December 16 - Ephesians: God's Adopted People Walking Down God's Way

Today’s Reading: Ephesians

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus broke down the barrier between God and the Gentiles. The appropriate answer is walking in faith down God's Way.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Paul to the believers in Ephesus:
Long ago God decided to adopt us through Jesus. God embraced us when we wanted the world. Through Jesus' Sacrifice everyone has an equal claim on "Christian"—which angers some Jews. God can do anything!
Run God's Road as one. Live honest, temperate, and forgiving lives. Love like Jesus. Expose the darkness. Sing loudly because of the Spirit, not alcohol. Treat each other well, especially wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters.
Be God-Strong in this life-and-death struggle over our souls. Use all of God's Equipment. Help each other.
Jesus' Grace be with everyone.

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

God's Plan to set all things right was set before Adam and Eve brought death into the world.

How awesome to serve a God who wanted to set things right even before they needed to be set right! God's Plan is awesome because God knew He would die because of our mistakes and yet created everything anyway.

The Church is Christ's Body on Earth.

Our purpose is to show Jesus to the world. We want to help them set their relationship right with God by being ambassadors of God.

God brought outsiders in—which angered His Chosen People.

Paul is in prison because the Jews were angry that he taught God's Message through Jesus to Gentiles. They wanted an exclusive claim on God and would not share. Yet Jesus treats everyone as equals. There is now one group.
We love splitting everyone into two groups—the church and the world. However, there is no difference between the two. The world can be part of the church. This is why Paul mentioned that the church is central to the world. There may be many who do not want anything to do with God but it is their decision, not God's.

The answer for being sought by God is to walk down His Road.

In chapter four Paul transitions from theoretical to practical. Since we are all included, we should be unified as we walk down God's Way—in the same direction, not looking and acting alike. We must mature or be left behind. This means we must get rid of the old life. The truth is, we already know what we need to do to set things right. We must choose to do it.

Wives must respect husbands like the church respects Jesus. Husbands must love wives as Jesus loves the church.

A few weeks ago we read how husbands have authority, not priority. Adam was created first but men now are born to women. We are interdependent. Today Paul uses the church's relationship with Jesus as a template for marriage. Jesus gave Himself for the church, His Body, to set its relationship with God right. The church, in return, respects and submits to Jesus. No husband should beat his wife because Jesus would not beat Himself. No woman should disrespect her husband because the church would not disrespect Jesus. We cannot argue against the first without also arguing against the second.

Children and parents have a responsibility to make sure children become mature Christians.

Paul does not put the onus on children or parents alone. They share responsibility. Children must honor their parents. Parents must guide their children with gentleness.

We are in a battle for our soul.

Paul uses warfare imagery at the end of the letter. He wants to make sure we understand that this is not a pleasant, intellectual discussion. This is war. We must be prepared with both defensive armor and offensive weapons. Both come from God.

Behold the awesome mystery of God!

December 15 - Colossians; Philemon: Religious Rules Distract from Oneness with God

Today’s Reading: Colossians; Philemon

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Paul warns the Colossian Christians not to be led by people who make things off-limits.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Colossians

Paul and Timothy to the Christians in Colosse:
We thank God for your steadfast faith. The Message never weakens or changes! We pray you won't, either.
We see in Jesus God setting everyone's relationship right. Be confident in Christ. Stay away from human traditions and spiritual superstitions. Baptism is ritual enough. If you are serious about Christ's Resurrected Life, live it! Focusing on labels misses Christ.
Set things right. Help each other live the Resurrected Life—wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, and masters alike.
Pray. Help outsiders set things right.
Many with me send greetings. Echo our greetings to Laodicea.

Philemon

Paul and Timothy to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in your house:
I pray your faith continues.
I have a favor to ask. I realize I have God's Authority to command you to do it, but I prefer to ask. Onesimus is no longer the runaway slave you once had. I have sent him to you at a great pain to my work because it is right. Please accept him as our brother. I will pay for any damages he caused—but remember the debt you owe me!
I hope to see you again.
People with me greet you.

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

Our work is directly tied to God's Work.

In Colossians, Paul wants to make sure they realize that their focus should be on God's Work, not on religion. As they focus more and more on God's Work they will be closer and closer to God's Life. As they set things right as God sets things right they will be set free from darkness and death and live a rich life with God. Until we recognize and join God's Work, we will never have a truly righteous life. The great thing about God's Work is that the entire world fits His Way. We can understand the world by understanding God.

We preach Christ, not religion.

