Congratulations! When you complete today’s readings, you will be a quarter of the way through the Old Testament and will have completed the first of four New Testament readings! Well done!

Old Testament reading: Judges 8

“When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the humble is wisdom” (Prov 11:2). In a single turn, Gideon went from humility to harlotry.  The men of Israel wrongly credited Gideon with the great victory over Midian. No doubt Gideon was a fine leader, and through his leadership Israel was delivered. But make no mistake, it was God who delivered Israel from the Midianites. Of the 135,000 Midianties who drew the sword, more than 120,000 fell fighting amongst themselves in Judges 7. Gideon and his 300 pursued the remaining 15,000 and conquered them, but still not without God’s help. Gideon flatly rejected Israel’s attempts to make him a king, saying, “the Lord shall rule over you” (v 23). However, he still did not keep himself humble and pure before God. Taking the golden earrings from the plunder of Midian, Gideon made an ephod and set it up in his home city of Ophrah. This golden ephod became a snare to Gideon, his house, and the children of Israel, who “played the harlot” before it, meaning they worshiped before it as an idol.

New Testament reading: Revelation 19-22

“We read of a place that’s called Heaven; it’s made for the pure and the free. These truths in God’s Word He has given; how beautiful heaven must be” (“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be,” Mrs A.S. Bridgewater, c. 1920). Revelation closes with great descriptions of heaven’s beauty. However, outside of God’s presence, which is my primary reason to go there, I find heaven more desirable by what is not there than the streets of gold and pearly gates. If Revelation 21:4 were the only verse in the Bible describing heaven, I’d still do whatever it took to go there: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Old Testament reading: Judges 6-7

Judges 6 marks the beginning of Gideon’s leadership to deliver Israel from the Midianites. The Midianites came against Israel as locusts, meaning they devoured everything in their path, leaving no green thing behind as food for man or beast. We should remember that God’s punishments in these particular cases did not necessarily include relocation or enslavement (cf Judg 2:14-15, although in this case they did hide in the caves and mountains – 6:2). Verse 6 says Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites. They were sowing, but their harvest was spoiled by Midian. What little was harvested they attempted to hide (6:11). Gideon serves to show than any man can be great in God’s service if he refuses to let his lot in life serve as a hindrance.  Gideon was from the weakest clan of Manasseh, and he was the least among his father’s house (6:15).  Nevertheless, the Lord called him a mighty man of valor (v 12). Let’s stop looking for excuses not to be great in God’s service! We are also reminded that there is no need to fear when God is with us. God does not require our assistance to defeat His enemies.

New Testament reading: Revelation 16-18

These chapters bring to a close the visions and prophecies against Babylon, revealing to us the ultimate complete victory we have in and through Christ Jesus. Following the sounding of the seven trumpets, the seven angels are commanded to pour out the bowls of the wrath of God upon the earth. Those who had given themselves over to worship the beast are punished with unspeakable ruin: foul and loathsome sores, scorching with heat, darkness and pain so great that it caused men to gnaw on their own tongues. Chapter 16 reveals the hardness of heart within so many. Though dreadfully tormented with disease, fire and pain from the bowls of wrath, these did not repent and give God glory (Rev 16:9, 11, 21).

Old Testament reading: Judges 4-5

Judges 4 marks a unique time in the history of God’s people, for after their rebellion following the deliverance and leadership of Ehud, the only person fit to deliver Israel from Jabin was Deborah.  Barak was called to lead the army, but even he did not have enough faith or leadership to go at the command and promise of God. Deborah made it plain to him that he would receive no glory for his victory, as the observers would say that the Lord sold Sisera (Jabin’s captain) into the hand of a woman.  This sorry situation pictures all too well the problem of the lack of male leadership in our homes, in the church, and in society in general.  Male leadership is God’s plan, but when the men fail, someone has to come in and take up the slack.  Thank God for faithful women (like my mom) who step up and fill the void left my men who shirk their God-given responsibilities.  May God repay you all a hundred fold!

