Jeremiah 26

 

Jeremiah was commanded to tell the people of God everything and not to omit anything. They weren't going to like it, and there is an example of another person who was killed for saying the same things. Yet Jeremiah was faithful. 

Why? Why would God put Jeremiah in danger? The answer is in verse three, where God says perhaps they will listen. We do know that some did, though most did not. God was willing to put his man in a place of danger to save those few. Why, because God isn't willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Time after time, God is willing to send his prophets to save the few. Paul himself said he did what he did so that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:18-24). Jesus came not to save the many, because according to his own words, only a few would find the way of salvation (Matthew 7:14). 

If God himself and the prophets in this place, why should we expect something else?

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1 Samuel 15

Let's consider the danger of partial obedience.

 In 1 Samuel chapter 15, starting at verse number 19, it says, this is Samuel talking. "Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?" But I did obey the Lord, said Saul. "I went on the mission as the Lord assigned. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took the sheep and the cattle from the plunder, the best of what was to be devoted to God in order to sacrifice to them the Lord your God at Gilgal." But Samuel replied, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice as much as he is in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like evil of adultery. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king."
When I look at this, I remember sometimes that people say, "I did it. I did the right thing." But what they really did was what they thought was important. They obeyed partly. Their obedience was not complete but partially complete. And a half-truth, as most everyone will know, is still a lie. And Samuel here makes it very clear that the choice of Saul to reject God's command was so bad that God was rejecting him as king. Period. No way out?
This was it. This was the final straw for Saul. Do I believe that Saul could have found repentance and made his life right with God? Yes! The problem was, Saul's trajectory wasn't going that way. Saul had made decisions again and again to serve what he thought was right, his version of obedience to God rather than God's version.
But why is obedience so much better? Why is rebellion so bad?
Obedience is better because it demonstrates your love for God. Jesus said, "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." John chapter 14:15. So clearly, if you want to be in a relationship with Jesus, you have to obey him. Obedience is the best thing you can give God.
Rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft. How could it be like witchcraft?
Rebellion is fighting against authority. Witchcraft is looking for a way to manipulate supernatural powers to do your will. It's looking to make yourself the authority, which is rebellion.
Arrogance is like adultery. Why? Arrogance says that I am more important, thus making myself higher than God. In other words, it's self-worship or self-love.
It's saying "I know better than God" or “I’m god,” and this is why God rejects these people from being part of his family.
This scripture is more than just about Saul making a mistake or doing what's wrong. This scripture shows us what we need to look out for in our own lives.
Partial obedience is, in reality, doing what we want to do anyway, and this attitude will get us cast away.
What do we need to do?
We need to obey God completely, and when we mess up, like David, we truly repent and try to do right.

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Romans 4

 

Paul starts off speaking of Abraham as the physical father of the Jews and of Paul himself. Jews considered that having Abraham as their father was the key to their spiritual hope. However, Paul is going to show that those who are living in faith also have Abraham as their father. Indirectly, Paul is saying that claiming Abraham as your father doesn't mean anything unless it is through faith. Our pedigree doesn't guarantee salvation then and now.

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Psalm 81

 

This is a very interesting psalm. It begins as if the psalmist is ready to praise God and celebrate His feast, but then it shifts. A new voice steps in. It is as if God were clearing His throat and interrupting the psalmist's praise with a warning. This has caused me to wonder if there are not times in our lives or in our churches where God would like to step in and say, "I'm waiting for you to repent." Praising God is good, but I think that, as with sacrifice, God would prefer obedience over praise (1 Samuel 15:22).  

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1 Samuel 13

 

Look a mistake!

If you read the first verse of 1 Samuel 13 in different translations, you do see differences. This is not a mistake in the Scriptures but in translations. One might argue that if God couldn't protect these numbers from being lost to history and translations, then we can't trust anything. This is a very cynical approach to the Bible. The truth that can be seen is that, first, Christians are willing to see and point out where there may have been issues, unlike other religions. Second, this is not critical to the purpose of God. Finally, just because there is disagreement among scholars doesn't discount that the facts can't be known. 