It is Jesus that set all things right through His Death. Humans are incapable of setting things right because we are easily distracted by physical things—either for selfish reasons or for "pious" reasons. We focus on doing or not doing things instead of God's Work. When we focus on what we should or should not do or touch or when we focus on spirits, angels, and horoscopes we add to the message we send. The Message is simple—all things are set right though Jesus!
Reading from The Message helped me realize that Paul is not mentioning some unnamed group of Gnostics who are troubling these Christians. He is talking about the Jews who are trying to get the Gentile Christians to go along with the Law of Moses. Growing up, I never put the two together. Now I realize the things I was taught were important—baptism, no musical instruments in worship, no alcohol, etc.—were simply distractions from the Message of Jesus. They are not helpful in growing intimacy with God and Christ. They are, as Paul put it, "pretentious and infantile religion" (2:20). They may sound impressive but in the end only make ourselves look important. Baptism is tolerated because it helps tie us to God. It is a ritual which is not magical, but is important because it gives us a physical tie to God—similar to circumcision for Jews.

Our old life is dead and our new Life focuses on setting things right.

As mentioned earlier, the freedom we receive in Christ is not meant to be a blank check to do whatever we wish. Paul wants God's Chosen People to remember that we have a new Life, one that does not sin. We have a life shaped by God, not by physical urges. Some may consider these comments distractions based on the previous point, but in reality our old life takes us away from God and our new Life brings us closer to Him. The exact way I pray/sing/take communion does not necessarily bring me closer or farther from God. If I lie to my brothers I am going away from God. That is why God wants to make sure we do not lie. We want God's Clothing. To do that we must take off our old, dirty clothes and put on His new, holy Clothes. We sing to help push each other to clothe ourselves in Christ.

The story of Onesimus is the story of his relationship with God being set right.

Onesimus ran away from Philemon, most likely with stolen money or property. Yet he has changed to the point that Paul does not want to send him back. Onesimus is too valuable to Paul to allow him to leave. But Paul must do what is right. What a grand transformation—from fugitive slave to essential worker for God. When God sets our relationship right, we can overcome any problem we had.

Paul tells Philemon to no longer see Onesimus as a physical being anymore but as a spiritual brother.

Paul's letter to Philemon is very interesting. In it he does not advocate for the abolition of slavery but instead Paul advocates for the abolition of seeing our brothers and sisters in Christ as physical beings. Paul reminds Philemon that he owes his spiritual life to Paul and should take that into consideration before punishing Onesimus. Onesimus deserves justice. He should receive mercy because everyone deserves justice but God gives us mercy.

Do you distract others by teaching them religion instead of how to set things right?

December 1 - 1 Corinthians 9-11: Paul on Paying Workers, Holiness, Authority in Marriage, and the Lord's Supper

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11

The Message

English Standard Version

Congratulations! You have made it 11 months through the Bible in a year (or two months through the New Testament)! Only one month to go! You can do it!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The Corinthian church had more issues than Time magazine.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God's Workers should be supported. Barnabas and I gave up our rights but that does not mean others should, too.
I meet people in their lifestyles so I might help them set things right.
Run as to win the spiritual race. God will help through any temptation and does not put up with cheating partners, like our ancestors.
Don't let freedom lead you to lethargy. Do everything to God's Glory and be considerate.
In marriages, each must respect authority—both males and females came from each other.
The Lord's Supper is meant to unify. Wait for each other before eating.

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

A person is worthy of support when they work for God.

Paul wants the Corinthians to realize that they have an obligation to help people dedicating their lives to setting things right in God's Name. God does not want slaves who never benefit from their work. To an extent, this is a major reason communism failed or is failing. Farmers will not stand to let their family starve while others benefit from their work. They either sell their produce on the black market or rebel. A person who does not financially benefit from teaching God's Message will not stand to have their family starve while others benefit from their work. They will either go to a different type of work or rebel. Pay those who dedicate their lives to setting things right in God's Name. Paul's reason for going on his own was to make sure they did not take possession of his message or use his authority to cause divisions. Not everyone needs to take that precaution.

God helps people through all temptations if we allow Him to help.

This verse is very difficult to swallow. In the midst of temptation it seems we have no other course than to sin. God wants us to remember that He provides an escape, though that escape may not be painless. God will not tolerate double-minded people—see the many examples during the time of the Israelites. We must rely on God to get us through temptations because He wants us to be wholly for Him. We are unified in Him and He is patiently waiting for us to live His Way.

Our freedom in Christ is not meant to make us lethargic to setting things right.

Paul doesn't want the Corinthians walking through life scared they are going to do something wrong or trying to find problems with everyone else's actions. As long as a person can't question your loyalty to God through your intentional actions, all things are permissible. Again, this is not about theoretical worship of idols, it's about known worship of idols. You might say that God is willing to meet us halfway—few things will break our relationship, but we must make sure we stay away from them.
Paul set aside his freedom to help Jews set their relationship with God right. He became subject to the Law of Moses so that they would not find fault with his teaching. It makes him a greater role model for us.

