February 5th One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Exodus 21:22-23:13 ~ Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11 ~ Proverbs 7:6-23

Old Testament - Today in Exodus chapter 21 we read the very well-known verses 24 & 25: "If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it. Similarly, the payment must be hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."  What you may not realize about this "law of retaliation" is that it actually was meant to limit the punishment to fit the crime, which prevented cruel and barbaric punishments that were seen in many ancient cultures.  Meaning - before this law it might have been seen as "acceptable" for someone to kill someone in return for knocking out an eye - whereas this law limited the retaliation to fit the crime.  Jesus of course invokes the higher law of love in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 verses 38 through 42: "You have heard that the law of Moses says, `If an eye is injured, injure the eye of the person who did it. If a tooth gets knocked out, knock out the tooth of the person who did it.' But I say, don't resist an evil person! If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."  Do you see how Jesus exemplified this higher law of love for us through his ministry, life, death and resurrection?

I find it very fascinating to read all of the laws in these chapters today.  I think what is incredible is to remember is that these laws are coming directly from God to the Hebrews.  I find it very encouraging that God is so interested in the minutiae details that are discussed in these laws!  God is not an impersonal God who just sets up the universe like a clock and lets it tick.  God is engaged and concerned with our behavior - back then and today!  Do you believe that God is engaged and concerned with your behavior today?

New Testament - Matthew chapter 24 verse 2 was literally fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans, under Titus, completely destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple building: ""Do you see all these buildings? I assure you, they will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another!"  The Temple in Jerusalem during Jesus' lifetime - before it's destruction in A.D. 70 - may have looked like this image from a model:

Verse 15 stood out to me today's readings: "The time will come when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about: the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place"--reader, pay attention!"  Per Zondervan's commentary, the primary reference in Daniel 9:27 & 11:31 & 12:11 was to 168 B.C. when Antiochus Epiphanes erected a pagan altar to Zeus on the sacred altar in the temple of Jerusalem.  Some believe this is a progressive prediction, which was also fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the temple was destroyed - and will also be fulfilled in the future by the antichrist.  Below is a Roman statue of Zeus. Antiochus Epiphanes dedicated the Jerusalem Temple to this false god in 168 B.C.:

Verses 26 & 27 really stood out to me today as some very wise teaching's of Jesus' (well, yes, all of Jesus' teachings are wise! :), which we would all do well to take note of: ""So if someone tells you, `Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, `Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! For as the lightning lights up the entire sky, so it will be when the Son of Man comes."  For some reason that little line, "don't bother to go and look" really stood out to me.  Basically, Jesus is saying that if you have to GO somewhere to see the "messiah" in the end of days, it ain't the messiah!  :)  When the true Messiah Jesus comes again, you will know it without a doubt - Jesus will light up the entire sky!  What a beautiful thing to imagine...

Psalms - Speaking of Jesus lighting up the sky when he returns... check out Psalm 29 today! What a beautiful hymn of praise to God the Creator!  Verses 3 and 4 are awesome: "The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders.  The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty."  And verse 2 is something for each of us to joyfully obey - "Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."  Amen!

Proverbs - Proverbs chapter 7 verses 22 & 23 have always stood out to me, reminding me of the mortal danger of sin in our lives: "He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter or like a trapped stag, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." Yes, these verses are speaking about adultery.  But, I think you can apply these verses to many sins that we fall prey to.  Once we let the temptation or seduction of the sin overtake our senses we run the risk of the "arrow" or the "snare."  Sin has consequences.  Very real and often mortal consequences.  We need to stay off the path of sin and pray to God to keep us on the paths of truth and righteousness.  Please don't walk into the traps of temptation!

Worship God:  Matthew 24:27 and Psalm 29:2 reminded me of Third Day's great song "Show Me Your Glory"!  Here's a live version:

