And He Will Be Their Peace, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Today's reading is Micah 3-5.  Micah warns evil leaders and false prophets, but he also gets to deliver the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah.  His birth in Bethlehem is foretold and the restoration of a remnant are also announced.  God will destroy paganism.

Prophecies of Micah, Monday, June 25, 2012

Today's reading includes Micah 1 and 2.  The commentary in The Daily Bible say, in part:

"Micah's predictions of future events are more numerous and specific than those of other prophets.  For example, Micah predicts the fall of Samaria, the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib, the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple, the exile in Babylon, the return from captivity to peace and prosperity, and the birth of the Messiah in the city of Bethlehem."

God calls for the people to mourn.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_shaving

"Here I Am, Send Me", Sunday, June 24, 2012

Today's reading is from chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5 of Isaiah; II Kings 15; and II Chronicles 26 and 27.  It begins with the enormity of God's anger toward the evil ways of the people.

God is always merciful and wants the salvation of His people.  Isaiah 1:27 says, "Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness"

"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. . . .'"        Isaiah 1:18

Menahem died and his son Pekahiah ruled for two years when he was assassinated by Pekah son of Ramaliah, who became king.  They were all evil in God's eyes.  In Judah, Uzziah died and Jotham reigned solely in Judah for 16 years.  He "grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.  However, the people continued in their corrupt practices.

Isaiah Begins His Prophecy, Saturday, June 23, 2012

Today's reading is from Isaiah 1:1 to 5:23.  As a deceitful husband commits adultery and then brings flowers to his wife, the Israelites continue to sacrifice to God, but not serve Him.  Isaiah contends with them regarding their sins:  religious formalism, injustice, idolatry, pride, vanity, lawlessness, green, moral corruption, arrogance, rationalization, dishonesty, and drunkenness.  Sounds a lot like 2012, USA.

Amos Continues, Friday, June 22, 2012

Today's reading is in Amos 7:10-17; II Kings 14:28-15:18; and II Chronicles 26:16.  Amaziah calls on Amos to stop his phrophesying.  He doesn't like what he hears.  Like a child covering his ears, Amaziah demands that the bad news stop.  Jeroboam II dies and his son Zechariah reigns for 6 months, doing evil as his father.  Shallum son of Jabesh assassinates him and becomes king (to fulfull a prophecy) and then he is assassinated by Menahem son of Gadi.  Jotham served as co-regent with his father Uzziah in Judah.  He was a good leader, but not righteous.

Cry Against Injustice, Thursday, June 21, 2012

Today's reading is Amos chapters 5-9.   The images of the prophecy suggest the false security felt by the Israelites (Judah and Israel).  God is not willing to accept their empty sacrifices and offerings because they make them on the way to defraud and cheat their brothers and oppress the poor and needy.

Amos 6:12  ". . . .But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness--"

Prophecies of Amos, Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Today's readings is Amos chapters 1-4.  These prophecies took place in the time of Uzziah King of Judah and Jeroboam II King of Israel.  Amos delivers prophecies against Syria, Philistines, Tyre, Edom, Ammonites, and the Moabites.  They had been violent oppressors and are judged for that.  Judah is judged for rejected the law of the Lord and for being led astray by false gods.  Israel is judged for oppression the the poor and needy, as well as for sexual sin.  Amos then points out that they have failed to see the cause and effect connection is the warnings God has given them.  He has withheld rain and crops, leaving them hungry to get them to turn from their evil ways, but they have failed to repent.

Amos 4:12  "Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, and because I will do this to you, prepare to meet you God, O Israel."

Sins of Israel, Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Today's reading is Hosea 10-14; II Kings 14 and 15; and II Chronicles 25 and 26.  Israel's sins of lies, deceit, violence, fraud, materialism, contempt, idol worship and human sacrifice are seen in sharp contrast to God's love for Israel.

Hosea 11:1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called him.  But the more I called Israel, the further he went from me."

Meanwhile in Judah, Ahaziah is assassinated in Lachish, where he had fled.  His son Uzziah is crowned king at the age of 16.  He reigned 52 years and did right in the eyes of the Lord  -- but the high places remained.  Uzziah was successful against the Philistines, successful in agriculture, successful in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and successful in building up a large fighting force.  But he couldn't manage to tear down those "high places".  I wonder. . .

Warnings, Monday, June 18, 2012

Today's reading is the 4-9 chapters of Hosea.  Hosea predicts barrenness and captivity. 

Hosea 4:2  "There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgement of God in the land."

I remember when Abraham pled with God to save Sodom if only 50 righteous people could be found.  We all need to be pleading for the U.S. right now.

