah trusted God and asked for a sign.

We'll leave Hezekiah in his health and glory. Tomorrow we'll see that something happened to him in all of this that affected his faith for the worse.

Galatians 6

Vs. 1-5 Is this what Paul did with Peter? "Restore" is the same word for equip in Eph. 4:12, to set in order to make useful, to mend.

So, what is happening in verses two and five? In one we are to bear one another's burdens and in the other we each bear our own burdens.

It seems to me that verse two is helping one another in times of grave weakness, falling and temptation. This is what happens to a fallen brother or sister, and maybe what happened to Peter and Barnabas. Verse five is the reality of our walk with Christ. We need to mature to the place where we maintain our own walk in following Christ in the reality of the life God has given us.

Vs. 6-10 This is generosity, beginning first where we find spiritual equipping and strengthening: the local church and pastor. Verses 9 and 10 are our faith that God will reward our giving of our lives and resources for others.

Vs. 11-18 Just like the opening of Galatians dealt with the problem, Paul ended here with a final jab. I think what started this again was the mention of his signature. It was proof of the authenticity of the letter. I'm also willing to bet that it had to do with Paul's sight and that this "thorn in the flesh" might have come from one of Paul's beatings. Paul paid the price to keep the Gospel free and authentic for them. These Jewish teachers didn't bear fruit and were not willing to face persecution in order to serve churches like Philippi.

Verse 17 really brings Paul's credentials into focus. They were borne on his body, as our Lord's were borne on His body. Literally, Paul was branded, showing who owned him. He had the marks of a disciple in the harvest because he was willing to suffer with Christ to bring and protect the good news of the Gospel.

Psalm 65

For whatever reason, when I read this psalm, I thought of this celebration in the grace of God from Romans 8, "If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?"

What amazing hope we have. We are eternally secure and blessed by the God of our salvation. Is it works or duty to tell about Him, or is it a privilege we don't even deserve?

So in the spirit of all the deliverance and grace we have read about, I present to you the YouTube tee-shirt guy singing "Good To Me."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIvqwvgfoE0&feature=related

Proverbs 23:24

God says it, so it must be true.

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

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

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

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

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

September 20, Reading Notes

Isaiah 33:13-36:22

Today we have read more than half of Isaiah. Not only that, we are coming to the close of the first half of the book. The first half had to do with the coming attack by Assyria and how God would protect Zion. The Assyrians will be defeated tomorrow. The second half of Isaiah has to do with the coming of the Babylonians. They will eventually destroy Jerusalem and the temple. God through Isaiah will be talking about this judgment through Babylon, its reasons, but of course, how He will restore His people and bring them back to Zion in the Millennial and eternal kingdom of the Messiah.

Isaiah 33:13-24

V. 13 So, the day the people have been fearing for years is coming. Some have trusted the Lord, some have trusted political strategy and some have been burning incense secretly and praying to a piece of wood coated with gold or silver.

V. 14 Guess which group this is? Notice the "who"s. "Who" will be answered in the next verses.

Vs. 15-24 This is the blessing and these are the promises for those who fear and trust the Lord, now and in the future in Zion.

V. 23 This is an image of a wrecked ship, a picture of the Assyrian army after God takes care of them.

Isaiah 34

This is apocalyptic imagery regarding the final battle mixed into an eternal punishment and warning to the surrounding nations that might rejoice over the hardship of God's people and the destruction of Jerusalem.

Vs. 1-4 Notice how this points to the end times.

Vs. 5-17 So why this curse against Edom? I believe it is a future warning, both for Edom in the not-so-distant future and for all the nations present at the time of the tribulation.

Zion would not be overthrown now, but it would in about 100 years. This was fair warning to Edom. After Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city and the temple, after the smoke cleared, the Edomites went up on the temple mount and held a drunken celebration. There was more, but this was the main stroke. The book of Obadiah (only 21 verses) and a chapter of Jeremiah are devoted to this future judgment. When you get to the book of Malachi, these actions by Edom are the explanation of "Jacob I have loved and Esau I have hated." God put both nations into exile because of their sins. Edom's sin was what they did in God's city. Jacob was loved, in that Israel returned and Jerusalem was restored. Esau was hated, in that the Edomites never returned and they ceased to be a people. Now imagine, those actions and that judgment is still over 100 years away. You can't say they didn't see it coming. Regardless of how God judges His own, He still loves His people and His city and they will become a stumbling block for all nations who mistreat them.

