Tag Archives: Gospel of Luke

Mar 27 2014

Fire On the Earth – Not Peace! – (Luke 12)

English: Northwest Crown Fire Experiment, Nort...

English: Northwest Crown Fire Experiment, Northwest Territories, Canada Français : Feu de forêt expérimental (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Verse 49 is just not easy to understand. It’s true. Incredibly, today yours truly read six largely different viewpoints from six commentators on that verse! The verse reads (in the ESV) “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” And it is one of those that could possibly have a double meaning. But I don’t think so. I believe that what Jesus meant here is that the fire He came to start was the message of salvation, preaching Jesus Christ crucified, and that this fire (also lit aflame in the hearts of men and women) would spread throughout the world. And He wishes that it would begin already.

Now admittedly, He had not yet been crucified when He spoke those words. But notice in the next verse he said “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” Of course, there is not total agreement on what this verse means. But for the most part, scholars interpret this as referring to his death, burial, and resurrection. The phrase “how great is my distress until it is accomplished” likely means two things – He wants to have it over with, and He certainly dreads it (He will prove that to be true soon in the garden at Gethsemane).

Newborn Portrait Session

Newborn Portrait Session (Photo credit: kristaguenin)

Beginning in verse 51, Jesus then talks about the differences that many families would have with the gospel. He said “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division…father against son and son against father, mother against daughter…” Today, perhaps more than ever in recent history, we see that very thing happening in families all over. Families are not converted or saved together, for the most part. Salvation comes to individuals, and often there is division among the family members concerning the Lord. Sometimes, those divisions even becomes bitterness toward each other.

In verses 54-56, Jesus speaks especially to that present generation. They have learned to predict the weather, but they cannot see the truth standing right in front of them – that the Messiah they have longed for has come. Verses 57-59 are good advice for anyone in a legal matter. Try to settle it with your adversary before (and even instead of) letting it go to court. But it is better advice for those who want to be saved. Seek forgiveness, as God has made it supremely possible, rather than facing God on the day of judgment.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 26 2014

Stay Dressed For Action – (Luke 12)

In verse 35, Jesus is speaking about being prepared, but not everyone is understanding it fully, much less the parable that He speaks. Peter makes that fact clear in verse 41, when he asks “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” He begins by telling them to “stay dressed for action” (literally, “let your loins stay girded”), and “keep your lamps burning.” He speaks in terms of servants who keep watch while they wait for their master to return. They would be ready to serve him as soon as he returned, perhaps taking turns keeping watch. Those who “stay awake” and ready are blessed.

Vision from Book of Revelation

Vision from Book of Revelation (Photo credit: cliff1066™)

Referring to Himself as well (in the second coming), he speaks of having them recline at table, as He serves them – reminds us of the heavenly banquet of the “marriage supper of the lamb” (Revelation 19:9). He says that if he finds them awake and ready on the second or third watch, they are surely blessed. Having gone past the first watch with nothing happening, the servants would be normally inclined to be lackadaisical. But he points out that the master of the house would not leave his house unguarded if he knew when the thief would come.  As Christians, we would be ready at the right time for certain if we knew exactly when Jesus will return.

But that is the point. We do not know, and so we must always be prepared. The comparison is made then to the servants who are overseers of other servants. They know what is expected of them, but the wicked ones beat the others, thinking themselves far removed from the authority of the absent master. But the righteous behave well , and are just and compassionate all of the time because that is how their hearts are, and it is what is expected of them. Jesus wants us to live always as servants with that sort of heart – one who will always be ready because we want to do what is right.

It is our love for the Lord first, and our love for others secondly that will compel us to always be ready doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 25 2014

Where the Heart Is – (Luke 12)

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, someone spoke up and asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him. We can assume that this was a younger brother, as the eldest would have had the “double-portion” of the estate, and so also would have control. We are not told whether he was just seeking to get what he was rightly owed, or he  wanted a bigger share. Since the parable that follows was about covetousness, the latter is likely, and Jesus, of course, refused to get involved in the dispute.

The Parable of the Rich Fool by Rembrandt, 1627.