If we can only believe that something is true when there is perfect consensus, then we won't believe anything. The danger is when we pick our experts based on whether they agree with our agenda. In this disagreement, I can say, it doesn't matter. What mattered is that Saul didn't trust God and paid the price.  It is a reminder for us not to do the same. 

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Chasing Your Dream

 This is a post from February 2014, but it fits here today

Today I listened to a young man, Jacob Salem, from Olivet Nazarene University, preach. I enjoyed it. What caught my attention was not the running leap from the podium, but the scripture he used. 

Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab's two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. (1 CHRONICLES 11:22)

I do not know if he has read the book "Chase the Lion" by Mark Batterson (I haven't yet either), but whether he did or not, the question both ask is basically the same:

Do you trust God enough to chase your dream, even if it looks crazy?

WELL?

Are you?

The sermon prompted me to reflect on all that surrounded the publication of my first book, The Bee in the Blackberry Bush. 

When I began to chase this dream in July 2012, I set aside the facts:

• I was no expert in writing
• English was my worst subject growing up
• I had no talent in art (I can not draw a straight line with a ruler)
• I did not know any illustrators
• I had no money to pay an illustrator
• I had no money to pay an editor
• I did not have a good name for the story
• I did not have the money to pay a printer/vanity publisher
• I had no experience in book design 
• I did not know any translators (this comes into play later)
• I had no money to pay translators
• I had no platform

Despite what has happened. 

The Bee in the Blackberry Bush is published in print in 3 languages, 2 in Kindle format. The title was given to me by Garrett Lee, who also assisted in editing the book. Garrett's brother Don is an excellent illustrator, and both brothers donated their services(This was Don's first published work, WOW, he has a future, hire him). I learned how to self-publish for next to nothing. I learned how to design a book(this is harder than it looks). Two great people took up the challenge of translating the book into their own languages.

It was a lot, A LOT, of work, but it was worth it.

Update: At this time, I have self-published twelve more books (11 nonfiction, 1 fiction) and have also helped others get their work published. I know of at least 20 books that are in print because I helped encourage or actually format the books. I have 6 drafts of fiction books (Okay, Confession: I've been afraid to do the work to finish releasing them, but that is going to change).

How did all of this happen? I chased the lion (And I will again).

I can not promise this will happen for you, but if you do nothing, nothing is what you will have.

Published and Drafts

* I am not endorsing Mark Batterson and he is not endorsing this blog.

He has never heard of me, I'm sure.

Jeremiah 25

Jeremiah isn't written linearly. The narrative goes forward and then goes back, and here in chapter 25, it happens again. For me, however, I see why the change is taking place. God, in the previous chapter, spoke of the good people going to Jerusalem. Now, we are given the prophecy about how long those people will have to stay in exile. It is also a reminder that God tried to warn his people before this took place. Yes, God is saying, "I told you so," but in this case, God isn't doing it to brag but to give directions, and though it is a long way off, hope. 

Seventy years is as long as many people live. This means that most of those who were exiled will die away from the land God promised. To me, it is a reminder that in this world, in our exile as it were, we may die before seeing God's promises fulfilled. Yet Jesus tells us that in this world we would have trouble, but he has overcome the world (John 16:33). He will make all things right. Yes, in this world life may be hard, but a better day is coming; it just may not be in this lifetime. 

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Jeremiah 24

 

The people left in Jerusalem had the temple. They had prophets like Jeremiah. They were in the land that God had given to their people. These people had everything that one might expect to do right, yet they were the rotten ones. Good fortune, good luck, or what may seem to be God's blessings don't prove righteousness. In truth, if you aren't trying to serve God faithfully, then being in the church and having faithful teaching available is a curse. Jesus said to whom much is given, much shall be required (Luke 12:48). Knowing this, one can understand why the disobedient people in Jerusalem were so rotten. They had what they needed to serve God and did nothing. It is like someone dying of starvation in a grocery store full of free food. 

