Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 3-6

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Ps 20:7). 1 Samuel 4 reveals the fallacy of the faith of Israel. Following a defeat at the hands of the Philistines, they decided to trot out the ark of the covenant as some kind of super power or shield of invincibility. When the ark was brought forth (by Eli’s wicked sons no less), Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook. Hearing this shout, and fearing that the Lord had come to destroy them, they fought anyway, declaring it was better to fight and die than to become servants of the Hebrews. Not only did the Philistines defeat Israel, they captured the ark of the covenant and carried it to Ashdod. Friend, improper faith is powerless to change or save! We cannot place our faith in our parents’ religion or even the actions of our own religious practice. Our faith must be in God! Baptism saves us because it is an act of faith in God (cf 1 Pet 3:21; Col 2:11-12). I don’t believe in baptism; I believe in the God who commanded baptism for remission of sins! If you recall from our New Testament reading two days ago, the Jews had the same problem regarding their faith toward the temple and the gold in it (Matt 23:16-17).

New Testament reading: Matthew 26

“You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). Matthew 26 contains the fulfillment of several Messianic prophecies… “They weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver” (Zech 11:12). This was fulfilled in the agreement between Judas and the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (vv 14-16). “Strike the shepherd; and the sheep will be scattered” (Zech 13:7). Jesus expressly foretold of the fulfillment of this prophecy in Matthew 26:31, and it was fulfilled in verse 56, “Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.” Though there are others, we will conclude here with the fulfillment of Psalm 41:9, “Even my old familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” This prophecy of David was also fulfilled in Judas’ agreement in verses 14-16. The fulfillment of these prophecies only serves to strengthen our faith in God and the Divine record.

Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 1-2

Samuel is undoubtedly one of the greatest men who ever lived. But, as we will see in subsequent readings, even great men of God have their own personal failings. In our reading today we see the birth of Samuel and Hannah’s beautiful prayer.  We also see Eli’s failure to discipline his sons.  An unidentified “man of God” condemned Eli for his failure to discipline his boys. This messenger said that this failure caused Eli to honor his sons more than God. God commands us to discipline our children, and our failure to do so is to exalt our children above the God of heaven.  Undisciplined children are a dishonor to their parents, the church, and to God Himself. There is a disgraceful lack of respect for authority in our society today. There is no respect for the rule of law or for those in authority such as policeman or our enlisted men and women. But this lack of respect does not begin in the teen or young adult years; it begins from the earliest age in the home. As a husband and father of public school teachers, I can tell you that undisciplined children are as an oozing sore in our schools and a future blight on society. A lack of discipline in the home led to the demise of God’s plan for His people, and it is leading our nation down the road to ruin. Worse still, we now have a generation with no respect for the divine appointments in the church, which has led to the demise of many local congregations.

New Testament reading: Matthew 24-25

“They never had any oil to begin with.” This is the only logical conclusion concerning the five foolish virgins among those who believe in the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” Any time a professed believer falls away, such is always explained, “He never was saved to begin with.” In the parable of the ten virgins, the oil represents readiness to meet the bride. All ten virgins are prepared to meet the bridegroom (i.e., saved, Matt 25:1). It is not until verse 5 that half of them are found unprepared (e.g., lost). At some point, they lost their readiness (salvation). I guess they never really had any oil to start with. Or, we might be better off to conclude the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy (once saved, always saved) is false.

Old Testament reading: Ruth

Ruth is a beautiful story of the faith and faithfulness. The beauty of this story needs no comment; it simply needs to be read and appreciated. However, there are some things associated with this book that I find interesting. For example, when I was younger and living in Missouri, a song I often heard sung at weddings was “Whither thou goest.” The song was written by Guy Singer in 1954, and a rendition of it was made famous by Perry Como in 1959. The title and opening words were taken from this beautiful book – “whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people” (Ruth 1:16). These words are also quoted at weddings, adding the closing line, “And thy God, my God.” However, the song strays further from the text, referring to it as “that story long ago, the same sweet love story now is so; thy people shall be my people, my love.” While the text records Ruth’s love and loyalty, such was toward Naomi, her mother in law. It doesn’t fit the context of a wedding or the love and loyalty of matrimony. The song and the lyrics are beautiful, but the words do not reflect the context from whence they are taken. But it’s just a song; sing it anyway (assuming you like Perry Como!).