Betrayal, Sunday, June 17, 2012

Today's reading in Hosea 1-3 tells of Hosea's charge from God to live out the marriage that exists symbolically between God and Israel.  Jonah's life now seems like a cake walk by comparison!  Hosea lived during the reign of Jeroboam and prophesied to a decadent Israel.  His words are powerful because they are spoken through the pain of personal experience.  Our God is so gracious as He repeatedly offers forgiveness if Israel will repent and return to Him.

Salvation Comes from the Lord, Saturday, June 16, 2012

Today's reading is the entire book of Jonah, II Kings 14:25-27, and II Kings 13:6.

The prophets of God had a very difficult assignment.  None of them had a life that would be much sought after.  The song "Change My Heart of God" has been going through my head on an endless track for several days now.  Do I really want God to mold me and make me?  Jonah did not begin as a willing piece of clay.  It is interesting that even the sailors witnessing Jonah's proclaimed disobedience to God stopped to offer sacrifices to Him. 

My commentary makes a very relevant observation:

"All in all, the account is an amazing demonstration of God's universal grace and divine concern at a time when a rather exclusivistic Israel is in great need of a reminder that, despite being God's chosen people, their failure to repent actually lowers them to a level of spirituality beneath even penitent pagans."
Could I remove "Israel" and insert my name?

Jeroboam II, Friday, June 15, 2012

Today's reading is II Kings 12, 13, and 14; II Chronicles 25.  The spiritual decline of Israel and Judah continues.   Hazael, King of Aram, and after his death, his son Ben-Hadad, continues to oppress Israel as God willed it. 

In Judah, Amaziah, son of Joash, kills the assassins of his father.  Amaziah then sets out on a successful campaign against Edom, only to return home with their "gods", which he sets up and worships.  Amaziah challenges Jehoahaz and God allows the defeat of Amaziah.  He is captured and Jehoahaz breaks 600 feet of the Jerusalem wall before taking gold and treasures from the temple.  After Jehoahaz' death, his son Jeroboam begins his 41 year reign.  He is as evil as his father before him.

Evil Kings Punished, Thursday, June 14, 2012

Today's readings is in II Chronicles 24 and II Kings 10, 12, and 13.  Joash was given two wives chosen by the priest Jehoida.  He ordered the repair of the temple, but it did not begin until the 23rd year of his reign.  The people gave an abundant amount of gold and valuables for the repairs in gladness.  Then, after the death of Jehoida the priest, the people all turned back to idols, including Joash.  "Because Judah had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash."  II Chronicles 24:24  Judah was punished by the Syrians and Joash bought peace by giving them all the gold and jewels that had been collected for the temple repairs.  Joash was assassinated by his own people.

Meanwhile, Jehu's army was under attack from Hazael.  He died after a 28 year reign and was replaced by his evil son Jehoahaz.  After the Arameans had caused great destruction to Israel's army, Jehoahaz repented and the Lord listened to him.  He died after a 17 year reign and was replaced by his son Jehoash.

The cycle of repentance and then return to idol worship serves as a renewed warning to me to be aware of my "idols".

Prophecy of Joel, Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Today's reading is the book of Joel, a prophecy.  The commentary in my Daily Bible says:

"Joel urges the people to pray, to fast, and to repent in order to stay God's judgment.  In addition to Joel's serious warnings are words of assurance that God will one day pour out his Spirit upon all nations--a promise of hope which will be remembered when the Messiah comes and God sends his Spirit in a special demonstration to the Messiah's followers."

Era of Joash, Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Today's reading is in Kings 10 and 11 and II Chronicles 22.  The era of Joash began with his rescue as a small child from his grandmother Athaliah, who killed all the remaining royal family after the death of her son Ahaziah.  Joash was hidden and crowned king at the age of 7 by Jehoida, the priest.  Following his crowning, Jehoida ordered the death of Athaliah and all who followed her.  Joash ruled for 40 years. 

In Israel, Jehu continuing the cleansing by killing all the prophets of Baal and destroying the temple of Baal.

To No One's Regret, Monday, June 11, 2012

Today's reading is II Kings 8, 9, and 10; and II Chronicles 21 and 22.  It is really sad when someone dies and it can be said that no one regrets his passing.  Jehoram's death left the kingship to his son Ahaziah, whose mother encouraged him to do wrong.  It appears to be a generational evil.

When Jehu became king, he assassinated many according to the commands of God.

Elijah's Prediction, Sunday, June 10, 2012

Today's reading is in II Kings chapters 5 and 6; and II Chronicles 21:18. Elisha constantly warns the King of Israel of Aram's strategic plans of attack.  He demands to know who the mole is.  He is dealing with a power that he cannot defeat.   Elijah's letter predicting the circumstances of Jehoram's death is shown to be accurate at the end of this reading.

