SISTER STUDY . . . Going Through the Bible in One Year
Jealous Eyes
One Year Bible (May 17)
I Samuel 20: 1-21:15
“Jealous Eyes”
“What have I done? He exclaimed. “What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?” (I Samuel 20: 1) These are David’s questions to Jonathan, who is his brother-in-law and friend.
“Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, and appointment that was welcomed by the people, and Saul’s officers alike.” (I Samuel 18:5)
What had David done to infuriate Saul? ... “So, David’s name became very famous.” (18:30)
THE TRIUMPH.
“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” (I Samuel 18:7)
Well, there was one little problem bothering Saul… “This made Saul VERY angry. “What’s this?”, he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next, they’ll be making him their king!” (18:8)
“From that time on Saul kept a JEALOUS eye on David.” (I Samuel 18: 8-9)
Eye Spy with my little eye… The color is green. Yes, it is ENVY!
THE TORMENTING.
Remember Saul hiding when it was time for them to crown him as king? They had to ask the Lord where to find him. Looking back on that now, I am wondering… Was he a humble man or an insecure man?
David, as a young boy, took down Goliath, who stood over nine feet tall, with just a slingshot and a smooth stone. Saul (who was handsome and stood tall above all the others) was hiding in the baggage when it was his time to step forward. It makes me wonder who his eyes were focused on all along.
“For where you have jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” -- James 3:16 NIV.
Insecurity, Disobedience, Selfish Ambition, Jealousy, Rage…
Saul is truly covered up by all of his “baggage” now!
“The very next day a tormenting spirit from GOD overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman.” ( I Samuel 18:10)
We need to remember that Saul has already been warned by Judge Samuel that ‘his kingdom will be swept away from him”. Does he think that by fighting God and attacking HIS future anointed king he can stop the judgment coming his way?
Why is Saul being “tormented” by this evil spirit from God?
I Samuel 15:14 told us the beginning of his downward descent, “The Spirit of the LORD had DEPARTED from Saul, and an evil spirit FROM the LORD tormented him.”
Saul LEFT GOD, and God LEFT SAUL!
An empty vessel is a vessel begging to be filled with something.
There are only TWO options: THE LORD GOD, or SATAN, the enemy of God.
Empty things need to be FILLED!
God took HIS SPIRIT away and allowed Satan access to torment Saul’s depraved spirit!
THE TRAP.
David is playing his harp to calm Saul. The tormented spirit comes on Saul, and he throws the spear at David which sticks to the wall. David flees into the night. Saul plots to take David as his son-in-law and kill him in the process of getting a Dowry because he has no wealth.
Next, Saul “boiled with rage” at (his own son) Jonathan. “You stupid son of a whore!” he swore at him. “Do you think I don’t know that you want him (David) to be king in your place, shaming yourself and your mother? As long as that son of Jesse is alive, you’ll never be king. Now go and get him so I can kill him!” ( I Sam. 20: 30-31)
And there it is… the answer to all of our questions. What is this nonsensical evil all about?
Saul knows that the kingdom is to be taken from him and he does not want Jonathan to step aside and allow David to be king in his place. But, he is not the only one fighting this battle!
The greatest enemy of all is the one that rages against God and desires to stop the Messianic seed which will save all mankind. That seed will come through the lineage of Jesse (David’s father) and then David, the King after God’s own heart.
Not only will Saul seek to kill the next anointed, King David, but he will order the executions of “eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments, and their families.”.(22:18)
You see, both Saul and Satan had a lot in common. They both wanted what belongs to God alone, and Satan is happy to use ‘empty vessels’ to attack God and his servants.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion LOOKING for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout this world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (I Peter 5: 8-9)
Beware of “Jealous Eyes”!
Who Is My Father?
John 8:31-59 (May 16)
I have three adopted children. I have had them since they were very small. I have been their mama and my husband has been their dad. There is no doubt that they think of us this way.
But every once in a while, their little brains (well...not so little anymore) get to thinking and they wonder about their bio parents. They will ask us if we know anything about their mother or their father.
Unfortunately, we know very little, so there is not much to tell. And while those moments are fleeting for them, I know those moments also bring about a little frustration, confusion, and maybe even a little sadness for the mother and father they will never know.
In today's scripture, we find a very confused group of people who are questioning who their father is. In their minds, it is Abraham.
Do you remember that song from Sunday School? Father Abraham had many sons. Many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So, let's all praise the Lord.
Jesus is telling these descendants of Abraham that they are prisoners to sin, and that the only way they can gain freedom is by knowing God, the Father.
These men don't feel like they are prisoners, so they argue with Jesus. (Poor Jesus, everyone is always arguing with him!)
Strangely enough, even some of these descendants of Abraham are trying to attack Jesus. They don't like what he is saying. (Hmmmm...what would the world be like if we all killed anyone who said something we didn't like? I'd be a goner for sure!)
They claim to be children of Abraham, but they don't follow his example. They get even more upset because they think Jesus is calling them illegitimate. "We aren't illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father."
But is that really true? Are they loving Jesus the way they should if God were truly their Father? Are they even listening to what he is saying? Jesus doesn't think so. Actually, he accuses them of being children of the devil. They do evil, they hate the truth, they lie. Yep...sounds pretty much like the devil to me.
But instead of accepting this truth, they turn the tables on him and call him the devil, accusing him of being possessed by a demon. (These guys just cannot handle anyone calling them anything but perfect.)
But let's keep in mind, (in small, very small, defense of these pitifully ignorant men), that all they are hearing seems so foreign to them. A man who says he is the Son of God...who says they will never die. A man who is telling them that they are so different from the earthly father they have claimed throughout the generations. A man who wants no glory for anything he does, but only wants the glory to go to God. A man who, being only in his thirties, claims to have seen Abraham.
Yes, this is all just a little too much for these minds to comprehend. What conclusion can they come to except that this man standing before them is demonic. And when we are faced with something we fear, we often lash out to protect ourselves, which is just what they did. They started throwing stones at him. (This time there was no bending down and writing in the sand. Jesus just simply disappeared and left the Temple.)
What is something that has seemed like "too much" for your mind to comprehend in this life? In what ways has the unknown seemed fearful and made you want to lash out? Can you sympathize with the doubt these men are feeling, even though they were given so much opportunity to believe?
Life is full of things that make us doubt. All around us are things that make us fearful or make us question. The blessing is that you and I, as believers, don't have to be afraid, even when we don't always understand. We just have to believe and trust in the One who knows all things.
We can rest in the assurance that, despite what we know about our earthly father (or in my kiddos' case, don't know), we have a heavenly Father who loves us.
Back to the song: My favorite part is this:
I am one of them, and so are you. So, let's all praise the Lord.
Yes, friends, let's not be like those sons of Abraham. Let's all praise the Lord!
The Dirty Dowry
One Year Bible (May 16)
I Samuel 18:5-19:24
The Dirty Dowry
Today’s reading poses gigantic questions for me!
There really are not enough question marks available to begin to cover today’s topics…The passage that we read today is “Rude and Real, Barbaric and Brutal”.
This is NOT “Classic Cozy Hallmark”. This is “Horrific History”!!
People in this day and time lived by the sword and died by the sword. They also brought home “Human Trophies” to show that they had CONQUERED!
These people lived life with “SAVAGE on SPEED DIAL”!
There is a certain pharmaceutical commercial that regularly plays on T.V. involving “Bent Carrots”. They are selling prescription meds for male dysfunction in the middle of your movie. Let me just say that commercial is wayyyyyy toooo much for my comfort level. The beginning of today’s story follows the very same theme/anatomy and is also over my comfort level and then some…
While Saul is offering his daughter in marriage to David, he is really planning a burial, not a wedding! How will Saul accomplish the death of David? He has a plan, a VILE one at that!