Has God shown you His Glory?  Click here for Glory!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  I read an interesting commentary on Psalm 29 verse 2 today - "Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." This commentary suggested that possibly "worshiping God in the splendor of his holiness" may have been a call for the ancient worshipers to basically dress up before going to the Temple.  To wear the proper white robes or garb for worship.  And this made me think about how we dress for church today.  I'm wondering if maybe we're getting too casual in the way we dress for church these days?  I know in my grandparents' day, you were in a suit / nice dress.  Today, it seems like we can go to church in just about whatever we want to wear - jeans, T-shirts, flip-flops, etc.  And maybe this is okay?  Maybe this is a good thing?  Or maybe not?  Dennis Prager on his radio show talks about this very topic and says that if we were going to meet with the Queen of England, how would we dress?  Obviously, we'd dress nicely.  Well, if in church we're going to meet with the King of all creation, how then should we dress?  At least as nicely as we'd dress for meeting with the Queen of England?  Or no...?  Please let me know your thoughts on this topic.  Do you dress up for church?  Why or why not?  (I'll confess - I wear jeans to church... and sometimes even sandals in the summer...)  Are we getting too casual with what we wear to church these days?  Should we maybe learn something from this Psalm and "worship God in the splendor of his holiness"?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Stuart]

It seems to me that the world is in such a bad state morally speaking, that the return of some of those ancient laws would indeed be a good thing. As to how we dress for chuch, I do find the way that a number of people dress (or undress) hard to accept. I prefer to wear a suit but choose the middle road because when I do put on a suit, it leads to unnecessary comment.
Oh for the return of Jesus!
Stuart - Spain

[Blessing]

The old testament laws to me, has been summarised by our Lord Jesus Christ when He explaned that they all hanged on LOVE for God and Love for fellow men. If we walk in Love then we will not hurt anyone or disobey God's word.

Dressing well to the presence of God is very important but I strongly feel that our hearts should be the one we need to dress properly as to get tuned to God always, because beautifully dressed to church but with filthy heart makes one a hypocrite.

Proverb want us to flee from all appearance of evil not just the sin of adultery but from all manner of sin.

[Stuart]

'Blessing' is absolutely right, and shame on me for not recognising that which he/she says in my own posting. But why sign off with a link to an ad?
God bless - S

[Julie R]

I always wear a dress to church, it may be casual sometimes but I take the effort to dress differently than everyday because I feel it is a different day of the week for me & it prepares my heart for Him.
What stood out to me today was Ex 22:28 "Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people." That is a big problem today on both counts.
Funny thing happened while reading the Psalms piece this morning we were having a thunderstorm so I had sight & sound of His power!
Praise God!

[Jackie]

Dear Ones, Regarding how we dress and what our attitude should be towards it: I don't think God cares so much about the outer wear as he does our inner dress. Are we clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ, dressed in His righteousness, walking by His Wisdom, living by His sanctification? These are the questions that matter most. I remember Jesus having a word to say to the Pharisees about looking good on the outside but having dead men's bones on the inside. Jesus always brought any question regarding the Law back to the real point, which is about a person's inner relationship with God. Man looks and judges by appearances but God judges the heart of man. God cares about our hearts being right with God, not whether we are dressed according to an outer norm; besides which there are at least 3500 differing denominations, each with their own version of what a person going to church should look like. Jesus wants us to stick to the main issue, which in my opinion is about God's Love for us, our need to respond to His call and then the resulting effects of that response on our outer man. I have heard it said that the "fruit follows the root". Thanks for your site, I read it often and always am blessed. God Bless you! Jackie

[Lisa]

God remains the same, but we change. I believe our dress today is a reflection of the time we live in. As a little girl, I remember the "new dress for Easter thing" It was not much different than my boys wanting the newest in technology now. It was a real competition between the daughters/mothers to be in style and the focus was not so much on "dressing your best for Jesus" Navy was in one year. A solid navy linen-type dress with a navy plaid(mostly navy with small white lines running through) White patent leather shoes with a bow and matching purse. And the dads were either following Mama to church or they had a finger down their throat to gag- and sent Mama and the babies off to church with their "blessing" Our current way of dress reflects our tired of hypocrisy-get real attitude. When we get our hearts right, it will be great to "dress our best for Jesus" I have three sons, and when they were younger, I noticed they respected me more when I wore a dress. the Lord impressed on me that I should wear dresses, and I did for a while. I'm almost 48 and I still have a problem with peer pressure, In all things, do it as unto the Lord-whether we eat, drink, work, dress or write a comment.

[Jim]

This is a good question - and, there are many verses about dressing for the wedding, etc. But, shame on any of us that believes our clothes matter to Jesus. Jesus would show up in sandals. Moreover, He's most likely the dirty guy that was blocked at the door. But, I must also support Julie R. There are times, for example, that I must change my clothes from work, even if just one T-shirt for another, to change my heart from work mode to home mode. And, dressing up for church can provide a routine for getting our minds and hearts in the right place just as any athlete develops a routine for coming to the plate.

