October 24, 2012 Reading Notes

October 24, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Jeremiah 44:24-47:7

Jeremiah 44:24-30

V. 25 The people declared their own sin. They just didn't think it was sin. Too bad God isn't for religious tolerance. Maybe He needs sensitivity training. Oh wait, He is the creator and the ONLY GOD. This is why people today don't come to Christ. It is a relationship with very personal requirements, like listening to Him and knowing Him. If we create our own God, we control the requirements.

I read this earlier in John 3:18-21, He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.

This is what was functioning in Jeremiah's day too. Creation is an anchor for our hearts knowing that there is one creator who is always the same and always present. He is present even when we don't understand. We saw this in Job.

V. 30 This actually happened to Pharaoh Hophra. It wasn't the result of the Babylonians. He was killed by political infighting before the Babylonians got there. God again was showing the people that He meant business and that Jeremiah was His man.

Jeremiah 45

V. 1 Notice that this goes back to when Baruch began to work for Jeremiah. We just read about this in Jeremiah 36. It was God's encouragement to Baruch. God told Baruch back then how things would fall out.

Vs. 2-4 Notice that God declares four times in this chapter He is the Lord. God was telling Baruch that He could protect him. He had used Baruch over these 17 years and He would and could keep him safe.

V. 5 The reason this chapter is given here is that although Jeremiah and Baruch were in a very bad place in Egypt and a war was coming, and the Babylonians would find them again, God would save them. I think that both Jeremiah and Baruch died of old age back in Israel.

Jeremiah 46

V. 1 This introduces a section of God's pronouncements against the surrounding nations.

Vs. 2-12 This part of the prophesy was given at the time of Egypt's first defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. This Pharaoh Neco was the guy who killed King Josiah and put that donkey of a king, Jehoiakim, on the throne. Apparently when Neco met Nebuchadnezzar, most of the Egyptian army was killed. From this point on Egypt would have to hire mercenaries to join their army and fight their battles.

V. 12 Apparently the retreat of the front line Egyptians was hindered by the Egyptians who were still coming forward. It created such confusion that the Babylonians had easy pickings.

Vs. 13-26 This was now again present day with Jeremiah in Egypt and Egypt about to be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar. Notice that verse 21 talks about Egypt's hired soldiers being ready for slaughter.

This judgment against Egypt was not only because of Pharaoh Neco killing Josiah, but Egypt encouraged everyone to break their treaties with Babylon and to support Egypt in its fight against Babylon. King Jehoiakim and King Zedekiah did this and it gave the people false hope. It also made the messages of the false prophets more believable. God was punishing Egypt for being a false hope to His people.

Vs. 27-28 This is much like a father confirming his love toward a child before handing out the punishment.

Jeremiah 47

V. 1 This is the judgment against the Philistines. It is interesting to see that God used the Egyptians to punish these enemies of His people. Eventually Nebuchadnezzar would take care of Tyre and Sidon. They would never be the centers of wealth and trade they had once been.

Poor Jeremiah. His life had been used by God to bring messages to people, most of whom chose judgment. We will still hear lots of crying out by Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations. Yet even in this misery, Jeremiah learned what every disciple learns, to praise God in the storm.

Yet I will Praise you,

2 Timothy 2:22-3:17

Remember the urgency in Paul's writing and that Timothy had apparently been shaken. Paul is trying to refocus Timothy and give him courage under fire.

2 Timothy 2: 22-26

Vs. 22-23 With everything that Paul has already said about discussions about words and foolish talk, Paul will say it again. It took me a while to catch on to what Timothy's "youthful" passion was, but it is clear in this context. Timothy was predisposed to arguing and jumping into controversies. Verse 23 has the hint of correction in it.

V. 24 Paul's words to Timothy were very pointed. Timothy was the Lord's servant and apparently was falling into quarrelling.

Vs. 25-26 Notice that this context has to do with discussions within the church. People within the church get captured by Satan. Only a cool head could patiently teach and nurture them to safety, if that was even possible.

What Paul is saying here is very important. I haven't been in a church where there were not these kind of people in the church creating difficulties. It takes a lot of wisdom and maturity to deal with them and keep the church focused on the harvest.

2 Timothy 3

Vs. 1-5 Now this definitely seems like a list of those bad people outside the church who smoke and drink and swear. But just for your consideration, remember back in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul mentioned that before the "Day of the Lord" there would be a rebellion. That word means, "a falling away," or apostasy. In 2 Tim. 4, Paul will talk about itchy-eared Christians accumulating teachers for themselves who say what they like to hear. I think this list is also talking about the church and those who profess belonging to Christ. Verse 5 seems to indicate that this was in the church.

Vs. 6-9 This is an example of the list Paul just gave, and the problem was within the church.

Vs. 10-13 This is not what you would want to use for an advertisement for discipleship, but this is a great description of following Christ in the harvest. Only a disciple would be strengthened by these words. Notice that verse 12 is a promise for every disciple. Oi Wey!

Paul had been a model for Timothy in all of these things, but what kind of model is it when your mentor is about to die in prison. But wait, our Lord died on a cross and told us up front that if we wanted to follow Him, we needed to deny ourselves, take up our death (cross) daily and follow Him. Paul was a great model and Timothy needed to take up the cross.

Vs. 14-15 Timothy's heritage in the gospel.

Vs. 16-17 Timothy's strength in the work of the gospel was the Word. What do people think of these verses when they themselves are so infrequent in the Word? If the Word was a tool, how skilled are we with that tool? If it was a video game, would we have it mastered? And the reality of it all is that we can't grow in our relationship to God without being in it.

One interesting thought here is that if it had not been for this church catastrophe in Ephesus and Timothy's need for encouragement, Paul would not have said these very famous verses. God still works his purpose in the storm.

For me this is very pointed. Paul is bringing everything down to one focus: to the Word of God and a life lived by that Word. The foundation of our life in following the Lord as disciples is knowing and living in His Word. We get all wrapped up in famous preachers and media, but it is this book that is alive and gives us the breath of the Spirit.

Word of God Speak

Psalm 94

Again it is no coincidence that we have a psalm like this as we're reading about the destruction of Jerusalem. We understand God better than ever, both in His judgment of His people and His mercy to His people. To think, God has endured all of this to see us (and mankind) come to Christ and know what steadfast love really means.

Vs. 1-7 God was being called upon to judge everyone who had harmed God's heritage, both those within and without the nation.

Vs. 8-11 Although Israel just seemed like a forgotten nation, they have been an example to mankind in God's redemptive plan. They have never been forgotten and God will use Israel and all the lessons to be learned through them to discipline the nations.

Vs. 12-15 God will discipline His people, but He will still fulfill His plan for His heritage.

Vs. 16-23 The question of who in verse 16 is answered in verses 17, 18, 22 and 23. It is the Lord. And in God helping and saving His people, He teaches them His steadfast love.

Proverbs 26:6-8

I think God is saying we should really try not to be fools. The core of being a fool is not to "do" God's Word. Even for churches in the harvest, we sometimes violate these verses, trying to be so inclusive that we honor the half-hearted, the arrogant and the lazy. People are changed by the Word of God, not by putting their names on a plaque or in the bulletin. Alas, we need wisdom.

Verse 7 is funny, but not very politically correct, but who has the guts to tell God that?

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.

October 23, 2012 Reading Notes

October 23, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Jeremiah 42-44:23

As mentioned before, one of the things that shows you the Bible is the Word of God, and not the official national literature of Israel, is that no national literature ever describes its rulers and people in this way. After yesterday you might have thought that things couldn't get worse. Today they do.

Jeremiah 42

Vs. 1-4 God has an interesting way to show people their depth of rebellion. This seems like a good thing. They want to know God's will and they want to seek Him through Jeremiah.