Anyone who has ever visited Petra has seen that what God foretold has come to be. Malachi 1:4 If Edom says, "We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins," the LORD of hosts says, "They may build, but I will tear down, till they are called the wicked country, the people with whom the LORD is angry forever."

Vs. 16-17 are the restoration of Zion. You'll see this if you look at the end of Obadiah, verse 21.

Isaiah 35

This is a chapter of millennial blessing as God restores His people and Zion.

V. 3 Notice how similar this is to Hebrews 12:12.

This ends the prophetic section of how God prepared the people and the city for the attack from Assyria.

Isaiah 36

We've read this story before so I'll only make a couple of observations.

V. 3 Back in Isaiah 22:15-25 God spoke about both Shebna and Eliakim. One was a practical, political animal and the other was a man of God. One of these men is spoken of in Isaiah 33:14. The other is mentioned in Isaiah 33:15-24.

When I read these words of Rabshakeh, I can hear in the background, Satan shaking Eve's confidence and trust in God. This is why we always need to stay in the Word and allow God and His love in Christ to be enough for us. Remember that last line of the Lord's prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

Galatians 5:13-26

In Paul's letters he frequently had to address two extremes. We find some mention of both of these extremes in Galatians. We've already seen Christians becoming enslaved to religious works to gain discipline, guidance approval, love and favor from God. The other extreme was to misuse their freedom in Christ. We saw this very clearly in 1 Corinthians. The Jewish teachers were trying to correct this "misuse" of grace by moving people back to the law. The false argument against grace was that if God's love was totally unconditional, you could do whatever you liked and still be forgiven. And apparently then, as today, some of the Galatians allowed their conduct to slip, using grace and forgiveness as a "get out of jail free" card. The real response to the freedom of grace and love is the freedom to be grateful and lovingly obedient in following the Spirit.

Vs. 13-15 The key "directive" here is to love. Knowing the love of Christ, our primary response is to love God, our neighbor and use it in the great commission. In dealing with some who were trying to bring the law into the rebuilding of the church at Ephesus, Paul told Tim in 1 Timothy 1:5, "…whereas (in contrast to them) the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith."

Vs. 16-26 The phrase "walk by the Spirit" is the key to life as a Christian. We can understand following the impulses of the flesh, but what are the impulses of the Spirit? Walking by the Spirit is what we don't sense. It is not the same as walking by the thoughts of your head, just like following sinful desires isn't necessarily following your head. The sense of impulse and leading is important. We are pros at the one and very "kindergarten" regarding sensing or following the Spirit. Freedom in grace means following Christ and being able to respond to the Spirit. If we are exposing ourselves to the Word to learn the mind and heart of God, we have the maturity to ask Him to direct us and show us what He is doing. Jesus followed the Spirit as He led Him every day. It wasn't works or a religious routine. That isn't how we should walk in Christ either. We are free to know Him and surrender our hearts to seek Him and follow as the Spirit leads.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2U3PU-E32E&list=FLXNvyvHkjdvvMMDyoTwM5sw&index=8

Psalm 64

Reading this I was caught by the opening requests to God: Hear me, preserve my life, hide me. I guess that sums up what I need most days.

In the middle, I was reminded of what Paul told the Romans in 12:19-21. Let God take care of it.

Vs. 9-10 David was already saying this before God had delivered him. He knew that God would judge in His time. For us, as disciples, we need to wait, but still be doing what Paul suggested in those verses in Romans.

Proverbs 23:23

It is interesting that we expect this stuff to just come to us as a consolation prize or byproduct of life. God is saying to make it our aim, and everything else becomes the consolation prize.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/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 feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 19, Reading Notes

Isaiah 30:12-33:12

I know your head is probably swimming in all of this reading in Isaiah and in Galatians. If so, I would suggest not reading with any other expectation than what the Spirit just surprises you with. Today we'll read, "in quietness and trust is your strength." Let the Lord speak, and just read. After you've read these books year after year, you'll be surprised at what the Spirit keeps showing you. So, don't worry about getting everything now.

Regarding Isaiah, what general impressions are you getting? God seems to be saying a lot about the city of Zion and the Messiah, about the coming armies, the coming judgments, the coming salvations, and the final salvation and redemption of His people. God takes the near events that will show judgment and salvation, and projects them to the end of the age to a final judgment and final salvation. The faith of God's people is shown in those who wait and trust and hope in Him, as opposed to those who go running for all sorts of other help.