Our New Testament reading: Matthew 22-23

“He came here dressed like that?” Matthew 22 reveals to us the importance of being properly clothed for the great wedding feast God has prepared for his Son (22:1-14). In the parable there is found a man attempting to join the feast, but he is not properly attired. His presumptuous act results in him being cast out into outer darkness wherein there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. The church is the bride and wife of Christ (Eph 5:23-32). The only way we can be properly attired for the Judgment is to be clothed with Christ. The only way to be clothed with Christ is to put on Christ in baptism – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27). Like the man at the wedding feast, those who go to the Judgment without proper attire will likewise be cast out.

Old Testament reading: Judges 20-21

This concludes the account of the Levite and his concubine and closes the book of Judges. What we here observe is the horrific tragedy that dooms a people bent on committing sin or refusing to recognize sin among their brethren. Also seen is man’s inability to control himself in matters of vengeance. Perhaps this is why we have been relieved of exacting vengeance (Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30). As an aside, the Septuagint rendering of the phrase in Judges 20:16 “and not miss” utilizes the same Greek word for sin, which illustrates for us that sin is to “miss the mark.” Several times in Judges we are told “there was no king in Israel.” Two of these are accompanied by, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg 17:6, 21:25). These statements are associated with wickedness and a lack of spirituality among the people. Such conduct leads me to believe God was not king in Israel either.

New Testament reading: Matthew 19-21

“What God has joined together, let not man separate.” God’s plan for marriage and the home is given by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6. One man with one woman until death separates them is God’s law on marriage as established in Eden (Gen 2). Matthew 19:9 is the only exception for God’s law on marriage. The only acceptable reason for divorce and remarriage is fornication on the part of one spouse. Men and religious institutions may continue their assault on God’s plan for the home, but Matthew 19:9 remains unchanged now for two millennia, “Whosoever divorces his wife, except it be for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. And whoever marries her who is put away commits adultery.” As a wise old preacher once said, ‘This verse doesn’t need commentary or explanation; it needs to be believed.’ Furthermore, the assault on marriage has now expanded beyond the scope of its permanency. Men today have assaulted marriage on the grounds of its divinely approved participants. Jesus said, and the Pharisees knew as well, that marriage is an institution for two people of the opposite sex. What a tragedy it is as our nation and many religious institutions are seeking to destroy God’s plan for the home, the very foundation and fabric of our society.

Old Testament reading: Judges 19

This is one of the most bizarre and unsettling of all the Old Testament accounts. There is really too much material for comment, so permit me to speak generally about my reaction to the text. What really disturbs me is my general misconception of God’s people in the Old Testament. These were harsh, brutal people who showed little regard for women or human life and limb. In many ways they differed little from the pagans round about. Reading Joshua and Judges makes me more thankful to be a Christian. Even though men were still quite brutal in the days of the New Testament, Christians are certainly called to something much higher. One fact of absolute importance should here be noted. Just because the Bible records the account of an action is not to say the action in any way enjoys Divine approval. The actions of both the old man and the Levite are undeniably reprehensible. This account is given to set the stage and help us to understand the events to follow in Judges 20.

New Testament reading: Matthew 16-18

The Mount of Transfiguration teaches us a number of lessons concerning death and our lives thereafter. First and foremost, there IS life after death! We continue to possess a conscious existence following our earthly death. Second, we maintain our personal identities in eternity. Moses was still Moses and Elijah was still Elijah. Jesus necessarily implied both of these truths when, in Matthew 22:32, he quoted Exodus 3:6, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,” concluding, “God is nto the God of the dead, but of the living.” Moreover, Peter also somehow recognized the two great patriarchs, even though he had never seen them (or perhaps their Facebook accounts were still active J). Third, we remember our previous lives and the things said and done. Luke’s account of this event says Jesus was talking with these men about His decease (exodus or journey) that would soon be accomplished in Jerusalem. Such tells us that Moses and Elijah knew of this long before Jesus was ever made manifest in the flesh. Finally, we learn that Jesus is far greater than Moses, the great law giver, and he is greater than Elijah, the great law restorer. Peter did not recognize this at first, but God quickly made it clear.

