DAY 165

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 17-19

2 Chronicles 18 recounts the events of 1 Kings 22 and Micaiah, sometimes called “the 401^st prophet.” I also find it interesting that Micaiah is condemned by Ahab for saying the exact same thing as Ahab’s own false prophets. It appears Ahab knew the prophets would never tell him anything he didn’t want to hear, but he also knew the Lord was not on his side. Thus, he immediately interpreted Micaiah’s encouragement as a plan of God to bring evil upon him. But today’s reading is really all about Jehoshaphat, one of the truly great kings in Israel’s history. The account of 1 Kings devotes only ten verses to this great leader, but Ezra devotes more than two chapters to him. In fact, were it not for Jehoshaphat’s request for “a word from the Lord (18:4), we may not have known about Micaiah. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the ways of David and delighted in the ways of the Lord. Jehoshaphat commissioned Levites and priests to travel throughout all the cities of Judah and instruct people in the Law of the Lord. God’s hand with was this king to such a degree that the fear of the Lord fell upon all the nations round about, not unlike the account of Rahab and Jericho Josh 2:8-14). These nations curried the favor of Jehoshaphat with presents and silver as tribute, along with thousands of livestock. His only pitfall was his alliance with Ahab, for which he was roundly rebuked. Yet, God continued with him because of his uprightness of heart.

New Testament reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

“Let no man despise thy youth” (1 Tim 4:12) is perhaps the most well-known passage preached to young Christians. However, it is all but impossible that Timothy could have been anywhere near the age of those who generally receive these words today. We are introduced to Timothy on Paul’s second journey in Acts 16. Assuming Timothy was 18 or so at that time, it was more than a dozen years later that Paul wrote this epistle, putting Timothy near or beyond 30 years of age.  This is not to say Paul’s teaching isn’t good for young people today. It is, and it’s good for all Christians, but we misuse the text to teach that Timothy was still a teenager when he received this letter.

DAY 164

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 13-16

2 Chronicles 13 provides previously unknown details of the reign of Abijah, formerly called Abijam in 1 Kings 15. While the earlier account says little of Abijah other than to refer to his wickedness, the Chronicles detail his defeat of Israel with the help of God. Abijah’s main argument against Jeroboam is that he has perverted the priesthood and worship of the Lord God. Though Judah was outnumbered 2 to 1 and was ambushed from behind, God fought on her behalf and Israel loses half a million “choice men.” While one might think that the Lord’s intervention was not so much an approval of Abijah as it was a condemnation of Jeroboam, the Chronicler says that “Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers” (13:18). It is unclear why the previous account has nothing to say of this event. As is often the case, the passage of time, (not to mention the years of captivity), had given Ezra perspective. Or perhaps it is mentioned to encourage the exiles to return to God with all their heart. For if God will deliver a wicked king such as Abijam when he relies on Him, surely God will help these penitent exiles rebuild as they return to their homeland.

New Testament reading: 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy 1-3

If there is any command given to the church that is more ignored or disregarded than 2 Thessalonians 3:6, I’m not sure what it might be. Congregations of God’s people who practice church discipline with any degree of regularity or consistency are rare as hen’s teeth. I well remember two of my favorite preachers commenting on this topic. Regarding our inconsistency in the practice of church discipline, Johnny Ramsey said, “There is more taught in the New Testament on church discipline than on the Lord’s Supper.” Preaching at the 1998 Faulkner Lectures, Frank Chesser said, “With regard to obligation, there is no difference in Mark 16:16 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6. Yet brethren hold the former as a Divine imperative and the latter as an option.” Paul upheld the practice of church discipline as a matter of true faithfulness (2 Cor 2:3-11, cf v 9). It is not possible to attain the holiness demanded by God without discipline (cf Heb 12:5ff)!

