Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 10-12

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12). 2 Samuel 10 continues David’s conquest of the heathen nations, but dark days and foreboding are at the door of David’s house. The inspired writer notes the progression of errors made by David beginning in chapter 11: 1) He stayed at home when it was time to lead in battle; 2) He was still in bed when he should have been attending to royal business; 3) He refused to remove his eyes from evil in that he “beheld” (kept on watching) a naked woman; 4) He rejected the identification of Bathsheba as “the wife of Uriah the Hittite; 5) He acted upon his lust. David’s sin with Bathsheba and his subsequent cover up, which included murdering her husband, led to a lifetime of heartache and public humiliation. From this text we learn the danger of shirking one’s responsibilities. Had David gone out and led his armies as he ought, this sordid affair would have never occurred. Nathan’s courage and cunning in rebuking David is remarkable. His account of the two men and the little ewe lamb incites David’s emotions, and he is furious at the wickedness of the wealthy man saying, “The man who has done this shall surely die!” Nathan drives the final nail in the coffin with his pointed rejoinder, “Thou art the man.” David’s punishment reminds us that the price for a moment of pleasure can last a lifetime.

New Testament reading: Luke 10-11

Sometimes our choices are not between bad and good, but between good and better. The account of Jesus with Mary and Martha shows us the value of discernment. While Martha busied herself trying to be a good hostess for the Lord (good), Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his teaching (better). Jesus described Mary as choosing what was needful, meaning truly necessary. Moreover, He said what she had chosen could not be taken away from her. What Martha sought to provide and receive was only temporary – her guests would soon be hungry again. Had she not provided her guests with food, the loss would also only be temporary; they could eat later at a more convenient time. Truly, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4).

Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 7-9

Two notes of interest in today’s reading. First, we learn that consulting with one’s preacher is not the same as consulting with God. Recognizing the blessings of God in his own life, David sought to do something good for God, namely, build Him a house. Expressing to Nathan his wish to honor God, Nathan encouraged him to “do all that is in your heart, for God is with you” (7:3). However, Nathan had spoken out of turn and without divine authority. That very night, the Lord rebuked Nathan and sent him back to David to tell him not to build a house for the Lord. Why? Because God had not authorized or commanded it! Though Solomon would later credit God with commending David for his good heart in the matter (cf 2 Chr 6:8), we again see that we are not at liberty to serve God as we choose, expecting Him to accept it because of good intentions. Second, I am encouraged by David’s usual fidelity and how deeply he loved Jonathan as seen in his treatment of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s only remaining son (ch 9). As soon as he was established as king, David remembered and executed the covenant that he had earlier made with Jonathan (cf 1 Samuel 20:14-16). He restored to Mephibosheth all the land that belonged to his family and gave charge to Ziba and his household to take care of it. Mephibosheth was given a place at David’s table all of his days while receiving the proceeds from the property restored to him.

New Testament reading: Luke 8-9

Who is my brother? Luke 8 further reveals the cleavage between Jesus and his earthly family and his dedication toward those who expressed their faith in Him by obeying the word of God.  His family had already accused him of being insane (Mark 3:20), and later we will read of how his own brothers did not believe in him (John 7:1-5). An oft overlooked lesson is the need to give priority to our relationships within the body of Christ. Too often, family members defend their sinful kinfolk to the point of severing their relationship with the local church. By His example Jesus shows us how important it is to align ourselves with those who hear the word of God and do it. This does not mean we abandon our disobedient loved ones, but earthly relationships should always take a back seat to the spiritual.

Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 5-6

God says what He means and means what He says, and neither the passage of time nor good intentions in any way diminishes or negates His word. Following the conquest of Jerusalem and the defeat of the Philistines, David decides to further unite and inspire the people by bringing the ark to Jerusalem, here identified as “the City of David” (2 Sam 6:10, 12). David failed to move the ark in accordance with the word of God. Rather than having the ark transported on the shoulders of the sons of Kohath (Num 4:15, 7:4-9), he placed the ark on an ox cart. As David and all the host of Israel celebrated and danced about, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady it. For this he was immediately struck dead. David was unhappy with the Lord, but God had been clear about transporting the ark as well as forbidding anyone to touch it. Uzzah did not get a free pass for his good intent. I know it sounds crazy, but Uzzah would have been better off to let the ark fall to the ground than to touch it. David would later confess his error, saying he had not consulted God about the proper order (1 Chr 15:13-15).