Obadiah's Prophesy, Saturday, June 9, 2012

Today's reading is from the prophecy of Obadiah in Chapters 1, 2, 8, 15 and 19.  Obadiah prophesies the fall of Edom because of their haughty pride and their violence against "Jacob".  The Edomites are descendents of Esau.  They failed to help the Israelites when they were fleeing Egypt.  They are therefore told:

"The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame; the house of Esau will be stubble, and they will set it on fire and consume it.  There will be no survivors from the house of Esay.  The Lord has spoken."  Obadiah 18

Miracles and Massacres, Friday, June 8, 2012

Today's reading is in II Kings 8:16-22; 22:45; 3:6-27; and parts of II Chronicles 20 and 21.  Joram son of Ahab is ruling in Israel and in Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat is king.  Jehoram caused the people of Judah to sin by setting up shrines and leading them back to idol worship.  He killed all of his brothers as soon as his power was established and married a daughter of wicked Jezebel.  The kingdoms united to go to war against Moab and Elisha was called to inquire of God before battle.  For the sake of David, although both parts of the kingdom were evil, God allowed them to gain the victory through miracles.

"Everything is All Right", Thursday, June 7, 2012

Today's reading is in II Kings from parts of chapters 2, 4, 6, and 8.  The selections for today begin with the dramatic "taking up" of Elijah.  Elijah and Elisha, as well as a number of other prophets were aware of the eminent departure of Elijah.  Elijah asks Elisha what can be done for Elisha before he leaves.  Elisha asks for a "double portion of your spirit".  Elijah acknowledges that this will be difficult, but conditionally grants his request.  Numerous miracles are performed by Elisha, which suggests the granting of his request.

What Were the Odds?, Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Today's reading is in I Kings 22:29; II Kings 1-3; and I Chronicles 19:1-3 and 20.  God's judgement called for the destruction of Ahab.  In an attempt to escape death, he went into battle in disguise.  An arrow was then drawn at random and struck Ahab between the sections of armor.  If God had not decreed Ahab's death, one might ponder "what were the odds" of such a randomly shot arrow striking and killing him.  Since God did so decree, the odds were 100% in favor of his death.

Ahab and Jezebel, Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Today's readings is in I Kings 20:1-22:28 and parts of II Chronicles 18.  The character of Ahab is repeatedly shown to be immature, cruel, selfish and evil.  However, he only pouted when he didn't get his way.  Jezebel was treacherous and willing to lie, cheat and murder to have her way. 

The character of Micaiah was shown to be one of integrity and bravery.  Perhaps he was a little mischievous as well, telling Ahab to go forward with his attack and be blessed.  Ahab has just said that Micaiah could never say a good thing -- when his prophecy was positive toward Ahab, at least Ahab could see the prophecy was not true.  That took either a good deal of bravery or a good deal of foolishness on Micaiah's part.

Elijah the Prophet, Monday, June 4, 2012

Today's reading is I Kings chapters 17, 18, and 19.  The dramatic destruction of the prophets of Baal is the stuff of great movies.  The whisper of God on the mountain top calling Elijah back to where he should be is the stuff of everyday faithful living.  Sometimes I am more comfortable with the drama.

Asa, Son of Abijah, Sunday, June 3, 2012

Today's reading is in I Kings 14, 15, 16, 21, and 22; and selections from II Chronicles 14-20.  Asa reigned as king of Judah a total of 41 years.  For the most part, his reign was peaceful and he followed the Lord with all his heart.  Being human like the rest of us, he had some lessons to learn along the way, but in the end, due to his faithfulness, the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon moved down to join Judah and Benjamin.  He attained great wealth and was ruling with a troop of over one million fighting men.

During Asa's reign, Israel was ruled by Nadab (2 years), who replaced Jeroboam, his father.  Baasha killed Nadab and all Jeroboam's family and reigned for 24 years.  Baasha was destroyed by a decree of the Lord through the prophet Jehu and his son Elah reigned for 2 years.  He was assassinated by Zimri, who only reigned 7 days and committed suicide.  Zimri was replaced by Omri, the commander of the army, who reigned 12 years.  Omri's son Ahab began ruling in the 38th year of Asa's reign.  He was distinguished in this way:  there was never a man like him, he "sold himself to do evil" and was urged on in his endeavors by his evil wife Jezebel.

Meanwhile Back in Judah, Saturday, June 2, 2012

Today's reading is I Kings 13:33, 34 and chapters 14, 15.  It is clearly stated that the sin of Jeroboan which led to his downfall, and that of Israel, was the appointment to priesthood of anyone desiring the position.  It would be chilling to receiving this pronouncement from God, as Jeroboam did:  "You have done more evil than all who lived before you.  You have made for yourself other gods, idols, made of metal; you have provoked me to anger and thrust me behind your back."  I Kings 14:9

Having heard that, he repented in sackcloth and ashes -- you would think.  But, he doesn't.  In fact, his son dies and is proclaimed to be the only one of Jeroboam's descendants who will receive the dignity of burial.  God found some good in the son.

