1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 ~ Romans 1:1-17 ~ Psalm 9:13-20 ~ Proverbs 19:4-5
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Old Testament - I think today's readings in First Chronicles could be called "Famous Dave!" As indeed, David moves into his role as the King of Israel in today's readings and we read about his growing fame and support amongst the tribes!
In chapter 13 we read about David bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem - which was good in intention, but poor in execution... God is clear in Numbers 4:5-15 that the Ark was to be moved only by the Levites and only by using carrying poles. No one, not even the Levites were to touch the Ark itself. David ended up following the Philistines example of moving the Ark on a cart, rather than following God's command. Thus, in verses 9 & 10 we read - "But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD's anger blazed out against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God." I wonder if we are like David was in this chapter in our lives today - how often do we have "good intentions", but poor execution? How often do we take shortcuts on things God has been very clear on? Even if these shortcuts seem like they are good ideas, why do we take them? Why do we take the risk?
New Testament - Today we begin the book of Romans! What a great book we have coming up! We’ve been reading about Paul’s missionary journeys, the storm at sea, and being in chains for the Gospel in Acts. Now get ready to read and study some of Paul’s teachings first-hand! Some commentaries say that the book of Romans is a “Bible within the Bible.” And others: “The most profound book in existence.” Personally, I think we need to obviously consider all 66 books of the Bible to be the Bible and the entirety of the Bible to be the most profound book in existence. But, yes, Romans is a profound book of the Bible no doubt! Martin Luther said this about Romans: “It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with, the more precious it becomes.” Not a bad quote for us to jump into the book of Romans this week! Let’s go!
Romans
Author: Paul
Place: Corinth
Date: A.D. 57/58
Content: Paul was in Corinth on his third missionary journey and was planning to go to Rome, but had never been there before. This letter was written to introduce himself to the church and to summarize his theological teachings. For the latter reason, it is the most systematically organized letter of Paul. He begins by showing the universal sin of man. Neither Gentile nor Jew has any legitimate claim upon God because sin has invalidated any appeal. But God in his mercy stepped in, while we were still sinners, and opened the way back to himself (Romans 5:8). From this may come a victorious Christian life. Paul then deals with the place of the Jews in God’s plan (Romans 9-11), concluding with a series of ethical exhortations.
Theme: The righteousness of God, his righteous dealings with the world, and the righteous plan of salvation are the focus of this book. God is seen to be the great and holy God of the universe who cannot relax his laws because they are based upon his nature. But consistent with those laws, he devised a plan of salvation for Jews and Gentiles alike that sent his Son down from heaven to die for the sins of the world. Now anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved (Romans 10:9) and be given the power of God over sin in his life. From God and his love nothing can separate the believer. (Romans 8:38-39) (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 24)
More commentary on Romans is at these 3 links –
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=843
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1153
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1165
Bob Deffinbaugh says at this link directly above – “If you can reason your way through Romans, you will have the Gospel under your belt. . . . As you begin this study, I would challenge you to review the Book of Romans often in your mind, seeking to trace its argument from the very first chapter to wherever your study has brought you. It is my hope that you will then seek to apply what you have learned in your own life, and to share the message of the Gospel it contains with those who are lost and without hope, apart from the faith this Epistle describes and defines. May God bless you in your study of this portion of His Word.”
How powerfully strong are Paul's words in Romans chapter 1 verses 16 & 17 today! In fact, the NIV Study Bible's commentary says that these two verses are the theme of the entire book of Romans: "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--Jews first and also Gentiles. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" Do you believe these two verses to be true? Are you not ashamed of the Good News about Jesus Christ? Do you believe that God makes us right in his sight by faith?
Bible.org's commentary on today's Romans Chapter 1 readings is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 9 verse 18 is so true and powerful: "For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed." This is a great reminder that God's heart is for the poor in this world! If God's heart is for the poor - should our heart be for the poor too? How is your heart for the poor these days? How do you remember the poor and their hopes?
Proverbs - It is interesting to consider the Psalm verse about compared to Proverbs 19 verse 4 today: "Wealth makes many "friends"; poverty drives them away." This is a true Proverb. I am intrigued by "friends" being in parentheses - what type of friends do we attract with wealth? Will they still be there when the wealth is gone? I do think it's true that poverty drives "friends" away. If the poor do not have many friends, then should we be a friend to the poor? How could we be a friend to the poor? Was Jesus a friend to the poor? What type of poor was Jesus a friend too - poor in spirit; poor in wealth; poor in health; all of the above? Should we emulate Jesus in his friendship to the poor?