New Testament reading: Luke 6-7

It is truly astonishing how hard the hearts of men can be concerning the truth. In Luke 6:1-5, Jesus refuted the error and hypocrisy of the Pharisees who had accused his disciples of violating the Sabbath. First, the Pharisees were in error in their accusation that the disciples were violating the Sabbath. Some take this text and claim Jesus was teaching situation ethics. But such is not the case. In Matthew’s account of this incident, Jesus is recorded as declaring the disciples as being “guiltless” (cf Matt 12:7). The Pharisees were hypocrites insofar as they refused to condemn David, who had in fact violated the Law by eating bread that was not lawful for him to eat. Then, in Luke 6:6-11, we find men hating Jesus for healing a man with a withered hand. How could someone witness such a marvelous miracle and hate the man who performed it? Sadly, such was the case with many in Jesus’ day, and I have no doubt our present generation is no better.

Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 3-4

Today’s reading gives us a glimpse into the life of the man Joab. This man had great ability and wisdom, as we will see in subsequent readings, yet many times he completely disregarded the authority and direct orders of the king. After David met with his former foe Abner, he sent him away in peace as Abner agreed to abandon Ishbosheth and help David unite the kingdom according to the word of God. However, Joab claimed that Abner was practicing deceit and intended to betray David. Leaving David’s presence, Joab murdered Abner by deceit and in cold blood. 2 Samuel 3:27 reveals the impetus behind his action – he was avenging the blood of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed. But it should be remembered that Abner killed Asahel in battle and even pleaded with Asahel to refrain from pursuing him lest he be killed (2 Sam 2:19-23). Abner killed Asahel in self defense. Joab’s dastardly deed broke David’s heart, and he declared a day or mourning for his former foe. It appears from 2 Samuel 3:39 that David lived in fear of Abner and his kin, saying, “these sons of Zeruiah are too harsh for me.” David realized Joab’s treachery (and that of his family) knew no bounds and was afraid to recompense him for his deeds. David trusted in the Lord to repay Joab for this treachery, but he lived to regret his failure to deal with the problem as we will see in the account of Absalom.

New Testament reading: Luke 4-5

Luke 4:16 contains an interesting phrase, specifically, that Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath “as His custom was.” Give attention to the fact that the text does not say He did so “according to the Law” or “according to the commandment of the Lord.” All my life I had been taught that the Jews worshiped on Saturday and the church on Sunday. This is not so. The Jews worshiped on specific days of the month (e.g. Passover – Ex 12:1-6), and on other specific dates in accordance with those particular days (e.g. Pentecost – Lev 23:15-16). The Sabbath in and of itself was never given as a day of worship; it was given as a day of rest and remembrance (Deuteronomy 5). Sabbath gatherings were a result of the synagogue system born out of the Babylonian captivity. This system was continued upon the return of the exiles, but was never a part of the Mosaic Law.

Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 1-2

2 Samuel begins the difficult transition of the throne from the house of Saul to the house of David. In spite of the fact that Saul (now dead) had recognized David’s inevitable ascension to the throne, this transition was not without difficulty and bloodshed. From this we should learn that the will of God is not always accomplished with ease or lack of great difficulty. With Jonathan gone, I’m sure David would have loved to have had Samuel alongside him during this period as a confidant and source of advice. David would soon “get his Samuel” in the person of Nathan the prophet, another great man of God who was unafraid to rebuke a king. David’s loyalty and integrity are again on display as he executes the young Amalekite who brought him Saul’s crown and bracelet, claiming to have performed a “mercy killing” upon King Saul. We shall see more of the same from David in tomorrow’s reading. David never ceases to impress me. His life instructs me and serves as a pattern of behavior if I would also be a man after God’s own heart.

New Testament reading: Luke 2-3

Luke’s account contains a more complete lineage of Jesus in comparison to Matthew 1. In Luke 1:5, Elizabeth is called a daughter of Aaron, meaning she was of the tribe of Levi. In chapter 1:36, Mary receives word that “Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son.” The lineage of Luke 3 goes through Judah (v 33) and not Levi. So, there was a marriage along the way wherein an ancestor of Mary must have married into the tribe of Levi. The reason I find this interesting is because it requires Jesus to have some ties to both the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Levi. Judah was the tribe of royalty (Gen 49:10), and Levi was the priestly tribe. Like Melchizedeck (cf Heb 7:1), Jesus was both a king and priest.

