QT 12/30/2022 1 Sam 21:1-9, We must not take the blame for another's evil actions

1 Samuel 21:1–2 (ESV) —

1 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” 2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has charged me with a matter and said to me, ‘Let no one know anything of the matter about which I send you, and with which I have charged you.’ I have made an appointment with the young men for such and such a place.

1 Samuel 21:8–9 (ESV) —

8 Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.” 9 And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you struck down in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it, for there is none but that here.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.”

 

NOTE: In Nob, every day, twelve loaves of bread were exchanged for twelve new loaves. I believe David knew that and knew they would have bread to share. I also believe David knew the sword was there. David's questions therefore, were a civil way to ask for things David already knew existed. His urgent matter may have been from his heavenly father, but it really doesn't matter, since the priests were clearly misled. The overarching principle, which Jesus makes about this passage as well, is that human needs always trump ritual observance; and the spirit of the law always trumps the letter of the law. I think David was trying to protect Ahimelech and the other priests. His half-truths were done out of love not evil intent. Ultimately, Saul will use Doeg The Edomite to massacre the entire town of Nob. Was it David's fault? No. David's lie did not cause others to die. Saul's evil destroyed Nob. Even Saul's soldiers refuse to obey Saul, showing how evil they considered the action. Saul used a Gentile to complete the evil deed.

 

PONDER:

1. What is more important, the letter of the law or our love for others? Yes, we should not lie, but sometimes it is the more loving choice.

 

PRAYER: Father, this is a very hard thing. It is not right to lie, but Rahab lied to protect the spies. Hebrews 11:31 (ESV) — By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. And Rahab is honored. Give us wisdom. Help us to do the right thing.

QT 12/29/2022 1 Sam 20:30-34, Avoiding the pain that comes by fighting God's will

1 Samuel 20:30–34 (ESV) —

30 Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” 32 Then Jonathan answered Saul his father, “Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” 33 But Saul hurled his spear at him to strike him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to put David to death. 34 And Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, because his father had disgraced him.

 

NOTE: On many levels, this is a painful story. At its' foundation, it is the failure of a man to act as a father. Why? Because Saul was obsessed with the wrong things. He was after power, recognition, and his plan for his life. God was not part of his planning, nor was there any attempt to seek God's will. And so he lashes out verbally against his son as well as physically by throwing a spear at him. Jonathan was angry, grieved, and disgraced. At this point there seems to be a separation between Saul and Jonathan. As Saul chases down David, Jonathan is never in his company. That is the second stage in a ruined relationship. And it was Saul's fault -- the father blew it with his son. What could have Saul done better? He needed to deal with his insecurity that comes from living outside of the will of God. He needed to have faith that God's plan was better than his plan.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I building my kingdom (what I want out of life) or am I looking for what God wants to do with my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for a good relationship with my children. Give me wisdom in my interactions with them. Guide me in how you are using me in this life.

QT 12/28/2022 1 Sam 20:12-15, We need to wash ourselves in the word

1 Samuel 20:12–15 (ESV) —

12 And Jonathan said to David, “The Lord, the God of Israel, be witness! When I have sounded out my father, about this time tomorrow, or the third day, behold, if he is well disposed toward David, shall I not then send and disclose it to you? 13 But should it please my father to do you harm, the Lord do so to Jonathan and more also if I do not disclose it to you and send you away, that you may go in safety. May the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father. 14 If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; 15 and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever, when the Lord cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.”

 

NOTE: I am struck by Jonathan's words to David in verse 13, "May the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father." Despite all the Saul had done in abandoning God, from Jonathan's perspective, the Lord had not abandoned his father. He was not saying that his Father's kingdom would remain with him, but rather than God had continued to be loyal even where his Father had not. There will be some instances in the years ahead where Saul will break down in tears at David's loyalty to him (and God's kindness to him) when David could have killed him (Saul) but refused to raise a hand against God's anointed. Saul will admit David was more righteousness than he. But in this passage, from Jonathan's perspective, God was blessing Saul. So what was Saul's problem? It was a battle of the mind that Saul had allowed the enemy to plant the seeds of doubt of God's goodness, and Saul kept watering it.

 

We all fight battles of the mind. We all have wrong thoughts in our mind that we "water" and "feed." The key is to cleanse those thoughts out of our mind on a daily basis and only the word of God can do that.