DAY 163

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 10-12

The man who led the division first pled for unity. 2 Chronicles 10 begins with the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. More detail of Rehoboam’s reign is here given than in the previous record of 1 Kings. However, as in 1 Kings 12, we see that Jeroboam was the leader of those who pled for relief from Solomon’s heavy taxes. Rejecting both the request of the people and the wisdom of the elders, Rehoboam was a slave to his pride and listened to the young fools who had grown up with him. Buying into the foolishness of his ancient entourage or “posse,” he thrust the nation into a division and eventually sought war with his brethren. Chapter 11 notes Rehoboam’s continuation of the apostasy begun in his father. Because of his transgression, the house of the Lord is plundered by the Egyptians, and the items of gold are replaced with bronze. Whenever we choose to sin against God, we must know there is a trade of the precious for the common or profane.

New Testament reading: 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 2 contains a marvelous text which provides a framework for all gospel preachers to follow. A true gospel preacher must speak boldly despite conflict (v 2; cf Acts 17:1-9). Gospel preaching is not for the timid, cowardly, or faint of heart! He must speak being free from error, uncleanness, and deceit (v 3). He must not speak to please, flatter, or receive glory from men (vv 4-6; cf Gal 1:10, 4:16). A true preacher must be gentle as a nurse and exhort as a father (v 7, 11-12). He must be willing to give himself for his audience (v 8; cf 2 Cor 12:15 – “spend and be spent”). A gospel preacher must be willing to work (v 9; cf Acts 20:35). Gospel preaching is not for the lazy, neither is it for the man “who can’t do anything else.” He must conduct his affairs with piety and above reproach (v 10). He must give proper instruction and exhortation to carry through with what has been learned (vv 11-12). He must teach, but he must also encourage right living through encouragement and example (cf 1 Cor 11:1; Phil 3:17-21). Being a gospel preacher is among life’s greatest callings, thus it requires men of the highest caliber. Like those who serve as elders (1 Th 5:12-13), we should “esteem them very highly for their work’s sake.”

DAY 162

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 7-9

2 Chronicles 7:14 contains the well known passage of national repentance for Israel. This text is often erroneously quoted in reference to the many problems plaguing the United States of America. Americans are not God’s people, neither have they ever been! God is no more or less interested in the United States than He is in Liechtenstein. This text is given to Israel specifically, for Israel was God’s only national people. Within the text is granted the promise of forgiveness of sins and restoration of national health and prosperity. Granted, things in the United States (or any nation for that matter) would improve almost overnight if biblical principles were instilled and followed by our leaders and citizens. But these transformative betterments would neither be miraculous nor remissive. Rather, such would arise out of what we might call “Divine natural law,” i.e., the inherent value in following Divine principles. Among these would include upright living and abstinence from various vices (gambling, alcohol, tobacco, etc), living within our means while saving for the future, loving our neighbor, etc. Another example is seen in our New Testament reading two days ago – One need not be a Christian to follow God’s instructions for marriage and enjoy the associated blessings thereof. We need to be careful not to misconstrue God’s relationship with Israel to nations and peoples today. God’s people today are in the church, which knows no race or national boundaries.

New Testament reading: Colossians

Colossians is somewhat of a companion to Ephesians. There are several similar and parallel passages and concepts found in the two books, but there is a different primary emphasis between them. Whereas Ephesians focuses on and upholds the church of the Christ, Colossians focuses on the Christ of the church (1:15-18). The preeminence of Jesus is the theme of Colossians. His is the preeminent kingdom (Col 1:13), which will break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms (Dan 2:44, 7:13-14). He is preeminent in creation, for all things were made by Him (cf John 1:3) and for Him, even the angels of heaven (Heb 1:6-7). His life and gospel are the preeminent philosophy (2:8-23). Christ is truly sovereign over all!

DAY 161

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 4-6

2 Chronicles 4 gives an account of the furnishing of the temple. We again see how Solomon gave no consideration to time or expense in providing the things for the temple. Why build such a incredible edifice only to fill it with second rate furniture? When the ark is brought into the temple in chapter 5, there are innumerable sacrifices and the sound of songs. God makes his presence known in a cloud so thick the priests had to stop their service of sacrifice (5:14). Solomon’s speech of dedication (chapter 6) is a magnificent exaltation of the greatness of God. Of interest is that it is also filled with prophecy concerning Israel’s future apostasy, including the drought of Elijah (6:26-27), famine and besiegement (2 Kings 6:24ff), and Judah’s return from captivity (6:36-39).

