May 25, 2012 Reading Notes

May 25, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Samuel 7-8

2 Samuel 7

This is a big chapter in the Bible because of the Davidic Covenant. Basically, in this covenant God promises that someone from David's lineage will rule over Israel forever. This will be fulfilled in Jesus. Something interesting to note is that when Paul talked about the gospel he preached, it went like this: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel.” (2 Timothy 2:8) This covenant is suddenly a very clear revelation of the next step forward in God’s plan of redemption.

Vs. 1-2 David had a house built for him by Hiram. His days of living in tents and in caves were over. In thanking God for this, it must have made David think about the ark being in a tent. The tent represented God’s presence and I doubt the tabernacle looked as good as the one Moses made in the wilderness.

V. 3 I find it kind of funny that Nathan thought that God would approve everything David did since He was blessing David in everything else. It was a good time, and I guess they were beginning to take God for granted.

Vs. 4-17 These are the words of the covenant God was making with David. Nathan was the prophet. Notice in verses 1-7 that God acknowledged David’s heartfelt concern for God and His glory.

Vs. 8-12 This is what God had done with David and will still do with David. It is interesting that God took David from “following the sheep” to making him the shepherd of Israel. God said that He was responsible for protecting David and bringing blessing though him.

Vs. 13-17 In what God is saying to David here, there would be a near literal fulfillment. There would be a temple built by Solomon, and there would be a lineage of David. But there is also a future fulfillment that will be when Jesus sits on the throne in the Millennial Kingdom. The Davidic line would not rule unbroken, as obviously it hasn't. But that rule, when reestablished, will be resumed by a descendant of David, Jesus, and He will build God a house. 1 Peter 2:5

Vs. 18-29 So what is faith? David talked to a man named Nathan. He said, "You know, I think I'll build a temple to glory of God, to house the Ark of the Covenant." The guy, Nathan, said, "Go for it." A few hours later, Nathan came back and said, "By the way, God said not to do it, but instead He is going to establish your lineage into an eternal dynasty." So David, having heard this from this guy, went into the forecourt of the tabernacle, before the Lord, and prayed this. The faith really blows me away. Nathan could have made that up. David heard from a human, but understood the words were from God and poured out his heart in gratitude. Jesus said to Thomas in John 20:29, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

This is a very impressive prayer and act of faith.

V. 29 What David understood and what awed him was “forever.” This is what awed Paul, and this is why everyone in the Gospels who cried out to the Son of David, usually had saving faith.

1 Samuel 8

Vs. 1-8 All of this was the blessing of the Lord and fulfilling what God had said He would do for Israel and David. David would be established and have peace. What God was doing here not only involved victories, but He was giving David and his men the wisdom to organize and keep the nations in submission to him. At the same time, God was blessing the nation of Israel.

Vs. 9-12 God not only took care of David’s enemies, but He gave David allies. We’ll see in Chronicles that although David couldn’t build the temple, he had all the materials stockpiled and he gave a set of blueprints to Solomon before he died.

Vs. 13-14 This might be mentioned because the Edomites lived in the rock and may have been thought to be invincible. David defeated them.

Vs. 15-18 So David and Israel got organized. David’s sons were officials. We’ll see later that this was a way kings began to train their sons. One son in particular will take his role as an official very seriously. That would be Absalom.

We’ll be reading a lot more about David in Kings and Chronicles, and it is amazing how much David organized. It seems that as God expands His work and blesses what we do for Him, He also organizes us. I think some of the organizing David did, came out of passions that God gave him. We can trust God to do this for us too in the harvest. If He blesses, He will help us get organized.

John 14:15-31

Remember from 14:1 that being troubled of heart and afraid is the context here. This worry is because Jesus will be leaving them, now and in the future. This is mentioned several times.

Vs. 15-17 The Holy Spirit then will take Jesus' place both leading and comforting them in the mission. The Holy Spirit is not given primarily to comfort us when the car breaks or we're lonely. There is a purpose for us being left here on earth as witnesses of Christ, and the Holy Spirit comforts and enables us for that.

Vs. 18-24 Jesus speaks lots of comfort and encouragement here. Notice that the way for them, and us, to commune and connect with the Lord will be through His Word. The Holy Spirit enables this, but we respond in love to knowing and obeying the Word. Not only do the Father and Son dwell with us, but the Father confirms His love to us. And all of this is when we are following in the harvest. Verse 22 shows that this is all enabled by the Spirit.

Also, notice how often love is mentioned in these verses. Circle the word "love." Loving Christ and obeying Him, following Him in the harvest, will result in the Son and the Father manifesting themselves to us and making their abode with us, all this via the Holy Spirit. So what is it that we are obedient to? This obeying is not general moral living or going to church or singing in worship and living harmless lives. This obedience is following Christ in the mission. We'll see this emphasis of mission in the next chapter, and it is important to grasp this to understand how the Holy Spirit will help us. If you think about what Jesus commanded His disciples, you’ll see that much of it had to do with being fearless, anxiety-free followers in the harvest who were not ashamed to testify to His name. His commandments are summed up in the great commission.

Vs. 25-31 As Jesus introduced the ministry of the Spirit, He applied the Spirit’s coming to their immediate need for comfort. They would also need the Spirit’s comfort in their future ministry, as they stood for Jesus. There is the element of joy that Jesus was going to the Father. But they didn’t understand what that would mean for the plan of redemption or the incredible message they would be taking into the world. They also didn’t understand the power of the spiritual authorities that would be directed to them this night or in the future. In that too, the Spirit of God would be their helper.

As disciples we need to see that the power and ministry of the Spirit is to aid and comfort and empower us as we are laboring in the harvest, reaching the lost and making disciples who make disciples. Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone serves me he must follow me and where I am, there will my servant be also.” Jesus is still seeking to save the lost and we need to be with Him in the harvest. Then we will know the power and wonder of the Spirit.

Psalm 119:33-48

Notice how many ways God's Word is referred to. Notice the pleas, petitions and cries for help. Isn't this amazing stuff with which to fill your heart? This is how we are to cry out and what we are to do, when we are being pressed by the stuff of this life. Our hope is only in God and His Word.

Vs. 33-40 This is David crying out to hold true to the Word. Notice the mention of selfish gain, worthless things and the reproach of others. Those are things that take us from the Word. David, here and elsewhere, expresses his delight and longing for the Word. When He had those, David was safe and thriving. That’s the same with us.

Vs. 41-48 Here, the steadfast love of the Lord and remembrance of God saving David secured his heart in the Word, even when he was taunted. Notice the importance of meditation to David. Again, when David did this, he was a mighty man for God.

Proverbs 15:33

Amen. I wish I had really, really, really learned this in my 20's.

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

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

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

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

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

May 24, 2012 Reading Notes

May 24, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Samuel 4-6

Just a parenthetical note here. After the books of Samuel, come the books of Kings and Chronicles. Some of the history we are reading will be recounted in those books. So, as you read, try to remember or notice if a story is being repeated and then go back and look at the first rendition. Often in the other recounting, there will be new details, sometimes even a spiritual commentary on the event.

2 Samuel 4

Vs. 1-3 Note that the assassination of Abner didn’t bring the civil war to an end. I'm sure that Joab thought that killing Abner was a good idea, especially if it made an end of the war. God is never glorified by that kind of stuff. It is too bad that David allowed someone poisonous like Joab to get close to him.

Not only was Ish-bosheth frightened by the news of Abner's murder, but all Israel, that is, the other 11 tribes, lost heart.

V. 4 This is an important note. The reason that Mephibosheth ("from the mouth of shamefulness" - What awful names) is mentioned here is that with Ish-bosheth dead, Mephibosheth would have been a contender to the throne. But since he was a cripple, he apparently wasn't dangerous. Soon, we'll hear more about M, and his condition plays a role in understanding some of what is coming up.

Vs. 5-12 Apparently this was a horrible assassination. Stabbing him in the stomach was not only a slow death, but it was the same murderous death inflicted by Joab on Abner. Remember again that David was the son-in-law of Saul. It is likely that he and Ish-bosheth had been friends. What were these guys thinking? Whatever it was, they didn’t realize that David was spiritually minded, and deadly.

Vs. 12 The way David displayed the bodies showed his disdain. Cursed is everyone who is hung from a tree.

2 Samuel 5

Vs. 1-5 As you note the age of David here, remember that he had been anointed by Samuel sometime around the age of twelve. Twenty five years was how long Abraham had to wait from God’s promise to the birth of Isaac. Waiting is the norm in following God, not the exception.

I find it interesting that the heads of the tribes already knew this about God's choice of David. So why did they fight such a long war? Notice in verse 5 that the difference between Judah and Israel is firmly established. David would make them one unified nation, but even during David’s life, it didn’t take much to break that unity.