WHY does Saul ask David to deliver 100 foreskins from their enemy, the Philistines? (Worst Dowry…EVER!)
This was a period when the chosen people of God were marked by an outward covenant called “circumcision”. They were considered “CLEAN” physically and spiritually. This was for hygiene and their heritage as Israelites.
Perhaps you have read where they have referred to the Philistines as ‘uncircumcised’, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (David’s words about Goliath) They were a VILE, barbaric nation who killed, ravaged, and tortured others in line with their IDOL WORSHIP PRACTICES. The Philistines were known for their “Phallic Symbol Obsession”.
They were “Uncircumcised” in body, mind, and soul. Saul was once again making himself “Prophet, Judge, and King”. He was going to wipe out ALL of his enemies, including David, who was a threat to his position as king.
This would be a “Two for One” win for Saul. He could take out “100 of his vilest enemies” and have David killed at the very same time! That was the VILE PLAN!
There was only one little problem with Saul’s evil plan… David came back ALIVE with the “TWO FOR ONE WIN” as he brought back a DOUBLE PORTION of what was asked of him. He brought 200 trophies of DEGRADATION.
Saul’s plan was to HUMILIATE and DEGRADE David. However, once again his evil plan will not stand. The people would continue to sing David’s praises and Saul would literally be “Out of His Mind” with RAGE!
WHO in their “Right Mind” thinks that “cutting off the outside skin of male parts” as a “Trophy From War” is a great idea?
SAUL DOES!!!!! THAT answers THAT question!
Saul is NOT in his “RIGHT MIND” as he has been given over to an “Evil, Tormenting Spirit”.
Some would ask, “How can a loving, caring God do this to Saul?” “Does Saul have free will in his decisions or is he now captive to the evil spirit?
Others will ask, “Why was Saul allowed to torment and hunt down David (the Lord’s Chosen) for such a long period of time?” “Why didn’t God just take Saul out?”
Perhaps others are asking, “How have I never heard of this Dirty Dowry until now?
Saul’s core sin was found in questioning God and then doing things “his own way”. Saul was warned that “The kingdom would be taken away from him” by the appointed judge of God, Samuel.
What does Saul do about this warning? Weep? Repent? Confess? No, he does THIS…This Vile Plot! Saul will continue to fight against God to the point that he will try and kill his very own flesh and blood and those who have faithfully served him.
Thus, God has removed HIS spirit from Saul, and the enemy of God moves right on in!!
There is a price for SIN that involves SEPARATION from God.
This is the “DIRTY DOWRY".
Keeping It To Himself
John 8:21-30 (May 15)
Once again, Jesus tells the followers that he is going away. "You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going."
Now if I imagine my soon-to-be-four-year-old grandson saying this, it would have been followed by "na, na, na! " In other words, I get to go, and YOU DON'T!!
But Jesus isn't boasting with his words. In fact, he is sad and frustrated that more people aren't understanding what he is trying to tell them.
Do you ever struggle with people understanding you? If you have teenagers (or 4-year-old grandchildren, the answer is most likely YES!) It is a frustrating thing to try to make yourself clear, especially about something important, only to be met with confused looks or flat-out ridicule. This is where Jesus finds himself in today's scripture.
Even after he explicitly explains who he is...for the umpteenth time, he still gets the question, "Who are you?" Talk about a dense crowd!!!
Jesus replies, “The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won't."
That statement is worth digging a little deeper into. Obviously, Jesus could give them all an earful if he chose to. But instead, he chooses to focus on what his Father wants him to say. That, my friends, in his state of frustration, is utter obedience at its finest.
Have you ever been in a situation where you really could have said ALOT...and really wanted to, but you chose to take the high road? The words come to your mind, but they don't get past your lips because you use self-control.
This is a sign of maturity. it is a sign of wisdom in knowing what is and is not appropriate in a particular moment or situation. I wish we could be born with that gift, but for most of us it is something that we learn through trial & error. (Well... we HOPE we finally learn!)
But here is Jesus, speaking in obedience to his Father, and basically keeping his mouth shut about what he really thinks. (Can you say "zip it, lock it, and put it in your pocket"?)
But I think this obedience served him well in that moment, because this scripture tells us that as he went on explaining who he was (instead of telling them what he thought of them), many who heard him began to believe him. They might not have been so inclined to take him seriously if he was having a full-blown temper tantrum. (Did I already say I have a 4-year-old grandson? Trust me, I am an expert on temper tantrums.)
This is an example that we can all take to heart. Yes, there will be times when we would really like to tell someone what we think about them. But we have the opportunity to be like Jesus, to think before we speak, and to think of the bigger picture...is our attitude, our words, and our actions going to point someone to Christ?
Sometimes we just need to keep it to ourselves
LOVE, LOVE
One Year Bible (May 15)
I Samuel 17:1-18:4
“LOVE-LOVE”
In the game of tennis, the score is kept using the word, ‘LOVE’. Have you ever wondered how in the world they came up with that term? It is a strange one! I can just hear the announcer over the loudspeaker, 6-Love. I don’t know about you, but I think that the person losing is probably not “LOVING” their score.
They say that this word has been used since the 1800s. The most accepted theory is that those with zero points were still playing for “The Love of the Game” despite their losing score.
Our Bible story today focuses on the word, ‘aheb’ which is used 210x in the Bible. It is a common Hebrew word used for love. This word is not the word for “brotherly love” or “sexual love”. It is a word used for a “covenant” kind of love.
Perhaps you are wondering what the meaning of the word “LOVE” has to do with this story. Well, it has EVERYTHING to do with our understanding today. So, perhaps we should start at the beginning…
Did you find the conversation between young David and his older brother interesting? From all, I have read they say that David probably was under the age of 15 when he went (at his father’s request) to take food to his brothers who were serving under King Saul against the Philistine army.
At this time, David first heard Goliath from Gath, who was a “Big, Bad, Bronze, Bully”. He was over nine feet tall and regularly taunted the Israelites to fight him for Israel’s victory. David began asking questions about “Why this pagan Philistine was allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”
David’s brother replied, “What are you doing around here anyway?” He demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!” (I Samuel 17: 28)
Can you say R-E-S-P-E-C-T? Now, that my friends, is an example of “brotherly love”. (The kind that Joseph, with the coat of many colors, experienced too!) He obviously did not “GET” his brother!!
Here is what young David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (17:37)
With only a sling, a smooth stone, and a strength beyond his own, David took the giant DOWN! T-I-M-B-E-R!!!!! It was a GREAT FALL…
This was not just WAR; this was a major shift in relationships and leadership for the kingdom of Israel. It was of GIGANTIC proportions!
Do we recall how Jonathan stepped out ahead of his father, Saul, and followed God’s leading to overcome the enemy against the Philistines by sneaking down to their post in I Sam. 14? Jonathan said, “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord.”
Now we see David stepping out in the same bold manner to face the giant! These two guys are “brothers by a different mother”. Note that they are both listening to the same “Father”, the God of Israel, and soon they will be brothers-in-law through marriage. (Sneak Peak)
Saul brings home David and decides to keep him in his kingdom as he is a pretty impressive young warrior. It is at this time that Jonathan meets David for the first time.
