Chapter to Chapter - Thoughts on Daily Bible Readings

DAY 155

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 16-17

“David’s Song of Thanksgiving.” This song was delivered by David himself into the hand of Asaph and his brethren after the ark of God was returned to the tabernacle. These men were Levites, who were given charge to serve before the ark of the Lord, “to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord God of Israel” (v 4). Our worship should reflect these same three emphases. We should always be mindful of what God has done for us (Ps 103:2). We should give thanks in every thing (1 Th 5:18). We should offer up to him our continual praise (Heb 13:15). There are many wonderful lines in this song, but one section that stands out is the closing refrain of verses 34-36: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! For his mercy endures forever. And say, ‘Save us, O God of our salvation; gather us together and deliver us from the Gentiles, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise.’ Blessed be the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!” I love the line following this closing stanza – “And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.”

New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 6-10

“The exceeding great and precious promises of God” (2 Pet 1:4). 2 Corinthians 7:1 encourages us to perfect holiness in view of the promises of God found in chapter 6 verses 16-18. Paul introduces these promises by exalting the Divine nature as being completely incompatible with any and all forms of unbelief and its associated darkness. Consider Paul’s extensive list of incompatible positions and ideas: righteousness and lawlessness; light and darkness; Christ and Belial (Satan); believers and infidels; the temple of God (true worship) with idolatry. In light of this, those who would be called children of God and call the Lord of Heaven their Father must be diligent to eradicate every vestige of filth from their flesh (deeds) and spirit (thoughts), bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5). With great privilege comes great responsibility. Being called a child of God is no small matter and must not be entered into nor taken lightly.

 

DAY 154

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 13-15

“Ezra the Chronicler” gives us additional details concerning David’s error in moving the ark to Jerusalem. The first account is found in 2 Samuel 6, but it provides no detail as to David’s discovery of how to move the ark. In 1 Chronicles 13 we see the outbreak against Uzza because of his error in touching the ark. In chapter 15 we see that David includes himself in the sin that led to Uzza’s death. David makes no bones as to why the breakout against Uzza occurred, “For because you did not do it the first time the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order” (v 13). Recognizing their error, the priests and Levites sanctified themselves and “bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord” (v 15). Hundreds of years had passed, but God’s word was not diminished, neither would He abide any altering thereof. No one can ever read this account and believe that “God is not concerned with the details so long as our heart is right.” Perhaps no religious error has led to more souls being lost than this one. A bigger lie the devil has never told.

 

New Testament reading: 2 Corinthians 1-5

“Keep the Ten Commandments.” Signs with this message can be found all across the Bible Belt. However, these sign displayers must have never read 2 Corinthians 3, as this chapter contains as strong an argument against modern day Ten Commandment keeping as can be found anywhere in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 3 is “ungetaroundable” in showing the weakness and nullification of the Ten Commandments. This is done in Paul’s comparison and contrast of the Decalogue with the new covenant known as the gospel of Jesus Christ. One should first recognize the stated inferiority of those things written on “tablets of stone.” Second, there is the mention of new covenant (v 6), indicating there is an old, outdated covenant. Moving directly to the Law of Moses, Paul identifies it as “the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones” (v 7) and “the ministry of condemnation” (v 9). Why would anyone promote the keeping of a law thus described by an inspired apostle? We have the gospel of Christ, God’s new covenant for all men everywhere (Rom 1:16).

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 11-12

It takes all kinds. This is true in many aspects of life. It is also true when assembling an effective fighting force. 1 Chronicles 12 tells us of those brave, righteous, and talented men who came to David in his earliest days when he was still a fugitive from Saul (12:1). Seeking a righteous man to lead them, these men came from every corner of Israel. Consider some of the traits these men possessed. The men of Benjamin were skilled in the ways of war, ambidextrous with both the sling and the bow (v 2). Also, these men were willing to take a stand for a righteous cause. The end of verse 2 describes them as “Saul’s brethren.” Kinfolk or not, they forsook a king and aligned themselves with a righteous fugitive. The Gadites were fierce in the face of battle, mighty men of valor with faces like lions and swift in difficult terrain (v 8). This first group were not deterred by obstacles, crossing the Jordan when she had overflowed her banks and raged southward. In verses 16-18 we see men who were unafraid to declare their allegiance and thus unafraid of God’s judgment. The sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel should do (v 32). Might minus wisdom is full of folly. The sons of Zebulun were stouthearted and could keep ranks (v 33). Keeping ranks doesn’t mean they were good marchers. Rather, they were able to stay together when the battle grew hot. Finally, of all the men who came it is said they had loyal hearts and were of one mind to make David king. That’s how battles are fought and won!