Vs. 6-10 This is David taking Jerusalem, once and for all. We've been reading about Jerusalem and the Jebusites for a long time, but now the case is settled. For another look at this battle and for what became official as a result of it, look at 1 Chronicles 11:6. The Luther, KJV and NKJV seem to insert a part of 1 Chron. 11:6 into verse eight. It was another one of those things that made Joab hard to get rid of. According to the Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, page 461, Jerusalem was a good choice for a capital city because in all the years Israel was in the land it was always under the control of the Jebusites, and therefore neutral. Another reason it was a good choice is that the city was given to both Judah and Benjamin by Joshua. And then, I think the main reason Jerusalem became the capital is that David apparently thought it was a cool place. I’ll bet God gave him that thought.

Vs. 11-12 This was encouragement from the Lord that God was blessing David and Israel. It is significant that David, who had lived in tents for years, now had a house. That will be important in a few verses.

V. 13-15 I guess this is given to show evidence of God's blessing. I'm too much in the one man/one woman frame of mind to see this as a blessing. That's 11 more kids and maybe as many new wives. I wonder if David did much consulting of God in this area of his life. I think this ruined David, just as it will ruin Solomon.

Vs. 17-25 Having taken Jerusalem and making it the national capital was unprecedented in Israel. It was like, "whoa, they mean business." Not only that, Jerusalem had a reputation for being like a fortress. For the Philistines, it was time to move against David. Notice that David did do some "consulting" here. To me it is interesting to see that this wasn’t just the U&T, but there had to have been a prophet involved because of the detailed instructions in the second battle. We’ll meet that prophet tomorrow.

2 Samuel 6

I think bringing the ark to Jerusalem was more a desire of David's heart, than a political move; but as a political move, it was smart too. Even in Samuel's day, Samuel had to make a circuit of teaching and leading people in worship in different places. Israel hadn't been unified in worship, as God intended it to be, since the days of Joshua.

The ark at this point had been separated from the tabernacle for about 100 years.

Because of David's love for the Lord, and perhaps because he had made his own copy of the law, David sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant and the tabernacle together at Jerusalem. With this done, Israel would be united as God had intended it to be.

Vs. 1-11 Just one problem, if you are going to honor God, it is best to do it His way and not simply think that if we have good intentions, everything will be ok and He'll look the other way. There was an instruction book, but you know how guys are when it comes to reading instructions. For the last little while, everything David had done had turned to gold. Suddenly, something went wrong. Oddly enough, Uzzah and Ahio were Levites and should have known better. What a disappointment for all involved. Notice that David had 30,000 people gathered for this event. David needed to check himself and respect God.

For another look at this, look at 1 Chronicles 13 and 15.

Vs. 12-23 You have to read 1 Chronicles 15 to understand what David was told or had read, that the ark had to be moved by the Levites, with the carrying poles. In other words, this time, he did it God's way.

David dancing before the ark must have been a sight. Apparently, and I have to make myself imagine this because I'm not that kind of guy, this was heartfelt joy and emotion and leaping and dancing, with all his might.

V. 14 should be understood that David was only wearing a linen ephod. Apparently in all the leaping and joy, from time to time, people saw a bit more of David than they needed to.

V. 16 This is an important comment in the story.

Vs. 17-19 Apparently, David had brought the tabernacle to Jerusalem. If David did this right, he brought the animals for offering and the priests and the Levites did the actual sacrificing. David, like Saul, would have been forbidden to sacrifice. I think David had read the instruction book by now. This was probably the first united worship event the nation had had in years.

V. 20-23 Every guy fears coming home and having his wife mad at him. David's honest sincerity and joy is what wins the day here. He was fully absorbed in the love and joy of the Lord.

That Michal has no children is not only God's judgment on her, but politically speaking, if she had had a son, it could have made problems in the future. The people could have thought of putting that son on the throne and reestablishing the family of Saul. As it is, God took care of this potential problem.

I have to wonder too, among all of her other hang-ups, if Michal was put off by being taken from her “husband” and landing in this ever growing harem where she, essentially, had no husband, and no one who really loved her.

John 13:31-14:14

V. 31 Judas' leaving would make the betrayal and vengeance of the Jewish and “spiritual” authorities complete.

What was that like, watching Judas leave, seeing and hearing the door shut? Jesus might have lowered His head for a moment, and then looked up at the disciples and said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified."

V. 32 And that glory was now going to multiply exponentially, as the secret plans of God would burst into fulfillment, resulting in the forgiveness of sin, the redemption of man and the birth of the church.

V. 33 It seems like Jesus is revealing Himself more and more in this discourse, and here, calling them His "little children." I wonder if any of them realized how surreal this talk was.

Vs. 34-35 Notice that the commandment to love one another is prefaced by verse 33. They were about to be left without Christ. For the mission before them, He would not be there to guide them as He had in the past, especially in terms of encouragement and support. Therefore, for the sense of providing in His absence what He had given in His presence, they were to love one another as He had loved them. This is not a theoretical love or general context. They are to love each other as in binding together in the mission. The mission provides the context. They were to be a "Band of Brothers." Without the context of supporting and encouraging one another in carrying forth the message of Christ, loving one another becomes some flowery, nice, but vague, command. Over the past three years, in and out of controversy, in tiredness, in stress, in busyness, Jesus' love and encouragement had been the glue that kept them following in the harvest. Now they were to do that for one another. The disciples were about to be tested. Jesus commands them to be there for each other, as the darkness was closing in.

This testing and the mission following His resurrection is the context for what He is about to share with them.

Vs. 36-38 This morning I was reading about Peter walking on water. Everyone was terrified seeing Jesus coming toward them on the water. He told them to take heart and not be afraid, so Peter said, "Lord, if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water." And Peter walked on water. This guy had a hero's heart, but he was very human. He had no idea of the forces at work that night or how small his strength was, just like all of us.

John 14:1-14

V. 1 Notice that this is the context. They were troubled and Jesus would be leaving. How would they hold on, much less continue His work? They were confused and didn't see the redemptive plan of God coming together. They didn't understand that the plan for Israel would be put off for years. They had no clue of the church. They certainly didn't know that they would be the guys leading the church and bringing the Gospel of Christ to the world. They were just troubled.

Vs. 2-3 So what is the point of the rooms? Why is Jesus telling them this? The context is everything.

Vs. 4-7 Verse 4 is the lead-in to one of the greatest verses in all of Scripture. In the context of their troubled hearts, Jesus is saying that the guarantee of their safety, being with Him where He is going, is that they know the way, the truth and the life.

This verse summarizes the truth and reason why Christianity can never "coexist" with any other religion. God is revealed through Jesus and Jesus is the only way to Him. Just as gravity operates the same in all nations and all cultures, the same God created them all and is only reached in one way.

V. 7 is a kind of rebuke to their slowness of heart, but Jesus promises that the result of the next few days will change them forever.

Vs. 8-11 Now it's Philip's turn. This answers the question, "If God ever walked on earth as a man, what would He look like and how would He act." The events that follow this night answer another question, "If we could ever get our hands on God, what would we do?"

Our challenge as disciples is very real and comes from this passage, but is repeated all over the NT. If Jesus was the representation of the Father, we are to be the representation of Jesus. We are commanded to be imitators of Christ, ambassadors of Christ. Somewhere in all of this is the answer of what it means to abide in Christ.

Vs. 12-14 Again, this is to be understood in the context of the mission for which He is preparing them. They would stand on the earth without Him. Positionally in heaven, they were eternally secure and a place was prepared for them. On earth, on mission, they were to bind together to provide the love for one another that Christ had provided for them. I don't know how much comfort that spoke to them. It still kind of sounds like they'll be alone….or will they? In what Jesus says in this entire discourse is the understanding of being one with Him and abiding in Him. The reality of abiding in Christ is something we as disciples need to grow into.

Psalm 119:17-32

As you read this, imagine David trying to deal with stress. He had the stress of running from Saul, followed by seven years of civil war in Israel. How do you respond when you're eaten up with thoughts that bother you, or when you hear evil things about you or your motives? David had all of that, plus trying to put a government in place with war always threatening on the horizon. That makes it hard to keep your thoughts straight.

This is what David did. Probably as he was writing out his copy of the Law, either all of the first five books or just Deuteronomy, David might also have been writing Psalm 119. Notice how harassed his thoughts are. Underline all the negatives in one color. Then, underline in another color David's remedy. This is food for the disciple's soul, and good therapy.

Vs. 17-24 It seems that the first thought in each of these sections guides the concerns David had. Here it looks like he felt threatened by the brevity of life on the earth. In a way, time was slipping away from David, waiting to be king. But the Word gave David perspective on life that was centered in God’s care.