The Parable of the Rich Fool by Rembrandt, 1627. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the parable of the rich fool, the man had more already than he needed. But instead of using his wealth to help those in need, he was only concerned with being able to keep accumulating more. And so, he did just that. But then God told him that his soul was required of him that very night – not next week or next year, but now. So, God asked, who would possess all of these things that he had prepared for himself. The point is obvious. The man should have devoted as much effort to laying up treasures in heaven – doing good with his wealth, and becoming rich toward God. Riches will mean nothing at the end of this short life.

In verses 22-34, Jesus tells us not to worry and fret about what we will wear or what we eat. He reminds us how God even provides food for the birds of the air. Surely, we are more valued by Him! Jesus is not telling us that we cannot make plans to provide for our families and our future. The scriptures are plentiful with words to the contrary. But the wise words he speaks are often difficult for us to absorb – “which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” This makes so much sense, but it is so very difficult for those of us who daily battle with anxiety.

English: An anxious person

English: An anxious person (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jesus says, “instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” In the earlier chapter, Jesus told His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body. Now He tells them not to be afraid because God wants to give us the kingdom. If we truly devote ourselves to being His children, keeping His commandments, doing good to others, and giving to those in need, not only will God provide for our basic needs here on earth, but He will provide us with a place with Him forever. What more could we want?

There is nothing that can happen to us in this life that will matter when we cross into eternity with the Lord – nothing! To this end, Jesus tells us to provide ourselves with “moneybags” that do not grow old. Where our treasure is, our hearts will be also. My heart has been focused too much of my life on the cares of this world. I remind myself of these things Jesus said, and keep trying to change that day by day.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 24 2014

Forgiveness Freely Given – (Luke 12)

As Luke 12 opens, Jesus has just left the dinner with the Pharisees at the end of chapter 11, and he tells His disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees. This refers not only to their hypocrisy, but to their teachings and influence as well. But He is warning them (and us) against hypocrisy and the damage it can do to their reputations and the church He is building in verses 2-3 when He says:

“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”

Jesus then tells them not to fear those that kill the body. This is a very real and relevant admonition, and He knows that His apostles will all find themselves in positions for that sort of fear to be a real threat. But the One He says they should fear is God, who can cast into hell. He emphasizes God’s omnipotence by pointing out how cheap five sparrows can be bought – yet not one of them is forgotten by God, who even numbers the hairs on your head.

The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded...

The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded by angels, by Giaquinto, 1750s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In verses 8-12, Jesus is preparing His disciples for “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of what they will encounter in spreading the gospel. Those that acknowledge Him before men will be acknowledged by Jesus before God. Those who deny Him, will be denied before God. Anyone who speaks a word against Him will be forgiven. But he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven (found also in Matthew 12:31-32).

It is important to understand what is being said here. Many people have believed that because they have said something irreverent about the Holy Spirit, they can never be forgiven, and are thus condemned. The very fact that they fear that to be true proves that it is false! This is best explained by a couple of quotes from Burton Coffman and Anthony Lee Ash. Coffman said:

“The three dispensations of God’s grace are in view here. Blaspheming
God in the patriarchal period, or Christ as the culmination of the
Mosaic period, or the Holy Spirit in the age of the gospel were in the
ascending order of seriousness. “The Holy Spirit with his teachings is
the last that God has to offer man; and, if one blasphemes the Holy
Spirit by rejecting the New Testament, there is no chance for
forgiveness.”

Perhaps better stated by Ash, who said:

“One could reject Jesus during his personal ministry and still accept him by accepting Spirit-inspired preaching. But reject the latter and there would be no further overture from God”

It is the rejection of the Holy Spirit that makes forgiveness impossible, for without accepting this gift, there is no way for the heart to be opened to God’s word and the truth. The fact is that forgiveness is freely given to all those who desire to do the will of God.

Verses 11-12 were for his disciples. Notice that He says “When…” not “If…” “they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Jesus knew this was going to happen to them. He did everything He could to prepare them for every eventuality because He knew what they would face.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 20 2014

Building Tombs – (Luke 11)

In verse 29, Jesus tells the increasing crowd that ” this generation is an evil generation,” which seeks a sign. It is an evil generation because they have the Son of God in their midst, and they will, by and large, reject Him. He compares them to Nineveh, who repented because of Jonah’s preaching, and the Queen of Sheba who came from so far away to witness Solomon’s wisdom. They have one greater than both of those, yet they will not accept Him.

