June 1st One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
2 Samuel 18:1-19:10 ~ John 20:1-31
Psalm 119:153-176 ~ Proverbs 16:14-15

Old Testament - Wow.  Intense readings today.  As could be expected from Absalom's pursuit of his ego and pride the past few chapters, his sin catches up with him.  Zondervan's commentary today had the interesting point that Absalom's "pretty head & long hair" (as you'll recall from 2 Samuel 14:25-26) ironically ended up being his undoing as his long hair got caught up in a tree.  This seems very symbolic of how pride and ego can be it's own undoing.  This image I think it sums up well where unchecked pride and ego can ultimately lead...

Well, Absalom did incorporate some long term ingenuity in his pride & ego - like the Egyptian Pharaoh's of old, Absalom decided to make sure he built a monument to himself! as we read about in verse 18 today: "During his lifetime, Absalom had built a monument to himself in the King's Valley, for he had said, "I have no son to carry on my name." He named the monument after himself, and it is known as Absalom's Monument to this day."  Below is an image of Absalom's Monument (Pillar) -

While on one hand I do appreciate David's grace and love for his son Absalom, I have to say that I really do appreciate Joab's boldness & wisdom in rebuking David in verses 5 through 8: "We saved your life today and the lives of your sons, your daughters, and your wives and concubines. Yet you act like this, making us feel ashamed, as though we had done something wrong. You seem to love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that we mean nothing to you. If Absalom had lived and all of us had died, you would be pleased. Now go out there and congratulate the troops, for I swear by the LORD that if you don't, not a single one of them will remain here tonight. Then you will be worse off than you have ever been."  That is quite a speech by Joab to David!  And I believe he was right.  David's love for his son was admirable in one sense - but it also could be seen as selfish in another sense.  David seemed to care more for his son than for the nation of Israel, and Joab called him out on this.  It is interesting how sometimes our love for one person can cloud everything else going on in our lives.  Love for one person is a beautiful thing.  But it seems that we should also be cognizant of others around us too - and love them.  And sometimes, like David, we may need to realize that there is a greater good - a greater love - than the singular love we have been focusing on.  This is not easy to discern of course...   hopefully this makes some sort of sense or doesn't sound too harsh?  Below is a portrait by artist Guy Rowe of David mourning for his son Absalom with Joab in the background giving his speech in the verses above:

Bible.org's commentary on today's Second Samuel readings titled "The Darkest Days of David's Life" is at this link.

New Testament - Today we read about Jesus' glorious resurrection! Verse 18 is awesome - "Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, "I have seen the Lord!""

Tyndale's One Year Bible Companion gives a great list today of the order of Jesus' 11 appearances after his resurrection:
1. Mary Magdalene and the other women
2. the disciples on the road to Emmaus
3. Peter
4. the ten disciples in the upper room
5. the eleven in the upper room with Thomas present (Below is an oil painting by Carravaggio from the year 1601 titled "The Incredulity of Saint Thomas")
6. the disciples at the Sea of Tiberius
7. the eleven on a mountain in Galilee
8. five hundred of the brethren
9. James
10. all of the apostles
11. those present when he ascended into heaven

Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Burial and Resurrection" is at this link and "On Seeing and Believing" is at this link.

Psalms - We finish Psalm 119 today...  :(  I am sad.  I loved reading through this Psalm again!  For some reason it meant so much to me these past few days.  I pray this Psalm has been good for you as well this go round.  I think the last 3 verses of this Psalm are worth us camping out on here for a moment.  In verses 174, 175 & 176 the author of Psalm 119 closes out the Psalm with what I think is a prayer and a confession all in one - "O LORD, I have longed for your salvation, and your law is my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands."  Wow... not a bad prayer and confession, eh?  Is God's Word your delight?  Do you wish to live so you can praise God?  Does His Word sustain you?

Proverbs - Proverbs 16:15 today is nice: "When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain."  What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain?  When a baby smiles at you?  When you smile at someone else?  When someone else smiles at you when you're having a rough day?  Let us be like gentle rain for each other!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your reaction to David's grief over his son Absalom today?  Why do you think he grieved so much?  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

[Jim]

I was always impressed with the way Joab called David to account for mourning Absalom in the presence of the troops who just rescued him from certain death. While mourning his son's death isn't wrong, as a leader of men he needs to care for their morale and express his appreciation for a job well done. David is certainly one of my Biblical heroes because of his unfailing faith in God but you also see his failings too... something I can cerainly identify.
Another one of my Biblical heroes is Mary Magdalene in this passage in John. Her love for Jesus seems to certainly surpass that even of the disciples.
Have a good one all...
Jim