Old Testament reading: Judges 17-18

Micah (not the prophet) is a most intriguing character. He is first introduced as a penitent thief turned idolater. He stole 1100 shekels of silver from his mother, then after returning them had them made into a carved image and ephod. After first making his own son as his personal priest, Micah hired a young Levite to be his spiritual advisor and priest.  Upon so doing, he immediately assumed that God was with him, seeing he had his own personal representative from Levi (talk about putting one’s faith in the wrong things!). However, his joy was short-lived, as the young Levite was found by the tribe of Dan, and they were willing to pay him more and exalt him even higher. Moreover, the Levite took Micah’s silver ephod and the silver idols he had made (18:27). Never trust a man, especially a preacher, who’s in it for money.

New Testament reading: Matthew 13-15

“Little is much when God is in it.” Matthew 14 and 15 provide the accounts of two miraculous feedings at the hand of Jesus.  Each involved a grocery sack of food and several thousand people. About 5000 men, plus women and children, were fed with five loaves and two fish in chapter 14. When everyone had finished eating, twelve baskets of leftovers were taken up. Some time later, Jesus fed 4000 men, plus women and children, with seven loaves and a few small fish. When all had eaten and were filled, they took up seven large baskets of leftovers. I can’t help but wonder if the multitudes actually realized what was going on as the apostles made their way through the crowd dispensing food. No doubt they knew, but even then failed to recognize it significance (as you will see in tomorrow’s reading – Matthew 16:5-12). How often do we fail to see the great good accomplished in seemingly small or obscure deeds and other acts of kindness? One small deed can make the difference in the eternal destiny of one’s soul, which Jesus said is worth more than the whole world (Matthew 16:26)? Not to mention the good it does for our own soul? No matter what it is we do for others, let us do it with the faith that God can make into something big!

Old Testament reading: Judges 15-16

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecc 7:8). So we come to the end of Samson’s “leadership.” Perhaps the best we can say of Samson’s life is that even though he died beneath a mountain of rubble, he still went out on top. Samson’s lack of self control, especially where women were concerned, led to his capture, blindness, servitude and public humiliation.  Moreover, the Philistines gave credit to their gods for delivering Samson into their hand. Lessons to be learned? Our personal shortcomings can give others cause to direct their praise in improper ways. We should never give men cause to glory in our sins and bring reproach upon that noble name by which we are called. Another lesson is that we can always finish strong in our service to God. Though blind, Samson’s eyes were opened to a final opportunity to serve God and his fellow Israelites. His prayer to God was heard in that his strength was restored that he might deal one final blow to the wicked Philistine nation. So great was this blow that Samson killed more Philistines in his death than he had in his life (16:30). That’s going out strong!

New Testament reading: Matthew 10-12

Matthew 12 reminds us of Jesus’ earlier words about bearing good fruit (cf Matt 7:15-20).  Of particular note is the use of the tongue. The tongue is a mirror to the heart, “a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings for evil things” (v 35). When you find a person who is known to speak soft and pleasant words, you have found a person with a good and thankful heart.  Where you hear chronic complaining and dissatisfaction with any and every thing, you have found a black heart that lacks the ability to be thankful.  Avoid these like the plague! So revealing are our words that Jesus says these will justify or condemn us (v 37).

Old Testament reading: Judges 13-14

Samson is one of the best known Old Testament characters. Though people know little about him personally, he is famous even among unbelievers as representing the epitome of physical strength. Samson was a tragic character in many ways. Here was a man of nearly unlimited physical and personal potential, but his lack of self control led to his downfall and ultimately his death. Samson had no one to blame for his problems other than the man he saw in the mirror. Samson teaches us to heed the advice of godly parents, especially in matters pertaining to life’s dearest associations (14:1-4). Samson’s parents were found in such Divine favor so as to receive a visit from the Angel of the Lord (whom I believe to be the pre-incarnate Lord) to declare the end of their barrenness. And not only this, Manoah prayed for the return of God’s messenger and was heard and answered. Note also that Israel is already under Philistine oppression before this deliverer is even conceived. I am also impressed with the faith and logic of Samson’s mother in Judges 13:22-23. So many interesting tidbits in this text!

