Today’s psalm is beautiful, yet if I did not need to dig into it to find things to write for my blog I would have missed its beauty. This psalm is a perfect example of why I need this blog in order to truly study God’s word. Because I have disciplined myself to writing something about each passage of my reading, I need to read and re-read each passage until I see something to write. With some passages that is easy, with other passages it is hard. With this psalm it is not hard, but I would have read over this psalm quickly and seen it as yet more of the same. However, since I needed to write something I looked a little deeper and realized there were some good lessons there for me.
     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 18-19:10

     David mustered his men for battle, appointing generals and captains over them. As David prepared to march out with them to meet Absalom’s army, his men objected strongly. They told David that if they ran away. or even if half of them were killed, Absalom’s men would not care, David would be their sole target. As long as David was alive, their cause was not lost, but if David was killed, Absalom had won. They told David that he should remain in the town and send out reinforcements as needed. David heeded their advice and stayed behind, but stood by the gate as they marched out. In front of the men David ordered his commanders, Joab, Abishai (Joab’s brother) and Ittai, to spare Absalom for his sake.
     The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim and David’s men beat back the army of Israel. The account tells us that more men died because of the forest than from weapons. Absalom had come upon some of David’s men, he tried to escape them on his mule. However, his hair got caught in a branch and his mule left him dangling in the air. One of David’s men reported to Joab that he had seen Absalom dangling in the air. Joab asked him why he had not killed Absalom, telling him that he would have rewarded him handsomely for doing so. The man replied that he would not have killed David’s son for 100 times that amount because he had heard David tell the commanders to spare Absalom. If he had killed Absalom, David would have found out and Joab would not have protected the man. Joab then went and killed Absalom himself.
     Ahimaaz, who had been one of the two young men to bring news of Absalom’s battle plans from Jerusalem, asked Joab for permission to take the news to David. Joab told him that David would not take see the news of Absalom’s death as good news and refused. Instead Joab turned to an Ethiopian and sent him. Ahimaaz continued to beg Joab to let him go. Joab finally gave him permission to go. Ahimaaz, being more familiar with the area, took the easier route and arrived at Mahanaim first. When David asked him what news he brought, Ahimaaz told him that his forces had been victorious and the rebels were defeated. When David specifically asked him about Absalom, Ahimaaz said that there was confusion when he left the army and he did not know. Then the Ethiopian arrived. David questioned him and the Ethiopian told him that Absalom was dead. David immediately began to mourn the death of Absalom.
     When Joab heard that David was ostentatiously mourning Absalom, he went to David and confronted him. Joab accused David of wishing that all of his own men had died that day rather than Absalom and told him that if he did not go out and congratulate his men on their victory, they would abandon him. David took Joab’s advice, went out and greeted his men as they returned from battle.

John 20:1-31

     On the morning of after the Passover Sabbath, before it was yet light, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. She ran to Simon Peter and the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (generally understood to be John). She told them that Jesus’ body had been taken from the tomb and they didn’t know where it had been taken. Peter and John ran to the tomb. John was faster and got there first (and perhaps Peter was conflicted since He had denied Christ three times during His trial) but did not go in, only looked in. When Peter got there he went in and John joined him. They both saw the linen which Jesus’ body had been wrapped in lying there empty. At that moment they understood for the first time Jesus’ teaching that He would rise from the dead and believed it. However, they did not know what else to do, so they went home.
     Mary Magdalene remained outside the tomb crying. Tow angels appeared to her (although from her reaction she apparently did not realize that that was what they were) dressed in white sitting where Jesus’ body had been lying. When they asked her why she was crying she answered that it was because someone had taken Jesus’ body and she did not know where. She turned to leave and saw someone standing there, who also asked her why she was crying. Assuming that this man tended the garden where the tomb was she asked him if he knew where Jesus’ body was and told him that if he told her where it was, she would take it somewhere else. At that point the man said her name and she realized that He was Jesus. Whenever I read this, I cannot but help to tear up when I think of the absolute despair that she must have been feeling and the incredible joy which it turned into. I do not know if I can truly understand what Mary felt in this situation, but I know the absolute despair which I felt that led me to the decision that allowed me to finally truly see God. And I know the joy I felt when that revelation came to full fruition.
     That evening, the disciples were meeting in a locked room, out of fear of the Jewish leaders. Jesus was there among them. He told them to be at peace (calming their fears at His sudden appearance). Jesus then told them that He was sending them in the same way that the Father had sent Him. He then breathed the Holy Spirit on them and told them that anyone whose sins they forgave was forgiven and anyone they would not forgive would not be forgiven. Since I believe that this passage applies to us, this lays a serious obligation on us to forgive others.
     Thomas was not with them at this meeting. He told the other disciples that he would only believe it was really Jesus if he could see the wounds for himself and put his fingers into them. Thomas has long been the disciple I most identify with. I have trouble believing things I have not witnessed for myself. Eight days after that first appearance, Jesus again appeared among the disciples while they were gathered, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus told Thomas to touch His wounds, to see that they were indeed real and that this was indeed Jesus risen from the dead. At this, Thomas believed. There are two important things here. The first is that if you are willing to accept proof that God is real, God will provide you with proof. The second is what Jesus told Thomas, Thomas believed because he saw Jesus, those who believe without seeing Jesus are even more blessed. I struggle with needing proof before I believe. Those who can believe more readily are much more blessed than I. I know that the reason I do experience more of God’s power is because of my inability to believe without proof. I continue to pray the prayer of the father whose son Jesus healed after His Transfiguration: “I believe, help my unbelief.”