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Romans 3

 

I have heard many people judge Christianity by the failure of some Christians. That argument is faulty, according to Paul, when he says, "What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all!" Yes, the Jews failed to follow God, but this didn't mean that God wasn't faithful. What it proved was that humanity was the problem. People today can no more judge God on the actions of some people who call themselves Christians than by the lack of faithfulness of Israel could prove that the Law was worthless. Neither the disobedience of others nor the faithfulness of God justifies our continuing in wrongdoing.   

What is amazing in this chapter and actually in much of Romans, is Paul’s referencing to the Old Testament. For those who would like to say that Paul has forsaken the Law and embraced something completely foreign (and there are some, He sure uses the Old Testament to show what he is teaching is true. The truth is that Paul uses the Old Testament because he believes what Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17), and is using the Scriptures they had to show this. 

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Psalm 80

 

We see verse 17 saying, "Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself," and can understand that this man, the psalmist, is thinking about is Israel. Yet in light of the New Testament, we can see that there is another son that God has put his hand on and raised up. Jesus is, in a real sense, the one whom God is going to use to save and keep his people. It is Jesus who will bring about salvation for Israel and for the whole world. 

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1 Samuel 12

 I noticed here in this chapter that Samuel doesn't say that if your king does evil, God will judge you, but if you, the people, do evil. Leaders have influence and power in our world, and how much more when they were little more than dictators. Yet, Samuel says that the people and their king would be swept away if they sinned. We might want to blame leaders, but we still have a choice. We can choose, as Jesus said, to give to Ceaser the things that are his but give to God what belongs to him. We do not have to follow the example of ungodly leaders. We can choose a better, a holy, and godly way, because if we don't, the destruction that comes is on us, not our leaders. 

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1 Samuel 11

 

What surprised me in this chapter was the arrogance of the Ammonites. First, the agreement they called for would be nothing less than a disgrace and disability on the people of Jebesh Gilead. The second is that they would be willing to wait a week to see if someone would come to their aid. This shows me that the Ammonites really thought they could not be beaten and wanted not a victory but an opportunity to humiliate Israel. Perhaps the Ammonites had reason to believe that they were undefeatable, but I'm reminded of the scripture that says to be careful when you think you stand, because you may fall. It is a reminder to me not to be too confident in myself because the Bible and history say that overconfidence (pride) comes before a fall.  

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Jeremiah 23

 

The delusion of our day.

Verse 28 contrasts the dreams of the prophets with the word of God. The idea that one has ultimate authority and the other doesn't. It reminds me of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14 about one prophecying and the other judging. What do they use to judge? The word of God. 

There is also a multitude of prophets and prophetic announcements in Judah. The consequence of false prophesying is unutterable confusion and ultimately the loss of the word of authority" (G. Campbell Morgan). It reminds me of the world today, where anyone can find "experts" to prove anything they want to prove. Ultimately, today, each person can embrace the delusional idea that "I'm always right." There is no ultimate recognized authority except for the Christian, and that is the Word of God. 

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Jeremiah 22

 

The gold standard, as it was for kings, was if they walked or followed in the way of David. In the historical books, one could know immediately if someone was good if they walked in the way of his father, David. However, if the Bible said that they didn’t walk in the way of David, then you knew they would be part of something terrible. As this chapter begins, it speaks of the king who is sitting on the throne of David. This to me hearkens back to these words. This king was in the place where David was. They had the example of what they should be doing and weren’t. They were on the throne of David, but not acting like David. It's like for those in the USA, that someone would be sitting in the seat of Washington and Lincoln, but not acting presidential. It says to me Do you see where you are sitting? 

Today, we in the church need to look at where we are sitting. We are in the seat that Jesus and the apostles made for us. Are we living into that? Are we walking in their ways? Or is the fact that we are here making a mockery of the church? Let us be worthy of the seat we are in. 

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Romans 2

"A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God" Verses 28-29.  What Paul is saying here echoes what God told Peter in Acts 10 and is confirmed by the counsel at Jerusalem in Acts 15. It is what God does in us, the change brought about by the acceptance of Jesus as Lord (Romans 19:9-10). Without a change of heart, anything on the outside is just a disguise. 