YouTube Video: Today's readings in Romans reminds me of Matt Maher's song on the radio these days called "Your Grace is Enough." Here's that same song as originally recorded by Chris Tomlin:
Is God's Grace enough for you? Click here for Overflowing Grace!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 (NIV)
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: 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
Regarding Mike’s statement, “good in intention, but poor in execution... “ , I’m going to be harder on David. I don’t see what David did or didn’t do regarding moving the Ark from Kirjath-Jearim to the City of David as an act done out of ignorance with good intentions. There is a saying, “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions.”
David had been King of Judah, in Hebron for seven years, he had been anointed king while still a teenager and in all those years, David had vast experience with getting the Mind of God. He did not learn that while running from Saul but in tending his father’s sheep. David had a deep relationship with God way before Samuel came to his house looking to anoint one of Jesse’s son as king. I am not writing this to poke holes and criticize what David did or didn’t do, but to learn from his mistakes.
1) David consulted with his army commanders and with the political leaders about moving the Ark, but he did not consult the Levities and the Priests. They, the commanders and political leaders, either remembered stories of how the Philistines sent the Ark back after they captured it or they were witness to the event, either way the Philistines were used as a model for transporting the Ark. Lesson: Don’t use the world as a model for handling the things of God.
2) David failed to follow a command given by Moses for all kings to do, study the Word!!
14 … Then you may begin to think, `We ought to have a king like the other nations around us.'… 18"When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of this law. 20This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. This will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.
If David had kept this commandment, he would have known how the Ark was to be transported. Lesson: Make the study of God’s Word a lifestyle.
So often, we have the Word right in front of us but we fail to read what is in the Book, especially in the United States. And if we do read it, we read portions and don’t take in the Whole Counsel of God. We convince ourselves that it is too difficult, too inflexible or too dry to keep our interest, not realizing that understanding only comes by seeking understanding. Our children are sent to school to learn the fundamentals of reading, math, science and hopefully the arts which upon graduation from High School and College the why of all the learning will make sense. How often do we say, “If I knew then what I know now …” because we realize the foundation for our life was poured in our youth. New construction is always easier then reconstruction.
David’s failure cost someone else their life. My failures cost others their lives. It may not have been the actual cessation of their natural life, although that could have happened and I didn’t know, but life to the fullest could have been delayed or totally blocked by decisions I made from ignorance because I failed to get complete information.
Also, take note of the Ark sitting in Obed-edom’s house for three months bringing a blessing on the entire household. Now the Ark had sat in Kiriath-jearim for almost 100 years and nobody was getting blessed, why? This speaks so powerful to me because I killed off God in my own mind and tried to get others to kill Him off also. For almost twenty years, I raged, cursed and ridiculed people reading the bible on public transportation because of what “church folks” did to me. I judged God and Jesus by those who claimed to be His disciples. I saw no blessings associated with the God they said they believed in and served.
How many people in Israel thought God was just the God in the Box in Kiriath-jearim, because they saw no evidence of changed lives? I am not talking about material things but behaviors and mannerisms that cry out, “They have been with God!” Can people look at me and say, “She has been with Jesus.”
Posted by: Ramona | July 11, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Romans 1:1-15
Good a place as any to jump back in:
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus..." It is often a struggle for me to remember that Jesus is not just my Savior, but my King (Lord). How does a servant relate to a king? Just as Jesus submitted, obeyed, and had his earthly life led by the Father; I am to submit, obey, and allow my king to guide my steps while on earth.
11"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong..." Paul wants to share with them the gifts God has given. He wants to minister to them, as they are expected to minister to him with the spiritual gifts that they have; thus they will be mutually strengthened by one another's faith. That is how God wants a church to function -- the saints ministering to each other, building up one another by their faith and sharing and exercising the gifts God has given them. (Ray Stedman)
14"I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish." All the Gentiles: from the sophisticated learned Greeks to the uneducated not understanding non-Greeks.
Posted by: John A. | July 11, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Rom 1:16-17
16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."
"Paul especially is not ashamed of the gospel in Rome because the Romans appreciated power, just as Americans do. The Romans prided themselves on their power. They had military power that could conquer all the nations that stood in their path; they had a tremendous program of road-building; they had some of the greatest law-makers of history; they had the power to write literature and create art. But Paul knew that the Romans also were powerless when it came to changing hearts. They were powerless to eliminate slavery; half of the population of the Roman Empire were slaves. They were powerless to change the stubborn, hostile, hateful hearts of men and eliminate violence; the Roman Empire was full of violence and corruption and the suicide rate was extremely high. The Romans could do nothing about these things. And Paul says that is why he is so proud of the gospel -- because it is the power of God to do those very things that men cannot do. We never need to apologize for the gospel. It is absolutely without rival." (Ray Stedman)
Salvation is cool. It is not just the idea of rescuing someone from a situation (ex. a person drowning), but rescuing someone from rebellion (sin/death) and delivering someone to something. That "something" is a way of life here on earth and eventually at death - heaven.