Isaiah 30:12-33

Vs. 12-14 These people that spoke to God as they did in verses 10-11 will be punished. Jesus said men would be judged by every careless word they utter. For those who don't know the Lord, the record button is down. For those of us who know Christ and keep asking for forgiveness for our mouths, He hits "erase."

V. 15 This verse stands alone between God's judgments, as an encouragement to those who wait on Him. And what a great verse it is. God is the holy one of Israel.

Vs. 16-17 This will be the fate of those who seek help other than the Lord.

Vs. 18-33 This all has to do with the restoration of the people and God's fighting for Jerusalem and His people. Remember that the immediate threat and deliverance has to do with Assyria, but you can see that God often gave Isaiah words that can only be understood in terms of the future tribulation and their final deliverance and elevation in the world as the people and city of God.

V. 19 Notice again, that Zion is in the focus of this promise.

V. 21 If this is the tribulation, God will be very quick at this time to respond to His people.

V. 22 As a result of the amazing deliverance of God, people will trash all those things they had depended upon.

V. 23 This is freedom from fear. I would imagine that Israel today is not this relaxed and open.

V. 26 This might be the sun brighter than normal, but those people in the Millennium won't need sun screen. Or, it might be that the light of the sun will be diminished during the tribulation (meteor hits, volcanoes, dust clouds) and when the Lord sets up His kingdom He cleans up the atmosphere.

And there will be healing. We'll see this more in Ezekiel and in Revelation.

Vs. 27-30 But before the Millennium comes the judgment of the nations.

Vs. 31-33 But immediately will come the judgment on the Assyrians.

Isaiah 31

Vs. 1-3 God really wanted the people to trust Him and not go to Egypt. Notice here that their desire was so set to seek this help from Egypt, they decided not to consult the Lord at all. If you want to see the real heart of this, look at Jeremiah 42 where the remnant asks Jeremiah to seek the Lord for them and they will do whatever He says. God tells them not to go to Egypt for help. At the beginning of Jeremiah 43 the people respond to him, "You're lying to us!"

Vs. 4-5 God's coming will be without hesitation. Notice the references to Jerusalem and Zion.

Vs. 6-7 This is the appeal for them to trust Him and when they see what God will do, they will know their idols are all worthless.

Vs. 8-9 We've read before how the Lord slays 185,000 men in one night. God made Zion like a furnace which they came too close to and it consumed them.

Isaiah 32

Here we have the promise of blessing interwoven with the promise of judgment.

Vs. 1-4 This is the Messiah in His kingdom and the people will finally hear and understand. Verse 2 is pretty famous.

Vs. 5-8 True nobility will be honored but there will be no room for fools or the wicked.

Vs. 9-14 Those who are proud and live for comfort and commerce will be humbled.

Vs. 15-20 But the Spirit will be poured out in the Millennium. Verse 19 seems to talk about the distress of the tribulation that leads up to that time. Verse 20 seems to say that even in that great time of distress, those who have the Spirit and trust in God will be blessed. The waters sound like those of Psalm 1, and the ox and donkey running loose indicate there is no care for commerce and comforts, indicating that these people have their treasure in heaven, not on earth.

Isaiah 33

V. 1 This woe appears to be against Assyria.

Vs. 2-6 Notice again that God will keep the people safe who wait on Him regardless of the turmoil around them. Notice the two mentions of Zion, His city.

Vs. 7-9 In contrast, those who hoped in treaties and promises are distressed with everything.

Vs. 10-12 God will consume everyone, Jew or Assyrian who does not honor Him. Everything they have worked for was burnable and it produced what was burnable, so God will burn it. Sounds like wood, hay and stubble from 1 Cor. 4.

So often in the Psalms we are told to wait patiently on the Lord. So much of what we are reading here has exactly the same message. Look again at Isaiah 30:15. What do you think the Lord is saying to us as disciples?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQC5P5kOAf0

Galatians 5:1-12

V. 1 This is now the theme of the rest of the book. Paul has established that salvation is only by grace through faith in Christ. So what about the rest of the Christian life? If works are presented first, there is no salvation; but what if you are already saved and now link following Christ to works? Is that really bad? This verse seems to say that gathering works into our lives is not why Christ set us free. Just to get another angle on this, I was reading Philippians this morning and came on 3:1-10. If you read this you'll be amazed how close it is to what we are reading here. Here's what Paul says there. Works keeps you from knowing Christ and experiencing the power of the resurrection. Works focuses us on us and works. Faith focuses us on pursuing and knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection in us.