 

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

1 Corinthians 15 is sometimes called the great resurrection chapter. In verses 5-9, Paul calls to mind six instances of Jesus being witnessed as risen from the dead. These did not include the women at the tomb or the men on the road to Emmaus. This is why Luke could so confidently write that Jesus “presented Himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3). The resurrection of Jesus is given as proof of the future resurrection of our own bodies. Paul makes it clear that if there is no resurrection of the body, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, our faith is worthless, we are still in our sins and the dead in Christ have no hope (vv 16-18). But thanks be to God that Jesus is risen from the dead!

DAY 152

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 9-10

The great detail given in these genealogies was not some sort of space filler or busy work for the people. The nation of Judah was a special people, a people chosen by God, blessed by God, punished by God, and now restored to their homeland by God. Upon her return to Judea, she would need to restore some semblance of identification and religion as the people of God. Despite all they had been though, they were still God’s chosen people, and they still had obligations of religious service that must be rendered. The identification and responsibilities of the Levites with respect to the tabernacle was most needful. The Law did not change simply because they had been captives for nearly two generations. Thus, an informed and vigorous priesthood was needed. Every task, no matter how mundane, was assigned to the Levites and carried out with reverence and care. Our lesson is that everything done in service to the Lord, regardless of how unimportant it might appear, is vital to the success of the local body. Moreover, Divinely delegated authority must be respected and maintained. Chapter Ten moves to the time of the kings. Despite being Israel’s first king, and one who reigned forty years, very little is said of Saul. Ezra (whom I believe to be the author) assumes the people know of Saul’s misdeeds and his inglorious history. In fact, only his untimely demise is given any attention before moving on to the author’s main focus, the reign of David and his offspring.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 12-14

Paul gives further emphasis to our previous lesson of love and unity, as he describes in marvelous detail the importance of every member of the body. Not every body part receives the same glory. I have heard and participated in discussions concerning which part or sense we would least want to be without. But God teaches us that the body cannot function at its highest level unless every part does its share (cf Eph 4:14-16). Not only must each part function properly and as God intended, each member of the body must recognize that none of us stand or function alone. Having so said, Paul reminds us to have a proper concern for one another, also reminding us that when one member suffers, all other members suffer with it.

DAY 151

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 7-8

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice…” (Gen 18:19). These words of God, given concerning the great patriarch Abraham, might also be said of Issachar. What a family! The sons of Issachar kick off today’s list of genealogies. (Hang in there! Only one more day of these!) Like Abraham, the greatness of Issachar can be seen in his sons and his sons sons. Of his son Tola, it is said, “the sons of Tola were might men of valor in their generations.” Of his son Uzzi, who himself had five sons, “All five of them were chief men.” In summary we read, “the families of Issachar were mighty men of valor.” Today’s text also contains a great compliment to the children of Asher. Of his descendants we find the following description: “All these were the children of Asher, heads of their fathers’ houses, choice men, mighty men of valor, chief leaders” (7:40). These are the kind of men so desperately needed in our churches and in our communities – men who will stand and fight for what is right. Men who will (and want to) lead.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 8-11

“Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Cor 8:13). This is one of the most powerful statements of brotherly love as it pertains to the unity of the Spirit and the value of one soul. Too many people are all about self, “my rights,” and getting “what I deserve” (when we ought to thank God that we don’t receive what we truly deserve, cf Rom 3:23). The Christian life is always about JOY – Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Paul here epitomizes this very truth. In this, he practiced what he preached, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4). This is the kind of love that draws people to Christ!