 

Romans 12:2 (ESV) — 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Titus 3:5 (ESV) — 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Colossians 3:10 (ESV) — 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) — 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

 

Until this becomes a regular habit in our life, we will won't see the victory we so desperately desire.

 

PONDER:

1. Is it time to start pursuing God and not a religion?
2. Religion is activities. Faith is a daily relationship in the word of God and in prayer -- where am I?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to continue to wash myself in your word on a daily basis. I wish to see the Holy Spirit recreate my character into a person who truly honors you in their life and thoughts.

QT 12/27/2022 1 Sam 20:2-8, Seeking his will, not my kingdom

1 Samuel 20:2–8 (ESV) —

2 And he said to him, “Far from it! You shall not die. Behold, my father does nothing either great or small without disclosing it to me. And why should my father hide this from me? It is not so.” 3 But David vowed again, saying, “Your father knows well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he thinks, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.” 4 Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” 5 David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit at table with the king. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field till the third day at evening. 6 If your father misses me at all, then say, ‘David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the clan.’ 7 If he says, ‘Good!’ it will be well with your servant, but if he is angry, then know that harm is determined by him. 8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?”

 

NOTE: Saul's daughter has already "betrayed" Saul by allowing David to escape. Saul knows his son and David are best friends. So Saul can't trust his oldest son. Saul does not trust anyone, but why, when no one else seems to care? Because status is important to Saul, even status after death. Saul wants his family to always be on the throne so that history will give him the glory. He does not really seem to believe that God is in control or that history is determined by God. He is cut out of the fabric portrayed in the saying, "he who has the most toys at the end, wins." He lives each day not trusting anyone. He can't have peace. He can't have any real relationships since he can't trust anyone. Later, he ends up using blood-thirsty foreigners to do his dirty work. What an ugly life he is building for himself as he seeks to be his own god (to work out his own future). We all do the same thing. We try to build our life to our own desire (our kingdom), rather than surrendering and letting God build it for us.

 

PONDER:

1. Will I surrender my life for God's plan this year?
2. Will I let go of my kingdom?

 

PRAYER: Father, I feel prepared to do something, but I am not sure what it is. I have a ministry. I am grateful for how you are using me. But there seems like something I can do that can affect even more people. This week, I plan to seek you in prayer. Speak to me on your plans. Where are we heading?

QT 12/26/2022 1 Sam 19:18-24, Preparing to change in this new year

1 Samuel 19:18–24 (ESV) —

18 Now David fled and escaped, and he came to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and lived at Naioth. 19 And it was told Saul, “Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.” 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

 

NOTE: Apparently this area is near the place where Saul first prophesied after being anointed as King. Now, Saul is chasing a man who loves God and seeking to kill him. His only offense is that God has chosen this new person to be King after Saul. And Saul is fighting God as evidenced by the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon the troops and thwarting the capture. So Saul goes himself, and he, of all people, also prophesies again. This time, instead of showing his potential, it shows how far he has fallen. The saying became an epitaph of a failed life. Also, as Warren Wiersbe comments, religious experiences are not evidences for a changed life.

 

“These two events [of Saul prophesying] prove that a person can have a remarkable religious experience and yet have no change in character. … Special religious manifestations aren’t evidences that a person is even saved (Matt. 7:21–23).”

 

So, the questions comes back to us. Am I relying on past experiences for spiritual confidence? Did God really begin a change in my life many years ago? Is that change continuing today? Why or why not? Have I lost my first love? New years are always opportunities for new beginnings. Most resolutions don't last very long. But if a resolution is given to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit, it can be sustained through the whole year.

 

PONDER:

1. How is my life going to be different in this new year?
2. What am I trusting the Holy Spirit to do in my life this year?

 

PRAYER: Spirit, I need your help to live as I ought to live. I do want to be an example to others. I do want to do the right thing. Lead me and guide me these days.

QT 12/23/2022 Matt 2:12-15, Comfortable life or servant?

Matthew 2:12–15 (ESV) —

12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

 

NOTE: There are a lot of supernatural ways that God could have resolved this issue. Instead, he takes the least supernatural method, Joseph flees the area with Mary and the child. The result is the death of many children two years old and younger, the grief of the parents, and the uprooting of Joseph's family. God is not at fault in any way since he gives life, and there are things much greater than life that we don't understand. Herod is at fault independent of the fact that God could have stopped him. At the garden, we chose to be our own gods. The fact that God intervenes at all is a wonder since we rebelled against him.

