Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 23-24
Today begins “the second third” (as in 1/3) of our 360 day, full circle journey. Many are the great statements and lessons to be found in this marvelous Old Testament text. We might mention David’s reference as “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (23:1) or David’s “affirmation of inspiration” in verse 2. Much could be said of “David’s mighty men.” We could speak of their incredible feats of war and their loyalty to David. We might even draw attention to the final man in that list of 37 (23:39). Though many more things might be cited, (including Joab’s wisdom… again), I want to think about David’s statement to Araunah the Jebusite when the latter man offered to give his threshing floor, his oxen, and the yokes for a fire of sacrifice to God. David’s response was inspiring, “No, but I will buy it from you… for I will not offer to the Lord my God that which cost me nothing.” No doubt, the fifty shekels of silver David paid were “front pocket money.” David never missed it, but heart would not permit him to make a “costless sacrifice.” Too many today give to the Lord “that which costs them nothing.” They give him the leftovers of their service, the leftovers of their time, the leftovers of their attention, the leftovers of their prayers, the leftovers of their love, the leftovers of their money. Their Christianity costs them nothing. I believe they will be rewarded according to their investment.
New Testament reading: Luke 23-24
The Beloved Physician presents the faith of those faithful women as exceeding that of the apostles. Upon finding the tomb empty, two men in shining garments told them again what Jesus had said many times concerning his death and resurrection. Luke 24:8 says, “And they remembered his words.” Upon rehearsing “all these things to the eleven and the rest,” the same cannot be said of these men chosen by God. They did not remember the words of Jesus, instead receiving their testimony “as idle tales” or nonsense. O that we might always remember and believe the words spoken to us by the Lord Jesus Christ!
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