May 27 - 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127: David Passes the Crown to Solomon

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127

The Message

English Standard Version

1 Chronicles (book 12) ends today. As often in 1 Chronicles, skip chapters 26 and 27 if you are short on time. They list the Tabernacle's security guards, accountants, tribal administrators, and supply officers.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Compare Solomon's coronation to David's first coronation.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David, unable to build God's Temple because he was a violent man, made Israel's leaders promise to help Solomon build it. He gave Solomon the plans.
David later repeated to all Israel his wishes for Solomon to build a place to meet God. The Israelites gave jewels and precious metals to build the temple. Everyone blessed God. The next day they offered thousands of animals as offerings. Then they ceremonially made Solomon king. Israel unanimously promised loyalty to Solomon. God blessed Solomon greater than his predecessors.
David's reign lasted forty years. He died peacefully as an old man.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 127

Solomon warns that unless God is the builder of a house or city, there can be no adequate protection. Children are the best gift from God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

David never officially sealed the census numbers.

After being punished for taking a census, David abandoned his plan and never followed through. David learns from God—when God doesn't want you to do something, stop.

David is building consensus of support for Solomon to build the Temple.

The Temple will be a large project that will take decades to complete. David realizes Solomon is too young and inexperienced to lead the people through this tough task. So he makes them promise to help Solomon complete this large endeavor. Leaders, help build consensus among the group for your successors to lead in peace.

David publically hands the baton to Solomon.

To help Israel know Solomon is God's and David's choice for the next king, David charges Solomon with his task in front of all the people. Now no one could claim Solomon was the illegitimate king of Israel. Leaders, transfer power publically to help smoothen transitions.

The Temple was a place for community-building—with people and with God.

The Temple was meant for the nation of Israel to meet and sacrifice to God. It was meant to unify the people around one common objective—worshiping God. In an added benefit, this would also become the place for God to be with His People. This dual function is essential to the legitimacy of the building. Without community-building it becomes a shrine that the people fight over. Without community-building with God it is a ritual place that had no real purpose.
Churches today should also serve both functions—places to meet God and other people. Churches should not be a place only for social gatherings where we sing old songs like dead people and offer up prayers to the ceiling. However, churches should not become so sacred that any notion of community-building brings on accusations of lowering the sanctity of the building. We need to do both.
However, churches are not God's Temple today. Our bodies are (we'll read that in the New Testament). So our bodies should also take on that dual function as well. Treat your body as a place to meet God and meet others.

God wants our true selves.

As David praises God for the Israelites' willingness to give so that the Temple could be made, he includes this great saying,

I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface - you want us, our true selves - and so I have given from the heart, honestly and happily. And now see all these people doing the same, giving freely, willingly - what a joy! (29:17, The Message)

When God's people give willingly and freely, God can set things right.

All of Israel swore allegiance to Solomon.

Compare Solomon's coronation to Saul's coronation and David's coronation. It's no coincidence that Solomon was blessed by God more than Saul or David. He had Israel's complete loyalty before taking office. When God's Chosen People follow God's Chosen Leaders, God blesses both greatly.

Do the leaders of your group have your complete loyalty?

May 25 - 1 Chronicles 23-25: David Commissions the Levites for Worship

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 23-25

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading has a lot of name and technical details. Read the first six verses, then skip down to verse 24 and read to the end of chapter 23. The rest consists of each father and his family being given each task.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Notice how important worship is taken.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David, now an old man, transitioned power to Solomon. David called all of the Levite men thirty and older for assignment in service to God: worship in the sanctuary, officials and judges, security, and musicians.
Since Israel was at peace in their own land, the Levites no longer needed to carry the Tabernacle. They could fully dedicate themselves to God's House. They became in charge of everything related to worship.
When the individual tasks were given out, all men were treated equally: young, old, teacher, student. Each task was chosen by lot.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

David wants to set everything right for his son before he takes over.

David knows his life will end soon. In a nice gesture, he wants to make sure everything is set for Solomon to transition easily. Help leaders of the next generation begin their jobs with ease.

