Well Pleased, Monday, October 22, 2012

Today's reading is Matthew 3:1-4:11; Mark 1:2-13; Lune 3:1-4:13.  Isaiah 40:3-5 is quoted, telling of the coming and purpose of John the Baptist.  He came to baptise for repentance and the forgiveness of sins.  Following the baptism of Jesus, the Spirit of God descends on him and then he goes into the desert where he is tempted by the devil.

"Then John gave this testimony:  'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.  I would not have know him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'  I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.'"  John 1:32-34

Our Humble Savior, Sunday, October 21, 2012

Today's reading is Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 2:41-52.  Both wise men and evil men seek Jesus. l Some want to worship him, some want to destroy him.  So desperate are the evil to rid the earth of our Savior, they even use the prophesies of his birth to try to locate him.

Nothing is Impossible with God, Saturday, October 29

Today's reading is Luke 1:5-2:38 and Matthew 1:18-25b.  My commentary speaks on the awesome fulfillment of prophesy:

"Jesus is to be born in Judea approximately 747 years after the foundation of Rome.  Now in the time of Herod the Great, who has been granted title "King of the Jews" by the Roman senate under Emperor Caesar Augustus, the former land of Palestine is divided into the provinces of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee to the west of the Jordan River, and Perea and Decapolis to the east.  The cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem are both in Judea, while Nazareth is in Galilee.  That Jesus is born in the province of Judea is surprising because his family's home is in Nazareth, some 75 miles north.  But, due to a decree by Caesar Augustus requiring everyone to return to his own city, Jesus' birth takes place in Bethlehem--the very city named by the prophet Micah over 700 years earlier!"
 

It is notable that Elizabeth's disgrace -- her inability to bear children -- and Mary's disgrace -- her pregnancy before marriage -- are in direct opposition to each other.  And yet, they both bring glory to God!

Genealogies of Jesus, Friday, October 19, 2012

Today's reading is Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23b-38.  The genealogies are listed differently by the two writers.  Matthew begins with Abraham and ends with Jesus' earthly father, Joseph.  Luke begins with Mary's father and goes backwards all the way to God.  Both writers show Jesus' lineage through King David, in fulfillment of prophesy.  It is so interesting that even something as straightforward as ancestory is viewed differently by two distinct personalities, inspired by the Holy Spirit.  This should remind us that even if someone has a perspective that differs from ours, we can both be completely correct!

God With Us, Thursday, October 18, 2012

Today's reading begins the integration of the four gospels.  Mark 1:1; John 1:1-18; and Luke 1:1-4. 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.  He was with God in the beginning."  John 1:1

Commentary on the Years of Silence, October 15, 16 and 17, 2012

These days' readings are commentary regarding various aspects of the time between the Old Testament writings and the New Testament writings.  God's promises have always been faithfully fulfilled whether for blessings or curses.  The Israelites have continually been rebellious against God's laws -- no matter how sincere their momentary periods of repentance.

The books of the Apocrypha are summarized and discussed briefly.

The introduction of synagogues and rabbis into Jewish worship are discussed.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogue
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbi

Lineage of the Messiah, October 13 1nd 14, 2012

The reading is from I Chronicles 1-4, 7 and 9.  The importance of the details of this record is apparent for legal purposes and to show Jesus Christ's direct line to King David in fulfillment of prophecy.

Cleanse Your Temple, Friday, October 12, 2012

Today's reading is Nehemiah 12 and 13.  The mourning over sins is soon forgotten and the people return to their sinful ways.  Nehemiah orders purification of the Temple and of the personal lives of the people.  This purification takes place before the dedication of the completed wall.

Constant need for purification through confession of sins is a constant need for all of us sinners!

Reading of the Law, Thursday, October 11, 2012

Today's reading is Nehemiah 8-11.  The people's response to hearing the law was intense mourning and shame.  The same text was read again a short time later and resulted in confession of sin.  So far, so good.  The staying power of their faith was not so admirable.

Census, Wednesday October 10, 2012

Today's reading is Nehemiah 7, 11, and 12.  When Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt, there were not enough people to live in the city and 10% of Judah's and Benjamin's families were asked to move to Jerusalem.  The actual names of those who returned are listed.  This seems amazing.  With all the technology we have in 2012, records are constantly in a mess, but they knew exactly moved in!