Listen to the words and actions from their very first meeting. “There was an IMMEDIATE bond BETWEEN THEM, for Jonathan loved David.” (18:1)
Now, look at the contrast, “Saul KEPT David with him and wouldn’t let him return home.” (18:2) I wonder, “What was Saul’s motivation in keeping David there?” What we do see is that Saul wants David to serve him, while Jonathan chooses to serve David.
Jonathan made a “Solemn Pact” with David and “He loved him as himself”. What do you think is Jonathan’s motivation? Let’s look at this verse in some other translations. “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he ‘loved him as his own soul’. Here is another description of their immediate bond, “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David.” (I Sam 18: 1-5)
What does all of this mean? There are three things that I see in this covenant relationship or solemn pact that Jonathan makes with David: 1) Sacrifice, 2) Submission, and 3) Service.
Do we understand the gift that Jonathan is giving to David? Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne, but he gave his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt to David. He gave UP his armor!
He loved him “with his soul” and recognized that David would be GREATER while he would be LESS (Jonathan made a solemn oath or vow which means that it involved God).
Although the son of a king, he would give up his rightful place as the future king because he saw God’s hand moving mightily through David. Little David would not carry the armor for the son of the king, Jonathan. Instead, the rightful heir to the throne, Jonathan would carry the armor for David.
That, my friends, is the meaning of Love-Love. It is not keeping score!
It is about becoming LESS while someone else becomes MORE. Jonathan chose to be “Less” so that David could be “EVERYTHING” God had called him to be!
Love-Love… Sacrifice, Submission, Service.
Neither Do I
John 8:1-20 (May 14)
Inquiring minds want to know! Today's scripture is one that I have always wondered about. I have put it on my "list of things to ask Jesus" once I get over the awe of standing before him someday.
Jesus has left Judea and returned to the Mount of Olives. However, the next morning he finds himself back at the temple again. (He just can't seem to stay away. I wish I felt that way about the gym!)
The Pharisees bring a woman to him who had been caught in the act of adultery. (Oopsie!!) They put her in front of the crowd who had been listening to Jesus teach.
"Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"
Do you think they really cared what he had to say? Ummm....nope! This was yet another test, another effort to trap Jesus.
Instead of replying, Jesus stooped down and wrote in the sand. And that, my friends, is where my big "thing to ask Jesus" comes in. Exactly what was he writing when he stooped down? Was it her name? Was it "GRACE"? Was it "forgiveness"? Inquiring minds (like mine) want to know!
Finally, after they just wouldn't stop demanding an answer, Jesus stood up and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"
I don't know about you, but that would've taken me out of the "stone throwing contest" immediately!
Slowly, one by one, those accusers snuck away, until none were left. Jesus looked at this woman (I can just imagine her fear!) and said, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"
"No Lord," she replied. (I'm sure with great relief!)
And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
Ahhhh....beautiful words to be heard by that terrified woman..."Neither do I."
Those are the same words Jesus speaks over our sins when we come to him with a heart of repentance. He offers he boundless grace to all who call out to him.
I may not know what he wrote in the sand that day. He may never even tell me, once I get to heaven. But one thing I know for sure... "neither do I" will be spoken over me time and time again. That's just how good Jesus is.
The Blame Game
One Year Bible (May 14)
I Samuel 15:1-16: 23.
“The Blame Game”
We have a famous line in our family that we pull out whenever something is needed. It goes like this, “Chad did it!” Poor guy!
You see whenever his little sister would get into a wee bit of trouble this was her response. It worked pretty well while he lived in our home, but was not near as effective when he moved out as an adult. She needed a new script. (Hmmm, we do have a little dog named Missy.)
Whenever you ask children “Who Done It?” (slang intended) you will get an interesting variety of answers of which none of them will be, “I Did!”.
Today’s story is about “The Blame Game” and the star of this ‘little game show’ will be the first King of Israel, Handsome Brawny Saul. Not only does he stand head and shoulders above everyone else, but you will find that his “Blame Game” also is a ‘Stand Out’…
James 1:15 says this, “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Sin starts as a little seed. It is watered and much “manure” is added to fertilize. (I think that was the acceptable word to use, but you get the picture.) When it is full-grown the consequences are disastrous. We will see that in today’s passage.
Let’s follow the sad progression as we watch this seed taking root:
1) DENIAL: “When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him CHEERFULLY, “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord’s command!” Then what is the bleating of sheep and goats and lowing of cattle I hear?” Samuel demanded. God had given Saul instructions to bring home none of the enemy or their goods. He had brought home their king and lots of goods! What good is a victorious king without bringing home the bragging rights?
2) BLAME: “It is true ‘THE ARMY’ spared the animals and king. (It wasn’t me!)
3) EXCUSES: “But, hey, we were going to offer a burnt sacrifice to God in front of the people.”
4) CAUGHT: “Then Saul admitted to Samuel, ‘Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I WAS AFRAID OF THE PEOPLE AND DID WHAT THEY DEMANDED.” (15:24) Translation: “I did wrong, but it wasn’t really my fault”. It was the PEOPLE!
5) BEGGING: “Please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may WORSHIP THE LORD.” (15: 25) Samuel’s reply is that Saul has REJECTED the Lord’s command and now he will be “REJECTED’.
6) MOURNING: Samuel finally agreed to go back with Saul, but his “worshipping the Lord” was mostly show. He got the attention of man, but he had lost the approval of God! “Samuel NEVER went to meet with Saul again, but he MOURNED CONSTANTLY for him. And the Lord was sorry he had ever made Saul, King of Israel.”
Here is the sad ending to “The Blame Game” …” Now the Spirit of the Lord had LEFT Saul, and the Lord sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.”
Why would God do such a thing, we wonder?
Matthew 6:24 holds the key for us, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Saul couldn’t have it both ways; neither can we.
Keith Green has a powerful song called, “To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice”.
“To obey is better than sacrifice. I don’t need your money. I want your life. And I hear you say that I’m coming back soon. But you act like I’ll never return…”
What powerful lyrics for our generation to consider…
Denial, Blame, Excuses, Caught, Begging, and Mourning.
What do all of these have in common? “Look at me and how much I’ve done!”
These are the subtle and deadly lies of “The Blame Game”!
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” – I Samuel 15: 22.
Rivers of Living Water
John 7:31-53 (May 13)
We pick up where we left off yesterday, with Jesus teaching at the temple. It seems like the more he speaks, the more people begin to believe. After all, "would you expect the Messiah to do more miraculous signs than this man has done?" I mean...does it really get any better than THIS??
The more who began to believe, the more disturbed the Pharisees became. They sent some temple guards to arrest Jesus, who proceeded to remind them that he would be gone soon, returning to the One who had sent him. And no matter where they looked, they would not find him.
WHAT??? WHERE??? This puzzled the Pharisees as they tried to figure out where he would be going, and who he might be teaching when he got there. They sure didn't want those GREEKS hearing anything from Jesus.
At the end of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'"
Now that is quite an invitation! You can bet I would have been first in line! How about you?
Just hearing him speak these words caused many to declare that he was the Prophet they had been waiting for. Others affirmed that he was the Messiah. But there were those who still questioned. (Aren't there always?)
It didn't make sense because Scriptures had said that the Messiah would be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem. Jesus was from Galilee. (I guess they never received his birth announcement) So, this was just a puzzle they couldn't piece together, even though they wanted to believe.
I chuckle as I write this because it reminds me of a time when one of my kids got in a bit of trouble. My husband and I came home from shopping and there were burnt paper towels in the sink. Naturally, we had questions!
My son admitted to putting them there. We were horrified that he had been playing with fire while we were gone! I was grateful my house wasn't up in smoke.