Vs. 25-32 This sounds like David dealing with his emotions. Emotions change, but the Word is what guided David through the sorting out of his feelings. It also helped tune himself to reality. Our emotions and fears often only exist in our heads. When the Word is our meditation, God enlarges our hearts and gives us faith.

This morning I was reading in Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Proverbs 15:31-32

V. 31 More valuable than advice or knowledge is reproof. Not only does it give intense correction in practical situations, but it shows a person's heart. Is a person able to take it, and learn from it?

V. 32 Reading that word "intelligence," I think more of the military usage than thinking about IQ. In a war, knowing the lay of the land, the alliances, the plan of the enemy, all of that stuff, is what they call intelligence; and to the wise person, it would show you what to do and what not to do.

The Lord gives lots of information in the Word and through others. Some of this comes in the form of correction and reproof. Being disciples means we're not here for ourselves, but living to please Christ and be useful for Him in reaching out to others and making disciples. And to think, He only corrects us because He is deeply in love with us.

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

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

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

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

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

May 23, 2012 Reading Notes

May 23, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

2 Samuel 2:12-32

Vs. 12-17 We have no real description of the fighting that went on between David's forces and Abner's forces. It went on for over seven years. What we have here is a small battle that might have happened fairly early in the civil war, after David had established himself in Hebron and organized his army. It is a small battle, but it is huge in understanding some of the events that followed. Also, it gives us tiny character sketches of the two main players, Joab and Abner.

Joab is never mentioned as one of David's mighty men, but he does become the captain of his army later. Joab and his brother were David’s half-nephews and were probably the same age as David. It is probably a good guess that Joab had been with David from the early days of David’s service for Saul. Apparently he was a confident and commanding leader.

Abner would have been the older man, and it is likely that Joab had been in the army under Abner just as David had been. They all knew each other.

V. 16 This wasn’t a sword fight, it was a dagger fight. The intent, I guess was to decide the war with the outcome of this fight, but BOOM, a miracle, they all killed each other.

Vs. 18-23 Notice that Abner knew Asahel. Apparently Asahel’s pride was his death. Abner was too good a prize to pass up; unfortunately, Abner was also the experienced fighter. The most important part of this story is Abner killing Joab's brother.

Vs. 24-28 Fueled by their need for vengeance, Joab and Abishai (who wanted to kill Saul for David) drove the army of David. Abner tried to speak peace to the situation and Joab listened. In a sense, Joab was blaming Abner for the fighting, suggesting that if Abner had spoken sooner, they would have stopped fighting sooner.

Vs. 29-32 The interesting thing here is the headquarters of Abner and Ish-bosheth. It was in Mahanaim, way across the Jordan in the middle of Gad. It was miles away from Hebron and the main life of Israel.

2 Samuel 3:1-39

V. 1 During this story, years are passing. What we actually read about here will happen fairly close to the end of the civil war. We know this war lasted 7 years and 6 months.

Vs. 2-5 According to the Law, the king was not supposed to have a lot of wives. This would be a good place to look at what God said.

Deuteronomy 17:14 "When you come to the land which the LORD your God gives you, and you possess it and dwell in it, and then say, `I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are round about me'; 15 you may indeed set as king over you him whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he must not multiply horses for himself, or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, `You shall never return that way again.' 17 And he shall not multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply for himself silver and gold. 18 "And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, from that which is in the charge of the Levitical priests; 19 and it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them; 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brethren, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left; so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.

Now, how many wives are too many? We guys ask ourselves that all the time, and some days "one" is too many; but usually we would say, "Who'd want more than one?" By verse five, David has 6 wives and he'll acquire some others along the way. This will quietly set up David for a fall, one from which he will never fully recover. If the point of marriage is completion and becoming "one" with one person, then the effect of all of these women was that David remained incomplete and "one" with no one. David would remain unsatisfied emotionally and sexually and he would keep looking, in all the wrong places.

Vs. 7-8 This was a very serious thing that Abner did. To claim one of Saul's wives as his own, even having sex with her, would have been a step to the throne. When Solomon's brother tried to marry David's last concubine (which would have been illegal under the law), Solomon had him killed, knowing it was a ploy (instigated by Joab and Abithar) so he could claim right to the throne over Solomon. It was a murky business and what Abner did here was possibly preparation for becoming king himself. In Abner's defense, although he never denies the charge, he seems offended by the insinuation. He still did what he did and shouldn't have. I wonder if Abner was getting tired of fighting against God. They all knew Samuel had anointed David king.

Vs. 9-11 Abner, as a political animal, would have to find a way to come into David's favor. Ish-bosheth seems like a tragic figure here. If Abner hadn’t fueled the civil war, I think Ish-bosheth, who was probably a friend of David’s and was legally David’s brother-in-law, probably would have been happy with making peace with David and endorsing David’s throne.

Vs. 13-16 This is all very interesting. David wanted Michal back. She had been his wife, but also, she was the daughter of Saul and he was Saul's son-in-law. It was justice, it was political and it could heal some things.

Notice that Ish-bosheth had her taken and separated from her husband. Ish-bosheth doesn't seem like a bad guy, and the fact that David didn't kill him during these seven years shows some respect. Before this whole fiasco, I’ll bet they had been friends.

Somehow I feel bad for this poor schmuck Paltiel. His name sounds like a sandwich from Panera and he is really moved and hurt by this thing. What a mess. People were still paying for Saul’s ungodliness.

Vs. 17-19 Abner, a natural leader and very influential person, was laying the framework for bringing all the tribes to David.

Vs. 20-21 There might be more to this than meets the eye. Abner had been one of those former "friends" of David who had kept Saul’s fears of and hate for David alive. This covenant was not only for peace with Abner, but it might have been for Abner to have a position in David’s government.

Vs. 22-39 This story eventually brings the civil war to an end, and it seems tragic to me for more than one reason.

V. 26 Joab not only acted without any obedience to David, but he showed that he was very deceitful and ambitious.

V. 27 This verse explains God's view of why Joab did this.

V. 35 Unlike Saul, David’s resolve was firm.

Vs. 36-37 God used this situation to bring the people to David. Politically speaking, removing Abner was a good thing, but the means by which it happened would poison David’s reign. Although David rightfully said he didn't know about this, and then cursed Joab's family, and cried and made a poem, the just thing would have been to have put Joab to death. David saved this job for Solomon. In the future, David will command Solomon to kill Joab for this act.

I can only think that David was so fixed on getting things secure and stable that he didn't want to lose a man like Joab, who was important to the forming of Israel. You will get your own ideas as you read this, but year after year I'm saddened by these stories.

I know we are all riddled by sin and weakness, and none of us are any better than David; but these stories are here for us to learn. I guess I would say that if we begin with faith and dependence on God, we have to end that way. There have been ministries that have protected key players when they have sinned, because if those sins had been exposed or that person treated justly in accordance with their failure, it would have "hurt" the ministry. No one is so important that their sin can be overlooked if it disqualifies them from leadership. No ministry is so important that it can tolerate sin for the greater good. All of us are prone to this, but in different areas and different ways.

Here, at the beginning of David's reign, he is allowing poison to enter the stream, and it will get worse. It might be that David's own tolerance for his own lying also made him weak to dealing justly with those who were like him. Again, we'll see the tragic result of that too.

John 13:1-30

The Gospel of John is very unique, and particularly after reading the first three Gospels, there is a different kind of richness in the stories John includes. If the other portions of John shine, this part is absolutely brilliant. This upper room discourse, beginning in chapter 13 and ending in chapter 17, is amazing. It is uncut discipleship teaching. Jesus is preparing His disciples to hold on to their faith, which will be severely tested at His death. He is also preparing them for the ministry they will have after His resurrection as they are guided by the Spirit. Understanding this portion of Jesus' teaching is dependent on understanding the stress they all felt and the fact that they were entering a very dark tunnel. This teaching would stay with them the rest of their lives and mark their ministries, but here, it was meant to give them hope following Him as His disciples on this mission.

We actually get the setting for chapter 13 from the other Gospels, where they tell us that a fight broke out among the disciples as to who was the greatest. They all knew that something was going to happen during this visit to Jerusalem. Thomas had already said those sage words, "Let's go with Him and die." They all knew there were threats against Jesus. And Jesus kept talking about His death and resurrection. There was some expectation that something would happen, and they must have been hopeful that Jesus would win and there would be a kingdom.

Vs. 1-11 Notice that Jesus served from a position of strength and He had a goal and a message. We tend to think that those who "can," "do," and those who "can't," "serve." Not so. Servant leadership always has a deep strength, a goal and a message. Notice, too, that this was outside of Jesus' "job description" as a rabbi, but not outside His job as a savior and maker of disciples.