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Psalm 79

 

In the middle of destruction, the Author of this psalm understands that God is the one who can make things right. There is a great understanding that the judgment that has fallen isn't because God isn't powerful, but because He decided that this is right. The final verse promises that with God's deliverance comes a promise to praise God for all generations. Though this will ultimately be true. The sad truth is that this is like many a foxhole promise. It is clearly meant, but it will not be fulfilled. When God does deliver them, they don't keep praising God for every generation.  

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1 Samuel 10

When considering the modesty that some see in Saul by hiding in this chapter, G Campbell Morgan said that "modesty becomes sin when it prevents any man from stepping at once into a place to which he knows God is calling him." 

I do not think, however, that what Saul is showing is modesty, but a false humility, or more accurately, a fear of stepping into God's calling. Saul isn't showing a good quality, but if it is fear-motivated, it is a quality that will be seen throughout his life. He will fear the people and offer sacrifice. He will fear losing his kingdom and try to kill David. He will fear not knowing the future and seek a witch. God gave Saul his Spirit, but it seems that he didn't hold onto it and instead chose the spirit of fear.

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1 Samuel 9

 

I find it interesting that the first King is from the tribe of Benjamin. At the end of Judges, we see the tribe of Benjamin nearly wiped out.  A tribe that embraced and defended sin. Yet now, one of this small tribe is going to be chosen to provide the king. Once again, God isn't choosing the greatest or the strongest but from the smallest. There is also an image that we will see repeated in David, God is choosing someone who is looking over animals. Not just any animals, but lost animals. Israel will often be described as wandering from God and needing to be returned. Here God is choosing someone who is looking for the lost and willing to seek God about it. 

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Jeremiah 21

 

What is bad? To Israel, losing Jerusalem was the greatest evil. Submission to a conquering tyrant was evil, but the truth was it wasn’t. It was the only cure. Israel had a sin problem, and God knew at this point the only cure was the loss of their freedom and autonomy. It was like the doctor saying we have to amputate. Unfortunately, Israel was like some patients, “I would rather die.”

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1 Samuel 8

 Samuel appointed his sons as judges. The problem was that they did not follow God. They didn't live like their father did. To me, it seems that Samuel learned nepotism from Eli. He chose those of his family, which might not have been bad, but it was, and this time, the people rejected it. I applaud the people for rejecting Samuel's evil sons, but their solution wasn't a good one either. Ultimately, Jesus will be the king they wanted, but getting a human king is going to be overall as bad as Samuel's sons might have been. 

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Romans 1

 

Paul wanted to come to Rome to give to them, but to also be mutually encouraged. He wanted them to share together. An interesting fact was that Paul wanted to go to Rome long before now, but was prevented. God allows us to be detoured at times from what is a good thing in our minds. We don’t always know why, but we have to keep trusting God.

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Proverbs 17

 

I have heard it said that wealth brings problems you never expected. Unfortunately, those problems are often relatives. This is what came to mind when I read the first verse of this chapter. You might only have a dry piece of bread, but that is better because you have peace. To say it another way, a feast is wonderful unless you have to worry about being poisoned. Many think that money will solve the problems, but don't realize that often it just causes more problems. 

Speaking of money not helping the NLT put verse 16 this way, "It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning." Money to make you smarter won't help if you aren't willing to be educated. Money for college is only good if you're going to learn. The "college experience" is just a waste. 

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1 Samuel 7

 Ebenizer means, "thus far the Lord has helped us." When people read this here and claim it in their lives, they often think only of the victories. However, God had helped Israel not just by giving them victories but also by sending them troubles and even defeat. God's help isn't just what we would call good. God's help can also come in correction and in allowing judgment. This isn't the side of God's help that is fun, but like with our children, sometimes the best gift we can give them is what they don't want. 