Vs. 2-6 The power of following Christ is found in faith working in love. Our worth, our motivation, our joy, our mission, everything is linked to that love that is poured into our hearts and following by faith. Romans 5:1-5. Adding anything to our relationship with God hinders our following and adds weight and encumbrance to our walk, like David trying to put on Saul's armor to face Goliath. "Fallen from grace" means understanding ourselves in any way other than being fully accepted and complete in God's grace. Again, look at Romans 5:1-5.

Vs. 7-12 Paul and the Spirit are upset. Verse 9 is important. Once you begin to define yourself by works and not by grace, like yeast, it spreads through everything, to every part of your relationship with God. It might begin with one act, but then doing works becomes linked to everything, even your schedule and habits. It is easy to fall into condemnation, if you are justified in your life by doing certain things and repeating certain behaviors. Your life and God's relationship to you becomes measurable in terms of those acts and works. But if your justification is by grace through faith, "If God is for us, who is against us..…who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?" Romans 8:34

Paul's opponents were worried about cheap grace and so they brought in works. But following Christ must always be based on His grace and love in faith. Mixing works to our walk becomes toxic to our hearts and defines our worth and His love for us through our doing. Doing works becomes about us. We are never loved more or less and His grace is still our joy. His Word constantly washes us in the undeserved grace and love we have been shown in Christ. We should never recover from the undeserved love Jesus has shown us. And following Christ is purely Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgeUrD4MHI

Psalm 63

It says that David wrote this in the wilderness of Judah. Immediately I thought of the words, "And the Word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness." That was in Judah, too. And Jesus was led into the wilderness. That's a funny place to find God or to be led and tempted, but it seems like God consistently does this for those to whom He wishes to prepare for His harvest. This is a wonderful song from David. It cost him something to be able to write this and it costs us something to truly enjoy it.

Proverbs 23:22

In every generation there have been parents who were evil and not to be trusted. So putting those examples aside and realizing that there might be an exception here or there, here is the rule and the caution spoken to us by the Lord. A person will be blessed by listening to his father and by respecting the words and values of his mother when she is old.

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

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

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

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

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

September 18, Reading Notes

Isaiah 28:14-30:11

Isaiah 28:14-29

Vs. 14-22 Now the "woe" from yesterday is directed to the leaders of Jerusalem who scoffed at Isaiah. Notice that verses 14 and 22 both have "scoffing" in them, showing this is a unit of thought.

V. 15 In their arrogance, some leaders quipped that Jerusalem was impervious to attack because they had made an agreement with death. This was somewhat pagan and totally dumb.

V. 16 In contrast, God pronounces His power and His future blessing on Zion. They should have been hoping in Him. Just to show you how quickly God moves Isaiah to talk about the future, Paul quotes this verse twice in Romans, at the end of chapter 9 and in Romans 10:11, one referring to the future blessing of Israel in Christ and the other talking about faith in Christ. So guess who that cornerstone is. Isn't it interesting to read the actual context in which some of these things said about Jesus were first mentioned?

V. 17 This is clearly talking about the future under the Messiah.

Vs. 18-22 This shows God's judgment on these leaders.

Vs. 23-29 After judgment will come restoration and blessing. Notice in verse 23 how insistent God is that they hear. It made me think of the charge against the people in Isaiah, "having ears they do not hear…" And then Isaiah 53 begins, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"

V. 28 means there will be a remnant that will be preserved.

V. 29 sounds like Paul speaking about the same subject in Romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"

Isaiah 29

Vs. 1-8 The "Ah" is really "Woe." Ariel is another word for Jerusalem or Zion. The gist here is that in the near future for the readers, and in the distant future, Jerusalem will be hopelessly confronted by foes and then, like a bad dream, they will be gone. This happened when the Assyrians came against Jerusalem. The next morning they were gone. At the end of the tribulation, the nations will invade Israel and Jerusalem will be ready to be destroyed when suddenly, "hey did you see that strange lightening, and that cloud, and what's that coming down from the cloud?" And it will all be over, that quickly.

Vs. 9-16 This passage is full of references used in the NT regarding Israel's blindness and the illustration with the potter. They have blinded themselves through disobedience and rebellion and so then God laid upon them a spirit of stupor, reminiscent of Romans 1:24. This is all in Romans 9-11. These verses look like Romans 11:8-10.

Notice the progression from verse 11-16. They say they are blind, then the reason is given. First it is seen in their heart toward God and then in their actions. In verse 15 the desire they were hiding was to seek help from Egypt rather than from the Lord.