V. 8 Jesus seeks to wash. How sad to resist.

Vs. 12-20 Jesus gave the explanation of what He had done. This was not only teaching on leadership and servanthood, but there was something here about preparing the disciples for the night ahead.

Vs. 21-30 Jesus was troubled in spirit again, but this time, because one of His own would betray Him.

V. 23 The disciple Jesus loved is the writer of this Gospel, John the son of Zebedee, Jesus' cousin.

V. 27 This was Satan himself taking possession of Judas. Satan saved the big job for himself.

Again, although Jesus knew what Judas would do, His love and actions toward Judas never wavered. The disciples had no clue by Jesus' actions or moods or words to Judas that Judas was a traitor. Judas always had the option of saying, "No." Jesus never treated Judas unfairly. Judas' problem was within himself.

V. 30 is very poetic and ominous in its ending, "And it was night."

Psalm 119:1-16

I believe that David wrote this during his seven years in Hebron. I think the view you have here of David's heart describes him as a man after God's own heart in a way the stories about him do not. As much as I understand that David was a contradiction in his life and actions, this psalm expresses his heart. I know I'm a contradiction. All of us are. So what do we do? We follow David's/the Spirit's advice in this psalm, if possible, and do it better than David did. This psalm ought to be the cry of every disciple's heart.

Notice how often words like "law," and "testimonies," and "commandments," and "word," and other variants are used. Verse 11 is one of the famous verses out of this section. How can we as disciples afford to live one day without reading His word and allowing it to flow through our hearts, cleansing us? Reading the Word daily is a must. Memorizing is what truly leads to meditation. On this earth, I think that is vital for us too.

In this psalm, each paragraph of eight verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It’s kind of artsy.

Vs. 1-8 This paragraph begins with the letter “A.” Since it is the introduction of the psalm, David uses it to describe blessing. The key to blessing is not just keeping God’s Word, but fixing our eyes on it.

Vs. 9-16 The question asked in verse 9 is answered in this section. What a great section of Scripture and verse 11 is definitely worth memorizing if you haven’t done it already.

Our longevity and fruitfulness in the harvest is held in all that David is saying here. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me and My words abide in you….” His words have to dwell in us and we are all leaky vessels. We need to be pouring in the Word every day.

Proverbs 15:29-30

If our hope is set on the Lord, our good news each day comes from His Word. And with His hope and His Word, we bring strength to His disciples and His light to those who are lost in the dark fields of this world.

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

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

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

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

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

May 22, 2012 Reading Notes

May 22, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

With this reading you are beginning the 9th book of the Old Testament. Celebrate with a Frappuccino® or whatever else sounds good. When was the last time you read all of these books? And for one more landmark to look forward to, tomorrow you begin Psalm 119, where more than any other place, you see what it means when it says that David was a man after God's own heart.

2 Samuel 1:1-2:11

2 Samuel 1

Vs. 1-16 Notice that this guy tells David of both Saul and Jonathan. He knew the mention of Jonathan would catch David's interest.

Since this account of Saul's death is different than the one found in 1 Sam. 31, it appears that this is a lie. It would have been ironic that the guy who finally killed Saul was an Amalekite since Saul had disobeyed God regarding the Amalekites? The fact that he came to David in Ziklag with Saul's crown indicates that he expected this to be good news to David and expected to be rewarded. What would make him even more of a hero, he thought, was that he had ended Saul's life.

Vs. 11-12 are a summary of the effect of this news on David and his men, but actually verses 13-16 were carried out right away.

Can you imagine? This guy was probably expecting some reward from David. Saul's own armor bearer wouldn't lift his hand against Saul, but this guy said he did. David didn't think too highly of that.

Vs. 17-27 I don't doubt that David actually loved Saul, and he certainly loved Jonathan. I think in all of this there is also some grieving for the entire tragedy of the past 10 years. Notice the repetition of “how the mighty are fallen.

Verses 20 and 21 are a curse of sorts. David will finally defeat the Philistines.

Vs. 25-26 This is David’s tribute to Jonathan. It was a true bond as brothers and something David was blessed with, but something that few men will ever experience.

2 Samuel 2:1-11

Vs. 1-4 I'm impressed that David inquired of the Lord. The fact that he did this and it was recorded makes you wonder about times when David did stuff and it wasn't mentioned, like going with the Philistines to fight against Israel, even if that was a ploy. I think David was like us in this regard. Normally he didn't ask God, but when he was in a hard situation, he asked, and then remembered to ask for a while after that until everything was normal again. When he was in control, like us, he didn't think he needed to ask.

David was made king in Hebron over the tribe of Judah. Verse four should have been cut in half. The second half of the verse actually belongs to the conflict story.

Vs. 5-11 David blessed the men of Jabesh-gilead. As a point of interest, the rescue of Jabesh-gilead in 1 Sam. 11:1 was Saul's first battle as king of Israel. The people there never forgot that. When they learned of the humiliating way the bodies of Saul and his sons were displayed on the wall at Beth-shan, they returned the kindness of Saul's rescue of their city. See the Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, page 455.

When David blessed the men of Jabesh-gilead, he also invited them to accept his kingship…BUT, verse 8. Abner intervened. It appears that Abner drove the civil war which ensued, perhaps wanting to be king himself. I say this because it is interesting that all the dates and times mentioned in verses 8-11 paint a very funny picture. Abner must have finally made Ish-bosheth (man of shame?, BKC p. 458) the king after 5 ½ years of civil war. We know the war lasted 7 years and six months and ended at the assassination of Ish-bosheth. Abner was the real guy in power. This is another reason why Joab, David's military commander, hated Abner. The big reason he hated Abner comes tomorrow.

As disciples following Jesus, there is always the sense of living in tension. I don't know when life ever gets easy, especially following Jesus in the harvest and working to reach people and make disciples. There is always a point of conflict somewhere, a relationship that isn't working out. So what do you do?

In David's life this was the same. You would have thought that the entire nation would have been ready to unite around David and get redemptive history cleaned up and looking respectable. But the sin of Saul had a long reach and was rooted in the heart of his followers, particularly Abner. Abner had his own ambitions too.

When a disciple becomes proven in service, it means having gone through many times of upheaval and disappointment. Especially after being hit by "friendly fire," drawing ever closer in that pain and suffering to Christ is a must or you just become bitter. He is the only one who makes sense of all this baloney, and He alone is the one who keeps our passion alive and healthy, and our vision clear. This is how you learn to abide in Christ.

Somewhere in all of this, probably in Hebron during those seven years, David wrote his own copy of the law. It was also probably during this time that he wrote Psalm 119. We'll begin reading that psalm tomorrow, and it will show why David was able to survive this continued time of trial.

John 12:20-50

This is Tuesday. Jesus had just cursed the fig tree on the way to the temple. On arriving He cleansed the temple for the second time and made the leaders deadly mad; but they couldn't get to Jesus for fear of the crowds, because the people hung on Jesus’ every word. Sometime in this day, probably earlier than later, the Greeks show up. It is significant that they came after Jesus cleansed the court of the Gentiles and taught saying that the temple was to be a house of prayer for the nations.

Vs. 20-23 Who knows why they came to Phillip. Phillip had a Greek name and Bethsaida was on the edge of the more Gentile area of Galilee. But really, who knows other than that God directed them to Philip.

As Jesus was told of this request and maybe seeing the men at the back of the court where He was teaching, the Spirit must have nudged Him. Jesus now understood that the Father had done something, and Jesus officially knew that His hour had come. These Greeks were "God-fearers" and were close to Judaism, the same as the centurion whose slave Jesus had healed, and later Cornelius, also an Italian and a centurion and an important person in the gospel going to the Gentiles. I would think that the request of these Gentiles was a signal from the Father, almost like the Gentile world saying, "even if the Jews have rejected your offer for now, we're ready to receive it."

V. 24 This parable is very important. Not only is it used by Paul later in 1 Corinthians 15, but in John 15, Jesus uses it to define glorifying the Father and proving to be His disciple. You always hear people wondering what kind of fruit Jesus is talking about in John 15. Here, and therefore in chapter 15, the meaning of the fruit is obvious: Jesus must give His life so that many more will experience life. The "fruit" is people who will come to faith and obtain eternal life through the giving of His life.

Vs. 25-26 Notice how Jesus immediately repeats here, what He has said previously in the context of discipleship to His disciples. Notice that Jesus intensified the “losing one’s life” to “hating one’s life in this world.” To serve Jesus, you must follow Him. This comes with two promises. First, you have the promise of His presence; and second, you have the promise of being honored by the Father.