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1 Samuel 6

 

It doesn't help just to see that God has done something or to acknowledge that you have done wrong. What is important is whether this changes you? The Philistines know that they have done wrong. The Philistines sent a trespass offering, a sign of repentance. They see that God has passed their test and, once seeing the power of God, go back to Eckron and to their own lives. Just a simple thought exercise should say if this God is more powerful, then would you not want to become his follower?  No, they offered the equivalent of an apology to God, but went back to worshipping their own gods and to their own lives. 

Before we criticize them too much, look at the men of Beth Shemesh. There are Levites here, the ones who are supposed to understand the things of God and the need to reverence them. Yet, they look into the Ark with God had commanded them not to do. When judgment falls, what do they say?  “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?” or to say it another way, This is God's fault, let's get rid of Him.  The correct response should have been admitting they had sinned and rejoicing that God came into their midst, but what happens is little different from what the Philistines did. They sent God away and went back to the way they lived before.  

Here is a truth. Seeing God's power isn't a guarantee that a life will be changed. A changed heart is what changes lives, not power. As I heard once, He that complies against his will / Is of his own opinion still" (Samuel Butler's Hudibras).

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Jeremiah 20

 

This chapter ends with a prayer to God that reminds me of many of the Psalms. It asks God why, but still shows faith. It trusts in God's faithfulness, yet is discouraged. It is like many of us feel from time to time. Yes, Jesus didn't say following him would be easy, but we still want it to be. We still want things to go better. We aren't alone; it's the human condition. The truth is, life isn't always good; in fact, it often is horrible for the saint and the sinner. The hope we have is that God works it out. But in my flesh, I would like it worked out today. 

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Acts 20

 

The early church father, Chrysostom, wrote concerning Eutychus, which inspired me to look at the story a little differently. He said, "And the wonderful circumstance is, that though he was a youth, he was not listless and indifferent; and though (he felt himself) weighed down by sleep, he did not go away, nor yet fear the danger of falling down. It was not from listlessness that he slumbered, but from necessity of nature."* Jesus told his disciples that the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. There are times we want to do but our human limitations prevent us. Here is a sign that God can raise us up in spite of our weakness. 

*https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210143.htm, Accessed 8/19/25; Martin, Francis, editor, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament volume 5, Intervarsity Press, Downer Grove, 2006.

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Psalm 78

 

There is an idea, especially in the West, that we want better for our children. It is reasonable, but often leads people to do things that aren't good for their children or lead them to being spoiled. The question Christians should ask those who have children is, What is truly best for them? At the end of the day, I have to go with Jesus' words, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul" (Matthew 16:26 ). 

The reason for this Psalm is to teach children. It is written to keep them from making the same mistakes their ancestors did. It is an admonition to us that we need to teach our children about God. 

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Psalm 79

 In the middle of destruction, the Author of this psalm understands that God is the one who can make things right. There is a great understanding that the judgment that has fallen isn't because God isn't powerful, but because He decided that this is right. The final verse promises that with God's deliverance comes a promise to praise God for all generations. Though this will ultimately be true. The sad truth is that this is like many a foxhole promise. It is clearly meant, but it will not be fulfilled. When God does deliver them, they don't keep praising God for every generation. 

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1 Samuel 5

 

The major deities the Philistines worshipped were Dagon, Ashtoreth, and Baal-Zebub. There is some historical evidence that the three towns the Ark was sent to focused on one of these gods. None of them was able to save the Philistines from God's wrath. God in these places made it clear that He was greater, but like today, that doesn't mean people will turn to Him. 

Dr. Herbert Lockyer pointed out that even today, God will not allow idols in his presence. Considering this, we might ask ourselves if the misery in our lives isn't because we have set up an idol in our lives and hoped God would be okay with it? 

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1 Samuel 4

 

With the loss of the Ark of God, the death of her father and father-in-law, and soon her own life, the wife of Phinehas named her new son Icabod. Icabod means "The glory of God has departed. It is a heartbreaking story, but as I thought about it, it is heartbreaking for a different reason. Israel didn't lose God because the Ark was captured. Israel lost the presence of God long before the battle. They lost God's glory and presence because they were not serving him faithfully. It is only now that they realize it, but they still don't realize it isn't the loss of the Ark, but the loss of their faith in God.  