DAY 150

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 5-6

Ezra (assuming he is the author) brings to Israel’s remembrance the sin of Reuben (cf Gen 35:22), because of which thing he lost his birthright as the firstborn. The text thus notes the genealogy is not listed according to the birth order. Following this is the mention of Judah’s ascendance over his brothers. Of note is the ruler who would come through his lineage, which ruler we know to be Jesus the Christ. Israel (Jacob) prophesied that the scepter (a sign of kingly authority) would not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10). Micah the prophet foretold that this ruler from Judah would be born in Bethlehem, and that this Ruler’s goings forth would be from everlasting (Micah 5:2). This text was quoted and applied to Jesus in Matthew 2:6. One more point from this text… In 1 Chronicles 5:23-26 we read of the half tribe of Manasseh who remained to the east of Jordan. In Joshua 22, a civil war was nearly started when these brethren erected an altar on Jordan’s banks. They explained that the altar was built to remind those brethren on the west of their brethren on the east, lest they accuse them of having no part or lot with their brethren. However, in 1 Chronicles 5:23-26 we find these same brethren, the ones who so greatly desired to be remembered among God’s people, forsaking the God of their fathers and playing the harlot with the gods of the nations round about.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 3-7

“You need to take care of yourself. Remember, your body is the temple.” Many of us have heard this statement or one similar to it. The origin of the idea comes from 1 Corinthians 3:16-7, but I don’t think 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 teaches this. The body under consideration here is the local church, not the individual. The King James Version is a help to us in arriving at this conclusion. Unlike any of the modern translations, the King James differentiates between the singular and plural pronouns in the Greek text. The singular pronouns are represented by “thee,” “thou,” “thy” and “thine,” while the plural appear as “ye,” “you,” “your” and the like. Thus we see the plural “ye” in the phrase, “ye are the temple of God.” Yes, I must work to maintain my personal holiness, for failure in so doing defiles not only me, but also my local congregation and church family.

DAY 149

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 3-4

1 Chronicles 4:10 contains what is called the prayer of Jabez. Bruce Wilkinson’s book (pub 2000) by this title sold nine million copies and spawned a host of spinoff books and associated products. (I’ve not read the book, so I can not recommend it with or without caveats. Some have accused the book of teaching the false “prosperity gospel.” If that be the case, I would not recommend it.) In my research of this prayer, I was surprised that a couple of the standard commentary works (e.g., Clarke, Barnes) had no comment whatsoever on the passage, while others had much to say. Jabez is a character shrouded in mystery. Consider this – though he appears in a list of genealogies, his own heritage is not provided. Any attempt to identify his ancestry is pure speculation. Here is what we do know: 1) Jabez was an honorable man. Whether the statement implies his brethren were not so in contrast to him, or that he was exceedingly honorable, is not ascertainable; 2) Jabez desired the true blessings of God – “bless me indeed.” Sometimes we misconstrue as Divine blessings what are actually the entrapments of the Devil. Jabez prayed for God’s blessings and the wisdom to recognize them; 3) Jabez was concerned about his soul, as he prayed from deliverance from evil and the associated pain. All three of these attributes are worthy of our admiration and emulation.

New Testament reading: 1 Corinthians 1-2

If Paul was not sent to baptize, then why did he baptize? 1 Corinthians 1:17 is a text often misused by those who deny the necessity of baptism to be saved. Of note in the context is that everyone at Corinth had been baptized. This is clear from Acts 18:8 wherein “many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized,” just like Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15-16. Also, Paul implies the same when he (rhetorically) inquired as to the name in which they were baptized (1:13). Paul then identifies those whom he had personally baptized, knowing he could speak of these as having been baptized in the proper name (authority). Anyone who will read Paul’s missionary journeys will find him preaching the gospel and baptizing those who believe, exactly as was done when the church was established at Pentecost in Acts 2.

DAY 148

Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2

Originally, 1-2 Chronicles consisted of a single scroll. Ezra is generally believed to be the author of this book, especially as one sees the transition from the end of Chronicles into the book bearing his name, which details Judah’s return from Babylonian captivity. While a considerable portion of the Chronicles mirrors the Kings, it is not accurate to say that the Chronicles are only a later recitation of those works. The Chronicles are not at all concerned with Israel or her history following the division. Only FOUR VERSES are given to describe the division (1 Chr 10:16-19), and after that, silence. The only mention of Israel is in the context of the deeds of the kings of Judah. 1 Chronicles 1 begins a list of genealogies throughout the history of Israel. This reading is a bit tedious, (ok, a LOT tedious), but when one considers that these records are being given several hundred years after the fact, it gives testimony to the meticulous record keeping of the Jews as well as the inspiration of the Old Testament. Look for links to Jesus as you read the genealogies.