Knowing Christ means following. Discipleship is not an option, yet, we have made it that way. This is why the Great Commission says to make disciples, not, "lead them to belief and then, later, try to persuade them to follow if it's not too much trouble for them." If Jesus is presented as who He is, God who became man and gave His life for us, that He is God inherently means He is worthy of worship/service. Following is a natural part of the message of turning way from sin and turning to Him for forgiveness and life. We make it hard on ourselves when we think knowing Jesus means salvation, but not necessarily following. Jesus didn't think that.

Vs. 27-36 His hour having arrived, the reality of what He would have to endure also hit Him. Jesus the man, the Son of God, and Son of Man, knew what He was going to have to suffer. His humiliation and physical beating, vividly shown in the Passion of the Christ, was simply the path that brought Him to His real work, hanging on a tree, being cursed and punished by His Father. Only what He endured on the cross, the spiritual judgment and rejection, made forgiveness possible. "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." We are impressed, and rightfully so, with His suffering before He got to the cross; but it was what happened on the cross that purchased our pardon. Jesus willingly endured that, to get to the cross for us. Figuratively, we are healed by His stripes, but it was His death on the cross which bought forgiveness. It was when the animal was on the altar that it became a sacrificial offering. What Jesus is visualizing here is the spiritual aspect of what He will have to endure for mankind.

V. 28 Jesus lived to glorify the Father. The Father said He would do it again too. If you look at Jesus' life, the arrival of angels and the voice of His Father came at very crucial times. This was a critical time.

V. 31 Wow! "Now" was the judgment that would be complete with His crucifixion and resurrection, but we are still waiting until that judgment is fully executed.

V. 32 It is the cross where it all goes down. When Jesus said this, "lifted up" must have meant "crucifixion" to the people, therefore, the response of the people in verse 34.

V. 34 To be fair, the disciples didn't get it either. It wasn't until after the resurrection that they understood why the Christ had to suffer. The disciples didn't get it, but they still believed He was the Christ. That's the difference.

Vs. 35-36 This was a warning for the people to force themselves to think spiritually while He was still there to see. Jesus was the message. Regardless of what they had heard, they needed to see Him and believe in Him. Jesus will refer to this in a few verses.

Vs. 36-50 is a kind of summary from John, regarding Jesus' public ministry to this point. Notice that at this point Jesus hid Himself. He needed time to chill.

Vs. 37-43 These verses explain why the people didn't understand. Part of this prophesy is Isaiah 53, and part is Isaiah 6:10. In both places, the rejection of the Messiah and rejection of the truth are the result of sin and not being desperate to understand the truth. This isn't God blinding their eyes as much as it is not making them desperate to seek Him. This falls in line with Jesus' use of parables. If people were desperate and tired, they understood. It also falls in line with what Isaiah said of the Messiah in Isaiah 53, "and like a root out of dry ground He had no form or comeliness that we should look at Him, no beauty that we should desire Him." He wasn't what they were looking for because they were not desperate for the truth. They wanted what they wanted. God's work in Israel at the close of this age will be that Israel will be so desperate and needy in seeking the Lord that they will cry out, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." And this Jesus that they are rejecting here will return for them, and in the tribulation they will want Him.

V. 41 is interesting if you link it to verse 42. Isaiah said this about Israel because He saw God's (Christ's) glory and spoke of Him. It made Isaiah jealous for God. He saw and he spoke. Now notice that many of the people and the leaders saw Jesus’ glory, but they didn’t speak of Him. I find that interesting.

Verses 44-50 Sometime toward the close of the day Jesus again appeared in the temple. Whatever crowd was there heard this amazing declaration. Jesus just never gave up.

Verses 44-46 couldn’t be clearer. Jesus was God in the flesh and the light of men. This sounds like the first verses of John.

V. 47 is a transition verse. Jesus came to save, not to judge the world, but you can tell by what He says, there will be judgment. He came to save the world, not a country or language group or western cultural mindset. He came to save every person. There is no other way. There is no other Savior.

Verses 47-50 are an incredible warning. To understate the case, Jesus’ words are not to be taken lightly. Everyone will be judged by them. And to think, all of this came into motion, as the hour struck when a couple of Greeks came to see Jesus.

For us in the harvest, it is an encouragement to us to get the word out. Many will respond to the Lord and become disciples. Most will reject His Word. Our job in the harvest is to follow Him, reach the lost and make disciples who make disciples. And as we abide in Christ, we watch Him work and we follow.

Psalm 118:19-29

It's interesting that in this last part of the psalm, there are two references to Jesus and one reference to a song. This is the danger of hacking up the psalms like this. Now that we can see that some reference is made to Jesus, we can read back over the first part and see that the suffering it refers to might also have some connection to His suffering. It must have been strange for the Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus, because this psalm is quoted by Jesus during those final conflicts in Jerusalem before His death and resurrection.

Vs. 19-21 The writer (David?) asks the Lord to open the gates to him to enter into His presence. Because God had saved him, he knew that the Lord had opened up to him.

Vs. 22-24 Here is that salvation, the rejected stone. Not only was the Father’s working in this marvelous, but it became the day of salvation.

V. 25 This is the plea of David and Israel and mankind.

Vs. 26-27 The Lord came to the city and to the house. He is the light and He is the sacrifice.

Vs. 28-29 Notice how the declaration, “You are my God,” is repeated. He is not only our Savior, He is our God. And at the end of the day, we give thanks because of His steadfast love and how it endures forever.

You probably saw verses 22 and 23. So where did Jesus say verse 26?

What a great psalm foreshadowing Jesus.

Proverbs 15:27-28

It is interesting that verse 27 says that the result of this pursuit of stuff is that the entire family is troubled. Most people have more gifts from God than they realize, that can give them a solid, healthy family. Wanting more often kills a family, even if you don't want to obtain it unjustly.

That sense of pondering, and going to God and really seeking answers, builds a solid foundation in life.

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

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

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

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

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

May 21, 2012 Reading Notes

May 21, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

This is one of those days to celebrate. With today's reading, you have read the first nine books of the Old Testament.

1 Samuel 29-31

1 Samuel 29

Vs. 1-5 God saved David at the last minute. You know that David would not have fought against Saul and Israel. David must have discussed with his men what they would do if it came to a fight. The way that God was with David, in a fight, David would have torn the Philistines apart.

Notice that the other kings of the Philistines were well aware of David's reputation.

Vs. 6-11 David was sent home and threw a fake fit for Achish. This is all ironic, and David's lack of honesty, even in this situation, seems wrong to me.

I guess this is all to say for us as disciples, if God gets us in a jam, He will get us out, or show us what to do.

1 Samuel 30

Vs. 1-6 This looks like things going from bad to worse. It took three days to get back to Ziklag. They had been gone for six days. Everyone had lost their wife and sons and daughters. The note says they were all taken alive, so there were no bodies lying around; and again, God engineered this so no one died. David thought he had known bad, but now the men were so bitter they wanted to kill him too.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord. Psalm 27 is a psalm of David, written sometime during all of his running. The last line is very instructive and deep, and there might be a slight qualifying phrase in it. It says, "Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord." That line, "Be of good courage," is important.

If we really believe God loves us and is sovereign, it gives us what we need to strengthen ourselves in the Lord. Being of good courage shows that our hope is set on God, that our treasure is in heaven and that Jesus is the one we are following in this life. Sometimes it takes suffering in the wilderness to strip away the things that we've acquired to support us and define us. The wilderness and suffering is used by the Lord to bring us back to reality. The reality is that we have been saved from judgment and hell by the blood and sacrifice of our Lord. The reality is that this world will end and that lost people desperately need to be presented with the Gospel. We have been saved to be complete in Him and work in His harvest. Our strength is in Him.

Vs. 7-10 I wonder if David had also asked the Lord about going to the fight with the Philistines. Somehow I don't think he did. But here, pushed by personal tragedy, and at his wits’ end, he went to the Lord. When will we ever learn? Disciples need to learn to pray desperately before they get pushed to desperation by circumstances.

Vs. 11-20 This was a miracle, complete with God leaving bread crumbs (Ok, an Egyptian) for David to follow. They not only regained all their families alive, but they won the lottery. They were suddenly rich. Imagine the happy reunions. Imagine 400 Jewish men singing, "If I were a rich man." Well, maybe not that last one.

Vs. 21-25 Notice how David took care of the "worthless fellows." Every group/church gets some of these complainers. Saul didn't have the gumption for dealing with them. David does a great job. David actually made it a statute - those who guarded the fort should get the same amount as those who fought.

Vs. 26-31 David apparently was protecting these Judean towns the same way he had been protecting Nabal's sheep. David had so much, that he sent gifts to these towns. More importantly, David understood that the Lord had blessed them and given them the victory.