Psalm 119:153-176

     The psalmist tells us that if we serve God and seek to obey His commands, He will plead our cause and redeem us. Those who ignore God’s rules will be far from any hope of rescue. God’s word can be summed up as the truth. His rules are just and will stand forever. Powerful people may harass us without cause, but we need be in fear of nothing but God’s word. Let us turn to God for understanding, He has promised to give it to those who ask Him for it.

I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
That is certainly me and I am grateful that God did indeed come and find me and bring me back to Him.

Proverbs 16:14-15

     Those who are wise will do their best to appease the anger of those who rule over them. When one is in favor with those who rule, one’s life is easy.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 17:1-29

     Ahithophel counseled Absalom to give him 12,000 men to immediately pursue David and his men. That way they could overtake them while they were tired and before they had a chance to organize their defense. David and his men would panic and many of the men would run away. Ahithophel would be able to kill only David and bring the rest of David’s people back to serve Absalom. Absalom and the men with him liked Ahithophel’s plan, but Absalom called for Hushai and asked what he thought of Ahithophel’s advice. Hushai told Absalom that Ahithophel was wrong. David and his men were mighty warriors and they would currently be enraged, which meant that they would fight with determination. In addition, David was an experienced soldier, so he would not be with the rest of his troops, but would be hiding apart from them with a small force. Hushai said that when Ahithophel’s force attacked the main force, David would emerge from hiding and attack them from the flank. Because everyone knew what mighty warriors David and his men were, as soon as they started inflicting casualties on Absalom’s troops panic would set in and even the bravest soldiers would be paralyzed with fear.
     Hushai advised that instead of sending a small force after David quickly under Ahithophel’s command, Absalom should muster the entire Israelite army and lead it into battle himself. Then he would have such an overwhelming force that they could easily wipe out David and his loyal supporters. In addition, if David should take up a defensive position in a town, Absalom would have the means to lay siege to the town and bring down its walls. Absalom and his men liked Hushai’s advice better than Ahithophel’s and chose to follow it. Hushai then told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, the plans that had been discussed and told them to send word to David to not camp at the Jordan River, but to go into the wilderness on the other side. The priests’ sons had stayed in a town outside of Jerusalem to avoid being seen entering and leaving the city, so the priests sent word to them through a servant girl. However, a boy saw the two young men and took word to Absalom. The two young men left where they had been staying and went to another town where someone hid them in his well and put a cloth over it with grain scattered on top to dry in the sun. When Absalom’s men arrived looking for the priests’ sons, they were told that they had already departed. Absalom’s men went looking for them, but were unable to find them and returned to Jerusalem. As soon as Absalom’s men returned to Jerusalem, the priests’ sons went to David and gave him word.
     David and his men immediately crossed the Jordan and were on the other side by dawn. David and his men traveled to Mahanaim, the city out of which Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, had ruled over Israel for two years. He was greeted by three leaders of the city (or perhaps just wealthy men based on that side of the Jordan), who brought him and his men supplies. Ahithophel, when he realized that Absalom was not following his advice, returned to his home town, set all of his affairs in order and killed himself. In the meantime, Absalom mustered the Israelite army and crossed the Jordan in pursuit of David.

John 19:23-42

     John starts today’s passage by showing how the crucifixion was a fulfillment of Psalm 22 (as at some point do the other Gospel writers). While Jesus was on the cross, He saw His mother standing at the foot of the cross along with “the disciple he loved.” He asked the disciple to care for His mother and the account tells us that this disciple did so going forward. Jesus then stated that He was thirsty (another reference to Psalm 22). He was offered sponge soaked in sour wine. He tasted the wine, cried out that it was finished and died. This was a remarkably quick death for a crucifixion. Because it was the day before the Passover Sabbath, the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left hanging. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the prisoners broken to speed their deaths. Pilate ordered his men to do so. When they came to Jesus they found that He was already dead, so they did not break His legs (which fulfilled a prophecy that none of His bones would be broken). However, they drove a spear into His side to ensure that He was dead. This also fulfilled a prophecy regarding His death.
     After this Joseph of Arimathea got permission from Pilate to take down Jesus’ body and bury it. He and Nicodemus brought perfumed ointment and wrapped Jesus’ body with the ointment and linen according to Jewish custom. They then buried it in a new tomb near to the place of crucifixion.

Psalm 119:129-152

     The psalmist makes a great point to which we must pay close attention, even the simple can understand God’s word if they try. It does not take a college degree, or study at a seminary to understand the message that God has given us. The psalmist instructs us to pray to God that He guide us with His word and teach us His decrees. It is a source of great sorrow to me that people choose to disobey God’s instructions because I know the suffering that comes from that choice. Those who disobey God’s commands always suffer as a result, and often inflict suffering on others as well. As Christians, we join the psalmist in mourning for this suffering.
     We may be insignificant and despised (I am certainly insignificant, I will leave it to others to determine if I am despised), but if we remember and follow God’s commands we can change the world. Trouble and anguish may find us, but we can find joy and relief in following God’s commands. If we pray with all of our hearts, God will answer our prayers and show us how to follow His will. Then it is up to us to do so. I will repeat that we do not need a seminary education to know God’s will, if we study His word and pray to Him, He will give us understanding of His will. God’s commands are true and they will last forever.