Vs. 5-6 The people took an oath that they would obey.

Vs. 7-22 The only clue that there is something wrong is in verses 18-22. There would be no need for this warning if there wasn't a danger. I think in the ten days they waited for Jeremiah, they worried, had discussions, and made up their minds what they needed to do. It must have seemed so obvious and they thought for sure that Jeremiah would confirm it.

God promised them blessing, but not according to the direction they wanted to go. Poor Jeremiah. Oi Wey!

Jeremiah 43

Vs. 1-3 Why is this not a surprise? Interestingly, they blamed Baruch for this. Apparently, Baruch was a well-known man outside of his association with Jeremiah, politically or financially or socially. All of chapter 45 is devoted to Baruch, all 5 verses of it. That chapter dates back to his first involvement with Jeremiah, implying that Baruch had hopes of greatness in life. God told Baruch back then, almost 20 years earlier, that He would give Baruch his life as a prize of war, but that there would be no greatness to be found living in those times in Israel.

Vs. 4-7 They took Jeremiah and Baruch along with them at "gunpoint." They must have thought that going to Egypt made sense and that no danger would come after them since Egypt was a power and they had now traveled between 100 and 150 miles.

Vs. 8-13 Even as God says this, we still don't grasp how lost and perverse this group of refugees was. That will come in the next chapter. It is almost as if God was going to curse Egypt for them being there. God showed the Jews where Nebuchadnezzar would set up his tent and his throne. Even in this dangerous situation, God gave Jeremiah a word that put him in harm's way. Jeremiah had been the only one of the many prophets who spoke to Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, who had been right. The people knew this, but there is a irrationality in sin that chooses to think that there is a way to "get around" God.

Jeremiah 44:1-24

Vs. 1-10 This all seems like a general declaration against the people's rebellion for disobeying and running to Egypt until you get to verse 8. These people were sick and would never change their hearts. These circumstances revealed publicly what God knew was concealed in their hearts.

Vs. 11-14 God was promising to give these people a very special attention. His judgment would come on them first because they set their hearts to go to Egypt. That was their recent decision and act of disobedience. Notice that there would be some survivors. Anyone like Jeremiah and Baruch who had been taken captive by them would be saved.

Vs. 15-19 Here the people are declaring their own sickness and guilt. Deeply anchored in their hearts was a rejection of God and a devotion toward everything else.

Vs. 20-23 We understand the truth of this and God's justice in punishing these people, but they didn't. As we work in the harvest we see this a lot. We present people with the truth, and even when it is obvious to them, sin often gains the upper hand and leads them away. Even though people understand what they are doing makes no sense, they will choose what makes no sense, than to come to God. There is an invisible spiritual resistance deeply seeded within us. Thankfully there are some people who hear the voice of truth and welcome it. That is our joy in the harvest, seeing them come to Christ and then become disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

2 Timothy 2:1-21

In this entire letter there is a sense of urgency and importance. Try to sense that in this chapter as you read.

V. 1 You then my child. So what is then referring to? I think it is all of chapter one, particularly the need to stand and suffer for Christ. It is like saying, "in light of this reality, do this."

What does it mean for a disciple to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus? What do you find in Christ that is grace? Some of this is referring to what was said in chapter 1, but just thinking about what we have in knowing Jesus is amazing grace, and dwelling on it is meant to make us strong.

V. 2 Not just teaching, but entrusting truth for the next generation. This is part of making disciples who make disciples.

Vs. 3-7 This isn't just for the "professional" Christian; this is for every disciple. Yet, especially for those in full-time service, this is a call to a very focused life.

Notice the call, again, to suffering for Christ and the gospel.

In verse 6, I think Paul is referring to working hard and trusting God for both fruit and daily provision.

Verse 7 is quite a promise and I think I've seen the fruit of this many times.

Vs. 8-13 I think this is a call to Timothy to be a disciple and know what he's living for. The gospel is at the center of this, and Paul's life is the example.

Notice that the last part of this, "saying" or "poem" is actually something Jesus told His disciples, on at least a couple of occasions. Actually, you can find parts of this throughout Jesus' and Paul's words.

Matthew 10:33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

As mentioned in the Gospels, being denied before the Father may refer to not being given the help needed at a certain time. Since a person is already "helping" himself by not confessing Christ, there is no need for Jesus to appeal to the Father for special provision for that person as he gives testimony, since he doesn't.

V. 13 is a comfort of sorts. If we belong to Christ, we are unconditionally saved and even if we are unfaithful, He will hold on to us. Remember, this was the beginning of a very bad time for Christians in the Roman world.

Vs. 14-18 It's too bad that we only read to verse 21 today.

Notice that there are two cautions here to avoid quarrels, and in the middle, Timothy is told to focus on his understanding and presentation of the truth.

V. 15 This is a call for every disciple to know the Word well.

The irreverent babble is defined as being the false teaching of Hymenaeus (remember him from 1 Tim 1?) and Philetus. But the discussions about words is not something we understand. I wonder sometimes if some of this isn't the theological hair-splitting that goes on over issues like free will and election. The focus for Timothy was to teach well what was understandable and to remember that his behavior was always supposed to honor God in the harvest.

Vs. 19-21 We don't always know who is a true believer, but God does. Remember in 1 Tim. 5, when Paul tells Timothy not to approve of people too quickly? This is an extension of that. I'm sure that these two men were well-known. There are always people in the church who are believers, but not following. There are believers who are focused on themselves and their standing in the group. God will even use them, but then, in spite of themselves.

Do you see what Paul is saying in this illustration? Some disciples submit to God and are used for noble purposes, and some believers resist God and are used for purposes in redemption, but in a utility kind of way. Back in that day the vessels for ignoble use were used for garbage containers and toilets. I don't think any of us want to be used for that in God's house. But, between the lines, I think that's what Paul and the Spirit were thinking about H&P.

As disciples in the harvest, the lines become more distinct if the church is focused on following Christ in the harvest by making disciples who make disciples. Those who live for themselves and resist growth in Christ begin to stand out. We also find a lot of believers who never fully involve themselves in the harvest, whom God uses incidentally here and there. They are still believers and beloved, but their focus is elsewhere.

Psalms 92-93

Psalm 92

In my Bible it says this is a song for the Sabbath. Imagine taking the day off to reflect on the Lord and enjoy His provision while everyone around you is ignoring this time to slow down and be thankful. I think that thought is held in some of the things said here.

Vs. 1-4 The benefit of taking time to meditate on the Lord was renewing one's trust in God's steadfast love, His faithfulness and the wonder of the works of His hands. These are all things we need in the rush of life and that we forget in the rush of life.

Vs. 5-9 In meditation there is a sense of perspective, of knowing and understanding the ways and thoughts of God. It puts life on earth in the framework of the plan of God. In the Lord's Prayer it says, "Your kingdom come, your will be done."

Vs. 10-11 This oil is blessing. This person (David?) had been blessed because of his meditation on God during times of danger and stress.

Vs. 12-15 A life lived like this, taking time to go slow and honor God, is summed up in verses 14 and 15.

This psalm sounds more and more like David. The blessing of meditation on the Lord is that even in old age, there is freshness of heart and mind. And there is the heart willing to testify to the faithfulness of God.

Psalm 93

This is a short song on God's majesty and might, and fits to the Sabbath reflection of the last psalm. It is called an enthronement psalm because it describes the ultimate victory of God, as the Son sits on the throne.

Vs. 1-2 The Lord reigns in majesty, might and everlasting immovability. This is to bring confidence and stability to those who follow Him.

Vs. 3-4 This image of the waters represent all that is chaotic and in rebellion against God. The Lord still reigns above them.

V. 5 God has decreed. We don't understand why things happen, but we trust the Lord and that what He has allowed to be will ultimately work out at the end of the age, to prepare for Him a holy house of faithful followers.

