November 29 - 1 Corinthians 1-4: Loyalty to Theologians with a Slick Theology

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Corinthian church fought over theologians and lived in a city that thought their Message was ludicrous.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Paul to God's church in Corinth:
Though God will never give up on you, you must stop fighting!
The Gospel seems ludicrous to outsiders, but God turns worldly wisdom into nonsense. Think about it, everything you have comes through Jesus.
God's Spirit worked through me—an inarticulate man—to help set your relationships right.
God gives His Plan to everyone when they commune with Him. That is why you frustrate me with how you treat each other.
Preachers are guides into God's Kingdom. I don’t care what you think of me. Only He is willing to guide us to maturity.

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

Paul begins the letter to the Corinthians by reminding them that God will never give up on them.

If a letter starts by reminding you that God will never give up on you, you know two things: 1) God will never give up on you (obviously!) and 2) What comes next is going to be a long list of things you messed up. Before we get into this book we need to remember, no matter how bad we mess up, God will never give up on us!
Today's reading comes at a great time. Yesterday I wrote at length about how we should be have a more humble attitude when discussing the differences between the churches of Christ and other denominations. I have had other difficult things to say which may lead a person to think I do not like my tradition or that I want to leave it. Many people in my generation have come to the same conclusions I have and have left jaded or bitter against us. Instead of leaving, I want us to realize we are like the Corinthians because we have many problems, but we are also like the Corinthians because God will never give up on us. We can become a group of people setting all things right if we remember that God will never give up on us, even if we have a laundry list of problems.

The Corinthian church elevated their theological influences higher than their relationships with their fellow Christians.

This section reminds me of something the Restoration Movement got right, at least we did for a while. As a student at a seminary, I noticed several factions within the denominational world—Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Azusa Street, African, Asian, Catholic, etc. These groups all had their favorite theologians and pitted them against each other. Paul wanted the Corinthians to remember that all theologians are servants of the Originator of the Message they preach. Don't focus on the servant. Focus on the God!

The Gospel seems silly to those who are "wise".

The Corinthians lived in a very educated, sophisticated culture which wanted either magic tricks to shock the crowds into believing (the Jews) or seamless arguments proving a tight theology (the Greeks). God's Message included neither of those things. Instead, He used a non-efficient method to spread a non-convincing Message—non-educated people teaching other non-educated people how to set things right because God came down and allowed Himself to become a brutal sacrifice. The truth is, neither magic tricks nor perfect, rational theology convinces a person to change. Only the words of a friend will truly convict a person to change. God uses an unlikely method to spread His unattractive Message—friends. Paul wanted to be impressive but failed. Instead, he allowed God's Spirit to convict others and great things happened. Paul wants them use that method of spreading God's Message. The Message itself is not slick. It's messy. It's tough. It doesn't sound very theological. It isn't easy to believe. Yet God's Message has gone throughout most of the world and no one can stop it. It requires a lot of faith because something you gain easily you lose easily.

God spreads His Plans for the world when we commune with Him.

God wants to tell the world what He is doing. He also wants them to listen. For that reason, He waits until they are willing to commune with Him before He lets them in on His Plan. When we commune with God, we learn how the world works.

Do you believe God will never give up on you?

September 18 - Ezra 1-3: Cyrus Send the Exiles to Rebuild the Temple in Honor of God

Today’s Reading: Ezra 1-3

The Message

English Standard Version

Ezra 2 gives the genealogy of the returning exiles. Scan through this chapter if you are behind or have little time today.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Daniel's positive influence on the king of Persia may have lead to the return of the exiles to Jerusalem.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

King Cyrus commissioned a return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple in Honor of God. He encouraged the exiles to give to the cause. Judah's, Benjamin's, and Levi's descendents went. Cyrus returned everything Nebuchadnezzar stole from the Temple.
Thousands of Judeans returned to their towns. A few families could not prove their lineage and were barred from priestly work.
Seven months later, Jeshua and Zerubbabel built the Altar to the God of Israel and began offering sacrifices on it. Seven months later, they laid the Temple's foundation. David's music rang in Jerusalem again—to loud shouts and cries of joy.