Well...he had a story. And boy, was it a story! According to the "culprit", he spilled something on the carpet. He got some paper towels to clean up the mess and amazingly, he rubbed them so hard against the carpet that they caught on fire! (Talk about miraculous!)
This little pyro actually thought that was an adequate story. And as much as I would've loved to believe it, (much better thinking that than thinking he had been playing with fire) the pieces of that story didn't quite fit together. (Just so you know, he stuck to that story for months, even when questioned by outside family members. It was much later that he fessed up to playing with a lighter.)
We see the facts. We know what we know by what we see, what we learn, what we read. And for these people in Judea all they had seen and heard just wasn't fitting together.
But for those who believed (despite the puzzle being a little off whack), there was an opportunity to go to Jesus and drink of the Living Water. The thirst in their hearts was quenched by knowing and believing in what Jesus was saying. The reward was great.
Are you thirsty? Are you living life with the Living Water flowing through you? It is there for the taking, able to put out any fires that are burning in your life...even the ones that come from rubbing paper towels into the carpet.
It’s Complicated
One Year Bible (May 13)
I Samuel 14:1-52
“It’s Complicated”
Father and son are not “on the same page”. What’s new about this you may wonder?
“It’s complicated” you may say. Well, it always is when it comes to God first, family second, and unity somewhere down the line…
The only title that I could begin to think of as a title for this story is, “It’s Complicated”. The story is complicated and confusing.
Understanding God’s leading in this story is complicated, and the relationship between father and son is beyond complicated.
Spoiler Alert! The relationship between Saul and Jonathan is just "heating up" right before our eyes, and it is going to stay in the “Complicated” category for quite a while.
Sometimes it’s going to be like that. Jesus warned his disciples, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” (Mt. 10: 37)
What does this mean when it comes to Saul and Jonathan? What does it mean for us today?
Even in this passage, we begin to see “the pull”. Every person must determine for themselves if they will follow God, listen to him, and support his ways… no matter what the cost, and there will always be a cost.
It’s complicated.
At the beginning of this story, we see that trouble was brewing with the enemies of Israel. Sound familiar? Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree while his son boldly takes his armor-bearer and goes down secretly and quietly to check out the enemy.
Jonathan also, by faith, trusts in the power of God to show him if they should overtake the enemy. He does not do this without putting out an inquiry of the Lord.
Look at what Jonathan says, “It may be that the Lord will work for us.” (6-7). His armor bearer replies to Jonathan, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.”
God responded to Jonathan’s faith in a remarkable way. It was God, himself, who took down the enemy. There was “trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and the raiders also trembled; and the earth quaked so that it was a very great trembling.” (v. 15)
Saul learns of how the enemy is defeating itself and he jumps into battle also and a great victory is won for the Israelites. Saul makes some foolish oaths and rules over the people involving putting curses on them. These actions lead him to cast lots and threaten to kill his own son, (Jonathan, the one who went to war for them with God’s help).
It is not Saul who rescues his son, Jonathan. It is the people who stand up and save his life.
It’s complicated.
Saul’s strength was broad but shallow. His heart had been changed but was not constant. He flaunted that he was a leader but failed to pray.
You would think Saul would have been so proud of his son, Jonathan, on a day like this, but sadly this is not the case.
The future chapters will expose the weakness of Saul. We need to keep our eyes peeled, our minds open, and our hearts ready to receive the warning signs posted for all to see…May Saul's sad descent be a lesson to us all.
Life can get complicated very quickly when God is placed in the backseat, and we only see him in the rearview mirror.
The Price of Fame
NT John 7:1-30 (May 12)
Today's scripture reminded me of a movie I once watched. A woman was in danger of being killed, so she ran away in the night to another town, changed her name, and tried to live in secret. The story was going along great...she met a handsome man, was falling in love, an all that jazz...until the man who was looking for her finally found her. Let me tell you, she was in the fight of her life.
Hiding...secrecy...disguise...we see it every day. The famous want to take a walk through the park, so they put on a disguise in order to not be bothered. A popular singer wants to go to the mall, so she slips in secretly, hoping paparazzi doesn't see her.
This is where Jesus finds himself today. He was traveling around Galilee, trying to avoid Judea because the Jewish leaders there were planning his demise.
But his brothers are trying to get him to go to Judea. They want him to "show off" some more miracles. (Or maybe they just wanted to be seen with him?)
"You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!"
Why did they think Jesus was looking for fame? Why did they think he should show off to the world?
Was this a challenge issued because, despite everything, they still did not believe in him?
I sometimes watch America's Got Talent Extreme. There are some wild and crazy stunts on there. Some of them are just unbelievable. I mean...I really don't believe them. I think they are rigged to look magnificent when they really aren't.
Why do I feel this way? Probably because those stunts are just too "miraculous" for my mind to comprehend. Maybe that is the way the brothers were feeling about Jesus. Their minds couldn't clue into the miracles he was performing.
Anyways...back to the story. Jesus tells them to go on without him. After they left, he went, however he went secretly, trying not to let anyone see him.
As he walked about unrecognized, he heard lots of talk going on about him. Some were saying "He's a good man." Others called him a deceiving fraud.
The good comments were done in whispered tones because no one wanted to say anything nice about him publicly. They didn't want to get into trouble with the Jewish leaders.
Why do we do that? What causes us to refrain from speaking truth when we know we will be criticized or be unpopular for our opinion?
Mankind's desire to fit in and be a part of the crowd holds us back, as does fear of retaliation. Just the other day I was in a meeting. I had an opinion and a question I wanted to ask, but I held back because I knew before I asked that it wouldn't be well received. Those that saw Jesus in a favorable light were doing the same.
A little later, Jesus goes up to the temple and begins to teach. The people are astonished that someone who hasn't been trained could know so much. He explains to them that his message isn't coming from him, it is coming from God.
He goes on to tell them that if they really wanted to do the will of God, would know his teachings were from God, not himself. But those who are speaking out are just looking for glory for themselves, even if it means speaking lies.
Jesus reminds them once again of their disobedience, "Moses gave you the law, but none of you obey it! In fact, you are trying to kill me."
Of course, they deny this and call him demon possessed. Noone ever wants to admit when they are doing wrong, do they?
But here is the puzzling thing to many...the Jewish leaders want to kill Jesus. Other people are thinking he is demon possessed or a fraud. Yet he stands there speaking, and no one does anything to him.
Why do they hold back? Is it because maybe, just maybe, despite all their negative comments, they have this little sliver of an idea that he might really be the Messiah?
Could Jesus possibly be telling the truth? How torn they must have been, going back and forth in their minds. Is he, is he not? Should we kill him, should we not?
Aren't you glad you don't have to doubt that Jesus is who he says he is? Isn't it a blessing to know that he speaks the TRUTH and we can count on that every day and in every circumstance?
Thunder & Rain
One Year Bible (May 12)
I Samuel 12:1-13:23
Thunder & Rain
“Thunder only happens when it’s raining. You’ll know. You’ll Know. You’ll Know.” (Dreams by Fleetwood Mac)
For some odd reason, I always hear little clips of music in my head when I read something.
This is the tune for the day… If you have read today’s OT passage you know why I am hearing this little phrase in my head. Thunder and Rain are in the forecast for today for the Israelite people even though it is wheat harvest time, and it does not rain during this season.
Why does Judge Samuel ask the Lord to send thunder and rain on this particular day?
The response of the people to this spectacular thunder and rain tells me there must have been some pretty sharp lightning bolts! It says the people were TERRIFIED of the Lord and Samuel!!