I also think, however, Stuart is wrong to desire a suit despite all of the embarrassing comments he gets when he wears one as we are supposed to fit in - the Bible says wear a cover on your head or even shave your head bald if that's what it takes to fit in. We don't want to put on airs or suggest that we're special. Humility is key for "dressing" for church. Fitting in today usually means jeans (unless it's a church of old folks in a retirement community where everyone still wears suits - then it's a suit to fit in... perhaps, Stuart should move to fit). And, as for the moral state of the world - it's just the moral state of the church (as said Wilberforce, the main character in the new Amazing Grace movie, in his comparison of Christian Systems with True Christianity mostly ignored two centuries ago).

On the other hand, what does dressing up then mean. Yes, it clearly means dressing up our hearts. But, how do we do that - how do we dress for church and not just go to church? Surely it means reading and being in the Word before we leave the house (like the One Year Bible). It must also mean a quiet time of prayer. But, I think it also means a time of daily service. Jesus suggested we regularly wash everyone's feet. Buddha said serve tea. I guess I mix the two and regularly stop off at parks and "serve" socks (and underwear) to the homeless. Anyway, the Word (like here), Prayer (I am working on acquiring seven prayer partners, one for each day of the week as suggested in Shoulder to Shoulder), and Service are what dressing up before going to church (or starting any day) means to me.

[Rachel]

I am just recently getting started. I did want to share my opinion on church atire. I believe that it should not matter what we wear. Getting people in the door to hear God's word is most important. If they come in and are surrounded by suits they may not feel as comfortable. I don't think of church as a country club, but a place of worship. Some may not have the money to buy really nice clothes and should not be left out or feel uncomfortable because of this. God can see our soul, why would he care how much we paid for an outfit. As for the queen, I would never compare the two. I think that wearing a smile with an open heart and an open mind is what God would want to see in His church.

[John]

Psalm 29

This Psalm is ascribed to David as he sees a thunderstorm coming from the north. Sometimes people grumble about the weather, but David uses it here as an opportunity to praise God.
======================================================
Verses 1-4

In the Hebrew poetic form there is a building of tempo with a climax of emphasis in verse 4.

David calls for the angels to praise God's glory and strength - the glory due His name - with climax being a call to worship.
======================================================
Verses 3-9

David watches as the storm moves inland with power, thunder and lightning, and its effects over the land. All in his temple (nature, actual temple, or heaven???) cry "Glory". God is sovereign.
======================================================
Verses 10-11
Through it all: the storm, the flood, whatever - God sits enthroned forever.

The same power and control over nature regarding the storm, God's everlasting rule, and the God who is soverign - He and He alone decides to give His strength and blessings to His people by His grace.
======================================================
"Some Bible students believe that this Psalm prefigures a military storm that will sweep down from the north on the nation of Israel during the Tribulation Period (vv. 3–9). Following that troubled time, the Lord Jesus Christ will reign as King over all the earth and bless His earthly people with strength and peace (vv. 10, 11). The idea deserves serious consideration.
W. E. Vine sees the Psalm as picturing Christ in His Second Advent, appearing first at Har-Magedon (Rev. 16:16), then sweeping down to the wilderness of Kadesh, the center of which is Bozrah (Isa. 63:1). 25 The Psalm thus describes poetically the complete overthrow of the nations that will have invaded Israel at that time.
But then there is always the practical application for today and every day. God’s voice is heard in the storms of life as well as in the sunshine. He is working out His purposes. Nothing is beyond His control. For those who know and love Him, He is working all things together for good. Ironside says:It is a wonderful picture of the soul that has gone through its exercises, its stress, its trouble, but has learned that God is over all, that He is strong to save. And so the heart rests in Him and is at peace."
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville

[John]

Proverbs 7:6-23

An example of seduction

An immature youth is walking(sauntering)down a street not just for a moment, but into the night.

The implication is of "idleness" there is no hurry, nothing to do, looking for something anything to do. This is when temptation is at its best - when one is idle. There is no focus or direction, just a roaming around with no special purpose into the darkness.

Surprise, Surprise, sin rushes up to meet the idle youth.

Prov 7:11-12
11 (She is loud and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;

12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)

Reminds me of satan in Job 1:7
" The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"
Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

The advances are shock and lust, innocent disclaimer, and overt invitation with no risk because her husband is gone.

The immature youth with a snap decision follows her and is led like an animal to slaughter or into a snare - for his very life is at risk.