With everything that happened here, there was a happy ending. Now, why did God allow this to happen? I think it was to keep David and his men occupied with a personal emergency so they wouldn't be wondering how the battle was going and if they should go rescue Saul. By the time David and his men returned with their families to Ziklag and then rebuilt the city enough to live in it, the fight was over. God had taken care of the situation without David. Having begun the rebuilding of Ziklag, unknown to them, they would soon be leaving.

1 Samuel 31

Vs. 1-7 This was a very sad day for Israel. If David had been there, no doubt, the battle would have been won, but the problem would have gone on too. The Lord took care of things.

I would feel bad for Jonathan, but then, what is to feel bad about? After those few minutes of pain, he was welcomed by God (I'll bet he got a bro-hug), given a new body, a place to sit and rest with something nice and cool to drink. Obviously God knew that if Jonathan had lived, there would be problems in establishing David's kingdom. I think Jonathan was OK with how this turned out.

V. 4 Notice that Saul's own armor bearer was afraid, even in these circumstances, to put his hand against God's anointed. Note this, because David will soon get news from someone who didn't have this same respect.

Vs. 8-13 The Philistines dishonored the bodies, but the men from Jabesh-gilead slipped in and brought the bodies to be buried. Do you remember what Jabesh-gilead has to do with Saul?

The running was finally over. God protected David and judged Saul and did things His way. David had no guilt for sinning to avenge himself. For ten years David lived the words that Paul and the Spirit would give in Romans 12:19-21 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

With God's help, David was able to do this. These words, however, are for us, Christ's disciples, as we follow Him in the harvest, reaching out to the sinning and making disciples who make disciples. As we work in the harvest we get battered and have lots to forgive, but the love of our Lord refreshes our hearts and we rest in Him, knowing He is in control.

John 11:54-12:19

John 11:54-57

After Jesus raised/recreated Lazarus, He and His disciples went about 15 miles north of Bethany and Jerusalem to stay away from the Jewish leaders. Being on the edge of the wilderness, it would have been easy for them to escape, if need be.

Since the Passover was a major event, people got there early and began looking for Jesus. He usually taught on the temple grounds.

John 12:1-19

This is the week that Jesus will die.

Vs. 1-8 There is a little difference of opinion regarding when Mary anointed Jesus. It could have been here, on Saturday when He arrived, or it could have been Wednesday evening. At this point, it isn't important when it happened, only that it happened.

V. 3 This Mary is not the woman who did this earlier in the house of Simon the Pharisee, but this Mary, a rich woman with a good reputation, humbled herself to imitate that woman, a sinner, and anoint Jesus' feet.

V. 4 We know that all of the disciples objected to Mary "wasting" this ointment, but Judas must have been the most vocal. In verse 6 John tells us why. It was probably as a result of this that Judas became enraged, allowed Satan into his heart and went to betray Jesus.

Vs. 9-11 How irrational can you get? Sure, go and kill the guy raised from the dead and hide the evidence, for God's glory.

Vs. 12-19 One interesting addition here is that as Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people who had seen Lazarus raised were in the crowd bearing witness to Jesus. You don't get that from the other gospels. Nor do you understand from the other gospels that the reason that many of these people were there to greet Jesus is that they heard that Jesus had raised Lazarus.

Although the people were saying the right things, there was still no real recognition of who Jesus was. Even the disciples didn't understand this event until after Jesus was glorified. So, what were they really celebrating here? I think they thought that the kingdom would appear immediately.

Psalm 118:1-18

Doesn't this read like something David would have sung when the 10 years of running were over? It seems like he remembered all of the desperation and emotion; but what saved him was what he mentions four times at the beginning, "His steadfast love endures forever."

We get the second part of this psalm tomorrow. In the second half, there are allusions to Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem and His rejection. Knowing that, read this portion today with the idea that some of what is written here could be a prophetic expression of how Jesus would feel, and as a man, how He would find strength in His Father.

Vs. 1-4 This is what David learned in the wilderness. Each day had its ups and downs, but the steadfast love of the Lord never failed him.

Vs. 5-9 David didn't even trust his own men. They would have killed Saul. But David was vindicated by the special deliverances God gave him.

Vs. 10-13 After David became king in Hebron, civil war raged for seven and a half more years. Then when he became the king of the entire nation, other nations came against him. He cried out to the Lord; God gave David victory and suddenly distant countries were paying David tribute.

Vs. 14-16 In all of this the Lord was David's salvation.

Vs. 17-18 And in this, there was discipline and "pruning" by the Lord to make David ready to be king.

Psalm 118, Shane and Shane

Proverbs 15:24-26

Amen, amen, and amen! I would think that David was being taught all of this in the wilderness and while he was running. I know that hard times have been the only way I have learned some of these things on my journey as a disciple.

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

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

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

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

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

May 20, 2012 Reading Notes

May 20, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

1 Samuel 26-28

We are only getting a few stories from this time in David's life. I guess you could call the psalms, David's journal. In Chapter 27 we come to a point where we know some dates and how much time is passing. David will live in Ziklag 16 months, and he became king in Hebron when he was 30. This means that in chapter 27, David is 28 and eight months or so. David has been running for years, probably since he was 20.

1 Samuel 26

Vs. 1-12 I think this is the first time we hear of Joab the son of Zeruiah and any of his brothers. During this time of running, David acquired his mighty men, amazing warriors who could really kick donkey (I think they said that back then). There were the "three," and then there was the "thirty." While the "three" refers to three actual guys, "the thirty" probably refers to a group whose members changed. Abishai was part of the thirty.

Apparently, as they observed how everyone was sleeping, David knew that it was a God-induced sleep.

Notice in verse eight that Abishai was willing to do the job, that he knew David didn't have the conscience for. Abishai might have been with David in the cave when David spared Saul. David spared Saul again and told Abishai the reasons why this shouldn't be done, even appealing to God's own judgment. Here, knowing what Joab's character is like, I find it interesting that the Lord lets us know it was Abishai who suggested this murder.

Vs. 13-25 Notice how David went after Abner; and then in verse 19 said if the Lord was doing this, good, but if it was men who were inciting the king, then they should be cursed. It seems to me that with the length of time David had been running, and with the length of time David will be in a civil war with the house of Saul after Saul is dead, that there were other players and people working to keep Saul on the throne and to kill David. I'll bet Abner played a major role in keeping the political intrigue and misinformation alive. In many of the psalms, David talks about lying and treachery. Saul had powerful men around him who knew that if David came to power, they would lose their jobs and their income.

V. 21 There is nothing more uncertain and unstable than someone who says he's wrong and keeps on doing the same wrong thing. I'm sure this is what led to David's actions in chapter 27. David finally saw there would be no human solution.

Vs. 23-24 David seems to be saying that he expected the Lord to keep him safe and understood this was a kind of test that the Lord had given him. The opposite would be true of Saul, who was neither righteous nor faithful.

1 Samuel 27

Vs. 1-4 This is the same Achish, king of Gath, that David did the drool thing with back in 21:10. Now, possibly seven or eight years later, the madness of Saul and the plight of David were a kind of legend. Achish had proof that David was hated by Saul and alienated from his people.

For some undisclosed period of time, David lived at Gath with his small army and their families. This must have been crowded, but it did achieve a purpose. In verse 4 it shows that Saul was still actively pursuing and trying to kill David, but there was no way Saul would go to the gates of Gath to do it. Saul stopped.

Vs. 5-7 This is ironic. In return for David's loyalty, Achish gave David Ziklag. According to Joshua 15:31, Ziklag belonged to the tribe of Judah. This would be David's home, with his 600 men and their families, for the next 16 months.

Vs. 8-12 What do you do if your only skill is killing and looting? Somehow when I read this, I don't think David's lying is noble or honoring to the Lord. I don't know what David should have done, but his lying and deception will come back to haunt him, I think.

On a positive note, in verse 8 I finally noticed that the people David preyed upon were the "old" inhabitants of Canaan, who Israel, in disobedience, did not drive out. Some of these people were preying upon Israel. In effect, David was acting as a judge in Israel and fulfilling some of what God had told Joshua and Israel to do.

Apparently the times were so lawless that you almost expected some nomadic group to swoop in and destroy a town. That must have added to David's deception and have kept him safe.

V. 12 Achish definitely got the wrong idea. David was a thoroughly true blue Jew and follower of Yahweh.

1 Samuel 28

Vs. 1-2 I think this put David into a hard situation, but he played along. The words, "you shall know what your servant can do," would have been an amazement to Achish, if David had gone into battle with him. David would have fought to defend Israel, and Achish would have been toast.