Here is what the people say, “Pray to the Lord your God for us, or we will die!” They all said to Samuel. “For now, we have added to our sins by asking for a king.” (I Samuel 12: 19)
Why was the people’s pleading for a king a problem? “You wanted a king to reign over you, even though the Lord your God was already your king.” (12: 12)
Who can replace the Lord their God?
Samuel reminded them of all the judges that God had sent to them to deliver his message to the people, and who had also delivered the people from bondage. There had been Moses and Aaron, Gideon, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel; all had been sent to save them so that they could live in safety.
Even after the grand lightning and thunder show, Samuel again reaffirmed the people. “Don’t turn your back on God; He has never turned his back on you. He will not abandon you or dishonor His great name. Be faithful to your God!” Samuel ends by promising that he will ‘NOT SIN AGAINST God’ by not praying for the Israelite people.
He also issues a severe warning, “But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away.” (I Sam. 13: 9)
Samuel also advised Saul to wait for him for seven days and that he would come to him to prepare him for what the Lord wanted to do next. But Saul didn’t wait. He got impatient. Here is what Saul said, “The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I HAVEN’T EVEN ASKED FOR THE LORD’S HELP.”
Perhaps this sounds like a “Rookie Mistake” but look at the consequences of Saul’s actions.
“How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after HIS OWN HEART. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” (13:13-14)
How quickly the weather has changed! Just yesterday we were reading about how Samuel passed the torch to Saul and how the Spirit of God came mightily on Saul, despite the people’s rejection of God. Samuel was working with Saul and advising him in the ways of God.
We see that God gave Saul a “new heart” when he was chosen to be Israel’s first king.
What has happened during his time of being king that has prompted Saul to admonish that God will not establish his kingdom through Saul"? Well, The offering of sacrifices was a task for the priests. This was not Saul’s role. Secondly, Saul is not seeking God. Saul, himself reminds us, “I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help”.
Saul was given the strength, the heart, and the power of the Spirit by God. He was given the support, wisdom, and counsel of Samuel. What did he do with what he was given?
People Change. Remember? Not always for the better though…
How many times have we seen this in our journey together through the OT?
A bold start does not secure a bright future. Just ask Eli and a long list of others.
Perhaps, this is why we are instructed, “Choose you this day whom you will serve, but for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15) Yes, the Israelites received reminder after reminder from many leaders!
Eli’s sons did not whole-heartedly serve the God that their father served in the temple. Samuel, who watched this debauchery firsthand, did not convey this powerful message to his sons who accepted bribes and perverted justice. What a sad circle of life! Now, we have Saul, who is relying on his own power and strength.
What a powerful reminder to each of us today to seek God FIRST before we make decisions. We cannot take for granted that our faith will just be passed on to our children, or those that we wish to lead. How foolish to go before God and to make decisions rather than wait on Him.
Just look around at the world we live in that is making decisions without consulting God first. What about us? Are we consulting God before we act?
Thunder only happens when it’s raining…. You’ll know. You’ll know. You’ll know.
A Complex Situation
John 6:43-71 (May 11)
Our story picks up where we left off yesterday, with Jesus in the synagogue in Capernaum, trying to get people to understand what he is teaching them.
As I read these scriptures, I can almost feel his frustration jumping off the page. He is repeating the same thing to them over and over again and they are just not getting it.
I think of parenting. I recall the many times I have tried to explain something to my children, only to have to repeat myself again and again. (I have told you a million times, it is NOT okay to pinch your sister!) If you are a mama, I'm sure you get what I am saying.
So here is Jesus, in this crowd of people who are mostly just wanting what they can get from him, and he is telling them REPEATEDLY that they only way they can receive eternal life is through him.
The complexity of the problem is that they are taking his words LITERALLY instead of FIGURATIVELY.
"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die." Jesus is referring to himself, the Living Bread.
But these confused people are really baffled now. They start arguing amongst themselves as to the meaning of his words. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat," they asked.
This is starting to sound like an episode of The Walking Dead. People, people, we will have no eating of flesh here today!!
They just are not grasping the message. Things are not always black and white, and they just haven't figured that out yet. Jesus is not a loaf of bread or a cup of water. Many of his disciples are confused. "This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?"
Life has its confusing moments. It has many complex situations that we have to work our way through. Often times, we just don't understand the WHY, the HOW, the WHEN.
But those of us who walk in the faith of Christ, even though we don't understand all of that, we know and trust the WHO. We believe that he is our help in times of need, and even though we don't SEE him, we BELIEVE.
That is where the difference lies between us and these people in today's scripture. They are being asked to learn to believe, and their minds are struggling to wrap around the concept of this earthly man being the Son of God. I get that. I can see where it might be a stretch. But what joy, promise, security, and strength comes when we do believe.
But some of these disciples just could not accept what he was saying, and they turned away and left him. Jesus looked at his twelve and asked, "Are you also going to leave?" (Even though he already knew the answer)
These were the twelve that would stay, that would believe. These were the ones that Jesus had chosen, even though he knew that one would sell him out, another would deny him, and another would doubt.
Just like he chose those twelve, he chooses each of us. He knows there will be times in life when doubt may creep in. Some of us will drift away and sell out to something more attractive. Some may deny him when faced with ridicule. But he loves us anyways.
And for those of us who allow him the joy of walking through life with us, we learn we can get through anything with him at our side. We can manage any complex situation when we live out our lives with faith.
People Change
One Year Bible (May 11)
I Samuel 10:1-11:15
“People CHANGE”
There is an excellent, old Hallmark movie called, “The Boys Next Door” based on a play by Tom Griffin. The place is a communal residence in New England where four mentally challenged young adults live under the supervision of their burned-out social worker, Jack. They face challenges like capturing a rat on the loose, keeping daily jobs, parental struggles, and learning to stand up for what they believe in.
For people with special needs facing big changes is especially challenging! I can still hear one of the young men in this movie saying the same words repeatedly throughout the show, “People Change”. Boy, was he right! It was challenging for them, as it is for us.
Not only do people change, but things change as well. Most of us like changes that benefit us, but we mourn the changes that take away our rights, memories, and comfort. We resist changes that are not of our own choosing. Simply put, we want to be in charge!
Today’s passage in I Samuel 10-11 is filled with some big changes that hold lessons for all of us…
This passage begins with Samuel, the former judge of Israel, anointing the head of Saul, who is to be the first King of Israel. Was this the change that Samuel was looking for? I doubt it! Was it God’s desire for Israel to have a king? Absolutely not!
Look at what the scriptures tell us about this transition from having a judge to a king, “But though I have rescued you from your misery and distress, you have rejected your God today and have said, ‘No, we want a king instead’!” (I Samuel 10: 19)
Before this time the king of Israel was God, and He led the people through the prophets and judges. The people, however, wanted an earthly king because “We want to be like the nations around us”. God was OUT; the king was IN!
But, God is always bigger than our messes!
Look at how Saul handles the “Passing of the Torch” in a relay that he does not want to participate in… He begins by telling Saul what is to come, what is to happen, what he will see, and how he is to respond. Make note that it all comes true as the spokesman of God has told him. But, there is more… much more!
“As Saul turned and started to leave, God gave him (Saul) a new heart, and all Samuel’s signs were fulfilled that day…Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he too began to prophesy. When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, “What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet? And one of those standing there said, ‘Can anyone become a prophet, no matter who his father is? So that is the origin of the saying, “Is even Saul a prophet?” (I Samuel 10: 9-12)
Yes, PEOPLE CHANGE.