New Testament reading: Matthew 8-9

“I have not found so great faith, not even in Israel!” So said the Lord Jesus in response to the Centurion’s statement of faith. Most of us tend to stop reading or thinking about this account at this point. But to do so would be a grave error, for after speaking of the centurion’s faith, Jesus expressly included the Gentiles as fellow heirs of the kingdom of heaven while excluding the unbelieving Jews. This centurion was a Gentile and had enlisted the help of the Jewish elders to plead his case, which they readily and enthusiastically did (cf Luke 7:1-10). Perhaps the Lord’s statement was lost on them because this man was a “good Gentile” in that he loved the Jewish people and had built them a synagogue. Also of note in chapter 8 is the mother in law of the first “Pope.” No, Peter was not the first pope. I only note this to show the foolishness of Catholic dogma. The person they hold in such high regard was a married man, unlike the celibacy demanded of the present Catholic priesthood and hierarchy.

Old Testament reading: Judges 11-12

I find Jephthah one of the most interesting character of the Old Testament.  Jephthah was the son of Gilead, but was rejected by his family because he was born of a harlot. He was embraced by worthless men and became a bandit. He must have been of some reputation and renown, for he was recalled to duty when his people needed him. Jephthah’s wisdom and his grasp of Israel’s history served him well as he contended with the king of Ammon. The only thing most people know about Jephthah is the rash vow he made which led to the death of his only child, a daughter. Yes, I believe the Bible means exactly what it says about Jephthah carrying out his vow. Jephthah illustrates David’s statement of whom may abide in God’s tabernacle and dwell in His holy hill – “he who swears to his own hurt and does not change (Psa 15:1, 4). Perhaps this is why Jephthah is listed in Hebrews 11 in “Faith’s Hall of Fame.” As an aside, you may have also noticed in Joshua 12 that Ephraim again got their feathers ruffled by being left out of a fight (cf Judg 8:1). Unlike the first time, they did not listen to reason and 42,000 Ephraimite men lost their lives.

New Testament reading: Matthew 5-7

Matthew 5 contains a beautiful text known as The Beatitudes (5:2-10).  Among these is “the forgotten beatitude,” the last in the list, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This promise of suffering brings us full circle from the first in verse 2. Only those who are poor in spirit (have a proper view of self) are willing and able to endure the emotional and physical persecution required of those who would live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3:12). As our society grows increasingly secular and more openly hostile to Christianity, we should remember that the US Constitution does not supersede the Bible. We have grown accustomed to relying on our nation’s legal document to protect us from what God has promised us if we will be faithful to Him. The early church did not consider themselves as above or immune from persecution. Why do we think ourselves better than they? The early church gloried in suffering as manifest evidence of God’s approval (Acts 5:41; 1 Thes 1:6; 2 Thes 1:3-5).

Old Testament reading: Judges 9-10

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” What we will read today reveals just the opposite is also true, that those without mercy shall receive none, but instead shall suffer Divine retribution. Abimelech was a ruthless ruler whom we might call the first king in Israel. Hiring worthless men as mercenaries, he set up himself as a king through deceit and the murder of his own brothers (nearly 70 in all) who had consented to help him. Despite his best efforts to be known otherwise, he was killed by a woman, a sign of shame in that day (cf Judg 4:9). Within this account is a section that made me chuckle. In verses 27-28, Gaal, with much braggadocio, challenged Abimelech to war for control of Shechem. Of course, Abimelech wasn’t present at the challenge; Gaal was just full of himself. When word of Gaal’s insolence reached Abimelech, he prepared himself to attack. In Judges 9:38, after Abimelech showed himself for war, Zebul said to Gaal, “Where indeed is your mouth now, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? Are these not the people whom you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight with them now.’” BOOM! Don’t let your mouth write a check that your body can’t cash.

New Testament reading: Matthew 1-4

Our second season brings us back to the early days of our Lord’s ministry.  Of note, John the Baptist came preaching repentance (3:2); Jesus came preaching repentance (4:17).  Some modern day false teachers (ahem, Joel Osteen) do not speak of such, knowing the message of repentance doesn’t pad their attendance figures or bank accounts. Why? Repentance means change, and change is difficult. Preaching that people must repent is not financially beneficial. Preaching that “God loves you just the way you are” is what bulges the bank account. It should also be noted that the message of John and Jesus also included the warning of the nearness of the kingdom of God. Both declared the kingdom of God as being at hand. How, then, do so many continue to teach or believe that the kingdom is not yet established? (Picture me with a confused look on my face and scratching my head.)