Israel takes worshiping God seriously.

The Levites were chosen by God to be Israel's priests. David wants to make sure worship is done properly and done well. So he takes the 38,000 men and sorts them into every aspect of worship. Even the music of worship has an orchestra of 4,000 people. These were not Toms, Dicks, or Harrys asked to pick out a few songs ten minutes before worship began. They were masters at their art commissioned to perform before Israel and God. Worship of God should be done with foresight and led by those who have mastered their art, not last minute frantic searches for who's here.

Each job in worship was chosen based on chance, not according to age.

"The families of the oldest and youngest brothers were treated the same" (24:31, The Message). Even the musicians were chosen by chance.

They were well-trained in the sacred music, all of them masters. There were 288 of them. They drew names at random to see who would do what. Nobody, whether young or old, teacher or student, was given preference or advantage over another. (25:7-8)

If we had this type of delegation in churches today much of the culture wars would be mitigated. Notice, though, they did not ask the security guards come and play music. Each was a master at their own task. Each person should be included in worship as they are gifted—then chosen by chance to do what they are gifted to do.

Do you purposefully arrange worship?

May 23 - 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30: David's Census Gone Bad; Preparations for the Temple

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30

The Message

English Standard Version

After a month of skipping around between three books, you have finished 2 Samuel! That makes 11 books read. Only 55 to go.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Consider how David responds when he sees God's punishment.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David wanted a census of fighting men. Joab and his officials obeyed under protest.
God, angered by David, spoke through Gad and forced David to choose his punishment: three years of famine, three months of fleeing before his enemies, or three days of an epidemic. David chose the epidemic. Seventy thousand people died. God protected Jerusalem. David cried out in repentance.
God's angel told David to build an altar at Araunah's threshing floor. David insisted on buying it when Araunah offered it for free.
In order to facilitate Solomon's building of the temple, David collected all of the raw materials.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 30

David gives God credit for getting him through his mess. David called out and warned God that he would be very difficult to sell if destroyed first. So God saved David and because of it he cannot stop thanking God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

David wanted a census because he wants to know his strength apart from God.

This section is difficult to read for several reasons, the first being that David is punished for doing something God required Israel to do twice. Why would God punish David for doing a census? The reason is simple—God wanted Israel to realize God alone could protect Israel from their enemies whereas David's census was intended to help him see what king(s) he could defeat apart from God's help. Joab understood this when he told David,

May your God multiply people by the hundreds right before the eyes of my master the king, but why on earth would you do a thing like this? 2 Samuel 24:3, The Message

This is why David is punished—he thought he could do everything alone.
Today, we should caution against participating in church censuses or discussing church sizes. **Note: State censuses are different than church censuses.** A census automatically puts people in the mindset of "look what we built" or "look what is falling apart—what can we do to save it." Discussing church sizes is widely known among pastors and preachers as a topic of much consternation and anxiety. If our goal is to have God grow a community through which he can set all things right, censuses and church sizes are tangential at best and counterproductive at worst. You didn't build that! Don't do a census! (Or spend time looking at blog statistics.) If people see God setting things right through you, they will want to join and God will bring them to you.

The people of Israel are punished because David sinned.

I believe this is why David cries when he sees the angel of God outside the city. He realizes his people have been punished because of his sin and his unwillingness to run from his enemies. When God's Chosen Leaders sin, the people perish.
At the same time, this episode shows David's love for his people. I love his prayer to God,

Please! I’m the one who sinned; I’m the one at fault. But these sheep, what did they do wrong? Punish me, not them, me and my family; don’t take it out on them. (1 Chronicles 21:17, The Message)

Leaders, love your people enough to ask God to punish you instead.

David wants to set things right by sacrificing to God—not going through the motions of an offering.

Araunah understands what is going on and trusts that David's offering would set things right. To facilitate it and honor David, Araunah wants to give him everything. However, David understands that blood is not what God wants. God wants our sacrifices to show our humility before Him. David could not offer a free sacrifice on free wood set on an altar erected on free ground. He had to pay for all of it—not even at a discount.