Vs. 17-24 Here comes hope and restoration again. Notice "in that day" in verse 18 and opened eyes.

Isaiah 30

Vs. 1-5 "Ah" is really, "Woe." This is their lack of trust in the Lord and going to Egypt for help. Remember Isaiah 21 and what his nakedness symbolized?

Vs. 6-7 In order to get from Jerusalem to Egypt you had to go through the southern desert, the Negeb. This is basically saying it is useless to get help from Egypt. Rahab is a "monster" that rivaled the Leviathan. In Job, this would have been the behemoth. Now, a thousand years later, this "monster" is not that variety of super hippo, but from the description of its inactivity, a run-of-the-mill-float-in-the-water-and-do-nothing hippo.

Vs. 8-11 Again, this is Jerusalem, seeking their own will rather than the Lord's. Notice the words of Jerusalem in verses 10 and 11. I don't know if these were actual words and / or an attitude of heart, but the Lord heard this and He definitely wasn't happy.

Galatians 3:23-4:31

The Galatians were not Jews, they were Gentiles. When these Jewish Christians came to them they had no way to refute what must have sounded like a very smooth connection between rites from the law of Moses and following Christ. In this section, Paul (and the Spirit) calls on all of his creativity to show the Galatians that the law and faith in Christ do not mix.

Gal. 3:23-29

Vs. 23-25 The law was a strict guardian. Even though people couldn't be saved by it (although many found salvation through faith in it), it protected those who followed it from the paganism of the surrounding world. When we read of the very sexually oriented worship of Baal and Asherah in the OT and the worship of Molech, it shows what God was trying to protect the people from. It will get worse when we get into Ezekiel and see what the leaders were worshiping. This protection was a part of the purpose of the law and that didn't even work in the OT. This guardian was there until the coming of salvation through faith in Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Vs. 26-29 This would have been a major problem for these Jewish Christians. The baptism in the Holy Spirit creates an equality before God that destroys earthly designations. We still have these differences on earth, but not before God as He sees us in Christ.

Gal. 4:1-31

Vs. 1-10 This illustration is a little different than the one above. As before, until the heir "comes of age," it must be ruled by a guardian (the law). The elementary principles, we'll see, have to do with following religious practice by rote.

Vs. 4-7 These verses have freed a lot of people. Paul says in Romans 2&3 that all of humanity is under the law, even written on their hearts. That the Gentiles could be equal sons of God, was hard for these Jewish Christian teachers to swallow.

Vs. 8-11 Paul comes out of the illustration into the present situation. The elementary spirits mentioned in verse 9 are defined in verse 10. Notice that the Galatians were beginning to follow Jewish holy days.

Vs. 12-20 This is a very personal section.

V. 12 Paul had been freed from the law as a Jew, so he could reach the Gentiles. Paul became like them. Now Paul is asking the Galatians to become like him, free from the law and alive to Christ.

V. 15 Some think that the thorn in the flesh was some degree of blindness.

Vs. 21-31 This allegory stays very close to the physical circumstances and compares the two wives and the two sons.

V. 23 Hagar's son was naturally conceived and not according to the promise. Sarah's son was a miracle from conception to birth, all according to the promise.

V. 25 Hagar represents Mt. Sinai where the law was given. Sarah represents the future Jerusalem. Since we're reading Isaiah, we're hearing of the promises that are aimed at Zion that have yet to be fulfilled.

Vs. 28-31 Paul is telling them to get rid of the influence of the law, just as Abraham and Sarah had to get rid of Hagar and Ishmael because of Ishmael's animosity and ridicule of Isaac.

To think, this book helped launch the Reformation. What did this letter really do? It accomplished its purpose. It brought freedom for generations of people who were in bondage to sin and to religion and made them alive to Christ. As you read this, remember, it's all about freedom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY38STrAt4g

Psalm 62

As you read this, your heart will latch onto the verses that speak to you.

Verses 1 & 5, that mention silence before God, mean something to me. When we hope on the Lord in very hard situations, we cannot defend faith in following. We simply follow regardless of what others think. We set our hope on God and wait and trust Him and hide in Him. Read Isaiah 30:15.

Vs. 9-11 seem to say that being of high or low estate come from the God of power. Those who pursued David might have been seeking his former position, or they wanted favor and position by lying and political posturing.