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

King Cyrus wanted to help Israel rebuild the Temple.

Jeremiah told Judah that God would return the furnishings of the Temple. God also told Judah that Cyrus would be the king to do it. God used Cyrus, a non-Chosen Person, to set things right for God's Chosen People. God will use anyone willing to set things right.

God protected the returned exiles.

When Jeshua and Zerubbabel began offering sacrifices on the Altar in Honor of the God of Israel they were worried their neighbors would attack. They were right to be worried, too. However, God protected them from Gog and anyone else who wanted to steal what they had. God will protect His Chosen People.

David's music was heard in Jerusalem for the first time in generations.

Jerusalem had been silent for 70 years. Before that the Temple had been used to house a plethora of gods. Only the oldest people remembered even seeing the building. In our readings, we have not heard a positive story about Jerusalem for 45 days. Finally, we have a group of people who are willing to serve God again. Their shouts of joy and weeping for joy were so loud no one could tell the difference because God had given them grace to return and praise Him again.

Praise God for His Mercy and Grace to allow us to praise Him!

August 25 - Lamentations 1-3: The Nadir of Ancient Israel: the Exile

Today’s Reading: Lamentations 1-3

The Message

English Standard Version

If you have a paper schedule, we are deviating a little by reading all of chapter 3. It adds about 500 words to today's reading, but keeps a section together.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

A nation that once hosted God's Presence now in the pit of despair.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Oh, oh, oh …
The city cries herself to sleep—Judah is in exile because she rebelled against God.
The people were desperate to stay alive—even eating their babies. Oh, such pain!
My groans—no one listens! Israel was knocked flat by God's Anger. He wiped away their memories alongside His Temple.
Your prophets enabled your sinful lives. God's warnings came true.
I have hit bottom. I hope only in God's never-ending love. I'll stick with God!
When you feel helpless—pray to the Creator. I was done for and God brought me back!
God, make our enemies pay!

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

Israel has hit bottom.

Israel and Judah's rebellions became such a stench before God that He had to act. First Israel went into exile then Judah followed. Jeremiah was present for the second and had a front-row seat. Now he lives in the remains of a once-proud city. God's Chosen People are not immune to God's Wrath. As horrifying as it may seem, God's Anger does not come lightly nor stay forever.

God's Anger is not forever.

Jeremiah is in the depths of his sorrow. The only thing left for him is a hope—God's love never ends.

God's loyal love couldn’t have run out,
   his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
   How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
   He’s all I’ve got left. (3:22-24, The Message)

Even though God's Anger is real, His Love is equally as real. God loves His Chosen People—even in the depths of great sin and sorrow.

God's Hope is that we cry out to Him for help.

God gave Israel and Judah ample chances to change their hearts by protecting them from enemies. Unfortunately, what Judah learned was God would be there to perform miracles whenever they needed them. They never thought to change their hearts. God's purpose in making His Chosen People go into exile was to purge their places of worship, separate them from their homeland, and renew their need to obey Him. Jeremiah, on the other hand, cried out to God at every chance he had and was protected from his enemies.

Do you cry out to God when you reach your bottom?

Remember, it's the pit of despair, not the Pit of Despair.

June 14 - 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136: The Hesed of the Lord Never Quits!

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading from 2 Chronicles mirrors almost exactly the reading from yesterday. Because of that I will summarize and comment only on what was added at the end of chapter seven.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Hesed of God never fails!

Summary in 100 Words or Less

After Solomon dedicated the Temple to the Honor of God, God appeared to Solomon and accepted his prayer. He promised to stop any plague in Israel if they would only return to Him and pray. God's name would be stamped on the Temple forever; however, that would not prevent God from destroying His own Temple stone by stone if they would not listen to Him. This also applied to David's promise—if Solomon's sons obeyed God they would stay on the throne. Disobedience meant destruction. God would use them as an example to the nations, this time as a warning.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 136

This call-and-answer psalm praises God, the real god in a sea of fake gods, who created everything and took care of His Chosen People. The psalmist ends by reminding the responders how God took care of Israel when they were down and in need. The response after each line is exactly the same each time: "His Hesed (lovingkindness) never quits!"