"The wages of sin is death".

Note: Isn't this how sin works - when one is least expecting it, in an idle moment the temptation comes - appealing to the senses, not that bad, and no risk apparent????? Then we make a snap decision in the heat of the moment and we have commited the act. Perhaps if we had just aken a moment and considered God - that he sees and knows all - perhaps if we reflect for just a second on a Bible verse, or picture Jesus on the cross - maybe one would not make that snap decision so many times.

[John]

Exodus 21:22-23:13

The Sabbath

Why was the Sabbath so important to God? In Jeremiah, God even warns Jerusalem of destruction if they violate the Sabbath. What is God saying when he says, "on the seventh day do not work"? Is it the day that is important or is it the concept of getting a day off, or is it what the "rest" represents that us important.

Clearly, Jesus and Paul say it is not the "day" itself". Any day is ok, just pick one, and "rest". Some will disagree with this, and it can be addressed when we get to those verses in NT.

I have come to believe the idea of "resting" once a week is a picture of Salvation. Just like the Lord rested from creation, that is ceased working on creation, (God never ceased managing the universe). We are to take a weekly respite and "rest" in the Lord. The picture? Cease working, cease toiling to earn salvation. Rest - trust in the Lord - believe in the Lord - believe in His Son - let God do the work, just rest, reflect, and choose God and His ways. Because the picture here revolves around salvation and God - I believe that is why the Sabbath command is so important to God. (my opinion).
======================================================
From yesterday:

"The primary function of the law of God is to reveal God. It's his law; therefore, it tells us about him. It tells us what he cares about. And even a casual look and the 42 commands in this section leaves one with the overwhelming impression that God cares about people." - Scott Grant

All one has to do is compare God's instructions with the codes of Law of the time (example: Hammurabi's code). God's instructions were revolutionary in that the instructions value all people - and places great emphasis on the poor, the disadvantaged, the slave and the alien.

Yes, some of the penalties were harsh - involving death. One, the people should recognize how serious God takes His instructions. Two, if God is leading them around by a cloud and a pillar of fire, providing food and water for them, talking to Moses - I would tend to take him seriously. third, the punishments were a reflection of the times, and nowhere near as serious as ome of the other legal codes in the world. Fourth, there is no record of some of the stoning's and death sentences being given out, and perhaps the people did take them seriously, or possibly commuted some of the sentences with leader's approval?????

Really a good read:
http://www.pbc.org/files/messages/10439/exo020.html

[John]

Matthew 24
Signs of the End of the Age

My policy on this blog is not to get specific about prophecy. One, it is open to many interpretations, and two, it is very divisive amongst the body of Christ.
======================================================Matt24:3 "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

The disciples are asking three questions:

1) when will this happen: the destruction of the temple.

2) what will be the sign of your coming? Not the Second coming. The apostles do not understand that yet. From their reading of the OT prophets they think it is all going to happen in one trip - which is the Jewish thought to this day. "Coming" here in Greek is "parousia" meaning "presence". They are asking when will Jesus come in His full final presence as the glorious Messiah. That is the Second Coming, but they think it is now or near term since Christ is here with them on earth.

3)what will be the sign of the end of the age? end of the age or "world" is in Greek "full final end". It is used five times in Matthew. Jesus will be with them unti the end of the age, and a few times in Matt 13 with parable of wheat and tares: angels will come and harvest, and judgment will be done at the end of the age. The full final end.
======================================================
Jesus ignores the first question for now and delves into the second two:

birth pangs - I only know it involves pain with increasing frequency and intensity.

So what will be like the Beginning of birth pains?
Deceptive voices, Wars and rumors of Wars, Natural disasters, persecution, and love gone cold. This is not the end. (verse 6) it is just the beginning.

The clues to the "end" starts in verse 15, and as Jesus says - "let the reader understand" :)

[Skip]

I wear kaki's and a sport shirt to church. I don't think it matters to God what we wear on the outside. I think what He see's is what is on the inside of us; in our hearts. I think He's happy that we come to His house to worship no matter what we are wearing.

Yours in Christ
Skip

[Jenn]

I agree that it doesn't matter what we wear to church. I spend time in meditation and connection with God every day - I have a close relationship with Him. I don't think he cares what I'm wearing - on Sunday or any other day :)

I like what Julie offered - about dressing for church helps her prepare her heart. Makes me think about what I do to prepare before leaving the house for church...