V. 12 David's sight, in all of this suffering and confusion, was set on God, His steadfast love and His justice.

This song on Psalm 62 is written by Aaron Keyes, but rather than his performance of it, I found this simpler version. Sometimes I think a single guitar trumps a band, a choir and a smoke machine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQmdQGhERcU&feature=BFa&list=PL8F3FC504C539471B&lf=BFp

Proverbs 23:19-21

On the one hand, you might look at this and say that anyone who has their eating under control and doesn't get drunk is in good shape. But I think the idea here is that the comforts of life can put you to sleep. There are plenty of things here that could also be put into these verses like TV and computers, social networking, games, shopping, etc….

V. 19 says to direct your heart in the way. That sounds like being intentional, being focused, knowing what you are supposed to be doing and where you are going. It also seems like the "way" is important and plays an important role.

For us as disciples in the harvest, following Christ in this world, we can still enjoy what the Lord gives us, but we know why we need to live intentionally and to stay alert. We know "the way."

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/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 any feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 17, Reading Notes

Isaiah 25-28:13

There are a million things to observe and note today, so enjoy the stroll through these verses, knowing that next year and the year after, you'll see more and more. Basically, today Isaiah 25-27 is talking about the future blessings to Israel. Chapter 28 begins chapters full of woes.

Isaiah 25

This is a song of praise to God in the future Millennium and beyond.

V. 8 Notice that this verse is quoted twice in Revelation. If you have time, find these.

Vs. 10-12 The pride of Moab is used here as an example of how God will bring down the proud who oppose the Lord, Israel and Jerusalem.

Isaiah 26

V. 3 I could never have told you this verse was in Isaiah, much less here in Isaiah.

V. 7 This sounds like John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Lord, making the high low, the crooked straight and the rough ways smooth.

Vs. 10-18 Notice the repetition of "Oh Lord."

V. 15 sounds like the prayer of Jabez.

V. 19 sounds like the resurrection.

Vs. 20-21 God tells the people to find shelter in the tribulation as He punishes the earth. One of the things mentioned in Revelation is that the nations will put to death those who follow Christ. God will use the blood of His people to prove the guilt and sin of the world, and the righteousness of His judgment of the people on earth. Revelation 16:6 For men have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink. It is their due!"

Isaiah 27

Notice the marker, "in that day."

V. 1 Some say this is God's judgment on a mythical creature representing all that was chaotic and against God. Others say it looks like that old serpent, the devil. I think it's Satan.

Vs. 2-5 This is the Lord making an invitation to come into His vineyard.

Vs. 6-11 This seems to be God cleansing His people through hardships and exile.

Vs. 12-13 Now He is calling them out of exile to Jerusalem. This gathering of Israel to Zion will be true after the Babylonian exile and at the end of the tribulation.

Isaiah 28

V. 1 The word the ESV says is "Ah," is actually, "Woe." In Hebrew it is "OY!" Isaiah is beginning here with the northern kingdom, represented by Ephraim.

Vs. 9-13 After Isaiah pronounces judgment on the northern kingdom, apparently the leaders of the northern kingdom got wind of his prophesy against them. Verses 9-10 were their words back to Isaiah. Basically they are making fun of Isaiah, as they say, for treating them like children. The words of verse 10 are actually mocking to Isaiah because in the Hebrew it is the equivalent of sounds like, "blah, blah, blah, whatever, whatever, whatever, yakity, yakity, yak."

Vs. 11 Paul quotes this in 1 Cor. 14:21. God is saying that since the people would not listen to Him, He would speak to them through others to get His point across. In Isaiah's day, it would be the Assyrians leading them into captivity. In Paul's day, the strange tongues were telling the Jews that the word of redemption was going beyond them to the Gentiles.

V. 12 God offered them rest and they would not hear it.

V. 13 So now, because they hardened their hearts, the Word of God (and the gospel of Christ in the future) will sound to them like "blah, blah, blah, whatever, whatever, whatever, yakity, yakity, yak." And in their pride they will not accept it.

Galatians 3:10-22

Vs. 10-14 Did you get that? Good!

Notice that Paul mentions the Holy Spirit here. Following Christ in this body is extremely difficult as it is, but without the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us, it would be pretty ugly. What a wonderful gift from God.

Vs. 15-18 Did you get that? Good!

Vs. 19-20 The reasons for the law were several. Here Paul gives the obvious reason: because of the sin of man. The law was like the markings on a highway to steer us in the right direction, waiting until Christ came, when we could understand God and follow Christ by the Spirit as new creations.