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

God would not spare his own Temple built by the chosen king in the chosen land He gave to His Chosen People.

Reminiscent to Moses' words to Israel prior to entering Canaan, God presents both sides of the coin to being His Chosen People. There are great and wondrous promises—land, peace, prosperity, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Blessings. There are also equally great and wondrous punishments—persecution, captivity, destruction, and ruin. They would become an example to the nations, a testament to their god's Awesome Judgment. Even the Temple that Solomon built would not stand if they did not obey God. Warning: Those who take up with God will be greatly blessed. Those who later take up with other gods will be equally punished. Remember this the next time you consider choosing to be God's Chosen Person on this earth and warn others before becoming a Chosen Person on this earth. It is for anyone; but it is not for everyone.

God's Hesed Endures Forever!

This word has many translations. In the New American Standard Bible it has 19 different renderings! Unfortunately, the richness of this word is completely lost and often flattened to the highly-overused word "love." We could be grateful, since we would not like to read or repeat "For His devout, faithful, good, kind, loyal, merciful, righteous, and unchanging love endures forever." Yet that is what is being presented here. God's [insert wonderful, amazing and long list of exclamations of greatness] never quits! That is also something to weigh before becoming a Chosen Person of God.

Have you decided to become a Chosen Person of God?

May 29 - 1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94: Solomon Carries Out David's Last Wishes

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 1-2; Psalm 37, 71, 94

The Message

English Standard Version

We begin 1 Kings. It records the death of David and the life of Solomon. It continues on through the divided kingdom up until the death of Ahab. Today we say goodbye to the greatest king of Israel, David.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David uses Solomon to bring judgment on his old enemies.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

David's servants brought the virgin Abishag to keep him warm.
Adonijah, spoiled by David, called himself king with Joab's and Abiathar's approval. David repeated his promise to make Solomon king with a parade in Solomon's honor to proclaim his legitimacy.
Adonijah begged for his life. Solomon granted it.
As David lay dying, he made Solomon promise to uphold God's commands and avenge those who hurt him in the past.
Adonijah was executed while asking for Abishag's hand in marriage. Abiathar was exiled. Joab was executed. Shimei violated the terms of his house arrest and was executed.
Solomon reigned in peace.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 37

David warns against envying wicked people. If you bring yourself before God humble, open, and righteous your enemies will soon be gone. The wicked are obsessed with hurting the righteous, but in the end they become comical farces. God never abandons His People when they obey Him. God grants a protected, safe life.

Psalm 71

The author runs to God for salvation from the wicked, bad bullies. Since childhood God has never abandoned His People. Don’t start now! The author wants to sing a song of praise to God while those who oppose God are ashamed.

Psalm 94

God, how long will you sit idly by while the wicked get away with murder? You idiots, you think God doesn't know what you do? Blessed are those who are trained by God. He was on my side when I needed Him. Nothing can defeat or trick God.

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

Once again, David's sons cause him problems.

Once again, David's lack of disciplining his children hurts his kingdom. David already had one son rape his sister and another son take his throne. Now Adonijah has disregarded his father's wishes and made himself king. Parents, discipline your children to prevent headaches in the future.

Joab has turned against David.

You might feel sorry for Joab because he fought for David for so long. He even followed David's orders to take a census of Israel's fighting men. Then Joab was embarrassingly demoted when he killed the traitor Absalom. One cannot help but think that all of these issues led to Joab siding with Adonijah. However, Joab was not a great man. He murdered Abner when he came to discuss peace with David. He killed Amasa as they went to war against Sheba the traitor. Joab was a complex man, but David's and Joab's disdain for each other prevented good communication. Treat your greatest friends with care, they can become your greatest enemies. In Joab and David's case, this enmity caused the death of the former because of the promise made to the latter by his son.

David's last words to Solomon are similar to God's justice.

David's last will and testament to Solomon isn't for the weak. David wants to punish Joab and Shimei because they sinned. Joab murdered two men in cold blood. Shimei cursed David. However, he also blessed the sons of Barzillai. This mirror's God's setting things right because the ones who were guilty were punished but the sons of the righteous were blessed. God will punish all of those who are guilty but bless the offspring of those who are righteous. Before we focus on God's punishment let's consider God's blessings on those who have not earned their blessings.

