1 Samuel 20:1-21:15 ~ John 9:1-41 ~ Psalm 113:1-114:8 ~ Proverbs 15:15-17
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Old Testament - Great readings about Jonathan & David today! 1 Samuel 20 verse 13 today seems to indicate that Jonathan realizes that David will be the king after his father Saul: "May the LORD be with you as he used to be with my father." Verse 17 is beautiful - "For Jonathan loved David as much as he loved himself." Who are people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you think that there should be people in your life that you love as much as you love yourself? Do you love Jesus as much as you love yourself? Do you think that God loves you as much as He loves Himself?
Below is the artist Rembrandt's take on Jonathan & David from possibly verse 41: "Both of them were in tears as they embraced each other and said good-bye, especially David."
In First Samuel 21 as David is fleeing from Saul, we read verse 6 which Jesus refers to in the New Testament - "So, since there was no other food available, the priest gave David the holy bread--the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread." Jesus uses this incident to illustrate the principle that the ceremonial law was not to be viewed in a legalistic manner in Matthew chapter 12 verses 3 & 4 - "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests." I love verse 13! David is definitely a good actor - "So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard."
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "When Saul Slings His Spear, Jonathan Gets the Point" is at this link and "A Man Without a Country" is at this link.
New Testament - Jesus' teaching in John chapter 9 verse 3 is powerful - "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him." Wow. He was born blind so that God's power could be seen in him. I wonder about this in our lives today. When we have challenges or struggles, is it possible that they are happening so that the power of God can been seen? I know this can be tough to fathom when you are in the midst of a challenge or struggle - or, if you are blind for example, like this man in John 9. But... no matter what life throws our way, do you think that God's power can be seen in any circumstance? Below is Cretan-born painter El Greco's "Christ Healing the Blind Man" from the year 1567:
Verse 27 is great when the healed man says - ""Look!" the man exclaimed. "I told you once. Didn't you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"" Hmmm.... Verses 39 through 40 are a dialogue that each one of us should reflect upon - "Then Jesus told him, "I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." The Pharisees who were standing there heard him and asked, "Are you saying we are blind?" "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see." How are we behaving today? Are we allowing Jesus to give us spiritual sight? Or do we think we can see well enough spiritually without Jesus? Without Jesus, can we see or are we blind...? Will we allow Jesus to heal us of our spiritual blindness right now?
Bible.org's commentary on today's John readings titled "The Light of the World" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 113 & 114 today are very interesting and important Psalms! These are 2 of 6 Psalms, 113 to 118, that form the "Egyptian Hallel." These Psalms were used in Jewish liturgy at the great religious festivals of Passover, Tabernacles, Dedication, Weeks, New Moon. At Passover Psalm 113 & 114 were sung before the meal and Psalms 115 - 118 were sung after the meal. As you read these two Psalms today, do you sense joy in the Lord's work? Justice? Glory? Power? Does reading these two Psalms make you want to celebrate and give thanks for the Lord and all he has done throughout history and in your life?
Proverbs - Proverbs 15 verses 16 & 17 today are so powerfully true - "It is better to have little with fear for the LORD than to have great treasure with turmoil. A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate." However, what then do we do about a steak soup combo?? (sorry, couldn't resist a bad attempt at humor... thanks to this image below... :)
Worship God: Today's Gospel readings reminded me of the song "Here I am to Worship:"
Are you worshipping? Click here to worship!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV
Love Your Neighbor: The Navigators
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Do you agree with today's Proverb that it is better to have just a little and fear the Lord versus having much and much turmoil? 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
Thank you Mike for this blog it helps me in my walk with the Lord...infact this is my daily walk with the Lord
WE love you hope to see you Caroline
Posted by: Caroline | May 18, 2008 at 02:08 PM