Proverbs 16:12-13

     A ruler who commits wicked acts is undermining his own rule. Those who wish to rule long and prosperously delights in those who speak righteousness and who speak to him with honesty. A ruler who surrounds himself with those who do evil and tell him only what he wants to hear is dooming himself to failure.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23

     The people of the city cried that David was fleeing. The priests and Levites accompanied David with the Ark of the Covenant. They set the Ark down at the edge of the city and Abiathar offered sacrifices as David’s people passed by. David instructed Zadok and Abiathar to take the Ark back into the city. In addition, David told them he would wait at the shallows of the Jordan River for a report from them that they could send by way of their sons. When David heard that his adviser Ahithophel was backing Absalom, David prayed to God that Ahithophel give Absalom bad advice. As David fled he was met by Hushai, another of his advisers. David told Hushai to return to Jerusalem and offer his services to Absalom. By doing so, Hushai could frustrate the advice of Ahithophel and pass on word of Absalom’s plans to Zadok and Abiathar.
     As David went he was met by Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth. Ziba had a string of saddled donkeys and food supplies for David and his people. When David asked where Mephibosheth was, Ziba told him that he was staying in Jerusalem because he thought that the people would give him back his grandfather Saul’s kingdom. (Later, Mephibosheth gives a different account of his actions). David at this moment grants Ziba all of the property that he had previously given to Mephibosheth.
     A short while later, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, from Saul’s clan, named Shimei comes out and starts throwing stones at David and his men while cursing them. Joab’s brother Abishai complained to David about Shimei cursing David, the king, and requested permission to go over and cut off Shimei’s head. David angrily denied Abishai permission to harm Shimei, saying that since his own son was seeking his life, perhaps God had told Shimei to curse him as well. David and his people continued on. However, by the time they got to the Jordan River, they were tired and stopped to rest (as David had known would happen when he sent Abiathar and Zadok back into the city).
     Meanwhile Absalom and the army of Israel that backed him had arrived in the city of Jerusalem. Hushai immediately approached Absalom and cried out “Long live the king!” Absalom asked him why he was not with his friend David? Why he had not accompanied David? Hushai’s answer was basically that he wanted to be on the winning side and now that Absalom was winning he would advise him just as he had David in the past. Absalom then turned to Ahithophel and asked what he should do next. Ahithophel told Absalom that he should sleep with David’s concubines that he had left behind to tend the palace to make clear to the people of Israel that reconciliation was not possible between David and Absalom. Absalom took this advice, fulfilling yet another piece of Nathan’s prophecy to David.

John 18:25-19:22

     As Jesus was taken from Annas to Caiaphas, Peter remained warming himself by the fire. One of those present asked him if he was one of Jesus’ disciples to which Peter replied, “No, I am not.” A relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off said that he was sure he had seen Peter in the garden when they arrested Jesus, but Peter once more denied any connection. At that moment the rooster crowed.
     In the early morning hours the Jewish leaders took Jesus to Pilate’s palace. However, the Jewish leaders would not go in because if they did, they would be ceremonially unclean to eat the Passover. Pilate came out to them and asked them what charges they were bringing against Jesus. Their reply was interesting. The Jewish religious leaders did not give Pilate a list of charges, they merely insisted that if Jesus was not a criminal they would not have handed Him over to Pilate. Pilate then told them that they should try Him themselves, to which they replied that they were not allowed to execute anyone. Pilate then went back inside and questioned Jesus. Pilate first asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews, to which Jesus replied by asking Pilate if that was his question or if someone else had given it to him (suggesting to Pilate that he was being used). Pilate responds by saying that he is not a Jew and that it was Jewish leaders who had turned Jesus over to him for trial. Pilate then asks Jesus what He had done to cause them to do so.
     Jesus answered Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world, which was why His followers did not fight to keep Him from being taken prisoner by the Jewish leaders. I have always felt that Jesus was making an important point here. He did not and does not intend for His followers to take over the government. We are not to focus our efforts on the kingdoms of this world. Rather we are to focus our efforts on bringing people into the Kingdom of God. The Church is not the army of God assigned the task of conquering the kingdoms of this world and making them part of the Kingdom of God. The Church is composed of the ambassadors of God whose purpose is to communicate God’s message to the kingdoms of this world and to provide information to the citizens of this world as to how to emigrate to the Kingdom of God (and since the Kingdom of God is open to all comers to encourage people to do so).
     Pilate however missed Jesus’ point and said, “Aha, so you ARE a king?” Jesus replied to this by saying that it was Pilate who was saying that He was a king. Jesus did not deny being a king, but He made it clear that whether He was was not an important part of His ministry. What was important was the He had come to testify to the truth and that those who love the truth listened to His teaching. Pilate then demonstrates that post-modernism is also pre-modernism by asking “What is truth?” Pilate was stating a basic concept of post-modernism that truth is either relative or unknowable. As a Christian I believe that truth is both absolute and knowable. I may not know the truth, but I could know the truth. Additionally, while it is important for me to always keep in mind that what I believe to be the truth may not actually be the truth. If it turns out that what I believe to be the truth is not the truth, that does not mean that truth is unknowable, or that the truth is relative, only that I was wrong.
     Pilate brought Jesus out before the crowd of the religious leaders and their followers where he told them that he found no guilt in Jesus that justified His crucifixion. The crowd called out for His crucifixion. Once more Pilate told them that he found Jesus not guilty. The religious leaders said that by Jewish law He should die because He said that He was the Son of God. Pilate then questioned Jesus some more, but Jesus did not answer him. Finally Pilate asked Him if He realized that Pilate had the power of life and death over Him. Jesus answered Pilate that he only had power over Him because it had been given to him from above. Pilate continued to try and find a way to release Jesus, but the crowd kept getting more riotous until finally Pilate asked the crowd if they wanted him to crucify their king. The chief priests responded that they had no king but Caesar. This was a very significant statement by these religious leaders. By saying this the religious leaders were doing what Samuel accused the Jews who first demanded that he anoint a king for them before he anointed Saul. They were rejecting God as their king and embracing Caesar in his place. This was even worse than those who chose Saul, Saul at least was an Israelite.
     At this point, Pilate gave in the Jewish religious leaders and ordered Jesus crucified. However, he had the sign over His head read, in multiple languages, that Jesus was being crucified for being the King of the Jews. The religious leaders asked that Pilate change it to say that He claimed to be the King of the Jews, but Pilate refused their request, making a clear statement that anyone who was given the title King of the Jews was in rebellion against Caesar, the rightful ruler of the Jews (as the chief priests had acknowledged when they said that they had no king buy Caesar).