Solomon carries out justice with mercy.

He does not execute Abiathar because he was God's man even though Abiathar sided with Adonijah. This also fulfilled God's prophecy to Eli that his family would no longer serve as priests. Joab, however, would not be spared. He had killed during peacetime, so he must be punished,

Absolve me and my father’s family of the guilt from Joab’s senseless murders. God is avenging those bloody murders on Joab’s head. Two men he murdered, men better by far than he ever was …. Responsibility for their murders is forever fixed on Joab and his descendants; but for David and his descendants, his family and kingdom, the final verdict is God’s peace. (2:31-33, The Message)

Shimei is allowed to live but is under city arrest. When he violated his terms of arrestment he is punished. Setting things right does not always lead to the absolution of punishment; however, punishments can be lessened.

Envy what is God's and try to succeed by His ways.

If you want to succeed, follow the actions of those who have a long reputation of success. God has an eternity of success. The wicked have a short-spanned success story that ends badly. Don't succeed like them! Envy God's success and emulate His actions to succeed.

God's People will never be in the streets.

This may sound like an overstatement. It also smacks of the Prosperity Gospel that is going throughout the world. However, we must read this as it is meant, as a comparison of God's ways to the wicked's ways. No person that obeys God goes hungry, not because they will always have high-paying jobs that give them lots of disposable income. God's People will never go hungry and live in the street because they are part of a community that sets things right through sharing God's blessings with each other. When we see people who want to go at life alone they may find themselves alone and unable to provide for themselves. When this happens, the best course of action is to surround them with a community. I am a living testament that God's people will never be in the street. When I needed help surviving I have always had a group of God's people willing to help us through. Someday I hope to do the same.

God will never abandon His People!

May 3 - Psalms 106-107: God Sets All Things Right - Even When We Do Not

Today’s Reading: Psalms 106-107

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God sets things right—even when humans don't.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 106

Thanks be to God because His Love last forever! We are on the right path when we praise God and practice justice habitually! Israel sinned against God several times—often right after He did a wonderful sign. But even though God punished them He never gave them up. He always kept loving and setting things right when they called. Blessed be God! Hallelujah! Amen!

Psalm 107

Thanks be to God! He took Israel out of slavery and helped them through desperate situations. Even when their situation was caused by God because of disobedience God still protected them. God helped them through high seas, floods, and gave them great harvests. They should appreciate what God has done for them.

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

God's patience is longsuffering.

This will be repeated over and over again June 14th, but we get the phrase here. The Hebrew word for "love" here is hesed (heh-said). It's a difficult word to translate because it means about 15 English phrases. The American Standard Version of the Bible made up a new word, "lovingkindness." This encapsulates at least more of the meaning than the trite word "love." The entire psalm demonstrates this opening phrase when Israel consistently went against God and He had to punish them. But when they called out to Him He saved them. Every time. Praise God! His lovingkindness endures forever!

Happiness comes when we set things right.

I love these lines from Psalm 106, "You’re one happy man when you do what’s right, / one happy woman when you form the habit of justice" (v. 3, The Message). I know in my life I am happiest when I am setting things right in God's name—loving my neighbor as myself, loving and praising God. The times when I am down and depressed are the times when I am struggling not to hurt others. If you want to be happy, set things right in God's name.

God sets things right the way we need, not in a one-size-fits-all, programmatic way.

Psalm 107 provides a great description of how God sets things right for each person as they need. Some were in the wilderness and God helped them find a comfortable place to live. Some were in high seas and God kept them safe. Some were sick because of their lifestyle choices and God helped them. God doesn't have a certain set of abilities and anyone that has an issue outside of that niche has to look for another god. God can help every person in their specific needs—if they obey Him.
Obedience is the rub. Saul would not obey God and would not pray to Him. Because he would not pray to God, Saul died in his sin. The reason God cannot set things right for people who will not obey is not because of His limitation but because of their unwillingness to accept His help.

Have you appreciated God's deep love?