Psalm 93, Sons of Korah

Proverbs 26:3-5

V. 3 I think I can look back and say that when I have gotten the rod, I deserved it for being a fool.

If I understand these verses correctly, they go like this…

V. 4 Do not answer the fool in a foolish, mocking way, lowering yourself to his level.

V. 5 But do make a wise response to a fool to correct and stop what he is doing.

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.

October 22, 2012 Reading Notes

October 22, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Today reflects a lot of dark times in the plan of redemption. In the Psalms we get Moses' reflections of 40 years leading a dying generation though the wilderness. In Jeremiah, Jerusalem is destroyed and the last of Israel is taken into captivity. And then it gets worse. In 2 Timothy, we find Paul in prison in Rome awaiting death, and I think Timothy is shaking in his sandals. It might be a good idea to get a bowl of something sweet to eat (Candy corn? Pumpkin pie?) as you read through these portions.

Jeremiah 39-41

Jeremiah 39

Vs. 1-14 This is a summary of the events. This happened just as God said it would.

V. 11 Notice that Nebuchadnezzar knew quite a bit about Jeremiah. There could have been a lot of sources for this information, but in terms of his desire to be kind to Jeremiah, you only have to look at the book of Daniel. Daniel had now been Neb's chief advisor for about 17 years. Nebuchadnezzar had not only worshipped God twice, but he had made it a law in his empire that Jews had complete religious liberty to worship Yahweh only.

Vs. 15-18 This is a flashback just before the Babylonians broke into the city. God tells Ebed-melech (see chapter 38) that he will be spared from the destruction of Jerusalem. Anyone who followed the Lord was spared. That says something about God and about the people. You of course noticed that Ebed-melech is the first of two very famous and honored Ethiopian eunuchs in the Bible. Notice that Ebed actually trusted in the Lord. I think his faith saved him.

Jeremiah 40

Vs. 1-6 We will not read this word of the Lord until Jeremiah 42:9. All of this is historical narrative of what happened after the Babylonians left and why the leaders and people came to Jeremiah to inquire of God. God's judgment on the ungodly wasn't finished, and what you see in chapter 42 will either shock you or you'll just say, "whatever."

Apparently Jeremiah was rounded up for deportation to go into exile. When Nebuchadnezzar told Nebuzaradan to free Jeremiah, Nebuzaradan had to actually hunt for Jeremiah. His words to Jeremiah in verses 2-3 show you what the leaders of Babylon understood about what God was allowing to happen to Jerusalem. I believe this is the influence of Daniel. God made Daniel a man with incredible impact. We'll see that he was the godliest man on earth at that time. The presence of such a person on earth has only happened a few times in the history of this planet. Through Daniel God protected His people in the Babylonian and Persian empires, both preserving them and sending them back to Israel. That Nebuzaradan knew all of this about God's judgment and about Jeremiah probably means that Daniel had explained everything to Nebuchadnezzar and the other leaders. Daniel, as a boy before he was taken into captivity, would have known Jeremiah; and Daniel, as a prophet, would have been connected to Jeremiah by the same Spirit. It never says that Daniel accompanied Nebuchadnezzar on his journeys, but Daniel was his top/main/chief personal advisor, so it is possible that Daniel was there when Zedekiah had his eyes put out. It could also mean that Daniel actually met Jeremiah. Since Daniel was probably from the nobility, and Zedekiah was the son of Josiah, they might have known each other too.

Vs. 7-16 Some people suggest that it would have taken over a year to set up a government, but Gedaliah was an experienced government leader who came from godly stock. He would have known how to organize things. In a way this was no different than Nebuchadnezzar installing a new king, except that he destroyed the city and the temple, took all of the bronze and gold, and most of the people. What was left behind would have been very easy to organize and run.

V. 12 Notice that there was plenty of blessing.

Notice verse 14.

Jeremiah 41

Vs. 1-3 Ishmael had been an Israelite captain in the army. During the siege, many groups of Israel's army were outside of the city, probably hiding in the surrounding countries. I don't think Ishmael was trying to take over. I think he was sent as an assassin. The nations around Israel, including Egypt and the Ammonites, had made a treaty to fight together against Babylon. The reason Gedaliah had to die was that he wanted to obey God (whether he was godly or not) and serve Nebuchadnezzar. This is why he was killed. It is like the governments the US has set up in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their leaders become targets for assassination because they are no longer supporting the surrounding countries.

Vs. 4-10 This shows that Ishmael was a murdering opportunist. These 80 men were murdered for their supplies.

V. 10 Apparently Jeremiah was alive among the prisoners who were being taken to the Ammonites (Jordan). Poor Jeremiah. And this was nothing. Things were about to get exponentially worse.

Vs. 11-16 Unfortunately for Ishmael, Johanan liked Gedaliah and didn't like Ishmael. So now we have a happy ending, right? Johanan is a hero, right? Jeremiah is finally safe, right? Oi Wey!

Vs. 17-18 Now we have the stage set for the word of the Lord mentioned in Jeremiah 40:1.

2 Timothy 1

Paul is in jail in Rome. Nero has gone officially nuts. Paul isn't under that nice house arrest like before, instead he is sitting in a deep, dark, dank dungeon facing death.

Vs. 1-2 If you look at a couple of Paul's normal greetings in Ephesians and Philippians, you'll see that the first verses of 1 Tim and 2 Tim are different. I think that Paul is really emphasizing here that the reason we risk our lives in this dark world is because of the promise of life in Christ Jesus.

Vs. 3-8 Several sermons could be preached on this. This is very tender and Paul is trying to strengthen and rouse Timothy. I think Timothy was fearful because of the storm of persecution that had suddenly broken upon the church by Nero. It is one thing to talk about persecution. I think Timothy was in shock.

Vs. 8-12 Notice that this begins and ends with not being ashamed. Notice the tight logic and connection of these words and how one thought flows into the other, building an eternal perspective in the gospel.

Vs. 13-14 Very personal words for Timothy to keep on going and to keep working in the harvest.

The faith and love that are in Christ Jesus is what Paul received as a spiritual enablement in 1 Tim. 1:14. This phrase is a good one to ponder.

V. 15 The storm that hit Paul scattered the flock. Apparently it was a surprise and a blow to Paul that these two guys deserted him. Timothy would have know them too. Remember, Paul had some physical ailment and probably needed more than one person to attend him. We know from the end of this letter that Luke was the only one who stayed with Paul. This is the same thing that happened to the disciples the night Jesus was arrested. This could happen to anyone, but really, if we are trained in Christ, shouldn't we be willing to die for Him in the harvest? What was it that Jesus said about taking up our cross daily? The cross meant death. After the initial shock, we need to take hold of the spiritual reality of this life and fix our eyes on Christ.

Vs. 16-18 Because of the tone of verse 18, I wonder if Onesiphorus survived. I'm not sure. I think he might have. Timothy was later told to greet his household, but that could have just meant his family. I think he might have survived, but, imagine if the government was looking for Christians to lock up and you went to visit the apostle Paul in jail. That would be like wearing a t-shirt that said, "Hey, arrest me too!" That would be nuts, right? But Onesiphorus was a disciple who was nuts for Jesus.

Psalms 90-91

Wow, this is a mega reading. Psalm 90 is by Moses, but Psalm 91 is anonymous. Reading them together you wonder if Moses wrote Psalm 91 also. Psalm 90 could be Moses' reflection on 40 years in the wilderness leading the people, and Psalm 91 could be Moses' reflection on 120 years being led by God on earth. Remember as you read these, that they were both songs of worship, not just theological declarations.