[A]

The king answered, "I will do whatever seems best to you".David was happy to stay at home again while his army went to fight.Maybe he was afraid to have to confront his son in battle because he may prefer to die than harm Absalom yet inspite of assuring the army he would go along with whatever they suggested he commanded them not to harm Absalom.
What was it about this guy that made David love him so much?His looks?Could Abalom have taken a bigger part of David's heart than God's laws.We see he preferred to leave Israel to Absalom than to consult God and protect Israel from a son he knew really didn't have a heart for God.
Idols don't have to be golden cows..they can be money,family etc.I pray God reveals our idolsand the things that compete for His love and laws in our lives before we become a stumbling block for others and give satan an opportunity to wreck havoc in our lives..Israel got divided,had to fight eachother then creep back home ashamed after the battle,David went home heart broken...
Mary's love for Jesus is something I realised today I wished I had.While the other disciples slept soundly(or maybe stayed behind locked doors afraid of the Jews)Mary went out to the tomb where Jesus was put.When Mary saw the tomb was empty,she told the others...just John and Peter set out but returned to their homes when they saw the tomb was empty...Mary stayed.Maybe in her mind she hoped someone would give her a clue to what happend.Many times when we loose someone we love,we kinda feel drawn to the room the person stayed or when we visit the person's tomb it gives us a feeling of closeness to the person,Mary just couldn't leave,she kept peering into the last place she knew he laid.Her love for Christ defied her fear of the jews.Her heart was longing for him and Jesus blessed her with His presence.I pray for that kind of love and longing in my heart,for such loyalty...

[R]

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10

I am an observer of human behavior and I am always looking at patterns that cross cultural, ethnicities and “tribes.” One hundred percent, of the time, we grieve differently but the emotions, feelings and intent that fuels the grief is the same. Usually or grief is not about the physical death of the person, but of missed opportunities. When someone dies because of their own bad choices usually the deceased loved ones: mother, father, possibly siblings, aunts, and uncles, usually grieve inconsolably over missed opportunities to provide direction and correction and guidance. David grief was rooted in regret and guilt. Think about it. Our decisions, my decisions

I’m going to look at Joab and David from a different perspective than Mike.. As per scripture, our righteousness is not based on our behavior it is based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And our acceptance of that righteousness, Jesus Christ, is based on the condition of our heart, whether we accept what Jesus has done for us or not. For the Old Testament saints and ain’ts, it would be their acceptance of the One Who is To Come in the fullness of time. According to God, David had a “right” heart; however, Joab did not which we shall see in the readings to come. As per the commentary on the BibleOnRadio.Com for today’s reading, David was operating out of Love with no Justice toward Absalom, and Joab operated out of Justice with no Love. In my opinion, both were out of Balance.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and loving-kindness and truth go before Your face. (Psalms 89:14 AMP

[Sue]

"Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

It is my understanding that Jesus announced this to his disciples; it was incumbent upon the people to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and it was a "done deal" if they believe--their sins are ALREADY forgiven because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross; but if they did not believe (and the same thing goes today)--if there is no belief--faith--grounded acknowledgement that Jesus is whom he claims to be, there is no forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment; we shall know them by their fruits. Jesus said: If you love me, obey my commandments.

As I understand it, this was not a special pronouncement whereby the disciples had the ability to hold a sin against someone--or to forgive them (as the Sanhedrin and high priests and Jewish leaders recognized, and about which they were so ticked at Jesus: )Only God can forgive sins, but Jesus (as I understand the text here) was announcing to the disciples that they could now discern if someone was forgiven or not forgiven. Hence:

"Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

Further we have that confidence in us because WE believe, so Jesus is IN US, and we are IN HIM, so we have "THE MIND OF CHRIST" -- or at least we SHOULD have the mind of Christ that comes with the washing and regeneration of the word.

God's love and blessings.

[Liz]

I'd have to say it again, it's just tough being king! Was Absolom spoiled? I think so ... David didn't seem to have a very good rein overy his children. I always wondered about he handled Tamar's rape, for one. And the picture you chose - wow, it does speak volumes.

[Dan]

I think it's worth noting that in general, Thomas gets a bad rap. But I'm not sure that where Jesus was going with it. We call him "Doubting Thomas", and we like to think that we could have/would have believed that Christ was resurrected just upon hearing of it! But I think Jesus was a bit more understanding than us.