V. 20 This is a contrast between the law through Moses and the promise to Abraham. Apparently, Moses received the law from God but also through angels. This meant more than one intermediary. Abraham received the promise directly from God. The law was a covenant, based on the agreement of both parties, God and Israel. If you look at the promise to Abraham, although the covenant ceremony was set up with pieces of animals on both sides with a path through the middle, God was the only one who walked that path, making God solely responsible for keeping this covenant. The Mosaic covenant required two. The Abrahamic covenant is really a promise made by grace to Abraham and so only one person is required. And, God is one.

Vs. 21-22 The law isn't contrary to the promise, anymore than a temporary splint put in place until you get to a doctor is contrary to being healed by a doctor. It was necessary for a time, but only for a specific purpose. It couldn't fix the problem.

This is coming close to what Paul says in Romans 5:20, "Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more," and in Romans 11:32, "For God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all."

I know this is all pretty tight theology, but remember the issue Paul was dealing with in the harvest. What must a person do to be saved and become a follower of Christ? The cry of the reformers was "only faith in Jesus." A person is saved and sustained in their walk with Christ by grace through faith. Grace and faith are both things we grow in our understanding of, as we follow Christ in the harvest reaching the lost and making disciples who make disciples.

Psalm 61

The more I'm living where I am, the more I appreciate how the Lord drove David to his knees to burn these words on his heart. All I can say is amen.

Proverbs 23:17-18

Boy, do I need to hear this every day. Between this and the psalm, I guess the Lord is telling us to keep holding on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZtd6dB6ms0

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/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 any feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

September 16, Reading Notes

Isaiah 22-24

So much of Isaiah has been about the coming invasion of Assyria. In chapter 36 we have the salvation of Jerusalem by God. Until then, God uses the coming invasion as a test of the hearts of the people and uses the present events to tell about the future tribulation of the entire world and the salvation of Zion and His people.

Isaiah 22

V. 1 This is a vision against Jerusalem itself. The "valley of vision" is referring to Jerusalem. Apparently from Jerusalem's location, it commands a view of the valley through which the Assyrians would advance.

V. 4 Isaiah was moved to tears by the vision of the areas around Jerusalem (Bethlehem, etc…) being ransacked and people being killed and led away.

V. 8 The covering was removed because of the sins of the people.

Vs. 8-14 These were the actions of the leaders as the threat of war came. The idea here is that the leaders and people didn't put their hearts into seeking God. It was only Hezekiah who led them that way, and then, only at the end.

You can make a list of what they did in preparation. Vs. 12-13 have a contrast. God wanted one thing; they decided to do something else. God wasn't happy.

V. 15 Shebna represented the king in talks with the Assyrians. It is thought that his influence led to the loss of hope and the godless attitude in the city.

V. 20 Eliakim, on the other hand, was a godly man with a godly influence on the people. God would use him as a solid testimony in the city.

V. 25 But Jerusalem would be punished and the influence of Eliakim would end. During the 54 years of Manasseh, there was hardly a man of godly influence who wasn't killed by Manasseh, who, God says, filled Jerusalem with innocent blood.

Isaiah 23

Vs. 1-12 This vision is against Tyre and Sidon. What is interesting is the description of their pride and their influence in the world. Assyria's attacks against T&S hampered trade for 70 years, but it was Nebuchadnezzar who destroyed these cities. Their pride and destruction is foretold in Ezekiel and in that description, there is the second passage in the OT that suddenly turns into a description of the pride and actions of Satan. This kind of pride and influence of the world was seen in Tyre.

V. 13 If even Babylon was wasted by Assyria, what hope would Tyre have?

V. 14 The ships of Tarshish were trade ships from Spain. Tyre was their haven at the end of their journey.

Vs. 15-18 This description of the recovery of Tyre sounds very much like the description in Revelation 18 of the nation or city which is called "Babylon the whore." Very interesting parallels.

Isaiah 24

And then from the apocalyptic note of the destruction of this nation that influenced the world, we have a very clear prophesy of the tribulation.

Vs. 1-13 There are lots of things to observe here. Note that in verse six, few people are left on the earth. Also, in verse thirteen, this action of God on earth is likened to a harvest.

Vs. 14-16 The followers of Christ on earth will understand that this is the judgment of the Lamb on the earth. They will know that the kingdom is coming and that the days of tragedy for mankind are coming to an end. The righteous one is coming.

Vs. 16-20 Not everyone will be happy. In Revelation it says that when all this breaks loose and the earth and heavens are shaken, people will know it is God and still shake their fists at Him.

Vs. 21-22 You have the judgment of Satan and the kings of the earth and Satan being locked up for a thousand years during the Millennium, followed by the judgment of God and the lake of fire.