David finishes well.

In leadership studies, "finishing well" means that you not only finish your own work strong but you set your predecessor up to succeed. David does just this when he arranges to have all of the materials to make the Temple quarried and set aside for his son. Leaders, set your predecessors up to succeed. Challenge everyone to follow their lead.

God gets angry once in a while, but across / a lifetime there is only love (Psalm 30:5).

What an interesting way of putting it. God does get angry from time to time but even his anger is couched in love. God gets angry because He loves us and does not want to see us punished!

Has God turned your mourning into dancing?

May 13 - 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20: David Messes with a Cover-Up

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 20

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David thinks with the wrong head.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David saw Bathsheba, a beautiful woman, bathing on her roof. He slept with her, knowing she was Uriah's wife. She became pregnant.
David first tried to cover his indiscretion. Then he had the army conspire to kill Uriah and then married Bathsheba.
Nathan convicted David through the story of a rich man taking a poor man's prized lamb. David's punishment would be a divided house, public humiliation, and the death of Bathsheba's child.
David unsuccessfully tried to assuage God's wrath. His son died.
Later, Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon.
David returned to war and a triumphant victory over the Ammonites.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

These acts seem out of character for David.

As the story progresses, you see flashes of a king who cares little for righteousness and more for protecting his name. It could be that David's power began to corrupt his morals. Beware of great power—it can intoxicate your morals until you no longer set things right.

David's cover-up was worse than his mess-up.

Unwilling to allow his name to be caught in a great scandal, he perpetrated an even worse scandal—the unjust killing of a fierce and loyal fighter. This is why Nathan confronts the murder and not the infidelity, "You murdered Uriah the Hittite, then took his wife as your wife. Worse, you killed him with an Ammonite sword!" (2 Samuel 12:9, The Message). Covering up our mistakes sets more things wrong than the mistakes themselves.

God does not remove His Spirit from David.

Part of why God does not remove His Spirit from David will be seen tomorrow in the Psalms. What should be seen today is that, unlike Saul, God does not remove His Spirit from David. This is chiefly because of David's heart being after God. Notice what happened after Nathan gave David his punishment, "David prayed desperately to God for the little boy. He fasted, wouldn't go out, and slept on the floor" (2 Samuel 12:16, The Message). People after God's Heart are not perfect. They are willing to humble themselves before God when they make mistakes.

David blasphemed against God when he married Bathsheba. But he kept her as his wife.

This is an important part of the story to remember. Not only did David keep Bathsheba as his wife, her next son, Solomon, had God's special love and would eventually become David's heir. God can set things right in any situation, even when what happened to get in the situation was a mistake.

May we learn from David's mistake—and not cover our mistakes!

May 11 - 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20: Hanun Insults David's Emissaries

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 10; 1 Chronicles 19; Psalm 20

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Hanun allows his leaders to cloud his judgment.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, died. David sent a message of condolence.
Hanun, Nahash's son, was convinced by his leaders that David's emissaries were war scouts. Hanun shamed them by cutting off half of their beards and cutting their robes past their butts.
David allowed his men to re-grow their beards in private at Jericho.
The Ammonites hired 20,000 Aramean soldiers to help fight David's army. At first they all ran from Joab and Abishai's men. Later, they regrouped and fought at Helam. David's army defeated the Arameans and earned their vassal kings' tributes.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 20

David blesses his army—may God bless you in your day of war. He calls out to God to answer on the day of battle.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Hanun allowed his leaders to make him paranoid against David's messengers.

The Ammonites and the Israelites had a rocky relationship in the past. However, David and Nahash had a good relationship. But Hanun's leaders allowed the past to overshadow the present. Unfortunately, Hanun listened to these leaders and insulted David's messengers, to his own detriment. Beware paranoid advisors, they may lead you down the road to disaster.

Joab submits to God's ultimate work.

Joab musters his men and encourages them to have courage—if they need backup the other half would help. But in the end he says, "And God will do whatever he sees needs doing!" (2 Samuel 10:12; 1 Chronicles 19:13, The Message). Joab knows that no matter how well they fight, God will win in the end. Submit to God's will even in the midst of a great foe.

