DAY 156
Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 18-21
Today’s reading chronicles (no pun intended!) David’s numbering of Israel to God’s great displeasure. In His mercy amidst His wrath, God gives David a choice of three punishments: 3 years of famine, 3 months of military defeats, or 3 days of God’s destroying angel passing throughout Israel. David throws himself on God’s mercy, yet qualifies his choice by requesting that he himself not fall into the hands of his enemies. God sent an angel who by plague killed 70,000 innocent men. David, realizing that all this has happened because of his personal sin, calls out to God to have mercy on the people, asking God to finish his retribution on himself and his household. Also of note is Joab’s wisdom in this matter. We have had several things to say of Joab in recent weeks, most of it unflattering. However, in this matter, his advice and attempt to dissuade David proved true. Also, as I re-read this text, I took particular notice of how David’s blessings were used to bless subsequent generations in matters pertaining to serving God. From the bronze David took in spoil, Solomon made the bronze Sea for the temple (18:8). The articles of gold, silver and bronze received as a gift from Tou were also dedicated to the Lord along with all the precious spoils of war. We should take note to ensure our blessings are similarly used.
New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 11-13
Did any man ever endure greater hardship for our Lord than the apostle Paul? Any one of the hardships Paul endured for the cause of Christ would likely cause most Christians to question their commitment to the Lord. Most of these are not noted in Luke’s account of Paul’s work in Acts. Moreover, some of the things Paul suffered as recorded in Acts had not occurred when Paul wrote this epistle. Such should encourage us to be more steadfast in our daily lives. Most of us have no idea what it means to suffer as Paul did for his faith. There are two things Paul surely contemplated as he endured such terrible treatment and harsh conditions: 1) All the pain he had caused the Lord as he made havoc of the church (Acts 8:3; 9:4); and 2) All the things the Lord Himself suffered in His life and death to establish the church. May we so consider Him (Heb 12:1-3).
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