In the Message translation says, "So you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." (John 20:29). He doesn't say "the only blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing", just better blessings!

There are certainly those among us who need intellectual stimulation. Does that mean they are doubters? Or does it mean that they simply think on a different plane than others?

Just a thought!

Great passages today...well...it is the Bible so, I guess that's to be expected!

[janice]

i need to ask you a question. my daughter lives with a girl they care for each other, she wants to known if her soul is comdemmed to hell. They believe in Jesus Christ and have love in their hearts for their neighbors, they go out of their way to help someone.
I have to handle this with love and understanding please help a mom that loves God and wants to tell her daughter what she should do with love not to pass judgement.
thank you for your help
God Bless you Mike

[aslan]

concerning the love of David for Absalom, I am reminded again that a "born-again" parent loves unconditionally (God's love) but the parent cannot expect that same unconditional love from their child(ren)... UNTIL the child comes to a living Relationship with the Lord. And.... the sins of the parent become so harshly clear (to the parent) when they are manifested and enlarged in the child(ren) as sin, aka rebellion/deviance/love of money, world. As a parent of 5 adult children, I know this to be true in my life. It breaks my heart everytime I read about David and his children. What a lesson!! I believe that David, like me, wishes he had it all to do over again.

[Carmen]

I find David’s life a good example of surviving great obstacles with God by your side. He was a very powerful man who endured suffering and disappointment. He was discouraged many times as seen in Psalms. But he loved the Lord and was in constant communication with Him. He always confessed his sins and weaknesses. When David loved he loved unconditionally. We see this in his relationship with Saul and his son Absalom. I admire his courage to do God's will no matter what the obstacles were. Even though he complained about his trials, in the end he always praised God his savior. We should try to do the same. Thank you for your daily devotionals and bible study. I read them everyday and they are a blessing to me and I am sure to many others.

[Jenny]

Aaaaw, that picture of David is so sad! the story is very sad but i understand Joab's rebuke. tough situation! I remember seeing the movie of King David back some yrs ago n have that image of Absalom in the tree, stuck in my mind, really gross!
I've heard so many good sermons on pretty much every verse in this readings of John. wish i could share them all!

[Heidi]

today was the first day in studying with your blog...and i loved it!!!! the links to the bible verses, and the expounding on them in blogs is wonderful.....thank you so much... im blessed to have found another blog that is for the right reasons....so much of the blogs arent worth reading and im finding a few that are great... yours being one of them.... god bless, and keep it up!!!!

[Mae]

"When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain." What else in our life today refreshes like a gentle rain? When a baby smiles at you? When you smile at someone else? When someone else smiles at you when you're having a rough day? ~ My day can be refreshed when I can do something for somebody else, that makes my heart smile! It points out that my life is not about me, it's about other people. To help them and make their life refresh like a gentle rain. Or when I start my day with a great prayer, that's just awesome! Whatever brings me closer to God, or to feel His presence ... THAT refreshes my day like a gentle rain!

[Carla]

This is for Janice, who wants to answer the question her daughter asked about whether she is condemned. I would direct her to the Word for what God has to say. The word clearly says that those who practice homosexuality, idolatry and other sins will not enter the Kingdom of God, as well as that homosexuality is clearly not God's plan for our sexuality. She is clearly choosing willing disobedience and idolatry over Gods clear commands. Disobedience takes us out from under Gods authority and covering. Repentance is the door back into His protection and our obedience brings peace, life and joy.Does she want fruit in her life, to glorify God? If so, that means sacrificing what she wants in favor of what God requires, which ultimately is for her own best good as well. This is laying down your life, losing it to find it, carrying your cross and following Him. Gods grace is enormous, His love is unending and He calls us to a higher walk than we would choose for ourselves. Ask her, since she has to choose between this relationship and her realtionship with God, who will she choose? Clearly there is only one she can choose and no middle road. If she chooses this relationship over God, then she is not living the highest commandment to love God with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus expounds on this and teaches that only those who obey him truly love Him. Disobedience is not love and never will be, no matter what ones feelings are or cultural norms dictate. To choose God is to choose Life, Hope and all the best He has to lavish upon her. If there is condemnation, she is choosing to bring it on herself by disobedience and the prick of the conscience God placed within her. I do not believe God condemns, He came to save the world and not condemn it, Jesus said. Condemnation is our choice to reject Gods gift of grace through Jesus Christ and living accrding to our own desires instead of submitting to His loving commands and healthy boundaries. Tell her that is is her choice whether she wants condemnation or salvation of her soul.

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