Hang on because our story is about to get even better. There are lots of twists and turns in today’s handing off of the torch in leadership…
Saul now stands before the people and reminds them that they had rejected the Lord as their king because of the way they requested a monarch. Nonetheless, God is going to oversee and appoint his chosen as their king. This is a REALLY BIG moment… Drum Roll please for the coronation!!!!
And the spotlight shifts to focus on the very FIRST KING OF ISRAEL who is now anointed with the Spirit of God. The spotlight is going back and forth. I said back and forth!! But, where is Saul? They looked for Saul but he had disappeared! So, they asked the Lord, “Where is he?”
“And the Lord replied, ‘He is hiding among the baggage.’ So, they found him and brought him out, and he stood head and shoulders above anyone else.” (I Samuel 10: 22-23)
Yes, PEOPLE CHANGE.
Twist Number Two is the torch hand-off relay… “When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a group of men whose hearts God had touched went with him. But there were some scoundrels who complained, “How can this man save us? And they SCORNED him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them? “ (I Sam. 10: 26)
Whenever there is change, there are always a few (or more) SCOUNDRELS who SCORN. Have you noticed that?
Twist Number THREE! Here comes the really big ending and the punch line…
Saul is back at home “on the ranch”, so to speak. He is plowing the fields with his oxen. Just an ordinary man doing an ordinary job. Meanwhile, Israel’s enemy has been gouging people’s eyes out (literally). They are now threatening and ready to do this again to the nation that Saul is the new reluctant king over. The people are crying and tell Saul this devastating news. Watch out folks, because here comes the big ending.
PEOPLE CHANGE. Remember?
“Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he became very angry.” (11:6) The guy who was smooth, tall, good-looking, and seemingly devoid of leadership qualities (aka, “Baggage Boy”) has certainly come out from behind the luggage!!!!
Saul takes his supporters, his “Neigh Sayers” and it totals up to 3,000, 000 men from Israel and 30,000 men from Judah, and sends a message to the threatened “Eye-Spy-With-My-Little-Eye-Group”.
Help is on the way!!!! “We will rescue you by noontime tomorrow!” (11:9) “Keep your eyes peeled!” (Sorry, I added that part…)
The Israelites were RESCUED, RECOMMITTED, and RENEWED that amazing day!!!
Things Change. Obstacles Change.
PEOPLE CHANGE…WHEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS IN IT!!!
”Then they offered peace offerings to the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites were filled with joy.” (11:15)
Prove It
John 6: 22-42 (May 10)
"Prove It"
My mom likes to watch those "who dunnit" shows, the ones where they gather all the evidence of the crime, compile their case, and prove someone guilty or not guilty.
Sometimes the evidence is glaringly obvious. Other times, the search is on for each new piece of proof, and it doesn't come easy.
In today's scripture, Jesus finds himself in a position of needing to "prove it" to the people. Is this a preview of The People vs. Jesus that is coming soon?
We find Jesus in Capernaum, but the crowd is still looking for him on the mountain. Perhaps they are hungry again? When they realize he is not there, they pile into boats and head to Capernaum. (This poor man never gets a break?)
Have you ever felt that way? As if you can't get a break and the whole world is wanting something from you?
Jesus is not fooled by their following. He tells them, "I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs."
Jesus is fully aware that they are more concerned with what they can get from him than what he is trying to teach them.
Does that sound familiar? Ever been in this situation, where you know that people are not being totally real with you, but are just interested in how you can benefit them?
We see from this scripture that this type of behavior has been going on for thousands of years. So, we shouldn't be surprised when it happens to us!
Jesus goes on to tell them, "But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval."
Have you ever been hungry and all you could think about was your next big cheeseburger or that taco plate they serve at your favorite restaurant? Do we get as hungry for Jesus as we do for our favorite food items?
This crowd tells Jesus they want to perform the work of God, too. They just don't know what to do. So, Jesus informs them that all God really wants from them is for them to believe in him. Really? That's it? No turning water into wine or bringing someone back from the dead? Well...that's a relief!
But here is where it gets a little touchy. They say to him, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you."
Are you kidding me??? Did they not just witness, only the day before, how five loaves and two fish fed thousands? Did they not hear of the water that became the finest wine or the dying boy who was healed?
This reminds me of the Israelites. Over and over as they wandered for forty years, they demonstrated their doubt. They fell to worshipping other gods, building temples, and all sorts of mess. All of this after they literally stood there and watched the sea part for them to pass to safety, and their enemies be swallowed by the water.
I ask you friends, what more proof did they need? Would that be proof enough for you?
But here with have this crowd of prosecutors, wanting the defense to prove without a shadow of a doubt that what he says is truth. They have no concept of faith. They have no idea about trusting that which you cannot see to a God that you know to be real.
They need proof that Jesus is who he says he is, yet they believe about Moses something that he didn't even do.
"After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness? The Scriptures say, "Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Oh my, they are so confused. They actually thought Moses was behind the manna.
Jesus goes on to tell them the real meaning of the bread of life. He talks about those who come to him and those who believe in him. Then he reminds them that even though they have had the opportunity to actually see him, they still don't believe.
"For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will."
"For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life."
Okay...now they are really confused. This case is getting crazier by the minute for these clueless people. Did he just say that he was the Son of God? We thought his father was Joseph. How can he be saying that he comes from heaven? Can we believe a single word he says?
Do you see the dilemma? They had no faith. They needed Jesus to PROVE with his actions who he said he was. And even though they had already seen enough of his miracles, they still wanted more proof.
I believe that sometimes, when humankind is trying to wrap their minds around something that seems unfathomable, we require a little extra proof. We need more than just this or that, we need a whole lotta' this or that before we can admit to believing something that seems kind of "out there". So perhaps this was the case for this crowd on this particular day.
It is sometimes hard to just take someone at their word, especially if we don't really know them. Those who struggled with that repeatedly asked Jesus to "PROVE IT". Those who believed with unwavering faith and followed him not only with their steps but with their hearts, would live out their eternity with him.
I don't know about you, but that is proof enough for me!
King of the Castle
One Year Bible (May 10)
I Samuel 8:1-9:27.
“King of the Castle”
There is an English idiom that usually refers to someone who has a position of power within a larger group. The concept of royalty is still intriguing to most of the world. We just love the pomp and circumstance of a great Hallmark movie with the title “Prince” or “Princess” in it. We seem to think of them as a figurehead living in a romantic place with twinkling lights, bountiful servants, banquets, and happy ever after…
Our passage today is a total shift in history from following the judges appointed by God, to seeking a king to rule over them. The people were warned but they did not listen.
Samuel is leading the people back to God and he took a large stone to consecrate what God had done to rescue his people. Here is what he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!” (I Samuel 7:12.) However, there is a large shift coming…
As Samuel grew old, he appointed his oldest sons to be judges over Israel, Joel, and Abijah. “But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.” (I Samuel 8:1-3)
This just takes me back… Can we remember little Samuel watching Eli and his evil sons? What a heartbreaking task it must have been to tell Eli that the Lord was about to destroy them and take the kingdom away from them. And now, here is Samuel (the sweet boy who said ‘Here I am”) in the position of having his own sons perverting justice as they served as judges. Heartbreaking!
The people began to cry out that they wanted a king to rule over them. Why... we wonder? “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.” (I Sam. 8: 20)
Who will they seek to be the “King of their Castle”?
There was a wealthy, influential man with a handsome son. Here is what is said about him, “His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land.” (I Sam. 9: 2)
Wealth. Power. Prestige. Sex Appeal.
The perfect ingredients for the “King of the Castle” right?
God had Samuel warn the people about the consequences of seeking a king to rule over them, but they weren’t listening. Neither were Saul’s sons or Eli’s sons before Saul.