 

The earth does not have peace still. Jesus does bring peace to many lives of those who have truly been born again. Someday, it will have peace and it will because of Jesus reigning supreme. Until then, we suffer the consequences of our rebellion against God, mistakenly blaming him for our choices.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I living for -- a comfortable earthly life, or to be God's servant to a rebellious world?

 

PRAYER: Father, life can be very hard at times. We chose this path when we decided to be our own gods. There is no true love in our hearts. We prefer to hate those who don't agree with us. We only really love ourselves. Forgive us for our sins and open our eyes to true healing.

QT 12/22/2022 Jer 31:15-17, There is pain but incredible joy is coming

Jeremiah 31:15–17 (ESV) —

15 Thus says the Lord:

“A voice is heard in Ramah,

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel is weeping for her children;

she refuses to be comforted for her children,

because they are no more.”

16 Thus says the Lord:

“Keep your voice from weeping,

and your eyes from tears,

for there is a reward for your work,

declares the Lord,

and they shall come back from the land of the enemy.

17 There is hope for your future,

declares the Lord,

and your children shall come back to their own country.

 

NOTE: The prophecy in verse 15 relates to Satan's last attempt to destroy the line of David. From that point on, he would have to focus on the destruction of the entire people. What encourages me is that even at the advent of the first coming, there is joy in the midst of the pain. There will be great pain before the second coming. Christians are not destined for wrath and will be delivered from wrath, but we do suffer pain for our testimony. Life will be difficult. The enemy will attack us at every point to destroy our testimony. It is that testimony which is the greatest threat. Our testimony of faith in Christ and love for the savior and our neighbor will be attractive. And many who might die without Jesus during the days of wrath will become tribulations saints. We mustn't give up and get sidetracked from the real purpose of our remaining life, here on earth prior to the tribulation.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing to show Jesus to my neighbors and co-workers?

 

PRAYER: Father, help to see the opportunities you give to share my faith. Give me the courage to stand up next to Jesus during those times.

QT 12/21/2022 Matt 2:1-12, We are the wise men, royalty, and scribes all rolled up into one

Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV) —

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

 

NOTE: The wise men, probably from schools that Daniel set up many years ago, were looking for the Messiah. But they did not know all of the scriptures. The king should have known the scriptures since it was required of the law, and when he heard the news, was looking (looking for potential usurpers). The scribes knew the scriptures but weren't looking, and they should have been looking. What a mess!

 

These days we need to makes sure we are not making the same mistake that was made at Jesus' first coming. We should know the scriptures and be digging into it daily. We should be looking for the savior. We should be praying "thy kingdom come." And as children of the king, the prince and princesses, we should be spreading the message to a world that increasingly knows less and less about God and the bible. Funny use of words "increasingly … less" but it is true.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I serious in my study of the word?
2. Is bible reading a priority in my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to be the ones who are telling others about the good news of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins and he is coming again soon.

QT 12/20/2022 Mic 5:2, Preparing for Jesus

Micah 5:2 (ESV) —

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

from ancient days.

1 Samuel 17:12 (ESV) —

12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul the man was already old and advanced in years.

 

NOTE: I like the words "whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." God has been planning Jesus entry into the world to save it from its sins from "ancient days" -- in other words, a long time. It was prophesied and it happened. But many other things are prophesied to happen and they have not happened yet. I was doing a little research today. Peter wrote,

 

2 Peter 3:8 (ESV) — 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

And the author of Hebrews wrote:

 

Hebrews 4:4 (ESV) — 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.”

 

Biblically, Adam was created somewhere around 4000 BC. Two thousand years later, God created Abraham. Two thousand years later, Jesus lived and died. And we are now 2000 years after Jesus's death. What does that all mean? We are approximately 6000 years into human history and we know there is still another 1000 years of Jesus ruling on earth during the millennial kingdom. We could be near the end of time, and we might not be. Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour, but just as Jesus' day was planned, so Jesus' return has also been planned. And we need to do all that we can to share our faith with as many as possible. Who knows if an individual will remember our witness during the days of tribulation.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I living for myself or for the kingdom? What does my checkbook reveal?

 

PRAYER: Father, give my boldness and courage to share my faith with everyone who calls me to account for the hope I have withing me. May I do it with gentleness and reverence.