V. 23 Now you have the beginning of the new heavens and earth without sun or moon with Christ reigning in Zion. Notice again the importance of Jerusalem. This has been a major theme thus far in Isaiah.

With all we have read this year regarding suffering and waiting on the Lord, thanking God and learning through the small deliverances He gives us, I was touched by the thought of the people in verse 14-16 above. They will be in the tribulation with everyone else. They not only have to duck flying boulders and meteors like everyone else, but the hatred of mankind will be turned against them because they know Christ. Yet they still rejoice, they still follow, and people will still respond to their message in the harvest. Even in this tribulation they still shout the praise of God to all directions and to all people. They must be delirious with joy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuHzWSg3x1c

Galatians 2:17-3:9

Gal. 2:17-21

I found it hard to follow this reasoning, but here's what I came up with. So these are my thoughts.

In verse 16 I think Paul stopped talking to Peter and now this is real time.

V. 17 The tension of following Christ against all they had been taught in Judiasm caused this turmoil and sin on Peter's part. But, that didn't make following Christ wrong or the way of sin. There would definitely be some stumbling around here, sometimes being too restrictive, sometimes being too free, but it wasn't Jesus' fault.

V. 18 Back to Peter. If Peter built up again what he knew to be false, it showed he was sinning. If you boarded up a doorway that led to nowhere, so that in a fire people would have to choose the right door for escape, that would be good. But then, if in a fire, you reopened that other doorway causing confusion escaping the fire, that would be bad. In Peter walking over to the other side of the room, he was rebuilding what he had torn down, justification by works.

V. 19 The law said that everyone was dead. With this understanding given by the law, Paul and the others went to Christ, thus dying to the law through Christ, so that they could be alive to God.

V. 20 This is the declaration of every disciple. Tell me you already have this memorized. If not, sin no more and work on it. J

V. 21 This verse is easy to understand except in one thing. Paul and the Spirit understood Peter walking across the room as nullifying the grace of God. That is really powerful. After grasping this, it is no wonder that Martin Luther reacted so strongly to the teaching of the Catholic Church. If Peter's confused action meant nullifying the grace of God and making the death of Christ of no purpose, the works orientation of that church, or of any church, amounted to the same.

Gal. 3:1-9

Vs. 1-5 Take note of Paul's questions here and the given or implied answers.

Vs. 6-9 While the Jewish Christians of the circumcision party were focusing on the law of Moses, Paul took the issue back further to Abraham and the redemptive purpose of God.

V. 6 This is Romans 4. Abraham was saved by faith before he was circumcised.

V. 8 So, who or what preached to Abraham? This is a great verse. No wonder Luther loved this letter.

V. 9 This shows that at the beginning of God's plan for Israel, as it began in Abraham, the focus was faith and the plan of redemption for all the nations. Those who were trying to install pieces of the law of Moses into Christianity showed they really didn't understand the OT or the heart of God.

As disciples in the harvest there is a kind of tension. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. That is it. In this salvation we are totally accepted and do not have one more thing we need to do to be accepted or loved. We could just sit and do nothing and that would be fine, but we don't, we follow. We know that obeying Jesus, following Him, knowing Him as Lord, has a commission attached to it. How do you put all of this together and still have grace? The answer is in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." The love of Christ does not beget compulsive slavery, but rather, a grateful response of love by those who have been made alive by His sacrifice and death. And to think, we'll be raised as He was raised and live forever and ever and ever and ever and ever, with Him. I think that's pretty cool, and worth telling people about.

Psalm 60

When we read this psalm we need to remember that from Joshua to David the nation fell into disunity and was preyed upon by its enemies. Even though there were judges, they were very regional and the neighbors could rob any city they pleased, almost at will. As king of Israel, David, as a shepherd king, couldn't tolerate the flock being preyed upon. The neighbors either had to agree to peace with Israel, or David had to subdue them. Israel had had such weak leadership under Saul and a long 400-year history of being inept, why should anyone make peace with David? David was that rag-tag guy running around the country for 10 years living in caves. David had been trained by God to kill what preyed on the flock. David was anointed by God to do something no one had done before and God was with him.

Proverbs 23:15-16

When I was reading this, I thought, "This is really true of how a parent responds to their kids following the Lord and saying what is honoring to God." Then I thought, "Hey, I'm somebody's kid too." And then, we have a heavenly Father, too.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/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 any feedback or comments to dgkachikis@gmail.com.