Psalm 119:113-128

     The psalmist gives us much to think on. He tells us that he hates those with divided loyalties. This phrasing reminds me of Jesus’ teaching that we cannot serve both God and Mammon. He goes on to warn that those who stray from God’s decrees are fooling themselves. I have seen this for myself, how people create complicated justifications for doing that which they know is wrong. I pray with the psalmist that God will give me discernment to understand His laws. I pray that God will use me to bring many to His salvation and I wish that all would do so. However, I must agree with the psalmist when he says:

It is time for you to act, Lord;
your law is being broken.

Proverbs 16:10-11

     The first proverb tells us that rulers speak with divine wisdom, but it is a betrayal of God’s honor when they pervert justice. Those who do business with honesty and fairness are serving the Lord, God does indeed judge us according to our business practices.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 14-15:22

     Joab realized that David wished to be reconciled with Absalom, so he concocted a plan to convince David to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. David recognized Joab’s hand behind the plan but sent Joab to bring Absalom back to Jerusalem. However, while David called Absalom back to Jerusalem, he refused to allow Absalom to come into his presence. After two years, Absalom sent word requesting a meeting with Joab, but Joab did not respond. Absalom sent a second request and again got no response. Absalom then told his servants to set fire to one of Joab’s fields. this got Joab to come see him. Absalom asked Joab to intercede with the king for him so that he might once more see the king. Joab did so and David relented and was reconciled with Absalom.
     After being reconciled to the king Absalom began, or perhaps resumed, his plot to gain the throne. He bought a chariot and horse and hired 50 bodyguards to run before him. Each day he went out and stood by the road leading into the city. When Absalom saw someone coming to the city to bring a case before the king, he would show an interest in them and tell them that he thought they had a good case but that the king had no one to review their case. He would tell them that if only he was the judge he would give them justice. Then when people tried to bow before him, Absalom would not let them. Absalom followed this procedure with everyone who came to the king for judgment. After four years of doing this Absalom had become beloved throughout the land and he was ready to move to the next phase.
     Absalom asked David for permission to go to Hebron to offer sacrifices, claiming that he had made a vow to do so while in exile. David told him to go and fulfill his vow. Once Absalom was in Hebron, he sent messengers throughout the land to spread word that Absalom had been crowned king. He had brought 200 men with him from Jerusalem who were unaware of his plot, but he also sent for his father David’s adviser, Ahithophel. Absalom’s conspiracy gained strength and more and more people became his followers.
     Word reached David that Absalom had made a claim to the throne and that people were supporting him. David at once gathered his men and fled Jerusalem, leaving behind only ten of his concubines to tend the palace in his absence. As his forces left the city, David stood aside to let his men go ahead of him. The passage is not clear, but it appears that most of the force which accompanied David as he left Jerusalem were Philistines (and perhaps members of a related ethnic group as well) who had chosen to follow David some time back. Among those was a group recently arrived from Gath. David suggested that this latter group of about 600 men should remain behind and transfer their loyalty to Absalom. However, their leader, a man by the name of Ittai, insisted on accompanying David. So, David and all of his loyal retainers and troops, along with their families, fled Jerusalem ahead of Absalom. Thus bringing to fulfillment, Nathan’s prophecy that David’s family would rebel against him.

John 18:1-24

     When Jesus finished His prayer, He and His disciples went to a garden that they often used when they were in Jerusalem. Judas was aware of this location and led a heavily armed contingent of soldiers and officials from the chief priests and religious leaders. When Jesus saw them coming He stepped forward and asked who they were looking for. When they said that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus answered, “I Am.” The various translations render this as “I am he,” however the notes tell me that the Greek is “I am.” This would have been understood by the Jews of that time as a reference to what God said when Moses asked Him who He was. The passage tells us that those who came to arrest Jesus drew back and fell to the ground when He said, “I am.” Understanding that Jesus was making a statement identifying Himself as God helps explain why they fell down when He said it. Even if they did not believe that He was the Messiah, they had to have heard the stories about what He had done and what many people thought of Him. So it is likely when He made that statement they were subconsciously expecting some overwhelming force to strike them.
     Jesus asked them again who they were looking for. When they responded once more that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus said that He was the one they were looking for and they should let the rest go. Peter then drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting of his ear. Jesus told Peter to put his sword away, that He was going to drink from the cup which God was giving Him. The soldiers then arrested Jesus and tied Him up. They took Him to Annas, the father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter and another disciple followed them. The other disciple (probably John) was known to the high priest, so he was able to go in while Peter had to remain outside. The other disciple spoke to the servant girl on duty and brought Peter in. The servant girl asked Peter if he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Peter answered that he was not.
     The high priest (it is somewhat ambiguous as to whether this refers to Caiaphas or to someone else, perhaps Annas) asked Jesus about His teachings and His disciples. Jesus answered that He had taught in the synagogues and the temple. Why question Him now? Why not ask those who had heard Him preach? One of the officials present slapped Jesus and implied that He was being disrespectful of the high priest. Jesus confronted the official asking him to show how what He had said was wrong and if he could not do that asking why he had hit Him.

Psalm 119:97-112

     Do you want to be able to outsmart your enemies? Then listen to God’s word and follow His commands. God’s words are sweeter than honey and will bring joy and pleasure to those who listen to them. God’s word will provide light to our path in this world so that we do not stumble and fall. I am determined to live my life so that others will see that I agree with the psalmist when he says:

Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.
It is by studying God’s precepts that I gain understanding about the way the world works and how to live my life.

