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.)

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).