English: A dispute with the pharisees. Passeri...

English: A dispute with the pharisees. Passeri. In the Bowyer Bible in Bolton Museum, England. Print 4384. From “An Illustrated Commentary on the Gospel of Mark” by Phillip Medhurst. Section D. Jesus confronts uncleanness. Mark 1:21-45, 2:1-12, 5:1-20, 25-34, 7:24-30. http://pdfcast.org/pdf/an-illustrated-commentary-by-phillip-medhurst-on-the-gospel-of-mark-section-d (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The only sign they will get is the sign of Jonah, He says. Jonah was in the belly of the “great fish” for 3 days, just as He will be in the tomb. But even this greater sign will not be enough for so many of them. It is in this context that Jesus tells them that the eye is the lamp of the body. Those who see the truth for what it is will have this light affecting their entire lives. Those who choose not to see the truth will have the darkness.

While Jesus was speaking to them, yet another Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. He was amazed that Jesus did not wash first. This was not a matter of hygiene to the Pharisees, but a ritual that they had dictated – and so it also was a rejection of the Pharisees’ authority. Jesus then chides them for cleaning the outside of their cups and dishes, yet inside themselves they are corrupt.

Jesus pronounces three “woes” on the Pharisees then. He says they tithe even the herbs they cook with, but they neglect justice and the love of God. It is their love of having the best seat in the synagogue, and their love for the honors bestowed on them by men that He condemns in the second woe. Then he says they are like unmarked graves that people walk over without knowing. Contact with a grave would make one ceremonially unclean. Yet people follow the teachings of these hypocrites, thinking that they are pleasing God, when they are actually being tainted by them.

The lawyers that He next pronounces woes upon are the Scribes. They are responsible for keeping the law (as the Pharisees see it), and for teaching it. Yet they push rabbinical laws that God does not command upon the people, while not holding themselves to the same standards. The statement that they build the tombs of the prophets that their fathers killed is not hard to understand, once we look at the next sentence. It says that they are witnesses, and they consent to the deeds of their fathers. They are witnesses to the very Messiah that the prophets died proclaiming, and by their rejection of Jesus, they “build the tombs” of those prophets that their fathers killed. The last woe refers to them taking away “the key of knowledge.” This refers to the knowledge of the Messiah. And though they do not enter the kingdom of God, they hinder others from entering in.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 19 2014

Parable or Practicality? – (Luke 11)

Verses 24-26 come on the heels of Jesus casting out a demon from a man. Nevertheless, this passage, taken as it is, seems completely out-of-place here. One might even wonder why it was even included. Really, how could such information be useful, even to one who had been possessed? The verses speak of an unclean spirit that “goes out” of the subject, and then returns with seven more that are even more evil after the house is swept and placed in order, leaving the subject worse than before. Undoubtedly, the things he speaks of were true of certain demons that afflicted people in the first century. But still, what is the point?

The Pharisees Question Jesus

The Pharisees Question Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As is always the case with scripture, context is everything. But let’s first look at the same content, as told in Matthew 12:43-45. Much of Matthew’s gospel was written topically, but that only serves to make context more relevant. In Matthew 12:41-42, Jesus speaks of how Nineveh will rise up on the day of judgment condemning “this generation” (meaning the Jews of His time). Then He says the same about the queen of the south (an obvious reference to the queen of Sheba) who came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, “and behold, one greater than Solomon is here.”

Piero della Francesca: Legend of the True Cros...

Piero della Francesca: Legend of the True Cross – the Queen of Sheba Meeting with Solomon , Detail. (c. 1452-66, Fresco, San Francesco, Arezzo, Italy) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then at the end of the passage in Matthew about the 8 spirits, Jesus said “So also will it be with this evil generation.” So clearly, the story of the unclean spirits is intended as a parable. And we see the same thing looking closely at Luke. He has already made it clear that “the kingdom of God has come upon you” (verse 20). And after telling the Pharisees in verses 21-22 (in so many words) that He is mightier than Satan, He says “whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Burton Coffman made an analysis of the parable of the unclean spirits that we feel is pretty close to the mark. We will close with that analysis below, with our own comments in bold:

“The man in whom the evil spirit was = Israel.” Agreed
“The going out of the demon = the rebirth of the nation under the preaching of John the Baptist.” Partly agree – could refer also to Israel since the time after Ezra and Nehemiah, when idolatry finally was under control.
“The swept and garnished period = the emptiness of Israel’s inadequate regeneration. No meaningful change in the people occurred.” Agreed
“The restlessness of the demon = the relentless and unresting hostility against Jesus of the evil powers.” Agreed – hostility and rejection
“His repossession of the victim = total repossession of national Israel by Satan’s evil forces. This refers to the judicial hardening of Israel.” Leaving him in worse condition than before would also seem to refer to the coming judgment of A.D. 70 that looms over them after the crucifixion (Hence, the “Oh Jerusalem” lament of Matthew 23:37-39)

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 18 2014

Who Is Beelzebul? – (Luke 11)

The subject of demons in the New Testament scriptures is one that tends to make us uncomfortable for many reasons. Not the least of those is that the subject is possibly more difficult to defend to an unbeliever than that of the other miracles that Jesus and His apostles performed. We tend to feel more comfortable even with the discussion of resurrection from the dead than with one centered around demon possession in the NT. We have addressed that fact here in this previous post, and there is an excellent article that deals extensively with the subject at ApologeticsPress.org. But it was a fact of life in the time around the first century, and make no mistake – the Bible does not confuse the condition with any sort of disease. We believe that such happenings ended with the age of the Apostles, as did miracles. Having said that, there is much that we do not know about the subject, and we would not care to open any doors to personal knowledge (tongue not so firmly planted in cheek).

English: ELIYAH VISITS KING AHAB AND THE BA'AL...

English: ELIYAH VISITS KING AHAB AND THE BA’AL PROPHETS 1 MELAKIM 21 KINGS (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In verse 14, Jesus casts out a demon that was causing a man to be mute – one of the many ways that they afflicted people. Some praised him and others said that he did this “by Beelzebul, prince of demons.”Your version may have the name as the more familiar “Beelzebub.” But where did this name come from?

It is probably an intentional, mocking Hebrew corruption of the name for the Canaanite God “Baal-zebul” (there were many Baals, not just one), which meant “god of the height, or high dwelling.” It is first mentioned in 1 Kings 2:2-3 by the Baal-worshiping son of king Ahab, Ahaziah. The name used here in Luke translates to “lord of the dunghill” or “lord of the flies” (yes, that was the title to the novel by William Golding).

The Jews had adapted this insulting name for the Baal god into another name for Satan. Some have said that the name’s association with the devil had been taken from the “Testament of Solomon” (not to be confused with the Old Testament book, “Song of Solomon”). But that non-inspired secular writing is traceable to the 1st or 2nd century A.D., more than 1,000 years after Solomon’s reign. But Beelzebul was used by the Jews as a name for Satan long before someone tried in vain to pass that literature off as God’s word. This was perhaps the most grievous accusation the Pharisees made against the Lord.

Jesus pointed out the illogical nature of their accusation by stating that if Satan was giving Him the power to cast out demons, He was fighting against himself; and a house (or kingdom) divided against itself cannot stand (no, that phrase was not original with Lincoln 🙂 ). We really like how Jesus finishes his answer, letting them know in no uncertain terms that He is mightier than Satan:

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 17 2014

Good Gifts – (Luke 11)

This chapter begins with one of the many occasions when the gospel writers record that Jesus was praying. When he had finished, one of His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray “as John taught his disciples.” The example Jesus then gave them was an abbreviated version of what we have come to know as “the Lord’s Prayer,” found in Matthew 6:9-13. This is, however, a different occasion and a slightly different prayer. It is not a commandment to pray by rote, any more than that prayer in the famous Sermon on the Mount. But it does serve as a model for making reverent supplication.

The Lord's Prayer (1886-1896) from the series ...

The Lord’s Prayer (1886-1896) from the series The Life of Christ, Brooklyn Museum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The example that Jesus gives of the persistent neighbor knocking on the man’s door at midnight often leads people to the conclusion that we sometimes have to just keep “bugging” God in prayer, and finally he will give in and let us have what we want.  But is that really what Jesus is telling us here? Please do not misunderstand. We are not saying that there is no value in persistent prayer. A good case can be made for the opposite, in fact, by reading the parable in Luke 18:1-8 and other passages such as Colossians 4:2, and Psalm 88:1.