V. 3-7 In the years of David's hiding, Saul did some "god" things to show he was religious and was a "good" follower of Yahweh. One of those is that he had all those who communicated with the dead put out of the land or put to death. Apparently Saul did this out of some emotional response to Samuel's death. Later in 2 Samuel 22:1, we'll find out that during this time, Saul also almost exterminated the Gibeonites from Israel. These are the people who tricked Joshua and with whom Joshua made a covenant. Saul apparently thought killing these people would make God happy. This act of Saul's will come back to haunt his family. Whereas David promised not to kill Saul's family, because of God's judgment on what Saul did to the Gibeonites, most of Saul's male heirs will die. Anyway, during this time Saul was busy doing 'god things' to get back into God's good graces. He just never changed his heart. God never rejects true repentance.

Vs. 8-14 I heard a Walter Martin tape on this one time and it made sense to me. The woman had a "familiar spirit," a demon she worked with that could impersonate the dead person who was "called." What freaked her out was that this wasn't her lying spirit, it was actually Samuel whom she saw. Therefore she freaked and knew that she had been tricked and was in danger.

Notice that Samuel appeared in bodily form, as do Moses and Elijah later with Jesus. Texts like these help give us the "doctrine" or teaching of the intermediate body; that is, before we receive a resurrection body, we will still have a body. The resurrection body comes at the coming of Christ for the church [1Cor. 15:51-58, "the dead in Christ shall rise and we (those of the church living at that time) will be changed"], and then for all other believers (pre- and post-church age) at the beginning of the millennial reign of Jesus and finally for those who have rejected God from every age at the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:12-13).

I'm sure you wondered where we get all this theology and teaching from. It's from the Bible and all of this stuff you're reading. Pretty cool, huh?

Anyway, Samuel had a body.

V. 19 almost sounds like that "good news/bad news" joke, where the good news is that there's baseball in heaven, and the bad news is that the guy getting this report will be pitching tomorrow. But Saul didn't think this news was funny.

Vs. 20-25 At the end of the story there is a little more going on than meets the eye. Saul refused to eat…almost made a vow, but in typical fashion, Saul was talked out of it and gave in to those urging him. He was a man of no resolve, except to resist God and kill David.

But, on the part of the woman, if they received her hospitality, they couldn't kill her. That is why she did the elaborate "fatted calf" thing. I mean, how long did that take? They didn't have microwave "fatted calf." This had to have taken hours. A couple of sandwiches would have worked too. Saul must have rested during this time and talked with his men. Anyway, they couldn't receive her kindness and then kill her. It looks too, that she wanted Saul healthy enough to get up and get out of there.

What a messed-up deal, but really, on this earth, all of us are messed-up, walking encyclopedias of contradictions. That's what sin does to us.

John 11:1-53

This is another great chapter in John with great disclosures about Jesus' identity, and it shows us how Jesus abided in the Father.

Vs. 1-4 When Jesus heard this, He understood from the Spirit that this situation was for the glory of God, and would be a testimony to His identity. I think that in abiding in Christ, this is how we also are to understand the situations the Lord brings into our lives. We are here to serve Him in the harvest and He designs every intersection. Our job is to remain alert and ready for what He has for us.

V. 2 is an editorial note. Apparently this event was known throughout the church. Mary anointed Jesus' feet weeks after this event.

Vs. 5-6 Under the Spirit's direction Jesus knew what was happening, and therefore stayed until Lazarus was not just dead, but good and dead.

Vs. 7-16 It is interesting to see that the disciples were very concerned with their lives. They knew the danger of going anywhere near Jerusalem, and Bethany was only two miles away from Jerusalem. Jesus' comment for them to walk in the day either meant to follow Him while He was still there, or to follow when God's will is clearly laid out before us. In any case, following the Lord, we can have absolute confidence that nothing can happen to us that is not allowed by the Father.

I don't know that they understood Jesus would raise Lazarus, but Thomas spoke for all of the disciples by his willingness to follow to the death. He wasn't being funny. He meant that.

Vs. 17-19 This is all very interesting information. That Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days is important. The Jews thought that the spirit hovered over a dead person for three days. So, it is significant that Jesus waited until the fourth day to arrive. Also, it says that many Jews, leading people from Jerusalem, were present with Martha and Mary.

Vs. 20-27 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went into action and met Him. Apparently as a result of Jesus' teaching, she had a good idea of the coming judgment and resurrection. Her remark that Jesus could ask anything of the Father and receive it could have been her hoping against hope that Jesus might raise Lazarus, but when she raised a stink at the tomb, it appears that she didn't believe Jesus would raise her brother. She must have only understood that Lazarus would be raised on the last day.

V. 25 Jesus told her that the resurrection wasn't focused on a time, but on a person, Him.

V. 27 This is a great confession of faith.

Vs. 28-37 It is interesting to see how the Father set up this situation. The Jewish leaders all followed Mary, and when Jesus was faced with all this sorrow, He too was overcome. Verse 35 is the shortest verse in the Bible.

When it says Jesus was "deeply moved," that can be translated as "angry." I've heard a lot of spiritual explanations of why Jesus was angry, but I think Jesus looked angry because He was simply fighting back tears. I think His face was contorting, because he was trying to keep from crying, and this is what John expressed.

Vs. 36-37 Now the Jewish leaders were also caught in the emotion, wishing Jesus had been there.

Vs. 38-44 There isn't a lot of build up here. Martha objected to the stone being removed, but Jesus told her that faith was necessary in order for the glory of God to be seen. Jesus prayed very briefly, shouted, and out popped Lazarus. The expression in Greek is, "Loose him and let him go." I like that.

So, was this resurrection or recreation? If the spirit had returned to that body, it would have been a mess. After four days the body was just rotting flesh and dead blood, yuck! In order for the body to have been made ready for the spirit of Lazarus to return, the body had to have been fully recreated: every cell and every function. Who says God needs billions of years to create? Jesus did it there. It took no time, and there was no pause, or grunt of exertion.

Vs. 45-53 Many Jews believed but some were snitches. The entire discussion of the leaders was a profound lesson in irrationality. Jesus did mighty signs. Everyone might believe in Him. The Romans would come and destroy Jerusalem. But if Jesus was the Christ, the signs were from the Father, and believing in Him was right. If the nation had turned to Him, the Romans would not have been a problem..

V. 51 God can even use the mouths of evil men.

V. 52 This is John showing that this was for the plan of redemption.

Psalm 117

V. 1 Paul quotes this in Romans 15 when talking about Jesus coming to save the Gentiles. "Nations" and "Gentiles" are the same word.

Romans 15:8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name"; 10 and again it is said, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; 11 and again, "Praise the Lord, all Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; 12 and further Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, he who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope."

V. 2 God's faithfulness is to fulfill His promise of redemption, to save and rescue those lost in sin and darkness. We, the rescued, work with Him as His disciples, following Christ in the harvest. In so doing, He continues to show His steadfast love and faithfulness to those who need Him.

Psalm 117, The Sons of Korah

Proverbs 15:22-23

Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

May 19, 2012 Reading Notes

May 19, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

1 Samuel 24-25

As we read about David on the run, we get very little sense of the difficulty this presented for David or his followers. Over the 10 years he lived on the run in virtual exile in Israel, and then in Ziklag, it had to have taken a toll on all of them, with their emotions and tempers running the gamut. I'm sure he had people "encouraging" him saying, "Don't worry, this will only last a few months. The people know what's going on. Maybe they'll do something. Maybe God will do something." Don't you hate it when people do that? God doesn't always pay on Friday, or this year, for that matter. In the meantime, this "chase" was becoming something of a cultural phenomenon. Everybody, even the Philistines, knew about it. The Lord will encourage David at the most unexpected times and by the most unexpected means. This will be a good lesson for us, too, to simply follow in the harvest and let God give us recognition and encouragement as He sees fit.

This map might be a help. David’s Flights From Saul, Bible Knowledge Commentary-OT, page 452.

1 Samuel 24

Vs. 1-7 This was not only unexpected, but David’s reaction was also unexpected. I’m sure David loved or respected Saul, but more than that, David respected the Lord’s sovereign choice of anointing Saul. It looks like David himself was surprised at how the Spirit stung his conscience. David’s men also got a good lesson in godliness and following the Lord.

V. 3 I have never heard a good explanation for the expression "covering your feet," (you should have a note saying what the literal words are), so here is my theory. When a guy stands and empties his bladder, depending on the target surface and wind direction, he usually gets his feet wet, but only notices it if he's barefooted or wearing sandals. They wore sandals in those days. Apparently someone came up with the idea of covering their feet and the phrase caught on and became an expression like "going to the john" or "going to the place where even the Kaiser has to go on foot" (i.e., without his horse…it's German…oh, forget it). You get the idea.