New Testament reading: Revelation 12-15

Revelation 12 records the war in heaven with Michael and his angels fighting with the dragon and his angels. Not only were they defeated, no room was found anymore for them in heaven. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (v 9). I would be interested to know how our Jehovah Witness friends would explain this account, as they believe Jesus is the incarnate form of Michael the arch angel. In Jude 9, Michael the archangel is recorded as disputing with the Devil concerning the body of Moses. How could Jesus be Michael the archangel when this dispute obviously took place after Jesus Himself appeared to Moses as the I AM (Ex 3:14). Jesus identified Himself as I AM in John 8:58. Jesus was also the One through whom all things were created (cf John 1:1-3; Col 1:16), not Michael. Yes, I know this reading also contains “the number of the beast,” but we still have three more readings in this schedule, and I intend to comment on something different each time… so keep reading with me!

Old Testament reading: Judges 1-3

The book of Judges begins an unsavory period in Israel’s history. The period of the judges was one of disobedience and rebellion followed by Divine retribution for sin in the form of persecution and enslavement to neighboring nations. After a period of slavery, God would raise up judges to deliver Israel for a time, only for them to fall back into their old ways and receiving the penalty of their errors (Heb 2:2). In all there are seven such cycles recorded in Judges. Of particular interest to me is the timing of the various lengths of obedience. Forty years, or about one generation, seems to be the norm. From this we should learn that EVERY generation needs to be thoroughly instructed in the ways of the Lord. Growing up in the church, I always heard that the church was only one generation from apostasy. Judges serves to illustrate this truth. While the entire church will never go into apostasy in such fashion, individual congregations will. When we get away from instilling the faith’s fundamentals in our children and reminding them to our adults, error and indifference to truth invariably result.

New Testament reading: Revelation 8-11

After a brief interlude between chapters 6 and 7 in reference to the opening of the seals, chapter 8 notes the opening of the seventh and final seal. I love the imagery of Revelation 8:3-4 as an angel offers incense before God’s throne as a supplement of sorts to the prayers of the saints. Whatever is about to take place is so unbelievably dreadful so as to warrant additional intercession for the saints. As we continue reading, we see a devastating succession of four plagues following the opening of the seventh and final seal on the Lamb’s scroll. These plagues were poured out upon the earth, seas, fresh waters and heavens. Before the remaining three trumpets were to be sounded, an angel pronounces “a triple woe” upon the inhabitants of the earth in viewing of the following two trumpets and the associated plagues. These two plagues were poured out on mankind. So horrifying was the first plague that John said men would “seek death and not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.” Ouch.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 23-24

Today’s reading brings us to the end of Joshua’s personal leadership. I say “personal leadership” because his influence was felt long after his death as seen in Joshua 24:31, “Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the Lord which He had done for Israel.” I believe Joshua had a more difficult task than did Moses. As a preacher, I am familiar with the great difficulty in following a great and beloved man. No preacher desires to be “the man after THE man.” There are always comparisons to the former man, “Brother So and So didn’t do it that way / did it better.” Can you imagine what it must have been like to have followed in the steps of Moses? Who would want to attempt to fill those shoes? Despite the bar being set so high by his predecessor, Joshua fulfilled his role with tremendous courage and faithfulness, and in so doing deserves our utmost respect and admiration.

New Testament reading: Revelation 4-7

Revelation 4 marks a change from writing specifically of and to the churches to the revelation and vision of “the things that must shortly come to pass” (1:1), and “things which must take place after this” (4:1). Appropriately, the vision begins with the authority and glory of God. Chapter 4 sets God on a heavenly throne, by implication revealing His authority as exceeding that of any heavenly king, the Caesars in particular. God’s throne is also described as being exceedingly great in glory, again in superiority of the Roman Caesars who built magnificent monuments to their vanity. While the Caesars had their sycophants to bolster their egos, the God of heaven was unceasingly praised by exalted heavenly beings. Chapter 5 continues with this heavenly scene and the authority of the Lamb. The Lamb is also worthy of heavenly praise and exaltation. Key text and thought from our reading: Revelation 7:9-17 – Making sure I have my robe washed white in the blood of the Lamb.  This washing in the blood is only accomplished through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf Mark 16:15-16, Acts 22:16, Rev 1:5). Also note the express reference to “the great tribulation” in verse 14 (cf Matt 24:21).

