May 28th readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Samuel 13:1-39 ~ John 17:1-26
Psalm 119:81-96 ~ Proverbs 16:6-7

Old Testament - Second Samuel chapter 13 is a sad chapter to read in so many ways.  Amnon is David's first born son, so he is heir to the throne at this point.  Absalom is David's third born son - but at this point he may have been second in line to the throne because David's 2nd born son, Kileab, was only mentioned once and may have died young.  You'll note that there are unfortunately are some parallels in David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah with his 2 sons' behavior in this chapter.  David sinned sexually with Bathsheba - Amnon sinned sexually against Tamar in a horrible way.  David sinned by ordering the murder of Uriah.  Absalom sinned by ordering the murder of Amnon.  Unfortunately we see a pattern of "like father, like sons..." in this chapter.  I don't think this always has to be the case in our human condition - I do believe we can be redeemed and transformed and not act in sinful ways like our parents may have acted.  But, I also do believe we need Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit to save us from ourselves - in this regard of breaking the cycle/pattern of sin and in all regards. 

Bible.org's commentary on our Second Samuel readings today titled "Tragedy in the Royal Family" is at this link.

New Testament - John 17 is such an amazing chapter... this is Jesus praying!  So powerful.  I honestly am at a loss for words on this chapter.  I could probably try to write something about each and every verse.  But, maybe what makes the most sense is for you to re-read this chapter again.  Do you see Jesus praying for you in this chapter?

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings are extensive!  They've divided this chapter up into 3 commentaries, which shows the depth of what's going on in this chapter.  I recommend you take a few minutes to check out each of these commentaries.  The first commentary titled "The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Part I" is at this link, "Part II" is at this link, and "Part III" is at this link.

Psalms - I am continuing to love our readings of Psalm 119!  This is an incredible Psalm...  I somehow am re-reminded of how amazing this Psalm is each time I read it.  Just about every verse speaks to me in some way.  I could write something on each verse...  For example, I love the imagery in verse 81 today - "I faint with longing for your salvation; but I have put my hope in your word."  I faint!  I long! I hope!  Verse 83 - "I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them."  I am shriveled!  I am exhausted!  I wait!  I cling!  I obey!   I love this Psalm...

Proverbs - Proverbs 16 verse 7 is interesting today - "When the ways of people please the LORD, he makes even their enemies live at peace with them." Do you believe this to be true?  I do... And I think I've seen this in action in my own life very recently.  Sometimes I think we can get so worried about our perceived enemies or whatever - when really all we should be focusing on is our relationship with God.  And this other stuff will work itself out.  It's secondary.  Our relationship with God is primary.  Is this true in your life today?

What verses or insights jumped out for you in today's readings? Please post up in the Comments section below!

Grace,
Mike

Comments

[Jeff]

Isn't it great to be able to hear Jesus pray to God?

I really love this prayer. Of the 26 verses, Jesus spends the first 5 verses praying for Himself and then the entire rest of His prayer is for others (disciples, other believers, the entire world). Praise for God is inherent in every verse. Contrast this with the structure of The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) where the first 2 verses are praise of God, the next 2 1/2 verses are prayers for self, and the final 1/2 verse is praise of God. Because we are so familiar with the
Lord's Prayer (since we pray it at virtually every worship service), is it possible that it has conditioned us to focus on self in our prayers moreso than praying for others? Don't get me wrong -- there
is no right or wrong way to pray. I believe God values all our conversations (prayers) with Him.

God Bless You All,