Meanwhile, back in Judah, Rehoboam has wisely placed his sons in various fortified towns to govern them, but when he became strong, ". . .he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord."  He even set up shrines with male prostitutes.  During the 5th year of his reign Egypt invaded.  The good news is:  I Kings says that there were still "some good in Judah."  War was a constant in Rehoboam's 17-year-reign and he died at 58.  His son Abijah became king and reigned for 3 years.  In the beginning Abijah followed God, but finally he committed all the sins his father committed before him.

Division Between Israel and Judah, Friday, June 1, 2012

Today's reading is in I Kings 12 and 13.  The reign of Rehoboam begins with the return of Jeroboam from Egypt.  Jeroboam comes to the king with other Israelites, asking for relief from their heavy tax burden.  Rehoboam consults with two groups of advisers and decides to listen to the younger group.  Their advice cost him ten of the twelve tribes he ruled as Solomon's successor.  Jeroboam is made king of the ten northern tribes.  Rehoboam rules Judah and Benjamin.  Jeroboam quickly makes many poor choices in setting up his own priesthood, worship sites, and two golden calves to worship.  He lost the priests and Levites who then fled to the south and followed Rehoboam.  There is a troubling story of a "man of God" who is tricked by a lying prophet and as a result is mauled and killed by a lion.  So far, things are not going well since Solomon's death.

Purpose and Balance, Thursday, May 31, 2012

Today's concludes the reading in Ecclesiastes with 3:1-17 and 11:7-12:13.  The Byrds sing his words in an old familiar tune:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ga_M5Zdn4

I Kings refers to Solomon's death at the end of a 40-year reign and his successor, his son, Rehoboam.

The Value of Wisdom, Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Today's reading includes Ecclesiastes 12:9-12; 7:1-26; and 10:1-11:6.

"Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.  At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--and the fool multiplies words."  Ecclesiastes 10:12

The Emptiness of Wisdom, Wealth and Pleasure, Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Today's reading continues in Ecclesiastes, covering the emptiness of material gain.  Ecclesiastes 1:12-18; 2:1-3; 2:4-11; 2:17-26; 4, 5, 6, 7:13, 14; 8:7-15; 9:13-18.

For all Solomon gain, in the end, he says he hated it because he just had to leave it to someone who did not work for it, and worse, might lose it foolishly.

Appreciation of Emptiness, Monday, May 28, 2012

Today we begin the book of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon.  The Daily Bible has arranged the readings by topic. Today the cyclical nature of things is from Ecclesiastes1:1-3; 2:12-16; 3:18-22; 8:16, 17; and 9:1-12.  The commentary points out that only the Creator of the universe can know the true needs of his creatures and provide what they need for fulfillment.

Solomon's Glory Fades, Sunday, May 27, 2012

Today's reading is I Kings 11.  The height of Solomon's reign is mirrored in the depth of his fall.  Solomon falls into the same sin that is repeated over and over in the nation of Israel -- idolatry.  Through his marriage to foreign wives, he erects shrines for foreign gods and participates in worship of these detestable beings.  It is hard to image a man with the wisdom of Solomon worshiping such a being.

God told the Israelites in I Kings 11:2:  "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods."

Giver of all things, Saturday, May 26, 2012

Today's reading is Psalm 127, written by Solomon and also includes the entire Song of Songs.

I always have questions when I read the Song of Songs.  I wonder why it is even included in the Bible.  But I know there are no mistakes in its inclusion.  The commentary in my Daily Bible (chronological) gave this perspective which helped:

"Although the writing itself makes no reference to history, purpose, religion, sin, salvation, or even God himself, many have seen in its celebration an allegory representing the love relationship between God and man.  For many Jews it presents God as the lover and the nation of Israel as the beloved.  With the coming of the Messiah, it will be seen by many as an allegory of Christ and the church.  Whatever else its purpose may serve, the Song of Songs expresses unrestricted joy in a relationship of love."

Wife of Noble Character, Friday, May 25, 2012

Today's Proverb's reading include these topics:  joy and grief; good news; and curiosity.  The Sayings of Agur and King Lemuel are also included.  Proverbs 31, the much-quoted "wife of noble character" is actually attributed to King Lemuel, not to Solomon.  Solomon had so many wives, it would be amazing if he could comment on the character of any one of them.  I wonder if any of Solomon's wives were acquainted with the distaff.