David asks God for help with the expectation of help.

David knows God will help his army. So he calls on God to help, tells God what they will do when He defeats their enemies, then tells everyone not to worry—help is on the way! Call out to God—in expectation of getting what you are asking!

May we never think ill of those who come to comfort us.

May 9 - 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18: David Honors God and Jonathan

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David's obedience begins to pay dividends. David gives those back to God.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David and his army fought the Philistines, Moabites, and the Zobahites and defeated them all. Arameans came to support the Zobahites and were defeated. David received massive amounts of gold, bronze and horses as a result of God's help. He dedicated all of it to God to be used in God's service.
David wanted to honor his friend Jonathan. Ziba, Saul's servant, informed David of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son who was paraplegic. David restored all of Saul's land to him and he ate at David's table as a son. Ziba's sons and servants worked Mephibosheth's land.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

David is earning great rewards for obeying God.

God has promised great rewards for obeying Him. David, a man after God's heart, is not only growing a large house for himself, he is also growing a large amount of wealth. Those after God's own Heart are blessed physically as well as spiritually.

David dedicated all he earned through God's help back to God.

David again proves his heart is after God. Instead of amassing a large fortune for himself, disobeying God's commands, he dedicates all he earns to God. This is why God continues to give victories to David. Those after God's own Heart dedicate what they earn from God's victories to God's use.

David honors his old friend Jonathan.

In a move that would shock any non-Israelite king, David not only allows a member of the previous king's family to stay in the palace, he also gives back the king's land. Saul did many, many bad things to David and yet he wants to honor Saul's grandson. Those after God's own heart seek to honor rather than revenge.

Have you dedicated all God has blessed you with to His service?

May 7 - 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17: David Wants to Glorify God, God Blesses David with a Perpetual Throne

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's two chapters are virtually the same. Read only one if you are short on time.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David proactively wants to glorify God and is blessed with a throne for his descendents eternally.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David had a large house and a peaceful kingdom. He asked Nathan why God still lived in a tent.
God came to Nathan that night and said because He had never asked for a house, David would become a great house. He would give David peace. David's son would be firmly planted on the throne to build God's House. David's family would have a throne forever.
David was shocked! Why would God make such a promise? He is awesome! There is no one like God or His Chosen People, Israel! David additionally asked God to bless his family forever.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

David surprised God by going above and beyond what God dictated.

God is used to Israel grumblingly, complainingly, and begrudgingly doing what He commands. David's wish to build God a house was completely unexpected (as much as anything we do could be unexpected to the god who knows our hearts). The reason it was unexpected is because no one had thought they were being blessed above God before. David wants to build God a house because he knows his house came from God's greatness. He knows his kingdom has peace because of God's protection. He wants to make sure God is properly honored as well. People after God's own heart do not wait for God to tell them exactly how to honor Him but proactively honor God.

God gave David a strong lineage because he wanted to honor God more than congratulate himself for a job well done.

God blessed Abraham with his Promise because Abraham was willing to leave his family and go where God lead him. David receives a promise because he wanted to glorify God more than he wanted to glorify himself. Unlike Saul who eventually wanted all glory for himself, David would not have God's Spirit taken away from him. Those who glorify God above self will be blessed more than those who sit back and congratulate themselves for a job well done.

David's son would build a "house" for God

Even though God "resided" in the Tabernacle, He never actually "lived" there. It was a symbol of God living with Israel. David may not have understood the symbolic nature of the Tabernacle. God would have a house built for Him, though. David's son would be the one who had the honor of glorifying God with a magnificent temple.

David's only answer: "There is no god like you!"

David went to sleep one night thinking he would build God a house. In the morning he learns not only will his son be the one with that honor, someone from his house would be a king forever. This is why David's only answer is,

What's left … to say to this - to your honoring your servant, even though you know me, just as I am? O God, out of the goodness of your heart, you've taken your servant to do this great thing and put your great work on display. There's none like you, God, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears. (1 Chronicles 17:18-20, The Message)

Israel was a unique nation because of what God accomplished for them.

