For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
Mockers and the simple-minded need to see or experience punishment in order to gain wisdom. Those who are wise listen to instruction in order to become wiser. Let us strive to be the latter rather than the former.
We hear stories from time to time about households where terrible things were going on behind closed doors and no one knew. Well, God knows and will bring ruin upon those who hide their wickedness in their homes.
If the people of a nation worship and trust God, that nation will be safe and secure. However, those who put their trust in their military might and disregard God’s word will discover that their might will fail them. If we put our hope and trust in the Lord, seeking to do His will, He will care for and protect us. Let us seek to teach our neighbors to fear and trust the Lord for that is the path to joy and security.
Every time I read this passage, I am struck by something other than the message most often taken from it, although that message is there as well. First, I will mention the message most often taken from this passage that we should never forget. Those who preach the Gospel and otherwise tend to the spiritual needs of the body of believers are entitled to financial and material support by the body of believers. We should contribute to their well-being to the best of our ability. However, Paul here states that he has refused such support (although elsewhere he acknowledges accepting support at times). The point I take away from this is that some of us are called to minister to the body of Christ without accepting support from said body. This is always a decision to be reached by the person so called. The body of believers who they serve should be prepared, and should offer, to provide them with financial and material support.
The people’s initial response to hearing the words of the Book of the Law read and explained to them was to mourn. They were heartbroken when they realized how far they had fallen short of God’s commands. However, the leaders did not let them wallow in their grief. Rather, they reminded them that they had gathered to celebrate God’s wonderful power in returning them to Jerusalem and protecting them as they rebuilt the city. They encouraged them to share with those who had come less prepared. The people listened to their leaders and celebrated the feast, sharing with those around them.
Later, they gathered another time to confess their sins and seek God’s forgiveness. This passage reminds us that there are times to celebrate God’s goodness and other times to bare our souls and grieve for how badly we have sinned.