QT 12/19/2022 Gen 49:9-10, Jesus' reign is coming -- what am I doing?

Genesis 49:9–10 (ESV) —

9 Judah is a lion’s cub;

from the prey, my son, you have gone up.

He stooped down; he crouched as a lion

and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?

10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah,

nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,

until tribute comes to him;

and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

 

NOTE: There are a lot of ways to view or interpret something until you get more information. For instance, the scepter did not start in Judah, but rather in the tribe of Benjamin which was by far the smallest of tribes. It was nearly wiped out during the time of Judges. The scepter did ultimately pass to Judah, to David, and as far as that tribe was concerned, it stayed with Judah until Israel was destroyed by Babylon in 586 BC. The scepter seem to split in the days after Solomon between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, as Israel split into two kingdoms. Given the prophecy, one might never have imagined the country splitting. In the northern kingdom, the scepter was controlled by many different tribes. In the southern kingdom, it was always the tribe of Judah. One might never had thought that the scepter would end, but it did. The scepter is now in Jesus' hand, but his physical rule will not begin until after the seventieth-seven, the tribulation period. Then Jesus will reign again over all the earth. I believe David will also reign during the millennial time over Israel. And multitudes of tribulation saints and church saints will also reign, judge, and serve the Lord during the millennial period as a reward for their ministry.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing to prepare myself for service to Jesus during the millennial period? Knowing the word and being like Jesus (sanctification) are the key job requirements (at least in my mind).

 

PRAYER: Father, I do look forward to serving in those days. It is my character that will matter, and my love for you. Continue to show mercy and prepare me for ministry now and in the future.

QT 12/15/2022 Matt 3:13-17, Amazing and unbelievable

Matthew 3:13–17 (ESV) —

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

 

NOTE: In the bible, God the Father rarely speaks out loud, audibly. He did thunder from the mountain in Sinai; he speaks here at the baptism; again at the transfiguration; and possibly another time at the end of time. The Father does speak through representatives, through his word, through the son, and through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, these audible messages are significant moments in history. One of the most significant is Jesus' start of his ministry. God fulfilled his promise to send a savior. There was no one worthy except to send himself, the second person of the trinity. He tabernacle'd (dwelt) among us. We beheld the glory that no temple or church building could ever contain. The Christmas season is a reminder of the amazing thing God did for us, because he loved us. But, we choose to love our sin instead of our creator.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I realize how amazing it is that God intervene in human history to save me?
2. And how is that truly shown in my life? Can people see Jesus in my life? Or do people hate Jesus because of my poor witness?

 

PRAYER: Father, the incarnation and the baptism were amazing points in history. The put a spotlight on the unbelievable, the amazing, the never-before seen or understood acts of yours. I pray this season, we would meditate on the wonder of the season and of our savior.

QT 12/14/2022 Psalm 2:1-9, Justice is coming

Psalm 2:1–9 (ESV) —

1 Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

…

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 “As for me, I have set my King

on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree:

The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have begotten you.

8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

 

NOTE: Someday, we will have justice. Truth will prevail. Corruption will end. And we will have peace on earth. I can't wait for that day when Jesus sits on God's holy hill and rules the nations. My heart longs for it, especially as I see our country move further away from the principles of scripture. We have harvested wind in our struggles, and people can't see what is right before their eyes. They think sin is good and they are destroying themselves in their sin. Come Lord Jesus, come. Restore everything as it was in the beginning. Take away the pain and suffering of life. Bring back the beauty that we had in the garden.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I pray "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven?"

 

PRAYER: Lord, open the eyes of this world to their sinful ways. Change their hearts. Help us who know the truth to stand up for truth and share the message of hope.

QT 12/13/2022 Matt 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, The Christmas Story from different points of view

Matthew 1:18–25 (ESV) —

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

 

Luke 1:26–38 (ESV) —

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

 

NOTE: The scriptures are really amazing. Matthew tells the story of the birth of the savior from the point of view of Joseph. The genealogy is also Joseph's, a legal descendant of David and of the kingly line, up through the last king. Luke tells the story from Mary's point of view. The genealogy in Luke's gospel is Mary's. By blood, Mary is a descendant of David, but her genealogy splits after David emphasizing her humanity and her link to David but not the kingship. One genealogy is legal, and the other is blood. There is a third genealogy, it is in John.

 

John 1:1, 14 (ESV) — 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

… 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

The genealogy in John is God's. Jesus was divine.