New Testament reading: Philippians

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” There is no higher calling, no higher goal for which we must strive than the one given by Paul in Philippians 2:5. In our “What do you have to offer me?” world, Christians would do well to spend some time with this verse and the three that follow. The “serve me” mentality has found its way into the body of Christ. Families move into communities looking for a congregation “that meets our needs.” Instead of asking, “What kind of youth program do you have?”, would it not be far better to ask, “Is this a place where we can serve God and do the greatest good?” Jesus did not come into the world looking for someone or some program to meet His needs, “as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt 20:28). As we read this portion of the text, let us consider the things our Lord left behind to come and live on this earth, what He became in comparison to what He was, and what He came to do and did do. In so doing, we will develop a greater love for God and a more proper view of self.

DAY 160

Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 1-3

Second Chronicles is a parallel to 1-2 Kings, but with scarcely a word about Israel and the ten northern tribes. Written after the return of the southern exiles of Judah, Israel is now a footnote in history. 2 Chronicles begins with the onset of Solomon’s reign and his preparations in building the temple. In his letter to Hiram, king of Tyre, Solomon makes a marvelous statement. Even in consideration of the astronomical expense and unspeakable beauty of the new dwelling place, Solomon says this: “And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build Him a temple, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a temple, except to burn sacrifice before Him?” (2:5-6). In all its splendor, the temple was still nothing more than a tool to glorify and serve the God of heaven. I wonder if the splendor of many religious edifices today can say the same? How much of the time, labor and expense is designed for creature comforts and monuments to our vanity and pride versus what is planned to actually serve the Lord God of heaven?

New Testament reading: Ephesians 4-6

If all married couples would diligently practice God’s instructions for married folks in Ephesians 5:22-33, divorce as we know it in our country would disappear like dew before the morning sun. The text begins and concludes with two simple admonitions for wives: 1) submit to your own husbands as unto the Lord (v 22); and 2) respect your husband (v 33). In between these is a litany of admonitions for husbands which, if faithfully considered and followed, would cause every woman in her right mind to submit herself to and respect her husband. As is usually the case, trouble in marriage starts at the top. Again, no right-thinking woman would ever leave a husband who loved his wife and gave himself for her (v 25), loved her as his own body (v 28), and nourished and cherished her as Christ does the church (v 29). Note I didn’t say it would eliminate ALL divorces, but it would remove the burden of blame from all men who practiced such!

DAY 159

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 28-29

The heavenly blueprints for the house of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28 details David’s charge to Solomon in the building of the temple. It should be noted that neither David nor Solomon were left to their own imaginations concerning its construction. While it was necessary for David and Solomon to gather the materials and find the artisans and workers to complete construction, the actual building plans were given to David by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (28:12). David recognized this Divine guidance when he said, “All this the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the work of these plans” (28:19). Once again we see that man is not left to his own imagination or device in service to the Lord. And so it is today. While men must carry out the building up of the Lord house today (the church – 1 Tim 3:14-15), we must always proceed with Divine authority, not being at liberty to add, remove, or alter the Divine plan in any way (cf Col 3:17).

New Testament reading: Ephesians 1-3

Ephesians 2:8-10 contains what many believe is the “tent peg” for the false doctrine of salvation by faith only. What I find particularly interesting is the charge of “proof texting” against churches of Christ in matters of baptism, when those who oppose Bible teaching on baptism use Ephesians 2:8-10 as their “proof” text for faith only. The question about Ephesians 2:8-10 is, “How would the Ephesians have understood the text when they heard it?” In the context, Paul is showing that there is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. What had formerly separated these two groupls? The works of the law of Moses (2:14-15). Paul says that though you were once two distinct people (Jew and Gentile – vv 11-12), “now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off (Gentiles – TC) have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (v 13). The blood of Jesus is the only remedy for sin (Rev 1:5, Heb 9:22). When does one contact Jesus’ blood and receive salvation through the remission of his sins? In baptism – Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16. The recipients of the Ephesian letter would have certainly identified the time of their salvation with their baptism (Acts 18:24-19:5). We must share the Ephesians’ understanding of this text.