Does anyone here see a pattern of how a nation continues to wander away from God and seek its own way?
There are a few things that just really jump off the page...
First, the fathers, who were the judges of God’s people were truly not the Godly leaders of their own sons. these sons had a "second-hand faith".
Secondly, the people continued to look for substitutes in place of God.
Thirdly, wealth, power, prestige, and appearance give the illusion of grandeur but are fleeting and empty.
Look at what the OT tells about Jesus in Isaiah 53: 2-3, “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned out backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.”
It appears that oftentimes we miss the “Real King” because we are focused on the “Ritzy Castle”!
Who is the “King of Your Castle?
Will There Be Enough?
John 6:1-21 (May 9)
My sweet Granny used to make the most delicious family meals! She would feed her crowd and our bellies would get so full. There was joy and fellowship in our gatherings around her table, and those are some of my most precious memories.
But I have been with her when she was preparing for those meals. She always worried. Would it taste good? Did she remember everyone's favorites? Would there be enough?
I, myself, have fed large crowds and wondered, "Will there be enough?" So I can only imagine how the disciples felt that day on that hill near the Sea of Galilee.
I picture Jesus, tired and worn down from all the miracles, all the people needing something from him. He is getting away to this hill for some rest, but the crowds follow him. There will be no rest for Jesus in this moment.
Philip is basically "freaking out" because he knows there is no way they will be able to feed this crowd. "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money to feed them?"
But Jesus has a plan. Jesus always has a plan. This one involves a little boy with five barley loaves and two fish. (I don't know about you, but this amount of food wouldn't even fill up the people who regularly gather around my dinner table.)
Jesus gathers the thousands who are there. They sit down and he took the loaves and thanked God for them. He did the same with the fish. Everyone ate until they were as full as a meal at my Granny's house. Then the disciples gathered up the leftovers, which filled twelve baskets. You see...God supplied not only what they needed in the moment, but also provided for future needs.
Have you seen him do that in your own life?
Have you recognized his provision time and time again?
Of course, the crowd goes crazy! Wow! This must be the prophet! He is awesome! (Jesus slips away from the crowd to FINALLY get a little time to himself.)
Giving him some much-needed space, his twelve amigos went to wait for him at the shore. Jesus still hadn't shown up when darkness fell. (He was really taking some alone time.) So these guys got in the boat and headed towards Capernaum.
The seas grew rough. I'm sure they were terrified. After all, they didn't have their Miracle Worker with them to calm the seas with his gentle whisper.
When what to their wondering eyes should appear? Wait, WHAT?? Is that Jesus we see walking on the water towards our boat? This can't be happening!
Jesus calls out to them from the water, "Don't be afraid. I am here!"
They let him into the boat and quickly got to their destination.
The lesson in this scripture is about trusting Jesus to be enough. He was enough to make what little food they had on that hill last through all the hungry people, with some to spare.
He was enough to calm their fears out on that choppy water, just by trusting that he is who he says he is and reaching out for him. He was enough to get them safely to shore.
He is always ENOUGH. Enough when life is overwhelming and you don't know where to turn. Enough when sorrow holds you in its clutches and you see no release. Enough when you feel alone, frightened, hungry, depressed, or anxious. He is enough when you are confused and doubting. He is enough when your expectations aren't being met.
When Jesus is in your heart, when he is Lord of your life, you will never have to ask the question, "Will there be enough?"
New Kid in Town
One Year Bible (May 9)
I Samuel 5: 1-7:17
“New Kid in Town"
He was just a boy who saw and heard more than a child his age could begin to process.
How confusing it must have been to be given to the Lord’s service and then watch the Lord’s priests take advantage of the young women who came there. When Samuel watched the old priest, Eli, and his sons partake of all of the food in an improper manner, I wonder what he thought. He was as quiet as a “church mouse”...until he wasn’t!
One night he kept hearing a voice and thought that Eli was calling him. Repeatedly, he got out of bed and humbly came to inquire, “Here I am. Did you call me?” Eli instructed Samuel to respond to God, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”
God gave Samuel a very sober message that was way beyond his years and experience. God was going to judge and bring down the house of Eli because his sons were blaspheming God.
If that isn’t bad enough, Eli is going to ask Samuel to tell him the complete truth that God shared with him. AWKWARD!
All that God told Samuel came true in a very short time. Both of the sons were killed in battle and Old Eli literally “lost his rocker” and fell backward breaking his neck! His daughter-in-law also died while giving birth to his grandson, “Ichabod”--meaning “Where is the glory?”.
Samuel was the “New Kid In Town” and the town was in big trouble! The Ark of the Covenant had been stolen and was in possession of the Philistine rulers. There was no one in charge and things were “going downhill quickly”.
Actually, they were “Rolling Downhill” to be more precise in language. It seems that the Philistines could not keep their idol called ‘Dagon’ in one piece! It kept doing a “faceplant” and parts of it kept breaking… heads, hands, and parts were rolling! Only the trunk was intact, sort of! This is all going on without explanation. There is no judge, no leader, and yet… “THIS DAGGONE IDOL” couldn’t keep its head on straight!
Things are about to get even more grisly!! While OLD DAGGONE” is “blowing his mind”, the Philistines started growing “New Parts”. They were plagued by TUMORS! Yes, they were experiencing growths of the most audacious manner… They were starting to “wise up” with all of their “New Growth(s)”!
“Then the Lord’s heavy hand struck the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with a plague of tumors. When the people realized what was happening, they cried out, “We can’t keep the Ark of the God of Israel here any longer? He is against us! We will all be destroyed along with Dagon, our god.” (I Sam. 5:6)
Crazy how a little “growth(s)” can wise up a nation that has been acting like a bunch of rats for quite a long time!
Speaking of tumors and rats, they decide to send Israel a lovely present, “Five Golden Tumors, and FIVE Gold Rats” as a guilt offering. (And you thought your mother-in-law’s presents were lame…) These folks really know how to take gift-giving to a new level!
Oh dear, I am now hearing a song in my head, “On the fifth day of plagues my untrue love sent to me: Five TUMORS and RATS.” (This I can’t unsee!!!) But, wasn’t that the point?
So, they cried out, “Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God? “Where can we send the Ark from here? (I Sam. 6:20)
“Who is able to stand?” Great question!
Then the answer came… “Only those that KNEEL can come before the Holy God!”
Who brings this new direction? Well, it’s the NEW KID IN TOWN.
He has no resume, no vast experience, and no training as a judge. He has spent his entire childhood observing the sacrilege of blasphemy against God in the temple by God’s servants. (Let that sink in!). That IS his training. His first day in his new vocation was standing with God against his mentor, Eli, and his evil sons.
Who would even want this “Judge Job”? (Only someone who is “NEW” here!)
Samuel told the people, “If you want to return to the Lord with all your hearts, get rid of your foreign gods and your images… Turn your hearts to the Lord and obey him alone; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.” (I Sam. 7: 3-4)
Then the people went without food all day and confessed that they had sinned against the Lord. It was on this day that Samuel became Israel’s judge.
Samuel served as a judge for the rest of his life. Hebrews 11:32 counted him as one of the greatest judges, a man who led through faith.
It all began and ended with these simple words, “Speak your servant is listening.” But then, he was just the “New Kid In Town”.
The Time is Coming
John 5:24-47 (May 8)
5 years ago, I had a really rough year. I lost four family members within twelve months and quite honestly, I was at the end of my grief rope.
I lost both my step-dad and my dad within three months. It has been five years and I still have days when I can't wrap my mind around the loss.