Proverbs 16:8-9

     The first of these proverbs is an important reminder. There is nothing I can add to what it says:

Better to have little, with godliness,
than to be rich and dishonest.
The second proverb is just as important, although it can do with some unpacking. We can plan to do accomplish many goals, but ultimately it is God who decides where we end up.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 13:1-39

     Today’s passage begins by telling the story of how David’s eldest son, Amnon. raped his half-sister, Tamar, who was the full sister of Absalom. Amnon desperately desired his half-sister, to the point that he became ill. His cousin, Jonadab, the son of David’s brother, came up with a plan that would get Amnon alone with Tamar. Amnon put Jonadab’s plan into practice. When Amnon grabbed Tamar and began his assault on her, she requested he let her go and then ask his father to give her to him as his wife. He rejected her plea and raped her, after which he had his servants throw her out of his quarters. Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. Absalom approached his sister and asked if Amnon had been with her. Then he told her to be quiet for now and not take it to heart. Absalom then took her into his household. Notice that Absalom did not ask her why she was upset, he asked her if her brother, and his, had been with her (by which he meant had Amnon had sex with her). He then advised her to be quiet and not make a fuss. I will come back to this later.
     David, when he heard the news, was furious, but we are not told that he did anything. I have traditionally read that this is an indication of poor parenting, but based on something I read today about this passage, I am not so sure anymore. I will come back to this later. However, even if David’s response to the rape was not bad parenting, the fact that it happened in the first place seems to me to be indicative of poor parenting. Perhaps the reason that David did so little in response to Amnon’s rape of Tamar was because Tamar kept quiet and went into seclusion. Amnon was, after all, David’s eldest son and heir. As such he was likely rather popular and probably had a significant power base by this time. Without Tamar’s presence to bring witness to Amnon’s crime, perhaps David’s hands were tied.
     Which brings us to Absalom. Absalom was David’s third son and the grandson of the king of Geshur. One of the resources I found when I looked for information on Jonadab suggested that Jonadab was part of a conspiracy to clear the path for Absalom to become king. The author suggested that Absalom knew of Jonadab’s suggestion to Amnon on how to get alone with Tamar and approved of it. That he had his sister set up to be raped to give him an excuse to kill his half-brother, who happened to stand between Absalom and the throne. Absalom waited two years before acting. Two years later at sheep shearing time, Absalom invited all of David’s sons, his brothers, to join him for a sheep shearing celebration distant from the capital. He also invited David and his retainers. David demurred on the basis that if he came with his retainers it would put too much of a strain on Absalom’s resources. Absalom then asked David to send Amnon. David wondered why Amnon, but Absalom kept pressing. I am sure that Absalom used an argument that was something along the line of, “Well, if you the king can’t come, at least send your heir to show that I am important to you.” In the end, David allowed/encouraged his sons, including Amnon, to go to Absalom’s sheep-shearing festival.
     Absalom ordered his servants to wait until Amnon was drunk and then on Absalom’s orders to kill him. Absalom promised that they could claim that they were only acting on his orders to evade punishment for their action. When Absalom’s plan went into action, the rest of his brothers fled. Word came back to the capital that Absalom had killed all of the king’s sons, causing David and his attendants to tear their cloths in distress. Jonadab assured David that Absalom had slain only Amnon, something Jonadab said that he had been planning since Amnon raped Tamar. The author I read who suggested that Jonadab had conspired with Absalom to get rid of Amnon points out that the only way Jonadab could have known that Absalom had only killed Amnon was if he knew what the plan was before Amnon and David’s other sons went to Absalom’s sheep-shearing, since he made this statement before any messengers besides rumor had reached the capital. Meanwhile Absalom fled to the land of his mother’s father where he remained for three years. During that time David became reconciled to Amnon’s death and desired to be reunited with Absalom. The idea that Absalom set up Tamar to be raped to give him an excuse to kill Amnon suggests that this episode happened as a fulfillment of the prophecy that David’s own family would rebel against him. I would argue that this is an example of David’s sons, both Amnon and Absalom, following the example set for them by David in his involvement with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah.

John 17:1-26

     Today’s passage is composed of a prayer by Jesus. First Jesus prays that God will glorify Him so that He can further glorify God. Jesus then prays that God protect His disciples by the power of God’s name. They needed this protection because they are still in the world but are not of the world. As a result the world would hate them, just as the world hated Jesus. Jesus did not pray that they be taken out of the world, only that they be protected from the world. Jesus was sending them out into the world just as God had sent Him into the world. Jesus then stated that He was praying not just for those who had been His disciples while He was on this world, but also for those who believed in Him because of the message brought by His disciples. Jesus prayed that all of those who believed in Him would have complete unity, that they would all be one. When those who believe in Jesus are one, then the world will believe that God sent Jesus and loved those who believed in His name. Division in the Church is the greatest sin that we, the followers of Jesus, can commit. However, that does not mean that we should fail to confront those who do not follow the commands which Jesus gave in order to preserve an illusion of unity. If we are not all following Jesus’ teachings, pretending that we are does not actually preserve our unity.

Psalm 119:81-96

     The psalmist expresses that he is experiencing despair as he waits for God’s deliverance, but he refuses to give up hope. He is confident that if he maintains his faith and his commitment to God’s commands, God will deliver him. I share the psalmist’s confidence. There have been times when I was at the end of my rope and crying out to God for deliverance from a struggle I was dealing with. When I was entering into despair because of circumstance that I could not control. When the time was right, God delivered me from that circumstance and brought joy into my life. I have learned that God’s unfailing love will preserve me so that I may obey His commands and praise His name.
     The psalmist continues in today’s second stanza by reminding us that it is by His laws that God delivers us and brings us out of despair into joy. That it is remembering and obeying God’s commandments which preserves our lives and teaches us joy.