DAY 158

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 25-27

“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth” (Psalm 127:4). 1 Chronicles 25:5 contains an interesting phrase. It says God a gave Heman the king’s seer (prophet) fourteen sons and three daughter “to exalt his horn.” Some mistakenly attribute “horn” to the playing of musical instruments. This is not correct, as the horn under consideration was not an instrument of the priests. The text gives testimony to the greatness of Heman’s work and character, thus he was blessed by God with many children who could assist and carry on in his great work for the Lord. Having numerous offspring was considered a Divine blessing, but this text explicitly says so. All parents should be so fortunate as Heman so as to have God’s express blessing.

New Testament reading: Galatians 4-6

Galatians 4:4-5 sets forth three immutable attributes of God. First, Paul’s statement testifies to God’s impeccable timing – “when the fullness of time was come.” God’s timing is always perfect. For example, His land promise to Abraham’s descendants was contingent upon the Amorites’ complete apostasy, when God would use Israel as the instrument of His wrath. Also, the inauguration of Christ’s kingdom waited upon “the days of these kings” (Dan 2:44), namely, the days of the Roman emperors. Second, we find God’s faithfulness in the completion of His promises – “God sent forth His Son, made of a woman…” (Yes, even promises made to the Devil – cf Gen 3:15). Paul began his letter to Titus with these words, “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1:2). Our God keeps His promises! Finally, we see the eternal purpose of God’s works – “to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons.” This reveals to us that God’s plan to send Jesus to die for our sins was always known to Him and was central to all His dealings with mankind. “Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:18). God had been waiting patiently to send His Son to earth, but “in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom 5:6). May we be always patient to trust in God’s time, be hopeful in God’s promise, and be steadfast in the assurance of His eternal purpose.

DAY 157

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 22-24

He didn’t build it, but he made sure someone did. Yesterday’s reading tells us how David committed the Lord’s many blessings to the building of the temple. Today’s reading gives us a measure of this treasure, specifically, “one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond measure” (22:14). At today’s (May 2015) market price of $1200/oz for gold (and it was $1800/oz just three years ago), this makes each talent (33kg) of gold worth about 1.4 million US dollars. Multiplied by 100,000 talents brings the figure to nearly 1.5 TRILLION dollars. The silver? Well, each talent at today’s market was worth about $20,500. So, multiplying by one million makes the value of the silver at 20.5 TRILLION dollars! This makes the statement concerning David – “He made abundant preparations before his death” (22:5) – quite the understatement! These preparations included gathering the other materials as well as giving Solomon the plans to build the temple. In the context of getting things ready for Solomon to build the temple, we should consider how we should live so as to help others continue building God’s temple (the church) after we are gone. One way is to remember the Lord’s work in our last will and testaments. Too many parents leave a lifetime to God’s blessings to children who are not faithful to the Lord. Surely God cannot be pleased with this! Consider helping some area of missions, an orphans’ home, set up a scholarship for some young man to attend a Christian university or school of preaching.

New Testament reading: Galatians 1-3

Who or what constitutes and apostle? In Galatians 1:19 we see Paul identify James the Lord’s brother as an apostle. Like the word “angel,” “apostle” has both specific and general New Testament usages. It is used in a general sense to denote “one sent” (John 13:16), and is even applied to Jesus (Heb 3:1). James the Lord’s brother (Gal 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:14), and Silvanus and Timothy (1 Thes 2:6, cf 1:1) were also designated as “apostles,” though not in the same sense as the Twelve and Paul, insofar as we do not see in them the authority, abilities, or “signs of an apostle” (cf 2 Cor 12:12).

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).