Our God Will Fight for Us, Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Today's reading is Nehemiah 4-6.

"When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our Lord."  Nehemiah 6:16

Cupbearer to the King, Monday, October 8, 2012

Today's reading is Nehemiah 1-3.  An amazing work was completed in 6 months.  There were many Israelites in the Babylonian and Persian governments.  God's hand was always with them.

The Valley Gate

Pollution, Sunday, October 7, 2012

Today's reading is Ezra 9 and 10.  God prohibited the Israelites' marriage to foreign wives because of the destructive influence of their idol worship.  They expressed shame and sorrow at their sin.

Ezra's Return is Approved, Saturday, October 6, 2012

Today's reading is Ezra 7 and 8.  Ezra is a direct descendant of Aaron and is well versed in the Law of Moses.  He is allowed to return to Jerusalem along with the Temple servants and the plundered gold and silver.

Q & A, Friday, October 5, 2012

Today's reading is Malachi 1-4.  Malachi's style is that of giving a positive statement, following with a perveived doubter's objection and then demonstrating the folly of the doubter.  Very effective!

Queen Esther, October 3 and 4, 2012

Wednesday's and Thursday's reading is the book of Esther.  "That night the king could not sleep. . ."  God's name is never mentioned, but his hand is all over this story!

My Savior, Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Today's reading is Zechariah 9-14.

". . . .See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey. . . ."   Zechariah 9:9

 

Flattery Will Get You Nowhere, Monday, October 1, 2012

Today's reading is Psalms 126, 128, 129, 132, 147, and 149.  The people flatter God with their mouths, but their hearts engage in idol worship.  Save us from ourselves Lord God.  I am so self-righteous.  Show me my sin.

"He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and Mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:4, 5

Cry for Mercy, Sunday, September 30, 2012

Today's reading is Psalms 107, 116, 118, and 125. 

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy."  Psalm 116:1

Psalms of a Nation Restored, Saturday, September 29, 2012

Today's reading is Psalm 78.

"O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth."  Psalm 78:1

Moral Lives and Social Justice, Friday, September 28, 2012

Today's reading is Zechariah 7 & 8 and Ezra 6:14-22. 

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow and the fatherless, the alien or the poor.  In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'"  Zechariah 7:9, 10

Zechariah's Visions, Thursday, September 27, 2012

Today's reading is Zechariah 1:7-6:15.  There are eight visions given to Zechariah.

". . .This is what the Lord Almighty says:  'My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.'"  Zechariah 1:17

Haggai and Zechariah to the Rescue, Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Today's reading is Haggai 1 and 2 and Zechariah 1:1-6.  After seeking official approval of the Temple construction, they are now the chief encouragers of the people.  The people are admonished to give careful thought to their ways.  They have put aside the building of the Temple in favor or building their own houses.

Disagreements, Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Today’s reading is Ezra 4-6.  The Temple work stops after 14 years because the settlers stop to build their own houses and plant their crops.

Daniel's Last Vision, Monday September 24, 2012

Today’s reading is from Daniel 10-12.  The vision left Daniel pale and without strength, after which he fell into a deep sleep.  These visions were sealed from Daniel’s understanding.

Return to Jerusalem, Sunday, September 23, 2012

Today’s reading is Ezra 1-4 and II Chronicles 36:22, 23.  As the Persians take over the Babylonians and want the Israelites to return to their homeland, many must have had mixed feelings.  They have been in Babylon for 70 years.  As much as they did not believe they were ever go to Babylon, they now have to decide whether to return to a land some have never seen.

The Lions' Den, Saturday, September 22, 2012

Today’s reading is Daniel 6 and 1:21.  There is much political intrigue.  It was hard to distinguish it from the current headlines. 

The decree of Darius to amazing, if not lasting for him:

                “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.  He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.  He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”  Daniel 6:26, 27

Writing on the Wall, Friday, September 21, 2012

Today’s reading is from Daniel chapters 5 and 9.  King Belshazzar threw a huge drunken party and people drank wine from the gold and silver goblets taken from the Temple in Jerusalem while they praised gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.  A huge hand appeared and began writing on the wall.  The terrified king called for Daniel.