Psalm 90

Vs. 1-2 God was their dwelling place in the wilderness, but when they remembered the entire history of what had happened on earth from Adam to Noah to Abraham, God was the dwelling place of all generations. What an interesting thought that with all the decaying around us, God is eternal and everlasting.

Vs. 3-4 This is the life of man on earth without God. He has seen men come and go.

Vs. 5-6 This is the glory of man on earth without God.

Vs. 7-8 The effects of sin still ravage us. Even though we are saved, we still struggle with sin and this decaying body.

Vs. 9-11 This is a summary of the preceding verses. Life on earth isn't really something to die for or live for.

Vs. 12-17 And if we understand the desperate situation of life on this planet, then there is reason to rejoice in knowing the Lord. He is the only one who makes life of any value, who gives any lasting joy and who will make our lives count for anything in His redemptive purpose in this life on earth.

Psalm 91

Vs. 1-2 Notice the theme of dwelling. These are two pretty famous verses and great declarations of our hope in the Lord.

Vs. 3-6 If this is written by Moses, this could be a reflection on the conflict with Pharaoh. God didn't just protect Moses and Aaron, but His "wings" covered millions of people and led them out of Egypt.

Vs. 7-8 This is God's comfort to those who trust in Him. This might be a reflection of the peoples' fear, knowing that Pharaoh was after them, and then seeing how God saved them after passing through the Red Sea.

Vs. 9-10 Notice again the dwelling place and the freedom from the plagues. Those plagues could have been what happened to the Egyptians. There are other things that plague those who do not have God as their dwelling place.

Vs. 11-13 This is the promise God gives to His people. Satan knew these verses well and used verses 11 and 12 to try to convince Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple. (Matt. 4:5-7) God will save us as He sees fit. In 2 Timothy God was about to save Paul by taking him to heaven.

Vs. 14-16 Actually, as I read this I think of Jesus in Isaiah 53 and as He suffered on the cross. It might be that as Satan quoted verses 11 and 12 to Jesus, Jesus was thinking of these verses. Dwelling with God in His presence is the best place we could ever be. What a blessing to know Him and know His love and pleasure.

Refuge, Hillsong

Proverbs 26:1-2

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.

October 21, 2012 Reading Notes

October 21, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Today you get the adventures of Jeremiah, and this is the last day in 1 Timothy, which means you'll begin 2 Timothy tomorrow. All of these readings are full of the heart of God, real life drama and encouragement which we need for the harvest.

Jeremiah 37-38

Jeremiah 37

This actually took place before Jeremiah bought the property in chapter 32. Today we find out how Jeremiah got put in jail back in 32. But the point today is to show how God saved Jeremiah, to show what a noodle Zedekiah was, and to show how God, even in this late, dark hour, gave Zedekiah a chance to save himself and the city.

Vs. 1-5 This is some background. This would have also been the time when they had set the slaves free, thinking they were all doomed. But now the Babylonians had withdrawn from the city to fight the Egyptians, and so the people re-enslaved their former slaves.

Vs. 6-10 They were hoping for good news from Jeremiah, but God assured everyone that Nebuchadnezzar would be back. In fact, God said that if only wounded soldiers were left, they would take the city.

Vs. 11-15 So this is how Jeremiah got thrown in prison. His visit home might have been to decide over the estate of a relative. Since they threw Jeremiah into prison, in chapter 32 we saw how the family had to come to Jerusalem and see if Jeremiah wanted to redeem that property from a deceased relative. The family probably thought Jeremiah was dumb for doing this since the land was already under Babylon control, but God told Jeremiah to do it. He used that "redemption" event as a sign for the future hope of Israel.

Notice that they beat Jeremiah.

Vs. 16-21 This is the first of two interactions Jeremiah would have with Zedekiah. Notice verse 19. It is interesting that although the false prophets had lost credibility, the people still didn't want to listen to a true prophet of God. They irrationally thought that if they could kill the messenger, the judgment of God would also go away.

Again, even though Jeremiah was locked up and in danger, he might have been in more danger if he had been out with the starving people.

Jeremiah 38

Vs. 1-4 Being in the king's court gave Jeremiah the freedom to preach and get his message out. That didn't make these guys happy.

Vs. 5-6 We'll see in a few verses what a scared man Zedekiah really was. Interestingly enough, they wanted to kill Jeremiah, but not be responsible for his death. This cistern would have been like a deep room under a house that held rain water. The water was gone but the mud was still there. Rather than kill Jeremiah or just throw him in, they lowered him into the mud so he wouldn't be killed in the fall but would die of "natural" causes like suffocation or starvation. Nice guys.

Vs. 7-13 So you find this Ethiopian eunuch, a God-fearing Gentile saving the day. Quite an adventure. The ESV says 30 men, but some other versions say three. Who knows? Thirty might seem like over-kill, but some of them probably were for lifting, while others were to ward off the bad guys. After this, Zedekiah did a better job of protecting Jeremiah.

Thinking about the "joys" of ministry, thinking about Jeremiah sinking in the cistern and liking this Elvis song, I rewrote the words and turned it into "Missionary Preacher Blues." Try to ignore Elvis and use my words. I would have sung it myself if I didn't sound like a dying animal.

Missionary Preacher Blues

Vs. 14-26 This is quite a portion of Scripture. Zedekiah was a weak, scared man. If he had listened, I'm sure the Lord would have done exactly what He promised. Zedekiah and the city would have been saved. This is very sad. Zedekiah and many people will pay for this disobedience. In four chapters, we will see another group of people do this same thing.

Vs. 27-28 Zedekiah had reason to worry, but had no faith to obey.

The kind of faith and resolve, we are taught by the Spirit, gives us the willingness to obey and follow the truth even if it means our death. That is why as disciples in the harvest following our Lord we also bear a cross and never leave home without it. It shows that we belong to Him and hear His voice.

1 Timothy 6

Vs. 1-2 Notice that Paul is concerned here with how non-Christians viewed God as a result of the behavior of the saved slaves.

Vs. 3-5 There is a lot to observe here.

Notice that Paul didn't have an open mind regarding these issues or these people. Timothy was to teach them and anyone who taught otherwise was not only in the wrong, they were evil.

It looks like there were available copies of the Gospels and Jesus' teachings. In fact, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke would have been finished and in circulation. There were already teachers disagreeing with Jesus.

Finally, it looks like some people saw Christianity as a good way to make a living.

Vs. 6-10 This looks like the difference between people who are following Jesus in the harvest and those who are living for themselves in church. Since Paul had access to the gospels, I'm sure this teaching matched what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. (Luke 8:14) Can you see this verse in what Paul is saying here? I think the thorns are there also.

Vs. 11-12 Timothy was to be fully devoted. I think this teaching is meant to be imitated by all of Jesus' disciples who are following Him in the harvest. There are several sermons packed into these two verses. Notice in verse 11, at the end of the list is gentleness. The person who is the deepest in the Lord has the greatest security and control in the storm.

There is a conscious fight in following the Lord in the harvest every day. It is work to pick up the Bible, and it is work to carry the message into the field. That is why the Lord said we needed to take up the cross, our resolve to die for Him, every day. Take hold is the same as putting on the helmet of salvation. It is living securely in that reality. You can take a lot of beating and strain if you know you'll live forever with the King.

Vs. 13-16 This is the primary and strongest charge to Timothy in the book. There is a lot to see here. If you look at what Jesus said to Pilate, you understand that Jesus claimed to be the King. Actually, if you put all of the accounts together, Jesus was fairly chatty. He never defended Himself, but when it had to do with His kingship, He spoke. Notice too that the coming of the Lord is mentioned in this charge. It is never to be out of our sight.

Vs. 17-19 This wasn't meant to insure salvation for the rich, but rather to show who was the real Lord and master of their lives. Notice that this fits into what Jesus says about riches in the Sermon on the Mount. Take hold means living in the reality of. If we have other things that are more important to us, then the reality of the spiritual life, the Lord's leading and our mission on earth become strangely dim and foggy to us.