Old Testament reading: Joshua 22

Jumping to conclusions can make for an undesirable landing. There is an inherent danger in making up one’s mind before all the facts are known (cf Prov 18:13).  After the conquest, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh returned to Gilead east of the Jordan, having fulfilled their pledge to help their brethren fight to obtain their inheritance (Num 32:20-33).  Fearing that future generations might view the separation by the River Jordan as a Divine indictment and prohibition from serving the Lord, these brethren built a large replica of the altar of sacrifice to serve as a reminder to both sides of their right to offer worship to God.  Upon hearing of the altar’s construction, the ten tribes prepared to go to war against their brethren, accusing them of conspiring to commit apostasy.  Moreover, they brought to their remembrance that not only do the transgressors suffer from God’s wrath, but that such punishments tend to fall upon everyone.  After hearing the defense of Reuben and Gad, everyone was pleased, and they called the place Ed, which means “Witness.”

New Testament reading: Revelation 1-3

Revelation (not “Revelations”) remains a puzzle and a mystery for most readers.  As you read this book, do not allow yourself to become bogged down in the minutia of the symbolism. Identifying and understanding every symbol is not vital to grasping the overall theme and message of the book, which is an encouragement to Christians to endure (“overcome”) all assaults on their faith and person in view of the ultimate victory provided by the Lord Jesus. This theme is well stated by the apostle Paul in Romans 8:35-39: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Friends, this is the message of Revelation in a nutshell!

Today’s Old Testament reading: Joshua 20-21

Joshua fulfills the appointing of the cities of refuge and those for the Levites.  The creation of these cities is first mentioned in Numbers 35, but could not be appointed until after the land was conquered. There are a couple of interesting thoughts as I consider the cities of refuge as serving as a shadow and representation of our Lord Jesus. For example, the cities were evenly distributed throughout Canaan. Jesus lives among all His people, no matter where they may reside. Also of interest are the meanings of the names of these cities. Kadesh means “holy,” and that certainly describes the Lord Jesus to the utmost degree. Shechem means “shoulder” (as one who bears a burden), and Jesus is our burden bearer (Isa 53). Hebron means “fellowship,” and Jesus enjoys perfect fellowship with both God and man, insomuch as he is able to reconcile the two (2 Cor 5:18-19).  Bezer signifies a fortress, a place of safety and escape. Jesus is the one through Whom we flee to God for refuge (Heb 6:18). Ramoth-Gilead comes from an exalted or high place. God has highly exalted Jesus, giving Him a name above all names (Phil 2:9). The name of Golan is most commonly associated with rejoicing. Jesus spoke to the apostles, giving them His word, that His joy might abide in them and that their joy might be full (John 15:11).

New Testament reading: 2 John, 3 John, Jude

These are three powerful little books of encouragement given as exhortations to contend for the faith. 2 John is written “to the elect lady and her children,” a reference to a congregation (the lady) and its individual members (her children) to be mindful of both the person and doctrine of Christ. The intent of the phrase “of Christ” is of some dispute. Some contend it is only the doctrine about Christ, i.e., that Jesus came in the flesh. Others that it includes the doctrine Christ taught. The point is moot. We are not at liberty to support those who are in error on either point. 3 John exhorts Gaius to continue to do faithfully what he has done for the brethren and strangers despite the opposition of Diotrophes. Jude is a fierce counterattack against the apostates who crept in unaware and threatened the faith once delivered to the saints. These three little epistles should not be underestimated in their import.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 18-19

Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by now, but today’s text contains another head scratcher. Specifically, I’m referring to the need for Joshua to rebuke seven tribes among the brethren for not claiming their inheritance. Moses warned the people, ‘If you have been rebellious while I was with you, how much more after I am dead?’ (Deut 31:27). If possible, Joshua certainly gained a greater appreciation for his predecessor. Even in his own farewell address, Joshua had his doubts about Israel’s ability to remain faithful (cf Josh 24:19). But how many of us, like Israel of old, refuse to take hold and possession of the Divine blessings placed within our grasp?  Chapter 19 details the division of the property among those tribes.  At the end of chapter 19, we see Joshua as a picture of Jesus. It isn’t until everyone else is given their provision that Joshua is given his portion.  In like fashion, Jesus took care of our needs before being returning to heaven to receive his kingdom (Acts 1:4-11; Dan 7:13-14).