Proverbs 16:6-7

     Fear of the Lord leads us to avoid evil. As we fear to show disrespect to God we avoid evil because to not do so is to be disrespectful of God. When we live our lives in such a way so as to please God, even those who desire us harm will find themselves unable to find cause to attack us.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 12:1-31

     After David had taken Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah, as his wife, the prophet Nathan confronted him. Nathan told David a parable about a rich man who steals a poor man’s lamb to feed his guests rather than butchering one of his own. When David becomes furious at the rich man and vows to punish him, Nathan tells David that he is the rich man. Nathan tells David that his own family will rebel against him because of his sin. David admits to Nathan that he has sinned against God. Nathan tells him that God has forgiven him and will not take his life for his sin, but that the child will die.
     The child of David and Bathsheba became deathly ill. During its illness, David fasted and spent the night on the floor rather than a bed, begging God to spare the child’s life. His advisers pled with him to eat, but David refused. After seven days the child died, but David’s advisers were afraid to tell him, fearing that since he behaved this way while the child was sick, he might do something even more extreme when he learned of the child’s death. David noticed them whispering, realized what had happened and asked them if the child had died. When they confirmed that the child had died, David got up, washed, dressed and ate a meal. His advisers did not understand his reaction. David told them that while the child lived, there was the possibility that God would listen to his plea and heal the child. However, now that the child was dead, it would not return to him. He then said something that should be a comfort to all parents who lose a child. That while his child would not return to him, some day he would go to it.

John 16:1-33

     Jesus told His disciples that the time was coming when those who killed them would think that they were doing the work of God, but that is because they do not truly know God or Jesus. Jesus went on to say that while they were grieved that He was leaving them, it was for their benefit because if He stayed the Holy Spirit would not come. There was more that Jesus wanted to tell them, but they were not ready to hear it. However, the Holy Spirit would bring further understanding to them (and us). The Spirit will reveal to us things that go further than what Jesus taught, but which are consistent with what He taught.
     Jesus tells them that shortly He will be taken from them and the world will rejoice while they mourn. However, after a little while, He will return to them and their sorrow will turn to joy. No one will be able to take that latter joy from them. Once that has happened, they (and we) will be able to ask the Father for things in His name and the Father will give it to them. We will not need Jesus, or anyone else, to ask the Father on our behalf. As long as we are asking the Father to do His mighty works so that Jesus and the Father may be glorified, the Father will grant our requests because the Father loves us because we love Jesus and believe that He came from the Father.

Psalm 119:65-80

     The psalmist continues to extol the virtues of following God’s commands and promises to strive to follow God’s instructions. There is a line here that I want to make a prayer that I keep in my mind:

You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
The best course of action is to do as God commands. It is the sensible thing to do and the path to true happiness. If we follow God’s commands. all of our grief will one day be turned to joy.

Proverbs 16:4-5

     God detests the proud and will punish them for the sins they commit in their pride. Let me have the appropriate humility before God and man.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 9-11:27

     Once David had clearly established himself as king, he sought out any remaining descendants of King Saul. He received word that Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth was still alive, although crippled. David had Mephibosheth brought to Jerusalem and gave him back all of his grandfather’s properties. In addition, David arranged for Mephibosheth to eat at the royal table, even as David’s own sons did. In this way David fulfilled his vow of friendship to Jonathan.
     After this, Nahash, who had been king of the Ammonites and a friend to David, died. David sent ambassadors to express sympathy and extend a hand of friendship to Nahash’ son, Hanun. However, Hanun’s advisers convinced him that David’s ambassadors were really spies looking to gather information for a coming attack by David. Based on his advisers advice, Hanun had David’s ambassadors seized. He had half of their beards shaved, cut off their robes embarrassingly short and sent them back to David. When David heard what had happened, he was furious. But the first thing he did was tell his ambassadors to stay in Jericho until their beards grew in once more. By shaming his ambassadors, Hanun had shamed David.
     David sent his army under the command of Joab to exact revenge. Meanwhile the Ammonites hired Aramean mercenaries to help defend themselves. Joab and his brother split command of the Israelite army and defeated the combined forces of the Arameans and the Ammonites. The Arameans sent for reinforcements. When David heard that the Arameans had sent for reinforcements, he mobilized all of Israel and led the forces into battle himself. David defeated all of the Aramean forces and extracted tribute from their kings. That was the end of that fighting season.
     The following spring David sent Joab and the army back against the Ammonites. They quickly defeated the Ammonite army in the field and laid siege to the Ammonite capital. Meanwhile David had remained in Jerusalem. It appears to me that the author suggests that failing to lead his army himself is what set David up for the temptation and sin which followed. One day while his army was in the field, David was on the roof of his palace and observed a woman bathing. The woman was Bathsheba and she was married to one of David’s Mighty Men, Uriah the Hittite. David had her brought to him and slept with her. When she discovered that she was pregnant, David sent word to Joab to send Uriah to him. David asked Uriah for a report on the battle and then told him to spend the night at home. Uriah, however, refused to go home and spent the night with David’s palace guards. When David asked him why he had not gone home, Uriah told him that he could not sleep at home while the Ark of God was in a tent and his fellow warriors were in the field at war. David attempted to get him drunk so as to convince him to go home, but this also failed. David then sent a letter to Joab telling him to station Uriah near the wall in battle and then pull back the other troops. Joab did as David ordered and Uriah was killed. Joab sent word to David about the losses that day with explicit mention that Uriah was among those killed. When Bathsheba’s period of mourning was over, David made her his wife. Today’s passage ends by telling us that God was displeased with David’s actions in this case.
     I have felt for some time that David’s first mistake was to not follow his duty to lead his army in battle. First we have what reads like slight disapproval when the passage points out that in the spring, when king’s normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the army out to war while remaining in Jerusalem. Then we have the comment that Uriah made that he could not in good conscience go home to his wife while his fellow soldiers were camped out in the field of battle. Often times we get into trouble because we have not done what we should have in the first place. If we are doing what we should be doing, we will face less temptation.