Why Israel is unique is misunderstood constantly. Many people believe God made Israel unique because he wanted a favorite people, like a father has a favorite son. What makes David unique among many of his peers all throughout time is the fact that he knows Israel's uniqueness comes from God and not themselves.

And who is like your people, like Israel, a nation unique in the earth, whom God set out to redeem for himself (and became most famous for it), performing great and fearsome acts, throwing out nations and their gods left and right as you saved your people from Egypt? You established for yourself a people - your very own Israel! - your people permanently. And you, God, became their God (1 Samuel 7:23-24, The Message)

God called Israel and made them unique so the nations would know their gods are nothing.
Christians must also understand the source of our uniqueness. Our uniqueness does not come from something that we have done but because God has called us out of the world to become a Chosen People. Our uniqueness is not so we might be God's favorite people in the world. Christian uniqueness is so the world will see how God saves His Chosen People and will want to throw out their gods and serve God.

Surprise God—go above and beyond what is expected of you.

May 4 - 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-16: The Ark of the Covenant Comes to Jerusalem

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23; 1 Chronicles 13-16

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Although David's reign is growing stronger, he does not believe himself to be the cause of his strength.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God confirmed David's authority. David married more women and had many children at Jerusalem.
The Philistines attacked and God defeated them before David. David burnt their idols.
David wanted the Ark of the Covenant moved to his town. During the trip Uzzah touched it and God angrily killed him. As a result, David had the Ark stop at Obed-Edom's home. Obed-Edom flourished.
David then decided to finish its journey and had the Levites carry the Ark the correct way. All of Israel praised God with music and song while David danced in public, upsetting his wife Michal. She became barren.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Hebrew stories are told thematically.

One thing to remember as we get into this section of scripture is the writing style of Hebrew histories. Hebrew stories are told thematically, meaning each story may be told two or more times with different parts highlighted. Today's reading highlights this style. In 2 Samuel 5 all of David's sons are named. However, what happens next happened before many of them were born. It may get confusing if you think these scriptures are written chronologically as we would write a biography. If you understand that the books are arranged thematically instead of strict chronologically you will get through most of the confusing sections.

David takes physical blessings as God's confirmation.

In another sign that David was a man after God's own heart, he correctly interprets Hiram's gifts as coming because of God's power, not his own. He will praise God for having a great house built with wood gifted by a neighboring king. People who are wholly for God interpret great blessings as coming because of God and not themselves.

David once again consults God before going to war.

David does not allow his power to blind him to his God. So he once again consults with God before attacking the Philistines. This is also why he destroys their idols instead of keeping them for keepsakes.

Uzzah dies because he profaned God's Ark.

This short story is difficult for many of us. It is such a tragedy that Uzzah died because of a small thing. Yet we should understand that when God gave the instructions for packing up and travelling with the Tabernacle, Aaron and his sons were to cover it so none of the movers could see it. Uzzah, who isn't even a Levite, touches the Ark. This is why God is angry. God expects holy objects to be treated with respect.

David helps to cause Uzzah's death by hastily moving the Ark of the Covenant.

David has decided to move the chest to Jerusalem to keep it in front of the people and in front of their minds. However, he does not call the Levites or consult the Law before doing this. Because of that insistence on action instead of reflection Uzzah died. Before acting on hastily-made plans, reflect and go to God for direction. David learns his lesson and when he goes back to get the Ark from Obed-Edom's house he sends the Levites to move it the correct way.

Obed-Edom flourished because the Ark was in his house.

Compare this story with that of the Philistines taking the Ark. The difference is that Obed-Edom did not take the Ark by force and then place it in his house with his other gods. Obed-Edom was a child of God who kept it because of a tragedy. God blesses those who protect His holy things in holy ways.

The story of the Ark coming to Jerusalem gives an example of great celebration to God because of His greatness.