 

So Jesus was legally the King of Israel, was by blood, human and a descendant of David, and by the Holy Spirit was the divine Son of God.

 

You might wonder how the gospel of Mark portrays Jesus' genealogy. Mark portrays Jesus as a servant who came to die for us. There is no genealogy for a humble servant. The servant "immediately" goes to work. "Immediately" is used more times in Mark than all the other gospels combined.

 

Jesus was King and servant, and he was man (by blood) and God (by the Holy Spirit). What a wonderful savior we have.

 

PONDER:

1. The gospels were each written to portray different aspects of Jesus. When was the last time I read through the paintings of Jesus?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the beautiful picture of Jesus. Thank you for our savior. Thank you for coming to earth and living among us. Thank you for the victory over death and the resurrected body. How I look forward to that new body and the opportunity to shed this weak and pained body, and to meet you face to face.

QT 12/12/2022 Isa 9:1-7, Birth of God precedes the Judgment of God

Isaiah 9:1–7 (ESV) —

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

2 The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

…

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

 

NOTE: Someday, the final part of God's plan will come to pass. Even now, the Lord is preparing the world for that day. There have been evil days in the past, definitely much more physically evil than today. But a new evil is growing, an evil in the heart that opposes all that God has called good. This new evil rejects the teachings of God and imposes a new anti-God message. They take pride in their sin and the rejection of God's word. What should bring shame now brings empathy and support. They do not understand the justice, righteousness, and holiness of God. He will not overlook our sin.

 

Isaiah 9:15–19 (ESV) —

15 the elder and honored man is the head,

and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;

16 for those who guide this people have been leading them astray,

and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.

17 Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men,

and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows;

for everyone is godless and an evildoer,

and every mouth speaks folly.

For all this his anger has not turned away,

and his hand is stretched out still.

18 For wickedness burns like a fire;

it consumes briers and thorns;

it kindles the thickets of the forest,

and they roll upward in a column of smoke.

19 Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts

the land is scorched,

and the people are like fuel for the fire;

no one spares another.

 

While the passage appears to refer to some specific actions against Israel, it is well supported in other passages as God's actions that are coming against us. The days are evil. We live in the age of apostasy even in our churches. How long O Lord?

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing to stand up for truth?
2. What am I doing to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for friends and family that don't you or only think they know you because of the false security of religions that don't teach actual truth, only worldly-feel good lies. Open eyes to Jesus this Christmas season. May it not be too late.

QT 12/9/2022 1 Sam 19:8-10, Getting perspective and listening to God

1 Samuel 19:8–10 (ESV) —

8 And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great blow, so that they fled before him. 9 Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre. 10 And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

 

NOTE: The chapter starts out with Saul's sin (hatred and jealousy) toward David reaching another level, publicly declaring his intention in a justified manner. When Saul listens to reason, he is a different man, but it never lasts long. He allows his emotions and his fear to drive him. Here, we find the King in his home (probably a mini fortress), surrounded by his guards, and yet he holds a spear in his hand. He cannot let go of the fact that the kingdom will be taken from his family. In essence, He does not agree with God and he will not be obedient to Samuel's prophecy. Fighting God is the worst activity we can ever engage in because it is a losing and hopeless battle. There are many other ways his life could have gone even with the prospect of his family's rulership going away.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I fighting God in some aspect of my life?
2. Is there something God wants me to do that I am fighting against?

 

PRAYER: Father, this last month of the year is a good time to take a moment and do a retrospective on the year. What went well and what did not, and where am I going next year? Help me to follow through on a commitment to get away and to do just that.

QT 12/8/2022 1 Sam 18:21-23, Finding the right cause

1 Samuel 18:21–23 (ESV) —

21 Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.” 22 And Saul commanded his servants, “Speak to David in private and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king’s son-in-law.’ ” 23 And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king’s son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation?”

 

NOTE: Saul appeared humbled before he was truly king over all Israel. His humility might have been insecurity -- a fear of not measuring up (a sort of reverse pride). As King, he shows little of his former humility, but shows an even greater sense of insecurity. He believes everyone is against him if they show any favor toward another person. His scheming to get David killed has only resulted in two more allies of David within the Royal house, Jonathan and Michal.

 

David also shows humility before he becomes king, but does not show any of the same insecurity that Saul showed and shows. David is eager to put his life on the line for a right cause. He does not fear obedience. He completely trusts God.