Vs. 20-21 Paul wouldn't have cautioned Timothy like this if he hadn't seen the possibility that Timothy could get off track. All of us can become unfocused or distracted or caught up in something that leads us away from our work in the harvest. Just like us, Timothy was in constant need of grace.

Whatever had happened in Ephesus and whatever was brewing in that post-Acts period of time was used by the Lord to give us this book and the one that follows. We are seeing a first generation disciple working with a second generation disciple, making disciples for the future. There is a lot of great Scripture in this letter and in the next, but what is most obvious is how the love of Christ had made Paul into this very passionate and wise maker of disciples. The same will happen to us if we stay close to the Lord in His Word and in the harvest.

But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)

Psalm 89:38-52

Now we get to the real pain of this psalm. It looks like it was written after the destruction of Jerusalem. We are about to read about this destruction in Jeremiah. This psalm could have been written in Babylon or in the days of the first groups that returned to the ruined Jerusalem after the exile.

Vs. 38-45 If you want to follow the trail of destruction and judgment, just underline "you."

Vs. 46-48 This is a short description of our helplessness in this universe without the Lord.

Vs. 49-52 As he waited on God to restore and fulfill His promises, the psalmist never forgot the steadfast love of the Lord and to bless the Lord for His faithfulness. God had made a promise to Adam and Eve, to Abraham, and to David that a Savior would come; and it was guaranteed to happen because all of those promises were anchored in the very character and person of God.

Vs. 50-51 This morning I was reading how Jesus was mocked while He hung on the cross, while pouring out His soul for our redemption and paying for our sins.

Proverbs 25:28

Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

October 20, 2012 Reading Notes

October 20, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Reading the One-Year Bible every year gives you perspective and helps you make connections. People often point their finger at the Old Testament and say that it is full of war and that God created a militant nation. Really? Eventually you notice that except for the seven years of conquering the land of Canaan, Israel never fought offensive wars. The taking of the land of Canaan had a long history. For over 400 years that we of know of, God tried to redeem those people through witnesses like Melchizedek, Abraham and Isaac. Israel's war was a God-decreed judgment of a deeply perverse, children-killing culture. After the conquest was over, all of Israel's wars were defensive.

Abraham never took land, although he could have. Isaac could have taken land, because he had a greater force than Abimelech; but instead, he put up with Abimelech's men pushing him around. Jacob's sons destroyed Shechem, but Jacob and God both described it as murder. David and Solomon could have set up an empire, but neither conquered. David defended himself and Solomon was a builder. After those men, you have Israel engaged in a north-south civil war, defending itself from its neighbors, and then trying not to be overrun by Assyria and Babylon. Guided by God, Israel was very non-aggressive. Most of what we read in the Old Testament about war was largely the result of Israel's sin and God allowing them to be chastened by their enemies. Most of what we read is about Israel's failure to follow God. They lost their protection because that protection was based on their relationship with God. Their purpose in God's redemptive plan was to be small and blessed, and all nations would come to them because of God's obvious presence among them. Redemption was always the plan and it was very non-aggressive.

Jeremiah 35-36

These two chapters are looking into the past, citing two very telling examples of why God would judge that generation of people in Israel. One example shows respect and faithfulness and the other shows an extreme lack of respect and faithfulness.

Jeremiah 35

Vs. 1-11 This is the story of how the Rechabites honored their great, great, great, great grandfather. Just to frame the story for you, here are some fun facts.

The Rechabites are a family going back to the early days of the exodus, having a connection with Moses' father-in-law and also with the tribe of Judah. Apparently they became scribes during the 40 years in the wilderness and settled in the town of a godly man to ply their trade. The name of the town was Jabez. (1 Chron. 2:55)

We met Jonadab, the son (descendant) of Rechab, back when Jehu became king. Jehu destroyed the house of Ahab and asked Jonadab to help him kill the prophets of Baal. This was back in 2 Kings 10. Jonadab was apparently a godly man and one of the remnant of 7000 men who had not bowed the knee to Baal. That was about 240 years before this chapter in Jeremiah, about the same length of time between now and the founding of the United States.

Jonadab lived at a very crucial and devastating time in the northern kingdom and history of Israel. I believe he understood what would happen in the future and made these rules for his family to protect them and keep them from adopting the ungodliness of the culture. Both the abstinence from drinking wine and not living in houses meant they would be nomads, living away from cities. They had no houses and no vineyards. You could see this as the difference between Abraham and Lot. When Lot moved down to Sodom and fell into the "good life," he got infected. Abraham always lived in tents and had his own community.

What makes this more interesting is that Jeremiah, a true prophet of God, called them into the temple of God and offered them wine. How much worse can a temptation be? But for them it was no temptation.

The real issue here is that Israel and Judah had become like the people of Canaan whom God had sent Israel to judge and drive out of the land. Baal worship and the sacrificing of the children from that worship had become a cultural norm. The people were corrupt. Jonadab gave his descendants rules to keep them uninfected and they held to these rules. Israel had already been judged and taken into exile. Judah was in the process of judgment.

Vs. 12-17 God used this family as an example for the people. They had honored their father and taken his warning seriously. Judah, in spite of all they had seen and heard, did not honor their Father.

Vs. 18-19 I take this as an eternal promise given by God to this family. This means that somewhere on earth, at this moment, there is a descendant of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, who is a follower of Jesus.

Jeremiah 36

This chapter shows a very key event. King Jehoiakim was a disgrace to his godly father and to God. Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, wept and followed and honored the Word of God when it was read to him.

Vs. 1-3 This event, early in the career of King Jehoiakim, was designed to give the people of Judah a chance.

V. 2 Notice that this is really God's command to write the book of Jeremiah. I wonder if Jeremiah had already written out notes. This book would be almost everything we've read: chapters 1-12, 14-20, 22:1-19, 26 & 35.

Vs. 4-8 This apparently is the first time Jeremiah used Baruch. Notice again in verse 7 that the intent was to see if there were open hearts. Baruch was apparently known, godly and brave. Since this was early in the reign of Jehoiakim, there was still the afterglow of the godliness that had been a part of Josiah's revival. There would be some people who might respond positively.

Vs. 9-19 These men knew they were in trouble because of the Word of the Lord, and because they would have to take this message before their donkey (referring of course to his burial) of a king.

V. 11 This man is Michaiah, the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan. Shaphan was one of the men who discovered the last copy of the OT and brought it to Josiah. These men still honored their father.

Notice that they advised Jeremiah and Baruch to hide.

Vs. 20-26 Compare this with how Jehoiakim's father, Josiah, responded upon hearing the Word of the Lord.

2 Kings 22:18 But as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words which you have heard, 19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard how I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have rent your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the LORD.

Vs. 27-32 God didn't think this was funny. The scroll was renewed; the judgment was official; Jehoiakim and his descendants were excluded from serving as kings. His son Jehoiachin was only king for three months and spent the rest of his life in Babylon.

Among other things, this chapter shows us why Jehoiakim was given the burial of a donkey. With the burial of an ass he shall be buried, dragged and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 22:19)

In seeing God work through Jeremiah, you see that God was both fair and realistic. He offered the chance for people to be helped, but understood that most would not come to Him. We see this realism in how the Lord taught His disciples and what He says to us. Remember the word that I said to you, `A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20)

Our work in the harvest brings blessing because we do find people who will come to Christ, receive forgiveness and become disciples who make disciples. We understand that many will not come to Christ, but we work on for the sake of those who will, and because we know the best is yet to come. And besides, following in the harvest is where we find and grow in the Lord.