Yet, at the beginning of the chapter, we have hope; God is speaking through Samuel. 

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1 Samuel 3

 

I am deeply disturbed by Eli's response to God's words, "He is the Lord, let him do what is good in his eyes." In the message, there was the solution for dealing with God's judgment. God said the reason for judgment was Eli's lack of action, not his son's sins. When God says that sacrifice or offering won't make it right isn't saying that there is no way to stop this. The answer we can see is found in Psalm 51:16-17, "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise." The solution for Eli was to repent (to stop and go in a new direction). It was for Eli to do something out of a repentant heart, but Eli instead says God's going to do what He wants. It is like a person whose doctor has prescribed a medication with the warning that if you don't take it, you will die, saying, "I guess I'm going to die." The difference is that Eli seems to be blaming God for what is coming.

Repentance often means we have to do something or stop doing something. Even if you do church work, God expects you to be faithful to him above all else, including family.

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Jeremiah 19

 This passage is very clear that the people will not be able to fix what God is breaking. The issue is, why is God breaking it? The answer can be found in the words “You have made this a foreign place.” The lives of the people had so changed the world they live in that what meant one thing now means, as it were, something else. The word gay in our world today is a literary example. At one time, it meant happy; now in the West, it usually means homosexuality. There are denominations that I would say if the founder of them came in today, they wouldn’t recognize them; they would call them foreign. God is saying this place, Jerusalem, isn’t now what it was supposed to be. The good news is that God can say the foreigner and the foreign (those away from God) if we are we will let Him.   

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1 Samuel 2

 

The themes in Hannah’s song are repeated in other places in Scripture. They can be seen in the Psalms and especially in Mary’s song of Praise. I find it interesting that it is a woman’s song that is copied by so many others. So much for God not wanting to use women. 

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1 Corinthians 16

There is a lot to be seen in this chapter, but I want to look at the end of the chapter where Paul says, "If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!" The King James uses the words "let him be Anathema Maranatha." The ideas here can be debated, but my own thoughts, and from studying others, this seems to say that if someone does not love Jesus that they are delieved to a curse, but by adding Come Lord it gives ultimate authority for that person in the hands of the Lord. There can also be seen in this the idea of turning someone over to be excommunicated by the church, but turning it over to Jesus. Ultimately, the proclamation is saying that Jesus' coming will deal with the person. For me, this is a reminder that though I may have to let a person go that it isn't my job to bring judgment but Jesus'. 

To leave on a more positive note, giving is seen in this chapter as something to be done with purpose and regularly. It is also to be handled by people under authority so as Paul says in other places, so that there can be no accusations of wrongdoing. 

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Psalm 77

 I was recently talking with people about this psalm, which we read with the Berean Standard Bible. In verses 3 and 6, it says “I mused,” meaning I meditated. One of the men in the group pointed out that the problem sometimes is that we to busy amusing ourselves rather than musing about the things of God. Yes, in the musing that the Psalmist is doing, he confesses that it seems that God isn’t helping, but instead of just looking at what is happening now, the Psalmist considers the past and God’s work in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. As I considered this, I thought that for Christians today, when we meditate on our troubles, we should also consider our exodus from sin brought by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. These reflections can help put things into perspective. Perhaps when we look at the things we suffer in light of the cross, we can say like Paul, “From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

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1 Samuel 1

 

Samuel means heard of God. God certainly heard and answered Hannah's prayer. Much could be said and has been of persistent heartfelt prayer, but that isn't what I want to look at; I want us to look at the vow Hannah made. We saw in Judges examples of foolish prayers, but this one isn't foolish. This vow requires that Hannah be the one to sacrifice, since God, we know God can take better care of a child even than its mother. A son for a woman at this time means security and safety in old age. There was no promise that she could have more, so letting go meant that she had to trust God, which is always right. For us, it is a picture of a good vow faithfully performed. 