 

The lesson is to be leery of false humility when the true underlying issue is insecurity. For the insecure, the lesson is to develop trust in God and in the right cause. What is a right cause? We have the great commission given to us by Jesus:

 

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) — 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 

Closely followed by this passage:

 

Acts 1:8 (ESV) — 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

 

This is a cause worth engaging our entire life. There is no insecurity in doing the right thing and trusting God for the outcomes.

 

PONDER:

1.  Am I committed to making disciples and being a witness to my generation for Jesus Christ? Everything else pales to these two tasks.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to think through all the things we do in life and how they contribute or don't contribute to making disciples. Help us to see what and where we can live differently. Open our eyes to the possibilities for you to use us.

QT 12/7/2022 1 Sam 18:6-9, Sin begets sin

1 Samuel 18:6–9 (ESV) —

6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated,

“Saul has struck down his thousands,

and David his ten thousands.”

8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

 

NOTE: In looking at some commentary on the verses above, Bergen offers an interesting observation:

 

The writer’s use of the verb translated “kept a jealous eye” (Hb. ʿôyēn) probably is intended as a double entendre involving a similar-sounding word meaning “transgressed” (Hb. ʿwn). The effect of this subtle wordplay is to inform the reader that from this point on Saul would carefully observe David for the purpose of committing sins against him. (Bergen)

 

This sounds like a movie where a jealous King is looking for a reason to take action against a popular hero. In order to make his move, he must find some reason. At some point in the story, the protagonist, not finding a reason, just acts on his emotions.

 

What is happening? Saul's sin is pride. Sin begets sin. He is not content to let others get the glory, he must be first. The problem is that the kingdom is doing well with David's support and he should be grateful. But jealousy and worries of scheming fill his heart. He can no longer trust people. He is looking for opportunities to eliminate his perceived enemies. He can't have peace because he can't let go.

 

PONDER:

1. Sin begets sin. Do I struggle with any secret sins? We need to let go or whatever it is, repent, and return to God before we head down a path into ever deeper sin.

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from my sinful heart. When I know what is right to do and fail to do it, it is sin for me. I pray for a sensitive heart to see sin and acknowledge it.

QT 12/6/2022 1 Sam 17:44-52, Faith in the seen or the unseen?

1 Samuel 17:44–47 (ESV) —

44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

 

1 Samuel 17:51b–52 (ESV) —

51b … When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.

 

NOTE: The prefatory insults remind me of football players jawing before the game starts. At least both of them intended to feed the birds and wild animals no matter who won -- sounds like their charity of choice. But David is so much different. Goliath was sure because of what he saw. He knew he could win when he looked at David. He was very sure based on the seen world. David was also incredibly sure, not because of what he saw in the seen world, but because of what he believed in the unseen world, and because of who he knew in the unseen world. I'm afraid that few of us live like David. We see our circumstances and despair. Our faith is so weak. On a number of occasions, Jesus was amazed by our lack of faith and then also, by some who did have faith. Jesus knew his Father, there was never any doubt in his mind. How we need that same type of vision.

 

PONDER:

1. Are my emotions based on what I see happening in the seen world or are they based on my trust in my God who is unseen?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to live each day in a seen world but my eyes on the unseen. I want to walk by faith, not by sight.

QT 12/5/2022 1 Sam 17:33-37, Infectious faith

1 Samuel 17:33–37 (ESV) —

33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

 

NOTE: David did have experience in life and death situations. David had killed large animals. David had fought against the odds. David believed in a cause and he believed in his God. David did not have combat experience against men. He did not know how to use armor. In many things he was untrained. But he knew how to handle a sling and a sword. And most importantly he believed that God was bigger than anything the Philistines could throw against him. And David was infectious. Saul looked at the external and saw an untrained youth, but by the time David had finished his argument why he was not a youth, Saul too recognized that there was something special in his faith, as seen in his final words, "Go, and the Lord be with you." That is the thing about faith. It can be infectious in those who truly know their God.

 

PONDER:

1. Is my faith infectious?
2. Does it cause people to want to know God more deeply?
3. Does it cause those outside of faith, do want to search for truth?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to immerse myself in you. I want faith that is not phony or stoic, but is alive and real. I don't want what most people call church. I want to know you. Speak to me through your word. In this last month of the year help me to spend some time working on where and how you would have me minister in the new year.