1 Timothy 5

I'm sure at this point, Timothy was somewhat weighted with these instructions, and the weight would just increase. Looking at the instructions Paul gave him, it looks like Timothy was either the pastor, or he was invested with apostolic authority. While Timothy was responsible to be an example and model, it looks like Paul was assuming Timothy had the authority and right to declare and make these decisions. Poor guy. It gives me the sense that there had been some disaster or split and that Timothy was rebuilding.

Vs. 1-2 In doing what Timothy was told to do, Paul was advising him how to relate to the groups in the church. Timothy had to win confidence as he led; and remember, Paul just told him to be a model to all.

Vs. 3-8 There was no social security or social services in those days. Thirty years earlier in Acts 6, widows in the church had been an issue. It could also be that church widows were on the rise because of Nero.

Vs. 9-10 The issue here was not whether or not to help them out financially on occasion. This seems to be an official position in the church given to widows. If you look at all of the other things mentioned, the enrolled widows would be serving the church. Apparently the younger widows had abused this service of visitation and service by gadding about, becoming gossips and busybodies. Look at Titus 2:3-5 to get a positive perspective on this service.

V. 9 Literally, she had to have been a one-man woman. Again, I think with all the other rules here, it is saying she was a faithful and focused wife, not that she couldn't have been married to two men, both of whom died, for example.

V. 10 She had to be comfortable in serving others and had to have a reputation for doing it.

Vs. 11-15 Reading this about the younger widows gives you the impression this office of widows was an official church position; and that, in the case of the older widows, it was assumed they would focus on serving the church and not focus on marriage. Apparently Paul had some experience with this problem, where the younger widows were guilty of abusing the position, "gadding about," checking out the available guys and getting themselves in trouble.

V. 16 It was a pretty narrow category of woman who could be enrolled, but apparently they had a lot of widows.

Just taking a think pause here, imagine: Timothy was the one who was supposed to enforce this, being responsible for telling one widow "yes" and another, "no." Imagine what it would have been like trying to explain why a widow didn't qualify based on character or experience. How would you like that? Also, Timothy got to tell the younger widows that the church would not enroll them and that Paul (actually God) said they should go out, get married and have kids. Poor Timothy.

Vs. 17-18 Again, Timothy had the responsibility to make these decisions and see that this was done. I can't imagine that saying "yes" to one man didn't offend another man. O Weh!

Now it gets worse.

Vs. 19-20 Apparently there had been cases of elders being accused of sin, and some of them had been stubborn and didn't repent. Notice that "sin" itself didn't disqualify an elder, but to persist in sin did disqualify an elder. In the case of a repeat or stubborn offender, Timothy was commanded to put them under discipline publicly for the express purpose of instilling fear/respect in the other elders and in the congregation. O Weh!

V. 21 This is a very strong charge to Timothy and you can see why.

V. 22 Practical matters: Go slow in putting men or women forward. In time of need this is not easy. O Weh!

V. 23 I always laugh here because no one knows what this verse is doing here. This is just me, but I don't think Timothy's stomach was the problem. I think it was his head. Look at everything Paul has just told Timothy to do. Think of all the stress and all of the potential conflict and yelling. I think Timothy couldn't get calm. I don't think it was the bacteria in the drinking water that was causing him distress. I think Timothy's stress in his mind and soul gave him a bad stomach. I think the wine was for the stress, and therefore, for the stomach.

Vs. 24-25 This is some calming advice from Paul. Sometimes you just don't know if you've put the right person in a position. You do your best and they can still turn out to be a fraud and a fake. You have to know you tried to do the right thing, face the music and take them out of that position. O Weh! On the other hand, if you take the time to slowly look at a person's life, you'll also see, eventually, if they are bearing fruit for Christ.

Poor Timothy. O Weh! We get to do this in the harvest. O Weh!

He'll Take Care of the Rest, Keith Green

Psalm 89:14-37

We'll be in Psalm 89 one more day and there are lots of things to observe and underline.

Vs. 14-18 You notice in verse 14 that steadfast love and faithfulness are mentioned, and then in verse 18 an earthly king is mentioned. That king would be David and David learned and taught the people God's steadfast love and faithfulness.

Vs. 19-37 This is like one long run-on sentence of God declaring His sure, unconditional steadfast love and promise to David. Underline where God says, I. Notice how often God's love is mentioned. Notice too, how God makes sure we understand that this covenant cannot fail. These are amazing verses.

One thing that stood out to me in this reading was verse 17, for you are the glory of their strength. I would say in all the things that we face in following Christ, it is all worth it if in and through it we learn that our glory is in Christ and He is our strength.

You Are My Strength, Hillsong

Proverbs 25:25-27

V. 25 This brings peace.

Vs. 26 This doesn't bring peace; you only think it does.

Vs. 27 This never brings peace. Just like the action of verse 26, this comes back to haunt you.

News from the far country takes time and waiting. The other two are immediate; they consume us and eventually they destroy peace personally and in a group.

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.

October 19, 2012 Reading Notes

October 19, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Today the readings in Jeremiah and in the first part of Psalm 89 link together. This is one of the side benefits of reading the One-Year Bible. It is interesting to see how the promise to David was to inspire hope in the people. We know who that Son of David is, and He is the One who gives us hope too, as we follow Him in the harvest.

Jeremiah 33-34

We are inching closer to the fall of Jerusalem. There will be one notable look to the past; but from now on, everything will be fairly chronological, leading to God's unrelenting punishment of Jerusalem and Judah. It is instructive to see that interlaced with hard words of judgment, there is a reminder of the hope that will still save Israel.

Jeremiah 33

However, we are still in that section called "The Book of Consolation." It is always a good idea to underline, circle, or somehow mark words and phrases. Once you notice certain words, the structure and logic just pop out. And besides that, you stay awake.

Vs. 1-5 Notice both the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah and for thus says the Lord.

As we have seen so often, there is a description of some event, in this case a bad one, followed by a declaration, in this case a good one.

The houses were broken down in the center of Jerusalem, and the stones were taken to build up the walls where the Babylonians were trying to get in. The holes where the houses had been would be used as places to dump bodies. That was a bad thing.

Vs. 6-9 The ultimate fulfillment of this will be after the Messiah returns. Notice the mention of health and healing. This is a contrast to the first five verses. The city would be called by God's name in the future.

Vs. 10-11 Thus says the Lord, but what is the focus of this?

Vs. 12-13 Thus says the Lord, but what is the focus of this?

Vs. 14-15 Here is how God will bring this blessing, through the branch, the Son of David. Notice in verse 16 how the land, Judah, and the city are addressed, referring back to what was just said about the city and the land in verses 10-13.

Vs. 17-18 Thus says the Lord, but what is the focus of this?

Interestingly, this doesn't say that a descendant of David will always sit on the throne, but that David will never lack descendants who could sit on the throne. Both Joseph and Mary were descendants of David.

Vs. 19-26 These are very definite promises of God. The ultimate fulfillment of the covenant with David was unconditional, making it a promise from God's side. God initiated it. The same was true of the covenant with Levi which probably refers to the covenant of peace with Phinehas in Numbers 25:7-13. Also, the covenant with Abraham was unconditional. God chose Abraham and made a promise to him. Since these are based on the very character of God, they are more stable than creation itself.

Jeremiah 34

It is interesting to see how God made promises and gave hope as an encouragement for faith and obedience, but also as a test of faith.

Vs. 1-5 This appears to be a word to Zedekiah because of the good thing they had just done in releasing the slaves. So, to really understand what is happening with the rest of this, you need to read verse 21. This explains why the people went back on their actions. The Egyptians came against the Babylonians, and the rulers and people thought they were OK again and recaptured the people they had set free. God was probably the one who stirred up the Egyptians and created this little time of confusion.