John 15:1-27

     Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We receive life by remaining connected to Him, just as the branch of a vine only remains alive as it remains connected to the root system. The only way that we can be fruitful is if we remain in Him, and Him in us. If we fail to bear fruit, God will cut us off from Jesus, and thus from life. However, even if we are fruitful, God will prune us so that we may be more fruitful.
     If we obey Jesus’ commandments in the same way that He obeyed the Father’s commandments we will remain in His love. If we remain in His love by obeying His commandments we will be filled with joy. After telling us that if we keep His commandments we will remain in His love, Jesus said that His commandment was that we love each other the same way that He loved us. He loved us by laying down His life for us. He goes on to say that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Then He tells us that we are no longer merely His servants, but are His friends. The final point of this part of Jesus’ speech is that we did not choose Him, He chose us.
     Jesus then goes on to warn us that the only way the world will love us is if we are one of its own. If on the other hand we accept Jesus call to come out of the world and become His, the world will hate us in the same way that it hated Him. Those who reject Jesus will reject us. Those who would persecute Jesus will persecute us. They saw the miraculous signs which Jesus did and rejected Him anyway. We must remember that no matter how good of an argument we make, or what miracles God performs through us, there are those who will reject God’s message and us for accepting it. But the Holy Spirit will live within us and testify about God to us. We then must testify about Jesus and God to those around us.

Psalm 119:49-64

     Once more today’s psalm aligns with Jesus’ teachings from today’s New Testament passage. I will use this from the NIV to illustrate:

The arrogant mock me unmercifully,
but I do not turn from your law.
This psalm reminds of the joy to be had from dedicating our lives to following God’s commands. It also reminds us that the wicked will attempt by whatever means they can find to turn us away from those commands. But this from the New Living Translation will be my refrain: I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands.
I will strive to do as that says and hurry to obey God’s commands as I understand them.

Proverbs 16:1-3

     Today’s proverbs tell us how to make plans that will succeed. That is to make plans that are designed to bring glory to God and that bring about God’s will on this earth.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 4-6:23

     After he heard about the death of Abner, Ishbosheth lost all confidence and the forces supporting him became paralyzed. Two brothers decided to ingratiate themselves to David by killing Ishbosheth. They cut off Ishbosheth’s head and took it to David. When they presented it to David, expecting him to honor them for eliminating his rival, he ordered them killed for killing Ishbosheth.
     After the death of Ishbosheth the elders of Israel came to David and made him their king. David then set out to conquer Jerusalem and make it his capital. It is interesting that even though the account tells us that the elders of Israel came to David and made him their king immediately (or at least shortly) after the death of Ishbosheth, it also tells us that his reign was over all of Israel was not counted as starting until he moved his capital to Jerusalem. Once David took control of Jerusalem, the Philistines attacked him on two occasions. The first time David defeated them using a frontal attack. The second time, he launched a flanking attack. On both occasions, David gave credit to God for his victory.
     After these victories David decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem from Abinadab’s house, where it had been since it was returned by the Philistines. He gathered a force of 30,000 elite warriors to accompany the Ark (it is not made clear why he gathered such a large force for this). He had the Ark placed on a cart and began transporting it. The cart carrying the Ark was guided by Abinadab’s sons, Uzzah and Ahio. The event was a festival and a celebration worshiping God. However, the celebration was cut short when they got near to Jerusalem. The oxen pulling the cart stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark. Uzzah was struck dead because of this. David was angry and a little afraid because of this and left the Ark in the care of the person whose land they were crossing at the time. The account tells us that God blessed the household of the man in whose care David left the Ark of God.
      After three months, when David heard about how much God had blessed the man he had left the Ark with, he decided to bring it the rest of the way to Jerusalem. Once more he began a celebration to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. This time, however, he had the Ark carried rather than transported on a cart. David threw himself fully into the celebration with no thought for his dignity. David’s wife Micah, Saul’s daughter, saw David’s behavior and was offended by it. She thought that David had failed to show the proper dignity of a king. She confronted David about his behavior. David replied that he was willing to be humiliated to worship and celebrate before God. Are we willing to face the contempt of others in order to worship God the way He calls us to do?

John 13:31-14:14

     After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus told them that He would be with them only a short time longer and that where He was going, they would be unable to follow. In the meantime, they were to love one another in the same way and to the same degree that Jesus had loved them. Their love for one another would prove that they were His disciples. Peter than asked why He could not go with Jesus and stated that He was ready to die for Jesus. Jesus answered Peter that while he could not come with Jesus now, He would follow Him later. But as to being willing to die with Jesus, Jesus told Peter that he would deny Jesus three times before the cock crowed the following morning.
     Jesus then told all of His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled by His departure. They believed and trusted in God, they should do the same regarding Jesus. Jesus told them that there was plenty of room in His Father’s house and He was going to prepare a place for them. He would return and take them there when all was ready. Besides which, they knew the way.
     Thomas replied for all of the disciples by asking how they could know the way when they did not even know where He was going? Jesus answered Thomas’ question by telling the disciples that He was the way, the Truth and the Life. He continued by telling them that He was the only way to the Father. By knowing Jesus we know the Father. Philip then asked Jesus to show them the Father. To which Jesus answered, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” Jesus told the disciples that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. If nothing else, they should believe because of the work they have seen Him do. Jesus went on to tell them that those who believe in Him will do the same works that He has done, not only that, they will do even greater works.
     Jesus told the disciples that He did the works He did because He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. In addition, He told them that because of this, they could see the Father by looking at Him. Elsewhere the scripture tells us that if we are His disciples, He will be in us. So my question is, do I live my life so that when people look at me they can see Jesus?