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Judges 21

"Uninstructed zeal, even in the cause of righteousness, often goes beyond its proper limits" (Campbell, 1959). God never instructed Israel to make a vow to not give the Benjamites wives. God never instructed them on how to fix the problem of the vow. Israel came up with their own plan and went so far as to hijack a religious festival to "fix" their vow problem. However, God in the law gave a way for people to repent from a foolish vow. It first involved saying they were foolish, which they possibly weren't willing to do. It is also possible and probable that the nation has forgotten to study the Law to see how they are supposed to react. 

Another issue in this chapter is that they mourned over the loss of a tribe, and not over the sin that was in their midst. Sadly, they are mourning over the consequences and not the problem. 

Finally, Israel's problem wasn't that they didn't have a king, but they had forsaken God, who was supposed to be their king. 

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A note on the pictures: The pictures I post are my own, public domain images, or Creative Commons images. The images catch my attention and directly or indirectly comment on the chapter under discussion. This image reminds us of a vow God made. Thankfully, his are always good.

Jeremiah 18

 

In Romans 11:29, it states that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, implying that they cannot be revoked or taken back. This has been used to prove that once someone is blessed by God, they are okay forever. The problem is that even in Romans, Paul says the wages of sin is death, so which is it? The answer is both. God doesn't take back his promise, but he will bring judgment if those he has promised good to turn to evil. Jeremiah says that here. However, the people were still trusting that since they had a promise, nothing could go wrong. They were wrong.

The last part of the chapter, our weeping prophet seems to have had enough. He is calling on God to do what He has said He would. Jeremiah has spoken truth and has been faithful, and his reward from the "people of God" is evil. He has had enough and isn't pleading for mercy here. 

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Ruth 4

 

I loved how Dr. Lockyer put the end of this book. "Opening in poverty, famine, exile, and death, it leads up to David's throne. 'Ruth was the Mary of the Old Testament.' Her son was born in Bethlehem, and so was her illustrious descendant," Jesus. It is a reminder that, as G. Campbell Morgan said, our heavenly Boaz is able to save when the law (the previous claimant) couldn't redeem. Thanks be to God, for Jesus our kinsman redeemer. 

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1 Corinthians 15

 

The simplicity of the gospel is that Christ died for our sins according to Scripture, was buried, raised from the dead, and was seen by the Apostles. This shows the historical promise fulfilled. These things were real events seen by witnesses and can be trusted. Paul didn't preach a gospel of belief without proof, but believe because of the proof. The core of the Gospel is salvation from sins and a hope after death. 

It is simple but not simplistic. I have said something like this before, and recently, I believe I got closer to the original source. "There are shallows in this very full and potent Gospel where a little lamb may wade, there are depths where an elephant must swim  (Lockyer 1966).

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Psalm 76

 

Psalm 75 was written, scholars* believe, while Scinacarib was threatening the city. This psalm was written after the victory. They serve as a reminder to trust God before and glorify God after any trouble. This Psalm is another reminder that God will bring judgment and will deliver. However, it isn't a promise that God will save us from all trouble in the time we want him to, or in the way we want him to. Celebrate God’s victory in your life today, if nothing else, for victory over the sin in your life.

*scholars- Typically, I use this term to say the majority of conservative scholars, unless otherwise noted. This doesn't mean every scholar, because if there is an opinion, there is a "scholars" somewhere who would argue it. I'm sure there is even one who would say Washington wasn't president. I have heard one argue that he wasn't the first president of the United States. 

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Judges 20

 

Dr. Herbert Lockley says about this chapter, "Although God's chosen people include all the tribes, it is pathetic to see them fighting each other. Alas, in these last days, when the church should be standing together against a common foe, Satan has the saints actively fighting each other! Commendably, Israel promptly dealt with evil in the ranks."* Unfortunately, then as now, "God's people/the church" aren't always God's people/the church. 

There are times when disagreements will arise that are more than matters of minor interpretation, but there are fundamental truths that must be addressed. Like in 1 Corinthians 5, stands must be taken. The key is to do it in a way that God would approve. This means that there will be times when it will look to the world like the church is fighting the church, but that is unavoidable. I say this with much caution because it can be abused, but sometimes civil war is better than allowing evil to prevail. 