(For a more detailed examination of the two genealogies see the following: https://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=6&article=932)

Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 29-31

“The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead” (Prov 11:8). The words of righteous David in 1 Samuel 26:10 are brought to fruition as Saul’s reign as king comes to a tragic and violent conclusion. Saul’s death was tragic in the sense that Jonathan was also killed alongside him in battle, and reminds us the righteous often fall alongside the wicked. I cannot help but see some measure of Divine providence in Jonathan’s death. His survival into David’s reign would have been the source of much confusion among God’s people. As we will see in the early chapters of 2 Samuel, there was a division of loyalty between the house of Saul and of David. This would have likely been much worse had a righteous man like Jonathan been involved. In chapter 30, we see an interesting exchange between David and his men. Of the 600 men with David, only 400 were physically able to continue in battle. The remaining 200 stayed back with the supplies. After their victory, the 400 only wanted to return the portion that belonged to the 200 and not share in any of the spoil. David rebuked them saying that all would share alike in the spoil as the victory was not the result of human effort, but by the preservation and favor of God. For all the great men who stand in the pulpit or travel the globe in preaching the gospel, let us remember that there are many who serve behind the scenes or at home, and without them, the more visible ones could not be successful.

New Testament reading: Luke 1

Luke 1 contains the beautiful song of Mary, in which she expresses an understanding that the things that are happening to her are a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. The Jews wanted Jesus to be an extension of the Law of Moses, but the promise to Abraham preceded and superseded Moses and the Law (cf Gal 3:15-18). Tragically, some have taken Mary’s statement, “all generations shall call me blessed” (v 48), to foist upon her titles and “dignities” that she neither desired nor deserves. There is no record of such veneration of Mary among the early church such as we see among multiplied millions today.

Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 26-28

David’s righteous is again on full display as he again spares Saul’s life. In addition to delivering Saul from a much deserved violent demise, David is angered at Abner, who had been entrusted with Saul’s protection and keeping. David rebuked Abner as deserving to die for failing to protect Saul’s life. Finally, David declares that the Lord will repay him for his fidelity, “May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (26:23). I expect Ahimelech’s words returned to haunt Saul, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David?” (1 Sam 22:14). It appears Saul finally resigns himself to David’s ultimate deliverance (26:25), but David takes no chances and allies himself among the Philistines. I readily admit this is a odd alliance and I do not understand it. But David used it to advance the Lord’s cause against his enemies. Saul’s use of a medium teaches us a lesson about the afterlife, namely that Samuel retained his identity after his death, and he remembered the words he had previously spoken to Saul during his life. Compare these truths to Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.

New Testament reading: Mark 15-16

“He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:16 contains the simple statement of Jesus concerning what one must do in order to be saved. Namely, believe the gospel (cf v 15) and be baptized. While many want to quibble over the absence of baptism in the latter part of verse 16, it should be understood that the verse is composed of two independent clauses. Being independent, neither has bearing over the meaning of the other. Each stands on its own without affecting the other. The first clause instructs on how to be saved and the latter on how to be lost. My standard response to those who want to make this tired, much answered argument is this, “Tell me what the verse says to do to be saved. The second half of the verse tells me how to be lost. I am not interested in the second half of the verse, as I have already been lost and have no intention of going back. So tell me what the Lord Jesus said one must do in order to be saved.” This is a fair and reasonable way to deal with the passage, and it puts those who reject it in the unenviable and inextricable position of opposing the Lord.

Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 24-25

“The righteous man walks in his integrity” (Prov 20:7). David’s righteousness is nowhere more greatly demonstrated than when he spared Saul’s life. David refused to stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed despite being urged to do so by his fellows. Their arguments were surely most persuasive as they believed this opportunity was given by the hand of the Lord. The integrity of David’s heart is further seen in his remorse for cutting the corner of Saul’s robe. David desired nothing more than to acquit himself before Saul, but felt remorse by disrespecting the one whom God had appointed king. What a beautiful heart dwelt in David! Chapter 25 contains the marvelous account of Abigail, a woman who was beautiful inside and out. Married to a worthless man named Nabal, Abigail entreats David for his goodness toward Nabal’s servants after Nabal had rudely rebuffed David’s request for assistance. Even Nabal’s servants called him a son of Belial to such a degree that no one can speak with him. What a sad state for such a fine woman! So worthless and sorry was this man that the Bible says when Abigail told him of the good she had done to David that “his heart died within him, and he became like a stone.” Ten days later the Lord finished the matter and Nabal was dead. Freed from such a scoundrel, Abigail then became the wife of a man after God’s own heart. What a marvelous change that must have been for her!