But let’s look at the context of this passage. Jesus has just given an example of how to pray to our heavenly Father. Then he asks the people which of them has a friend that they would go to in the middle of the night for food for a traveling friend. Keep in mind that most families would be sleeping in the same room of a house in those times. What an inconvenience – especially for those with small children! The friend might very well call out for them to go away, but may give in – not out of friendship, but because of persistence. The friend may want to give them what they need to make them go away.

But the relationship we have with God is not like that of a friend. It is more like a father. God wants to give His children good gifts – especially those of the Holy Spirit.  That does not mean that He will give us anything we ask for. God is too wise for that. He knows what our needs are, and He will give us what we need. Sometimes that may be different from what we think that we want, however. A father whose child asks for an egg will not give him a scorpion, the text says. God knows how to give us gifts according to our needs. What He gives us, even if different from what we ask for, will be what we need.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 14 2014

An International Incident – 1 Chronicles 19-20

Landscape with David and Bathsheba

Landscape with David and Bathsheba (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Most of the events of these two chapters are contained in chapters 10-11 of 2 Samuel, but there are some differences. Most conspicuously absent here is any reference to David’s sin with Bathsheba. This affair and betrayal of Uriah the Hittite took place at the time that “Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah” (1 Chronicles 20:1).

Most scholars agree that the account is not left out simply to avoid showing David in a bad light. There are several things that demonstrate David’s goodness which the chronicler did not write about either. But the purpose of the chronicles was to preserve the knowledge (for the returning exiles and their descendants) of God’s covenant with David and reassure them that it was still a promise from God.

As chapter 19 opens, David sends messengers to give his condolences to  Hanun the son of Nahash the Ammonite because Nashash had “dealt kindly” with him. It is unknown what kindness that was. But Hanun, suspecting David’s motives and thinking his servants were spies, he shaved them and cut there clothes off at the hip, sending them on their way. After realizing the seriousness of the international incident he had created, Hanun hired chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia and surrounding areas and kingdoms in a futile attempt to defeat David’s army.

English: The young Hebrew David hoists the hea...

English: The young Hebrew David hoists the head of the Philistine Goliath (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After Joab “struck down Rabbah,” David accumulated much gold and other precious plunder – including a crown of gold that was taken from the king’s head. Verse 3 of chapter 20 says that they did the same to all of cities of the Ammonites. Then in verses 4-8, came the defeat of many Philistines, some of which were giants on the order of the Goliath that David killed when Saul was king. The Goliath here is not the same one, obviously.

The one mentioned in verse 6 with the extra digits had a condition called polydactyly, a condition that a small percentage of people are born with to this day – including yours truly (mine was an extra thumb). The man that holds the world record for the most digits is Akshat Saxena in India. He was born in 2010 with 7 digits on each hand and 10 digits on each foot, for a total of 34 digits!

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy
___________________
some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

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Mar 13 2014

The Good Portion – (Luke 10)

The village that Jesus and His followers entered in verse 38 was likely Bethany. Though the text does not state specifically, Mary and Martha in these verses are surely the same two women that were the sisters of Lazarus  (John 11:1). Lazarus is not mentioned here, and some have speculated that  it may be because of Jesus’ personal relationship with the three siblings.

 

English: Jesus at the house of Mary and Martha

English: Jesus at the house of Mary and Martha (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Those who were Jesus’ enemies were still in power when Luke was written (John was written later), and so some believe that, given the nature of the miracle Jesus performed on Lazarus, it was not desirable to call more attention to this family. This is thoughtful speculation, but it could be over-thinking the situation. The Holy Spirit determined what would be included in each gospel. Though there was much else that happened at their home, Luke had a certain point to make.

 

Martha was distracted with “much serving” as a hostess, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. Martha thought Mary should help her instead, and she told Jesus so. Jesus answered: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

 

This passage is here simply to remind us of how easy it is for us to become so busy and distracted, so anxious and worried about other things, that we forget about what is most important. Martha and Mary had the Son of God in their home as a guest teaching those present personally. Martha’s heart was in the right place wanting to be a good hostess to all present. But what Jesus had to offer her was more important, and the rest would keep.

 

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

 

/Bob’s boy

 

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

 

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  

 

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