New Testament reading: Romans 15-16

Paul issues a stern warning concerning those who would teach false doctrine or cause divisions among the local brethren. What is interesting to me is the fact that there are literally thousands of differing doctrines among professed Bible believers, and many of these doctrines are in absolute opposition with one another. Those believing contradictory doctrines readily accept as valid the conclusions of the other, leading one to ask, “If this does not qualify, what exactly must one believe and/or teach to be a false teacher or cause religious division?” We must be careful when dealing with error and identifying a brother in Christ as a false teacher. For example, Apollos was teaching error about baptism in Acts 18. Aquila and Priscilla did not create a big fuss, but instead took him aside “and taught him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). He immediately went forward teaching that Jesus was the Christ. Had Apollos persisted in his teaching concerning baptism, that doctrine would have caused division in the church, and then he would have been rightfully identified as a false teacher. It is easy to label, but it is Christ-like to love.

DAY 147

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 24-25

As He promised in 2 Kings 22:18-20, Jehovah did not permit Judah to be overrun and destroyed in the days of Josiah. With Josiah’s death in chapter 23, God brings Judah to ruin. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, unintentionally functioning as God’s servant (cf Jeremiah 25:9), comes and fulfills God’s wrath against Judah. Judah would never again function as an independent or sovereign nation. This great carrying away in the days of Jehoiachin is confirmed in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:11. The city was not destroyed at first, Nebuchadnezzar simply carried away the persons whom he found desirable and useful for his purposes. It wasn’t until several years later when Zedekiah rejected the counsel of Jeremiah (Jer 37) and rebelled against Babylon that Nebuchadnezzar besieged the city and utterly destroyed it. In his cruelty, which will be remembered when we read Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar killed Zedekiah’s sons in front of his eyes then put out his eyes, making his sons’ death the last thing he ever saw. Finally, the Babylonian army carried away all the utensils of Divine service, as if God was saying to His people, “You are no longer fit to serve Me.”

New Testament reading: Romans 13-14

Romans 13:14 contains a wonderful statement concerning free will and one’s personal obligation to guard himself from sin — “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” There are two imperatives here – one to do right and the other to avoid wrong. Despite the misuse by many of Psalm 51, we are not born as sinners, neither are we tainted or defiled by Adam’s sin from birth. Sin is the result of allowing our ungodly desires be fulfilled when the opportunity presents itself (James 1:13-17). Paul commands the Roman Christians to permit no space or opportunity for sin. Be on guard and don’t play with fire! We must also watch our companions, lest we allow their ungodliness to taint or destroy our godliness and associated good judgment.

DAY 146

Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 23

The reforms and restoration of Josiah. Josiah was the last good king in Judah. Assuming the throne at the age of 8, Josiah sought to repair the house of the Lord and restore true worship among the people of God. I love the statement of 2 Kings 23:4 – “Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest… to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the articles that were made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven; and he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes to Bethel.” Aside from the obvious connection to the prophecy of 1 Kings 13 on this matter, I gave some thought to the idea of carrying the ashes to Bethel. Manasseh had filled God’s house with idols. Josiah removed what didn’t belong and gave it a proper disposal. Idolatry belongs with idolatry. In our own lives, there are things that need to be removed and given a proper disposal. Let us all resolve to put away sin from ourselves and put it where it belongs, in the ash heaps of Bethel!

New Testament reading: Romans 10-12

Romans 10:1 contains one of the greatest statements of evangelistic fervor that can be found anywhere in Scripture: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved.” This statement is a follow up to Paul’s earlier lament that he would gladly be accursed for Israel’s sake (Rom 9:1-3). Paul readily recognized the Jews’ zeal for God, but said zeal was “not according to knowledge.” Uncountable multitudes today are also zealously pursuing God in vain, as their zeal also lacks a proper knowledge of God and His word. Zeal is no substitute for truth. Paul told the Galatians it is good to be zealous in a good thing (Gal 4:18). Any pursuit of God that is not authorized by the Scriptures, and the New Testament in particular, is a sure path to perdition. Jesus said, “Not every one who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matt 7:21). It is a good thing to be zealous in soul winning, as “he who wins souls is wise” (Prov 11:30).