New Testament reading: Mark 13-14

It doesn’t matter who she was. Mark 14 records an unidentified woman breaking an alabaster flask of ointment in preparation of Jesus’ burial. Despite the disciples’ agreement with wicked and covetous Judas, who criticized the woman for “this waste,” Jesus commended her and said that so long as the world stands, this deed and good work that she had wrought on Jesus would be spoken as a memorial of her. What a marvelous thought that one simple act would never be forgotten! It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter who sees it. It doesn’t matter if you are criticized. Every deed done by faithful members of the church of Christ shall likewise not be forgotten, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name” (Heb 6:10).

Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 21-23

Shakespeare called jealousy a “green eyed monster” (Othello). If this be the case, Saul’s eyes were surely greener than the richest emerald. 1 Samuel 23 reveals what may be the lowest point of Saul’s reign. In chapter 21 David lies to Ahimelech, saying he is on a secret mission from Saul. Ahimelech helps David and his men, offering them the sanctified bread to eat (which was only lawful for the priests (v 4, cf Mark 2:23-28). Later, Saul comes and accuses Ahimelech of conspiring against him in the matter of David. Ahimelech defends David’s integrity first, calling him the most faithful of all of Saul’s servants, reminding Saul that David is his son-in-law, and is honorable in Saul’s house. Finally, the priest defends himself, noting his ignorance of Saul’s contention with David. What is Saul’s response? He has Ahimelech and more than 80 other priests murdered at the hand of Doeg the Edomite. Additionally, Doeg utterly destroys every living thing in Nob – men, women, children and beasts.  Reading this account both disgusts and infuriates me! But I am reminded that serving God faithfully with integrity of heart is no magic shield against persecution or martyrdom.

New Testament reading: Mark 11-12

“Just who do you think you are?” Mark 11 contains one of my favorite exchanges between Jesus and his detractors. In verses 27-28, the chief priests, scribes and elders challenged Jesus and his authority saying, “By what authority do you do these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” Jesus’ response was classic beyond measure. Rather than address them directly concerning the matter of authority, He challenged their own self made claim of discernment. By their questioning, they had set up themselves as authorities in the matter of authority. Jesus asked them a simple question, and in so doing exposed their weakness, their lack of resolve and their hypocrisy. Surely they left with their heads down and tails between their legs, as Jesus had quickly and concisely “taken them to the woodshed.” From this account we learn that time should not be wasted debating those who have no real interest in truth. Some folks don’t deserve an answer.

Old Testament reading: 1 Samuel 19-20

“No good deed goes unpunished.” 1 Samuel 19 continues the saga of Saul’s persecution of David and includes Jonathan’s righteous intervention.  I believe Jonathan gets shortchanged in discussions of great men of the Bible. 1 Samuel 14:6 contains a great statement of his faith, “Nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many of by few.” Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul (19:4), all the while knowing Saul hated David. Later he would say to David, “You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you” (23:17). What a magnificent declaration! By the ways of man, Jonathan was next in line to the throne of his father. But Jonathan cared nothing for the ways of man. He was devoted to the things of God. Thus, he recognized God’s choice for David to succeed Saul, and he stood by that choice even though his father sought to sever him from David by means of that very subject (1 Sam 20:30-31). Every man needs a Jonathan in his life, a fiercely loyal friend and faithful confidant.

New Testament reading: Mark 9-10

Mark 9:1 is problematic for our Jehovah Witness friends as well as those who adhere to the errors of premillennialism.  Jesus expressly stated that there were some who were standing with Him who would not die until they witnessed the kingdom of God coming with power. Jehovah’s Witness literature is filled with their belief that the kingdom was not established until October of 1914. Pray tell, who was alive in the days of Mark 9:1 who did not see death until October 1914? Moreover, the Jehovah’s Witnesses would have us to believe the kingdom was established secretly, not in plain view of all as Jesus Himself prophesied. On the other hand, our premillennial friends believe the kingdom has not yet been established. I’m not sure which is a worse position to take. Both are equally wrong, so I guess it doesn’t matter. The kingdom of God on earth is the church (Matthew 16:16-19). Paul said he and the Colossians had been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col 1:13). John said he was a companion in it with the seven churches of Asia (Rev 1:9). Neither doctrine can be reconciled with the clear statements of the Lord Jesus and His apostles.