New Testament reading: 1 John

This epistle is written to give the church confidence that they have all they need to be pleasing to God. John is often referred to as “the apostle of love” because he used that word more than any other New Testament writer. However, he also spoke of knowledge and truth more than any other New Testament writer. Perhaps there is a lesson here for us, namely, love is not a cure all. It is of no ultimate value unless it is joined to knowledge and truth. In John’s day, the gnostics (literally, “the knowers”) sought to hijack the faith of the church by claiming special knowledge and attempting to hold sway over the brethren.  John assured them that they did not need anyone to teach them, for the Spirit they had received was all-sufficient for their spiritual instruction. The first four verses of this epistle are words of reassurance regarding the church’s unity and fellowship with both the apostle and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 15-17

“That girl certainly holds the keys to her daddy’s heart.” As the father of a precious daughter, I can certainly relate to God’s man Caleb in Joshua 15. Not just any man was good enough to be Caleb’s son in law. Caleb found a brave and faithful man to whom he could give his daughter Achsah in marriage. Moreover, we see how a daughter, even though grown, can still pull daddy’s strings. In Joshua 15:18-19, Caleb’s daughter sought to convince her new husband to request an additional blessing of property and springs of water. Perhaps reluctant to approach a man of such renown,  Achsah came to her husband’s aid in the matter by rushing to her father and lighting off her animal (the original language and her manner suggests urgency). Caleb immediately inquires as to the matter that caused her to be in such a rush. She notes the blessing of the land to the South, but also asks for springs of water to go with it. And, as many daddy’s are prone to do with their little girl’s requests, Caleb not only granted her request, but did so to perhaps an even greater degree than she asked! Note how the text indicates that Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.

New Testament reading: 2 Peter

2 Peter is a marvelous exhortation written shortly before Peter’s death (1:14).  When one considers Peter’s faithfulness despite the horrible death Jesus had promised him in John 21:18-19, one cannot help but love and appreciate this great soldier of the cross. In spite of his well documented fleshly weaknesses, Peter remembered the most important words that Jesus spoke to him, “Follow Me.” How might we respond if Jesus told us that we would be crucified as He was because of our faith? Would we embrace it as did Peter? Or would we, like Jonah, run from the words of the Lord? Also of note is Peter’s use of the word “exodon” to describe his “decease” in verse 15. It is the same word translated “decease” in the conversation among Jesus, Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:31). This word refers to a departure or journey, such as the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan. Thus, the very language necessarily implies that death is not an end or a cessation of existence, but rather a single point or transition in a far greater and eternal journey.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 13-14

Joshua continues to provide details concerning the conquest of Canaan. In these and other passages, the sheer volume and exceptional detail show the integrity and inspiration of the text. As we concluded yesterday, the Bible is God’s book! It begs to be examined and scrutinized! Put it to the test!  Two notes of interest in this reading. First is the death of Balaam in 13:22.  Here was a man who had actually spoken with the Lord, seen his power, preached his word, and yet is found among the enemies of God’s people.  Balaam’s treachery and demise illustrate Numbers 32:23, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Second is the record of Israel failing to drive out the inhabitants as commanded by God. The longsuffering of God simply astonishes those who stop a moment to consider it! But be warned! Many times we are no better than they. God has blessed us so far above most in the world, and yet we find every excuse under heaven not to render faithful obedience to him on a daily basis.

New Testament reading: 1 Peter

Peter’s first epistle is written to a persecuted people who are about to see even more difficult days. This book is summed in chapter 1 verses 6-9: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.” We are living in increasingly treacherous days, particularly in Western Europe and the United States. Persecution by Islamists is second only to that incited by the secular media. We have lived without persecution for many years, but we must never consider ourselves as being above or immune from it. These words from Peter may become more precious to us than we ever imagined. Such should encourage us to endure under every strain or persecution, looking to receive the end of our own faith, the salvation of our souls.