There was ONE THING that saved my heart from completely crumbling, and that is found in our scripture today.
"And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it is here now, when the dead will hear my voice - the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live." (Jesus speaking)
He goes in to say, "Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again."
Oh, how comforting these words are to us when we are mourning a loss! What reassurance they bring to our hurting hearts...that our separation is only temporary. That is how we survive when we lose someone who we know shared that love of Jesus with us.
But... (and this is a BIG but)
What about those we love who walk in unbelief? Where is the comfort in those losses?
In today's scripture, Jesus continues his conversation by adding, "You search the scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life."
Now, that is where the true sorrow lies! We all know someone (or many someones) who refuse to receive Jesus. They may be educated about the Word of God, but they don't receive Jesus into their hearts.
That is a crushing blow to our tender hearts...to know there are those who will not reunite with us in heaven. It is frightening to think about. But hopefully that fear spurs us on and gives us the urgent desire to share what Jesus has done in our lives. Hopefully we use every opportunity to draw them closer to salvation.
We may succeed with some. We may fail with others. I am wondering your thoughts on this...how do you handle this and what do you do to keep your mind at peace?
My Three Sons
One Year Bible (May 8)
I Samuel 2: 22-4:22
“My Three Sons”
There was an American sitcom about a widower who raised his three sons with the help of their maternal grandfather, and later their uncle. What I remember the most about the show was the image of “their feet” tapping together and the theme song.
The shows of this “60’s” era focused on teaching values, morals, and how to be responsible. This show was about a father who wanted to raise his sons to be outstanding men. That was the plot! Simple. Wholesome. Respectful.
During this era, malls were closed on Sundays! Can you imagine? This was out of respect for family time, and for the entire family to go to church. There were no Sunday sports. Many went to church on Sunday evenings; it was the Lord’s DAY!
Even presidents prayed and led the nation in seeking God. Our country was known as a “Christian Nation” on both sides of the party! Politically, the elephants didn’t have big “elephants” lying under the carpet, and the “donkeys” didn’t act like “donkeys”.
Why am I talking about politics and leadership? Well, the father in this story was much more than a father of three sons; he was a judge, priest, and the leader of an evil nation. The “apple” doesn't fall far from “the tree”.
It sure makes a difference WHO you follow…A nation has always followed its leaders, for better or for worse. The Bible story today is a stark reminder of this very fact.
As you may recall from our previous devotion, “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” during this dark period of Israelite history. Some not only “Did what was wrong”, but they also did what they “Knew was wrong” and “What they could get away with”!
Like the T.V. series, “My Three Sons” we are going to ‘Follow the Feet’ today. Where did they walk, what did they do, and what are they remembered for?”
Eli, the father is old, very old. He has three sons; two were his, and one was kind of “dropped in his lap” or temple, so to speak. Perhaps you may remember Eli, the father, as the priest who accused “Hosanna Hannah” of being drunk when she came to pray in the temple. Perhaps, he should have given a little bit more scrutiny to his own life…
Here is what we know about Eli’s sons, who served as priests in the temple: “Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests.”(I Sam. 2: 12)
They were there for the barbeques and the women. (Maybe not in that order.) The Bible tells us that they weren’t the only ones “pigging out” on the sacrificed meat. Their dad was part of that indulgence. The boys lived by the slogan, “We’ve got the MEAT!” They took the food from the temple offerings by duress. (They took other things too…)
Here is a sad commentary on what their father actually knew about their behavior: “He knew, for instance, that his sons were seducing the young women who assisted at the entrance of the Tabernacle” (2: 22) Eli asked them why they kept sinning but his sons didn’t listen to him. God’s question for Eli was this: “Why do you give your sons more honor than you give me--for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of my people Israel!” (I Samuel 2: 29)
Eli’s sons did not regard his voice, and this brought the entire house of Eli DOWN! Not only was the temple filled with evil, but the “Ark of the Covenant” was no longer residing with God’s people.
Did you get this important fact? His PRESENCE was NOT with His people… Here is what the scriptures tell us about this dark time, “Now in those days messages from the Lord were very RARE, and visions were quite UNCOMMON.” (I Samuel 3: 1)
The people had not been listening… Not the priest, not his sons, and not the people! There was an eery silence. The enemy seemed to be winning, but everything was about to change.
When the Israelite army went to get “The Ark of the Covenant”, they took the two sons of Eli with them. There was a shout so loud it made the GROUND SHAKE! Not only did it shake the ground; it shook up the entire kingdom! EARTHQUAKE!!!!
The two sons of Eli were killed and Eli, the judge of Israel, fell backward and broke his neck and died! Eli’s daughter-in-law also died while giving birth to his grandson. She named the baby Ichabod--which means “Where is the Glory” because “the glory had departed from Israel”.
Who brought down every evil leader including the spiritual leaders in this Kingdom?
Who placed the third son in a position to hear his voice and respond?
Why did God do this?
“The Glory of God” does NOT dwell with evil; Holiness CAN NOT and WILL NOT abide in the same dwelling!
“The Glory” is about to come back and dwell with HIS people. You see, there is a third son placed in the temple for such a time as this. He hears his FATHER’s VOICE and a small, young voice responds: “Speak your servant is listening.”
Oh, that we may model for our children the heart of Samuel!
Oh, that we would not turn a blind eye to sin and honor sin more than our Father’s Will for us to be… Humble. Willing. Listening.
Three sons. Two rushed towards evil.
Only One Stepped Forward... Here I am. Use me.
Racking Up the Miracles
John 5:1-23 (May 7)
Jesus continues his journey and finds himself in Jerusalem. It is a holy day.
He sees the crowds of sick people gathered by the pool of Bethesda. When I think of crowds and pools...I think "Yuck!" (Do you know what happens in crowded public pools? Especially full of children?)
This crowd isn't really there for sunbathing, taking a leisurely dip, or using the pool as a restroom. They are there because they are sick and need healing, and these are supposed to be healing waters.
Now I am thinking of hot tubs and the healing of sore muscles and aches & pains. That sounds pretty good right now, as
ling as the "pee pee crowd" isn't there!
One poor man has suffered for 38 years. Just thinking about that sounds awful. When we get an ache or pain, we want immediate relief. This guy has been suffering for 38 years and has no hope of help because he can't seem to get to the healing waters.
What he doesn't realized is that he is about to be healed by the Living Water!
Jesus approaches him. "Would you like to get well?"
This poor man expresses his discouragement and Jesus simply tells him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"
The man received instant healing. This is miracle Number 3 for Jesus. He is just racking up the miracles wherever his feet take him!
The problem in all this was that this healing took place on the Sabbath. There were objections from the Jewish leaders, considering Jesus to be "working" on the Sabbath, which was against the rules. (Whoa...wait a minute! Are they saying Jesus, Lord of Lords, is a rule breaker??!!)
They came at Jesus with their accusations and he simply replied, "My Father is always working, and so am I."
Oh friends, aren't you glad Jesus us ALWAYS working? Aren't you grateful that he doesn't take a day off...or a 2-week vacation.
Where would we all be if Jesus took time off? What would we do, battling this world in our own?
On the flip side of that, do you ever feel like Jesus IS taking a day off from a situation in your life? Maybe you feel like he doesn't hear your prayers? Or you don't feel his presence.
Let me promise you this...He will NEVER leave you or forsake you. He hears every prayer, sees every tear that slides down your cheek, and suffers every heartache alongside you.
Sometimes we just have to be patient. We have to wait for God's timing which is so much greater than our own. But the assurance is, that when the time is right, he will answer you. He will tell you to "pick up your mat and walk."