Side note: In a civil war, both sides see the other as evil. It isn't how we view the other, but what does God say? What does the Bible say? What has the church in general always believed?   

* Lockyer, Herbert, All the Books and Chapters of the Bible, Zondervan, 1966, Grand Rapids.

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Judges 19

There is so much messed up in this chapter, but I wonder if it would have been safer to stay in the Jebusite city. What a sad state when staying in a pagan town may have been safer than staying with the people who claimed to be God's people. It is a reminder that just because someone bears the name of God, it doesn't mean they are following God. Like Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." As has been said, don't judge a book by its cover.

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Jeremiah 17

The prophet Jeremiah, after warning the people that their actions, their sins, is what was causing their problems and will bring judgment, quotes Psalm 1. The  Psalm starts off giving a warning about those who wander further and further from God, but then explains the blessings that come by serving God faithfully. Jeremiah is giving those blessings. He is letting them know that serving God comes with great blessings. Even as the chapter ends, God is trying to tell Judah there is still a chance to change what is coming, and that is by a change of actions. God has already told Jeremiah that intercession for Judah isn’t going to help, but a change in the things people do will make a difference. This interesting thing is that God is saying not that they have to do everything the law requires, but just to begin with keeping the Sabbath. 

Some may wonder why God is so interested in the Sabbath here when He made it clear he wanted Israel to keep all of the Law. My assumption is that keeping the Sabbath would be a tipping point for Judah. If Judah started keeping the Sabbath, they would have time to consider what they were doing in the rest of their lives, and this would lead to change. It is amazing sometimes that certain actions can cause greater change. We need to watch for those in our lives, both for the ones that lead us into trouble and those that keep us closer to God. For me at this time, writing faithfully keeps me faithful in other areas. It seems strange to some, I’m sure, but I think it was like Sabbath for Judah, when keeping other actions followed more easily. 

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Ruth 3

What is noted in this chapter is Naomi's faith that Boaz would do what is right when it comes to dealing with Ruth. It is also a matter of faith that Ruth follows the instructions of her mother-in-law without question. Both demonstrate a faith that the other will do right. It is great when we have people in our lives whom we can trust that much.

Finally, as I have noted before, there is what Dr. Lockyer says in this moment that "goodness alone passed between them,"  in regards to Boaz and Ruth. He bears this out by Boaz telling Ruth to fear not and calling her my daughter. These are things that wouldn't be said if something torrid took place. 

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1 Corinthians 14

I heard someone read about the actions of Franz Anton Mesmer and what the person suggested after reading about what he did and the things that happened in his meetings that which sounded like a modern charismatic service. I grew up among charismatic services, and I couldn't disagree. Why do I mention that when we look at 1 Corinthians 14, the orderly service we see that Paul describes is not what is seen in many charismatic services. Under the guise of "letting the Spirit lead," what has happened in these services is chaos, sometimes sensual, and draws attention to people. I won't go into what all is right or wrong, but I will say that what Paul prescribes here is an orderly service, not a service driven by the music selections, emotions, or pride. Anyone who says, "you can't judge this," clearly misses when Paul says we should judge what is being said (and done). Yes, the Spirit can move in unusual ways, but when we try to make the unusual normal for our services, there is a problem. At the end of the day, this chapter calls for an orderly service. 

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Psalms 75

This Psalm is a psalm of anticipated victory. It is a psalm that trusts God will work all things out in His time. We must know that God will ultimately be victorious, for that faith will carry us through hard times. Dr. Herbert Lockyer says that this psalm was written before the victory against Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 20). If so, this was written when victory did not seem possible, and it is in those times that we need faith the most. 

Just another note: I have never heard a deer hunter brag about getting a one-point buck (points refer to the size of the antlers and how strong the deer may be). In this psalm, there is the phrase, "The horns of the wicked/righteous." Horns represent honor and power. The wicked, as we see in the world, may have honor and power for a while, but in the end, God will bring them down, and he will exalt the righteous. It may not be in this life, but it will come.   

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