This story is difficult for many Americans to read and process. In the stodgy, Puritan age any form of music or dance was considered undesirable and often outright banned because it distracted the reveler from God. They follow Michal's example and despise this story because of the frivolity displayed. However, David and his people are not dancing and playing music due to alcohol, hallucinogenic drugs, or with hopes to honor some other god. They are dancing, singing, and playing instruments to celebrate the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant—the symbol of God being with them. In essence, they are praising God for being with them. Dances, music, and songs are wonderful when used to praise God for His goodness! If this challenges you, read David's psalm recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36. David's singing, playing, and dancing are not to distract from the Ark, it is to highlight it's coming.

Give thanks to God—He is good and his love never quits!

May 1 - 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12: David's Crowning Achievement with His Warriors

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Chronicles 11-12

The Message

English Standard Version

We head back into David's life. Since we are reading in chronological order 2 Samuel 5 will be split up between today's and Saturday's readings. These ten verses and 1 Chronicles 11 discuss David becoming king and taking Jerusalem.
There are several Hebrew names in this section. If you are getting bogged down with the names, call them all "Fred" (except Uriah, but you'll understand that later).

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David is able to take a city no Israelite was able to take—even Joshua's generation.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The tribes of Israel rallied around David. He led them into Zion (Jerusalem) and captured it, then referred to as the City of David. David grew more confident because God was with him.
A multitude of mighty men came under David's command. The "Thirty" were mighty warriors lead by the "Big Three." They performed heroic feats in battle. Abishai was a leader of the Thirty but was not one of the Big Three.
Men streamed in from all of the tribes. Some of the best warriors came from Benjamin—Saul's tribe.
The people feasted for three days during David's coronation.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

David takes Zion, a city that no one had captured.

The Jebusites had built a fortress so strong that the Israelites had not been able to defeat it, even during Joshua's day. David had honored God and God allowed him to take the stronghold. It became his crowning achievement—a city with his name.

David grows into a great leader with God's help.

David has become the king of Israel. His reign begins well, similar to Saul's reign. God is with him, so he "proceeded with a longer stride, a larger embrace" (2 Samuel 5:10; 1 Chronicles 11:9, The Message). When God is with His Chosen Leaders, they become great leaders. We will see that David stays away from most of Saul's pride issues (but not all).

Uriah was also one of the Thirty.

Remember that name. Uriah the Hittite is with David from the beginning.

Do you see your leaders walking with a greater stride, a larger embrace because God is on their side?

April 29 - 1 Chronicles 7-10: Genealogies of the Jews, Part 4 of 4 - Saul's Punishment

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-10

The Message

English Standard Version

1 Chronicles 7-9 presents the last of the genealogies. There is little to no narrative. 1 Chronicles 10 retells the story of Saul's death and the aftermath. Since it includes only a little new information I won't bother putting together a summary or thought to guide your reading. To read my thoughts on Saul's death, return to April 19. If you are behind, read chapter 10 to refresh your memory. If not, use this day to reflect on what else you have read. This blog post will be short.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The genealogy of Israel is very important—they must trace their lineage back to Abraham to be consider a Chosen Person.

(Repeat of Tuesday's thought)
This reason is why this section is in our scripture. It would have been important for the people of the day to have their tie back to God's Promise to Abraham. Since we are the spiritual ancestors of Abraham, this section is not as important to us.

Saul was punished for disobeying God.

Saul's reign began well but went downhill. Saul lost God's Spirit when he failed to destroy everything in a battle. Eventually his pride prevented him from praying to God and he died in battle. Learn from Saul: God will punish His Chosen Leaders when they turn against him.

Enjoy your day. (I'm on vacation!)

April 27 - 1 Chronicles 6: Genealogies of the Jews, Part 3 of 4 - the Levites

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 6

The Message

English Standard Version

1 Chronicles 6 gives the genealogy of the Levites. There is little to no narrative today, so I won't bother putting together a summary or thought to guide your reading. If you are behind, today is a day to skip (don't even bother scanning). If not, use this day to reflect on what else you have read. This blog post will be short.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The genealogy of Israel is very important—they must trace their lineage back to Abraham to be consider a Chosen Person.