Vs. 6-7 This is a small historical note as to the stress of this particular time. There were only two other cities besides Jerusalem that hadn't fallen to Babylon. It looked like the end.

Vs. 8-16 What you see in this event is that the people obeyed God for themselves, to relieve the pressure. As soon as they "made" God answer them by their good deeds, they didn't need the good deeds anymore. They got what they wanted. Now, with Nebuchadnezzar leaving, they had to rebuild Jerusalem and they needed those slaves again.

Vs. 17-22 God would call the Babylonians back to finish their work against Jerusalem. Since the people had broken a covenant, God would punish them. This obedience and then lapse back into disobedience was a small, visible reminder to them that their punishment was just.

V. 18 Remember when God made the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, animals were cut up and a lane was made through the body parts. Normally, the parties who made the covenant walked through that lane and swore the covenant saying that if they didn't keep the bargain, they should end up looking like those animals. In the covenant with Abraham, the promise of the new covenant, only God walked through that lane, taking the full responsibility for the covenant. This is why the ultimate fulfillment of that promise doesn't depend on Israel.

Here, many of the people who violated this covenant would soon look like road kill and probably be the bodies thrown into those lots where houses had stood in 33:5.

Israel only ever needed to be faithful. God would work out the rest because of His promise. In the work we do in the harvest, it is good to remember that in ways we do not know, behind the scenes, with amazing depth and wisdom, God is working out His purpose. Even our mistakes and lack of clarity are used by Him to accomplish His purpose. God has made a promise. He doesn't ask us to be perfect in all points, just faithful in following in the harvest.

1 Timothy 4

Having told Timothy how the foundation of the church is made secure, Paul warns him of the coming resistance and how to deal with it positively.

Vs. 1-5 Many people wonder what this teaching was or is; but the point is, Paul is telling Timothy and us, there will always be resistance. This challenge would look religious, very conservative and righteously judgmental, but it would be self-focused and isolating. I think what we read in chapter 1, about people becoming inwardly focused on the law and self-righteousness, rather than focused on Christ and grace and the harvest, comes into play here.

Vs. 6-8 This is a challenge to Timothy to wage the good warfare from chapter 1. If Timothy did his job right, at times, he would be in opposition to false teachers and to the prevailing opinions and moods of the people.

Interestingly here, and even more so in 2 Timothy, Paul strongly warns Timothy to stay out of arguments over stupid stuff. I think this was Timothy's "youthful passion." He was good with his mouth and thought that he could win every argument. Paul directs Timothy to teach, not to argue.

Train yourself for godliness, I think, means to mindfully understand that you are being led by the Spirit into all circumstances and to respond in those situations in a way that honors God. You mess up sometimes, but you keep training. In the Greek, the word "godliness" does not have the word "god" in it. It means to give honor in everything. God is the assumed recipient, or as it says in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.

Vs. 9-10 This is the charge to Timothy and it is based on the gospel again. God is called the Savior for the third time. It seems that Paul is saying that it is this mission that has moved them to set their hope on God and to live following Christ into this harvest.

The words, trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance have only been used one other place in this letter, and there it was a very emotional declaration for Paul. I think this is an equally emotional declaration too.

Giving up "stuff" to give the look of being serious and suffering and making God happy seems religious. But following Christ as a disciple, setting our hope on Him, giving ourselves to the work in the harvest to reach the lost and make disciples who make disciples, is the real deal. It is what we have been called to. It isn't religion. It is following Him, and it is full of grace. It involves suffering and putting aside things here, but even in the case of putting things aside, it is the Spirit directing us and showing us what does not fit into our lives on this earth so that we can follow in the harvest and do the work we are commissioned to do now.

Vs. 11-16 Notice the emotion and urgency in this. It pours out of verses 9-10. Look at the crisp, short commands. This is the positive of what Timothy is supposed to do. He isn't supposed to waste his time countering the silliness; he was to teach and model what was healthy, sound and godly.

Notice the emphasis on getting the Word into people. The best way to grow disciples or protect people from error is to get them into the Word. The Word is used by the Holy Spirit to be our meds, our defense, our nourishment and our strength. It is truth and it consecrates us to God, to His service and to reality.

I think verses 15-16 are very important. How many of us as disciples make this our hobby and passion? We need to perfect and get good at what God wants us to do in the harvest, and to live to be an example to others. Not many people take this to heart. We dabble, thinking we will keep God happy if we look semi-serious about actually getting good at being harvesters. If Christians put as much effort into their jobs as they put into their commission, they would probably be fired or working for minimum wage. Doing what you are doing now, reading through the Word every year, is a good place to begin.

Verse 16 is important for all of us, not just preachers. We often let ourselves get out of shape emotionally, physically, sexually, etc., and we get tripped up. Some translations insert "your" before the teaching because of the word yourself that precedes it. Often too, we teach one thing and don't heed our own words. If more teachers, preachers and disciples did what they taught, they would save themselves from a lot of problems.

Save, here, obviously isn't salvation from damnation, but salvation from damage and becoming shipwrecked.

I think that reading the Word every day is a given. But beyond that, think of skills that would be good to learn for the harvest, that would be like a gift you could give to the Lord. Ask the Lord if this is something He would like, and if so, throw yourself into it. You might be surprised how the Lord will open doors for you to get good at that skill and use it to bear fruit, seeing lost people saved and making disciples who make disciples who make disciples. Begin now by faith, and in a year or two you'll be surprised to see what the Lord has done. A line quoted in Oswald Sander's book, Spiritual Leadership, has always inspired me, "The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." It's time to toil.

Psalm 89:1-13

This is the first of three days in Psalm 89. In some respects, this is a very redemption-oriented psalm. The steadfast love of the Lord runs through it. The promise to David is messianic. The might of God in the creation and among the angelic hosts shows that God is in charge of everything. And somehow, in the middle of all of this, He regards us and loves us. What can we do but sing of God's love in the harvest?

And remember how much about David we just read of in Jeremiah 33.

Vs. 1-4 It is interesting that not only did God make a promise to David that all of Israel could hold on to, but God Himself made David's life a visual statement of God's faithfulness and steadfast love.

Vs. 5-10 God's power and faithfulness are seen in creation. He controls the angels and He controls the raging of the elements. The most threatening powers are under God's control.

Vs. 11-13 The creation belongs to God and the creation gives praise to God. We should too.

Proverbs 25:23-24

I wonder if being that person with the backbiting tongue also makes you liable to marry the quarrelsome woman? In any event, I think the Lord is cautioning us not to be these people.

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.

October 18, 2012 Reading Notes

October 18, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

With everything going on in the world, you might almost think that reading Jeremiah, Psalms, Proverbs or 1 Timothy would only reinforce the gloom. Today might be a case in point, but take notice of how each of these gives a realistic view of life, yet they also give a lot of hope in looking toward the future. Everything about following Christ now, every day, in this harvest is confirmed. Now is not a great time in this world, and so we work with the Lord, sowing, reaping and making disciples who make disciples. The fullness of hope and rejoicing will be in the future. Yet even so, every day we have the taste and first fruits of knowing Christ and receiving His comfort and blessing. We have this every day, because we walk with Him every day and look into His Word every day.

Every day, Hillsong

Jeremiah 31:27-32:44

In Jerusalem's darkest hour God gave Jeremiah a far off picture of their ultimate restoration.

Jeremiah 31:27-40

The structure of this section is marked by the phrase "Behold, the days are coming."

Vs. 27-30 Here God will replant Israel and Judah.

Vs. 29-30 The sour grapes message will be seen again in Ezekiel as a way the present generation blamed the previous generation. God didn't have much patience for that. During the future time of renewal, no one will use that saying. In Ezekiel God will condemn anyone who says this.