Psalm 119:17-32

     Today’s psalm speaks of the value of listening to and following God’s law.

Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice.
The psalmist makes a couple of requests of God that I strive to echo. I will ask God to help me understand the meaning of His commandments. I will also ask God to keep me from lying to myself. And finally I will determine to live by the following: I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.

Proverbs 15:31-32

     Today’s proverbs give advice that is timeless. Listen to constructive criticism, accept the correction that others give you. This is the path to wisdom and being comfortable among the wise. If I reject discipline, I hurt myself more than any others. On the other hand, if I listen to correction, I will grow in wisdom.

     I have been using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study for almost a year. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I started writing this blog because the only way I can get myself to read the Bible everyday is to pretend that I am teaching someone about what it says to me. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them. I hope that the Spirit is moving in others through these posts as the Spirit has definitely been convicting me.

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

     Today’s passage recounts the war between David’s forces and those that remained loyal to the house of Saul. Reading the passage suggests that the only reason that any forces remained loyal to Saul’s son Ishbosheth was because of Abner (who had been commander of Saul’s army). At one point Joab, the commander of David’s army, led his forces out to battle Abner and his forces. When battle was entered, Joab’s forces were victorious and Abner’s forces retreated. Joab’s forces pursued them. In particular, Joab’s brother, Asahel, pursued Abner. Abner could not get away from Asahel and tried to convince him to go after someone else. Finally, when Asahel refused to turn aside, Abner killed him. Shortly after sunset, some of Abner’s troops took a stand on a hill, as Joab and his forces caught up to them Abner called out and convinced Joab to stop the pursuit. Both forces returned to their respective homes.
     As time went on Abner became more powerful. Ishbosheth reprimanded Abner for sleeping with one of Saul’s concubines. Abner flew into a rage and threatened to turn Ishbosheth’s kingdom over to David. Ishbosheth was intimidated by Abner’s outburst, but Abner nevertheless began preparations to carry out his threat. Abner contacted David to start negotiations for him to become king of all of Israel. As part of these negotiations, David demanded the return of Micah, Saul’s daughter. Interestingly, it is Ishbosheth who returns Micah to David. After this Abner met with the elders of Israel, including Benjamin, the tribe of Saul’s family, and got them to agree to make David their king. Abner then went to David and offered to gather the people of Israel in an assembly to make David king. David threw a feast for Abner and sent him on his way.
     Just after Abner left, Joab returned from a raid with a great deal of plunder. Joab was furious that David was treating with Abner and told David that Abner had merely come to spy on him. Joab then sent messengers after Abner to get him to come back. When Abner returned, Joab took him aside as if to speak privately. As soon as they were alone, Joab killed Abner in order to avenge his brother. When David learned that Joab had killed Abner, he was furious. David ordered Joab and all of those with him to mourn for Abner. On the day of Abner’s funeral (probably the following day), David fasted for the entire day despite being urged by his servants to eat. This convinced the people that David had no part in Abner’s death. David spoke to some of his men and praised Abner, lamenting his death. In addition, David expressed that he lacked the power to punish Joab and his remaining brother, Abishai.

John 13:1-30

     In today’s passage, John describes Jesus washing His disciples feet. When He came to Peter, Peter at first refused to allow Jesus to wash His feet. Jesus told Peter that if he did not allow Jesus to wash him, he would have no part of Jesus. Peter’s response was “Then wash all of me.” Jesus then told Peter that those who had bathed were clean and did not need to be washed. Jesus then returned to His seat and asked if they understood what He had done. He then went on to explain that since He, their Teacher, had washed their feet, they should wash each other’s feet.
     There are two lessons here that I think are important. The first is the obvious one. If Jesus bent down and did the lowly, servile task of washing His disciples’ feet, there is no task that is beneath us in serving our fellow-man. The second one is a lesson I have seen elsewhere, but I never noticed it here before today. When Jesus told Peter that He had to accept Jesus serving him by washing his feet, He was sending all of us a lesson. We need to let others serve us by doing things similar for us. Not letting others do for us, is as much against what Jesus taught as never doing anything to serve others. Some people are too proud to bend down and “wash someone’s feet”. But others are too proud to let someone else “wash their feet.” The latter is no more behaving as a follower of Christ than the former.

Psalm 119:1-16

     The psalm today reminds us that the route to happiness and joy is following God’s commands and seeking Him. As I read today’s portion of this psalm, there are two phrases that stand out for me. The first is a plea to God for His assistance, a plea that God is always glad to answer:

Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
The second phrase is a promise that I strive to fulfill: I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I have worked at this latter from time to time with mixed success, but I will continue to strive to commit God’s words to my memory so that God can bring them to my mind when the time calls for them.

Proverbs 15:29-30

     God is always far away from the wicked. This statement is a tautology. The wicked revel in doing evil and evil is the absence of good. Since God is the embodiment of good, by definition, the wicked must be far from Him. The second part is not so obvious. God will hear the prayer of those who strive for His righteousness, no matter how far away He seems.
     The second of today’s proverbs reminds us to always keep a cheerful demeanor even when we are feeling down because by doing so, we can lift the spirits of others (and who knows, their renewed spirits may lift our own).