(Repeat of Tuesday's thought)
This reason is why this section is in our scripture. It would have been important for the people of the day to have their tie back to God's Promise to Abraham. Since we are the spiritual ancestors of Abraham, this section is not as important to us.

The high priests would need to trace their lineage back to Aaron.

Just as Israel would need to trace their lineage back to Abraham to stake a claim to the Promise, the high priests would need to trace their lineage back to Aaron to be part of his promise.

Enjoy your day. (I'm on vacation!)

April 25 - 1 Chronicles 3-5: Genealogies of the Jews, Part 2 of 4 - The Prayer of Jabez and the Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 3-5

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading has a few places of narrative. Read 4:9-10 and 5:1-2, 17-26 and scan/skip the rest. I will summarize only the narrative parts.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Those who trusted God were helped; those who disobeyed God were punished.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jabez (meaning "Oh, the pain!"), a righteous man, prayed that God would help him. So God did.
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob; however, he was demoted when he slept with his father's wife. Joseph's family received a double portion instead—two tribes named after his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. Judah became the strongest of the tribes.
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh trusted God to help them defeat their enemies and God helped them. Later, though, they worshiped other gods and he allowed Assyria to take them into captivity.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God sets things right for Jabez because he asked.

Many of you know the popular book series, The Prayer of Jabez. It has sold over 10 million copies and probably has been equally criticized.I read the book in high school but remember little. Lost in both sides of the Prayer of Jabez argument is what God wants us to understand from this short, brief tale—ask God for what you want.
Jabez was considered more righteous than his brothers. The only other thing we know about Jabez is that he asked God for blessings, land, and personal protection from evil. And God gave him what he asked. Was Jabez more righteous because he asked God for what he wanted or did God give Jabez what he wanted because he was righteous? The answer is most likely both. What we must see is that God wants His Chosen People to ask him for what they want/need. And just as a parent would bless a child, God will bless His Chosen People. Submit to God what you want/need to set things right on the earth for yourself, your family, and your community. He will give you what you ask.
To present arguments of, "Well, what if I asked God for $1,000,000?" is to miss the previous verse—Jabez was more righteous than his brothers. If you want/need $1,000,000 to set things right on the earth, God will answer. If you want/need $1,000,000 to set things right on the earth and don't ask God to help you are being selfish by trying to do all of it on your own. Our attitude and approach to prayer is more important than our words. Often we conflate amounts with selfishness. The more you want/need, the more selfish you are. What we should couple together is trust and amount. The more you need, the more you should trust God's plan. If God does not give what you thought you needed, submit to God's ultimate plan.

God gave land to the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh because they asked Him to help them. He took the land away when they worshiped other gods.

In a similar vein to the story of Jabez these three tribes were given land when they trusted God. Yet later when they went after other gods, God gave them to the Assyrians who removed them from the land. God blesses those who trust Him. God punishes those who do not trust Him.

What are your thoughts on asking God for physical blessings?

April 23 - 1 Chronicles 1-2: Genealogies of the Jews, Part 1 of 4

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2

The Message

English Standard Version

The books of the Chronicles are retellings of the books of Samuel and Kings. The audience for these is most likely post-exile (we will get to that in a few weeks). Even though these books were written much later than Samuel and Kings they deal with similar events, so we will read them now. We will now have days with narratives from two books instead going through one book at a time. We will jump around between 2 Samuel (then both books of Kings) and 1-2 Chronicles. If you find this confusing, using the link at the top of each post to read that day's section.

The first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles give the genealogy of the Israelites. There is little to no narrative today, so I won't bother putting together a summary or thought to guide your reading. If you are behind, today is a day to skip (don't even bother scanning). If not, use this day to reflect on what else you have read. Today's blog post will be short.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The genealogy of Israel is very important—they must trace their lineage back to Abraham to be consider a Chosen Person.

This reason is why this section is in our scripture. It would have been important for the people of the day to have their tie back to God's Promise to Abraham. Since we are the spiritual ancestors of Abraham, this section is not as important to us.

What do you think of the inclusion of so many women?