V. 4 I can't imagine that David had all 600 men in the cave, but certainly a scouting party.

V. 4-7 You can imagine the pressure on David. All the discomfort and stress of running, and here, with one good slice and the battle is over. I don't know what good influences there might have been on David to develop his heart, but the Spirit was with David and, in this instance, He smote David's heart. Remember too, that David was also anointed. He could have done a lot of rationalizing. But here, the Spirit led him. The respect David shows here to God and Saul, and his willingness to stand against the voice of the people (unlike Saul) is what made him a leader and model to his men. In the German it says that David used hard words to steer his men away from this plan of action. And I wonder if Saul was deaf. I can’t image David arguing with his men in a cave making no noise unless they were doing pantomime.

Vs. 8-22 To me, the most significant thing that comes out of this is Saul's sad confession that he knew David would become king. Saul knew he was fighting God. In verse 21, as he makes David swear not to kill his family, he all but admits that he knows God will prevail.

Notice that this was very public. In verse 2 we are told that Saul brought 3000 of his best men. They all heard him confess his guilt and declare that David would become king. What a funny thing for God to arrange. Yet, in spite of this public declaration, Saul will still irrationally pursue David, and so will the leaders and men who heard what had just been said.

Sin, this same kind of sin, is in us. Rationality and education can only go so far and these will always give way to the vicious sickness in our souls. Our problem is spiritual, so the cure must be spiritual. We have been given a new spiritual life, but still we need our meds, the Word, daily. Until the Lord takes us and frees us completely from this body of death, we desperately need the Word, the Spirit, and following Christ in the harvest.

1 Samuel 25

This chapter is given entirely to the story of David and Abigail. So, what is this chapter really about? Is this a romance? If you ask me, and I know I'm hopeless, every year when I read this, I wish David would have just hung with Abigail. I know God is sovereign, so Solomon had to come, which meant Bathsheba would have been David's wife eventually (without David killing Uriah). So then, if this isn't a romance, what is the point of the story?

Vs. 1-8 We have no clue here as to the passage of time. It could have been days or years. David apparently attended Samuel’s funeral. David must have been living a very public life, as we’ll see in a few verses. If you use the map, follow line 14 up to Ramah. That would have been the funeral. Then follow line 15 down to Maon. As only a shepherd could, David guarded Nabal’s (Nabal means fool) flocks and his shepherds. Wrongly, David felt that Nabal owed him something. Since the man was rich and David had rendered a service, he could have been generous. I think it is a little irrational that David demanded a payday and was willing to kill.

Vs. 9-13 I guess you could call this a tale of two hot-heads.

Vs. 14-17 This guy was the unsung hero of this story. I’ve never noticed him before. Notice his advice to Abigail. I had to smile when he called Nabal a worthless man.

Vs. 18-22 Abigail and Nabal apparently complemented each other. He was a fool and she was very wise. She was not only bringing a lot of stuff, but she sent servants on ahead so they could temper David’s anger. David on the other hand was ready for war. His words show that he wasn’t depending on God. He “served” Nabal to get something from Nabal.

Vs. 23-31 Besides all that may have been going on here culturally, God gave David a very unexpected encouragement. Notice what Abigail says in verses 28-31. She is saying that everyone knows David is God’s choice to be king and she has faith that God will exalt David. Wow. She even asks David to remember her when God brings him to the throne. Now, if Abigail and everyone knew this about David, so did Nabal.

Notice that she tells him twice that he shouldn't help himself by his own hand. It's hard not to fight.

Vs. 32-35 I think this is the point of the entire story. David would have been completely unjust in doing this. He would have been a murderer. God saved him. Abigail said what was obvious, that God was going to make David the king over Israel. In the bitterness of waiting, David lost perspective.

Remember Balaam, no one could convince God to curse Israel, but they could bring a curse on themselves through sin. Then both justice and Satan would be storming God's throne to bring wrath and judgment. Later, in the case of Uriah the Hittite, David will become a murderer, God will judge him and he and his entire family (not to mention the nation) will suffer as a result. Here, David is spared.

Do you ever wonder why God blocks you or why that slow driver pulls out in front of you to make you drive slower? In this way, and in a thousand more ways in all sorts of situations, the Spirit guiding us often blocks us, protecting us to keep us safe before God, so that we will remain focused and qualified to bear witness to our Lord in the harvest, and to make disciples.

Vs. 36-42 Almost a happy ending. God struck Nabal, and David learned the mercy of God in being blocked and the importance of waiting on God. And David married Abigail.

Vs. 43-44 This is what takes the edge off of the happy ending for me. There is no example of a man with multiple wives where there wasn’t trouble. Abigail might have been that one woman of spiritual wisdom that David needed. Having multiple wives meant that his attention would never be fixed, and he would never be fulfilled and "one" with anyone. This abundance of women and lack of oneness will get both him and Solomon in trouble.

John 10:22-42

"The Feast of Dedication is nowadays called Hanukkah or the Feast of Lights. It commemorates the re-consecration of the temple by Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. after its desecration in 168 B.C. by Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), who was the foreshadowing of the anti-Christ. The time for the eight-day feast was in December." Bible Knowledge Commentary, NT. p.311. This then is just four months before Jesus’ death.

The link between what happened earlier in this chapter and now is the continued conflict with the leaders, the question of Jesus' identity and the analogy of the sheep.

Vs. 22-24 "Jews" means the Pharisees and leaders. Their request seems reasonable except that Jesus had already told them who He was. They wanted to argue with Him to satisfy their unbelief and catch Him saying something they could say was wrong.

Vs. 26-30 This is a great portion of Scripture and worth memorizing.

V. 27 If you break this verse down into parts, you get a good description of saving faith and discipleship. And you get a good devotional for a group.

V. 28 is a good text for eternal security.

V. 30 This started a fight. They asked Jesus and He told them.

Vs. 31-33 They understood exactly what Jesus was saying.

Vs. 34-42 In Psalm 82:6 the men God sent to judge and lead Israel were called "gods" or mighty ones simply because they had the Word of God. Jesus says here that if those guys were called gods and sons of God, how much more should He be called the Son of God since He was sent from the Father and was doing the Father's works? Jesus wasn’t saying He wasn’t God’s Son, He was confirming He was the Son of God.

Vs. 37-38 Even with this level of anger and resistance, Jesus still appealed to them to believe by looking at the miracles instead of looking at Him.

Vs. 39-42 Jesus escaped again and went to Bethany beyond the Jordan where John first bore witness to Jesus (John 1:28). The leaders of the people hated Jesus and would not believe, but the people believed. Notice that after they were attracted by the signs, they believed in the person. The Pharisees couldn’t get over the person.

In about four months, the Jewish leaders would get what they wanted.

For us as disciples, we have Jesus as our model and our Lord. His compassion in dealing with the Jewish leaders, putting Himself in harm’s way to give them a chance to respond, is mercy and grace, and is an example to us. Also, He is the model of what it means to abide. Jesus saw each situation as staged by His Father and was alert and followed as the Spirit led. That is how we abide in our Lord in the harvest.

Psalm 116

What a great psalm. As you read it think of two things. First, the power of our love for the Lord is always connected to how we understand what He rescued us from. As Jesus said, "… he who is forgiven little, loves little." Second, in our ongoing journey following Christ, He teaches us to rest in Him, by leading us into situations where we can only depend on Him. Think of this psalm as written by David after living through the two chapters we just read today.

Vs. 1-4 God’s love was known from His deliverance and therefore the writer loves the Lord. But there was calling out and crying to the Lord before the deliverance came. David and his guys were hiding in a cave, praying, while 3000 men waited outside for Saul to return, and suddenly God delivered David and his men.

Vs. 5-11 In what David was suffering, there was not just the danger from Saul, but the shame of hearing lies and being treated with scorn by people like Nabal. Yet God saved and vindicated David. In fact, God protected David from himself. That is mercy.

Vs. 12-19 If this is David, he is saying that he will repay the Lord by public praise and testimony to God’s deliverance. Notice that he calls himself God’s servant and keeps repeating that he will praise God before the people. This is what David says often and what he did when God made him king.

The psalm begins, "I love the Lord," and ends "Praise the Lord."

Psalm 116: The Cup of Salvation, Sons of Korah

Proverbs 15:20-21

Apparently verse 21 is dependent on verse 20. Isn't it interesting that the foolish man despises his mother. Assuming this is a godly woman, women tend to think holistically, seeing many things connected that maybe no one else sees. They might see love for Jesus and eating peas as practically the same thing. Rejecting their wisdom and living a life that despises their values by its contrasting values and actions (you don't have to eat peas), is what God calls being a fool for foolishness' sake. A wise man walks a straight path understanding all of this, though he may not eat peas once he leaves the house.

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

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

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

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

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