Vs. 31-37 This new covenant was initiated with Jesus' sacrifice and the giving of the Spirit, but its complete fulfillment will be the acceptance of Israel under that covenant in the Millennium. Much of this is in Romans 11 and it makes sense.

Vs. 33-34 These promises are still future, but what amazing promises. This passage is quoted in Hebrews 8 to persuade the people that going back into Judaism was not an option because the new covenant was better. This promise is one of the reasons the people listened to Peter on the day of Pentecost. In Acts 2 Peter referred to this promise as spoken by the prophet Joel, but the people saw this promise in all of the Scriptures dealing with God's future blessing of Israel. The people understood that only the Spirit of God could give them this heart and this renewal. The believers of Jesus had received the Spirit and had experienced this promise.

God pledges His promise on the creation. In other words, this promise is absolutely solid. In Romans 11:29, Paul mentions one other thing that confirms this promise.

Vs. 38-40 This is the promise to rebuild the city, which was about to be destroyed. Jerusalem was destroyed again in 70 AD by the Romans. The city is still there today and without a temple. The future completed city will have the temple from which Jesus will reign.

Jeremiah 32

Vs. 1-5 Now I know this doesn't seem like a good thing, but if you were the only prophet speaking the truth in a city that hated you and where the people were going to be starving, being locked in prison might actually be a good thing. Seriously, I think this was God's work and that there is some grace in this.

Vs. 6-15 Normally this would not have been a wise move, since Babylon already controlled everything in Israel. It would have been like selling property in East Berlin after the Russians took over. Babylon owned everything and all ownership had no legality. I can see the sellers snickering when Jeremiah signed the papers. But God was making a point. I have a suspicion that when it was all said and done, Jeremiah settled down on this piece of land and enjoyed some much needed R&R.

We are also introduced here to Jeremiah's secretary and personal scribe, Baruch. We'll see later that Baruch must have been a well-known person; and as a result of his work for Jeremiah, God spared him from the multiple disasters that rolled over Jerusalem and the Jews.

Vs. 16-25 This is amazing praise from Jeremiah. He realized the grace and mercy in what God was promising. Jeremiah contrasted this mercy with all the sin the people had committed. Buying that land in such a bad time was a sign that God would restore Israel in the future. Isn't verse 25 an amazing declaration of hope?

Vs. 26-35 God restated the reason for His judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. Verse 35 didn't describe an act; it described a culture of distorted minds. We've mentioned before the reasons why Baal worship and Molech worship were connected. Notice how God mentions both the children of Israel and the children of Judah.

Vs. 36-41 In spite of Israel's failures, God promises to bring the entire nation back. Notice "the Lord God of Israel." Notice that even though the people will be brought back in 50+ years, the ultimate fulfillment of verse 39 is in the Millennium.

Vs. 42-44 This promise goes back to the beginning of the chapter and ties in to Jeremiah buying the land.

Gloomy? Sure. Hopeful? Incredibly so. And so we don't lose heart, as we work in the harvest with the Lord, making disciples who make disciples. We just need to stay in the Word every day and continue to follow every day.

Timothy 3

So, in reestablishing order in this church, Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 2, that all the people should pray for the government, in order to live quiet, respectful, godly lives under the radar so they can work in the harvest. Then Paul said the men should pray to maintain a godly perspective on life in prayer, and the women should focus on doing good works for those around them. The women should not be given the authority of establishing the teaching and guidance of the church, rather, that belongs to ….

Vs. 1-7 The men who are the elders.

V. 1 I would say, from my experience, to "aspire" means they are actually involved in the lives of other people for the sake of the harvest and the Great Commission, coming alongside people in the church to encourage them to do likewise. I think to aspire is already to be doing it in some measure.

V. 2 I believe "one woman man" meant the same back then as it does in the US culture today: marital and sexual stability and faithfulness.

V. 3 Not a drunkard. This doesn't even say he can't get "merry" (see Ruth 3:7) on occasion, but drunkenness is not a constant state, and wine is not an addiction.

Not violent means literally "striker," that is, someone who has fits of rage, losing his cool.

Not mentioned here, but putting all Scripture together, this person needs to be active in reaching the lost and making disciples. Too often you have this squeaky clean guy as an elder, who isn't involved in the harvest and doesn't know which end of the scythe to hold. These "executive elders" often have no natural desire to involve themselves in making disciples who make disciples. Elsewhere, Paul says that we should look for examples and models. (Phil. 3:17) I can't image making a person an elder who is not an example or a model of what it means to follow Christ in the harvest.

Vs. 8-13 Servants in the church.

V. 8 Paul address the men first with three characteristics similar to the elders.

V. 11 This is a very unfortunate translation. Although this word can mean "women" or "wives," it is the same word Paul used in chapter 2 and was never translated "wives" there. Also, here it is translated "their wives," but that is not accurate since there is no genitive here, no case of ownership or possession. Honest to the Greek would be "the." I understand the King James doing this since it was translated in a culture and time when women would never have been accepted in this position, but the translators of the ESV had no excuse here. I think this poor translation is a result of the King James and the cultural prejudices of that time.

There were women deacons. In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is called a "servant" of the church at Cenchreae. The word is deaconess in the Greek. Why should this be a problem?

Also, why would there be some special condition for the wife of a servant of the church and not for the wife of an elder of the church. Elders' wives would have much more information and have much more influence over their husbands and the affairs of the church.

V. 12 is now using the masculine to describe all deacons, the same as we do rather than saying "him or her."

Vs. 14-16 Now, there are some very famous verses here, and the priority of the church is strongly presented; but this all really just underscores the vital importance of everything Paul has said since 2:1. The magnitude of these verses means we should go back and carefully follow all of chapters 2 and 3. If we don't, these are just nice flowery verses, and the church and the harvest suffers.

I still like the image of the church being a group of laborers gathering at some place in their part of the harvest. They meet to gain strength and encourage each other, get something to eat and then they go back out into the harvest.

People of God, Wayne Watson

Psalm 88

This is said to be the saddest psalm in Psalms. It is possible that this psalm was linked with Psalm 89, possibly written by the same guy. The next psalm is very positive and in tandem with this one. They would have made a nice part of the worship service.

Vs. 1-2 This is the plea to God, crying out to Him.

Vs. 3-7 This isn't just trouble, it sounds like depression. He is faced with many troubling situations and feels like God's wrath is focused on him. That is so "normal."

Vs. 8-12 Not only does he have bad situations, but his friends have become like traitors. This sounds like Job. The writer's plea to God is that once he is dead, God won't be able to use him in declaring God's praise and love. Therefore, he doesn't want God to let him go into the pit. Along with this is probably the sense of not wanting to be put to shame for having given praise to God and having put his hope in the Lord.

Vs. 13-18 It is odd to leave a psalm on such a down note. The crying is still there, the danger is still there and the sense of abandonment and desertion is still there. There is no final affirmation of trust and confidence in God's deliverance. However, the next psalm is coming.

Just a couple of observations:

First, we have seen in Job and even in Paul, that great things come out of deep personal distress. If we are servants and slaves of our loving Father, we have to allow Him to do this to us for His glory. Having said that, we have to come through it the right way. It doesn't glorify God to give up, yell at your wife, kick the dog and defect from the faith.

Second, the very fact that the Holy Spirit inspired this psalm and its words should tell us that these words are what we need to imitate and model in our crying out to God. God is teaching us how to cry out.

Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth." God himself put that new song there, but only after He had led David through a similar experience.

We cry out and wait patiently. When He is done, He will put a new song in our mouths, a song of praise to our God.

Proverbs 25:20-22

I think Paul used all of this in Romans 12.

V. 20 It is a command to "mourn with those who mourn." Being witty and happy isn't always the best thing.

Vs. 21-22 Read Romans 12:19-21 for the full story, and then add the promise found here of reward.

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.