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17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
In vs. 16 the gospel is God's power in action: salvation for everyone believing. Believing what? In God's method for saving people - on our own we cannot have righteousness (a sense of worth) before God. Zech 3:6 and Is. 64:6 tell us that our own righteousness is akin to filthy rags before God. Our righteousness simply can never be good enough for God who demands perfection.
What is revealed in the Gospel is that this perfect standard of righteousness God demands from us IS GIVEN to us.
To whom does God give this righteousness? To those who believe, and that belief comes by faith (trust in God).
In the KJV "..righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith.." has many different interpretations from scholars. Paul uses this type of Greek construction in only one other place 2 Cor 2:16...'from death to death and life to life'. So to me, from 'faith to faith' means from the earthly beginning of one's spark of faith to one's eternal everlasting faith. That is the righteousness never goes away - you are saved period, because once the gift of righteousness is given, God will not take it back.
This concept of assurance is backed up by Paul's citing of Hab 2:4. In Hab. the destruction of Judah is prophesied. There is no out for the destruction of the nation, but individuals will survive the invasion (live) when they trust in God (by faith).
Hab talks about surviving God's earthly judgment by trusting in God (faith). Paul is making the spiritual application here in Rom 1:17. The just (those believing in God's imputed righteousness) will have eternal life and this all comes from trusting in God (faith).
Posted by: John A. | July 12, 2009 at 01:21 AM
1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17
Loved Ramona's write-up on 1 Chronicles today. Would like to just add a few thoughts:
13:11 "Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah..."
angry (displeased -kjv): And in the Hebrew it is even harsher, for it speaks of an attack of an enemy upon a person. David's anger has lead to a wrong conclusion about God. David, instead of looking inward to check his own heart, is looking outward and blaming God for what has happened.
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13:12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?"
1)This is not a referential fear of God that David has, but he is terrified of God. You see, because of this incident his whole concept of God was shattered for a time. David doesn't understand why God killed Uzzah, and by blaming God - David makes God out to be the bad guy. If bad, why wouldn't God arbitrarily knock off David one day. David needs to check his own heart, and ask where HE went wrong. Thereby understanding why God acted in the way he did consistent with His nature, and to provide a lesson. It is not doing something good, but how and why we do the act.
2) We also see David ask the question "How can I bring the ark of God to Me?" And you will notice that God does not answer that question. Why? Because God has already instructed David and the nation in how the ark of God was to be carried in His word. In Exodus chapter 25.
Not only that but - David did not ask how to bring the ark to Jerusalem, but to ME. Many people assume David had only adultery and murder as sins. However, in this verse "pride" may also be an issue. In the Psalms David said he had many sins. David was anointed at twelve, but like us David's walk to being conformed in the image of Christ is a life-long process. There are many bumps on the road and lapses in our obediance to God.
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13:13 He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.
Why Obed-Edom? Obed-edom was a Levite, from the family of Korah, whose responsibility it was to take care of the ark of the covenant. (1Chron.26:4).
Just how did God bless Obededom? How could David tell that God had blessed him?
(1 Chr 26:4-5 KJV) Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth, {5} Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.
God blessed Obededom with lots of kids.
Posted by: John A. | July 12, 2009 at 11:12 AM
1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 (cont)
14:2 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel
It’s after this point, after he has been made king, after a palace has been built for him, that it begins to sink in to David.
He is king over Israel.
I think it’s interesting to contrast David with Absalom, who felt he ought to be king before he was king.
With David, it doesn’t dawn on him until after he’s king.
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POLYGAMY
3 In Jerusalem David took more wives and became the father of more sons and daughters.
Beginning of this year - someone asked about polygamy and did God condone polygamy.
Monogamy is God's ideal, but in a broken world polygamy seemed to be allowed by God in the early years of societies.
Possible reasons for this include population of women vs. men, wars reducing available men, patriarchal societies where women could not provide for themselves etc.
Why did it change in New Testament and did God change? No, "it is not so much God’s disallowing something He previously allowed as it is God’s restoring marriage to His original plan. Even going back to Adam and Eve, polygamy was not God’s original intent. God seems to have allowed polygamy to solve a problem, but it is not the ideal. In most modern societies, there is absolutely no need for polygamy. In most cultures today, women are able to provide for and protect themselves—removing the only “positive” aspect of polygamy."
See this link for a short essay on this issue.
http://www.gotquestions.org/polygamy.html
Since monagamy was God's ideal - I maintain that wherever polygamy (a broken MAN-MADE solution to the times) exists in the Bible it presents PROBLEMS for the family. It did with Abraham (Ishmael and Isaac), Jacob, Solomon, and even David with his various children.
You are going to have internal disputes between the wives and various offspring invovling jealousy.
Posted by: John A. | July 12, 2009 at 11:55 AM