Husbands have authority, not priority.

Of all things Paul writes on, his discussion of women and men in marriage clashes with American culture the most. Americans want radical equality in everything. Although it may sound good, everyone knows there is no such thing as complete equality. Politicians have authority over citizens. Company presidents and boards of directors have authority over workers. Neither have complete power because citizens can vote politicians out (at least, in theory) and workers can go on strike and force changes. Homes and churches, therefore, are never a fully-flat authority setting. Paul will have more to say about this in future readings, but in this one he wants to make sure wives honor their husbands. Women should honor men because Eve was created from Adam. Men should not lord over women because women give birth to men. All of the bad examples of men lording over women in our past do not negate Paul's suggestions. In the end we all submit to God, yes, but women should still submit to men.
Does that mean women have no voice? I believe that is a misconception that both sides get wrong. To say men have authority does not negate a woman's voice. Women should have a voice—even in Corinth they were praying and prophesying in public—but that does not mean they should have equal authority to men. Politicians and company presidents can listen and let citizens and workers make decisions, but the decision comes through the leader. Men should—I would even say must—listen to women and allow them to have input on decisions. But if we would not want husbands to consider themselves equal to Jesus, wives should not consider themselves equal to their husbands.
What does that look like? I believe every community should make that decision. There is no hard-and-fast rule to go by. Even Paul's suggestion of head coverings was not meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution. If we remember the above discussion, all things are allowed but not everything is helpful.

The Lord's Supper is meant to unify the congregation to God and each other.

Paul has harsh things to say about their observance of the Lord's Supper. The problem is simple—they don't wait for each other. Some get there early, eat all the food, and leave nothing to share. That does not build the unity that God meant when He gave us the loaf. They need to wait until everyone is there because then they will be unified. Those who can't wait should go home, have a snack, and return. Don't eat God's Meal without everyone present because it is meant to unify us to God and each other.
How does this challenge us today? Use the Lord's Supper to unify the members of a congregation, not separate them. I am amazed at this passage being interpreted that we need to sit quietly by ourselves and think hard on our lives. How does that unify? Our quick, silent ceremony should be just the opposite—a long conversation over a meal where we examine ourselves through intimate discussion with a small group. Then it can call us to unify with God and those around us.

Are you ready to call me a heretic yet?

November 30 - 1 Corinthians 5-8: Freedom vs. Holiness in Sexual Relations and Meat Offered to Idols

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Paul argues that we have freedom but should give up that freedom when it sets things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Deal with openly-sinful Believers in the open. Better to be embarrassed than damned. We cannot control outsiders, but we should not accept insiders who openly disobey God.
Don't sue each other. You teach outsiders that God cannot be trusted.
All things are legal but not all things are helpful.
God gives the gift of celibacy and marriage. If your spouse is not a believer, stay with them if they are willing.
Be content where you are. Only God defines you—not marriage, religion, or slavery.
Physical things are unimportant to God unless they are used to throw others off track.

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

The Corinthian church valued tolerance over holiness.

The major issue with including the man sleeping with his father's wife (whether or not she is his mother is unknown) was that the church thought they were so otherworldly that it didn't matter what the man did. Instead they devalued holiness to be open and accepting. Holiness, not tolerance, is the goal of God's Chosen People. Tolerance is an important trait to develop, but only towards outsiders. Anyone who makes a covenant to obey God should be held strictly to that covenant. If not, they should be asked to leave.
What does this mean for us today? I am afraid we have so misused this passage that most churches disfellowship those they should tolerate and tolerate those who they should disfellowship. Think about it—when was the last time a church openly confronted a person because of a sin in their life? Instead, we write open letters and tell members not to associate with other churches because of religious differences.
Also, we fail to live as a community. If a congregation were to openly confront a person because of a sin that person would simply go to another church that agreed with them. However, that does not negate its importance. A congregation must remove bad examples to both help the bad example realize they are jeopardizing their relationship with God and prevent the saints from losing their holiness. We must remember, though, that this is about holiness not religious unity. Bad examples are not those who have different views than us on theology. Bad examples are those who practice unholy acts, like sleeping with their stepmother.

The church models God's Judgment to the entire world.

Paul has hard things to say about their inability to make judgments. They would rather be judged by people who do not respect God than trust a decision made by the wisest among them. He even said it would be better for them to allow an unjust decision to stand than to embarrass God's Chosen People in front of the world. Yet the reason Paul gave was not about justice or fairness. It was about God—it would prevent people in the world from setting things right because they would not trust God. When we become so critical of each other that we rather have people who do not respect God make important judgments, the world will not set things right.

Even if something is legal does not make it appropriate.

Paul's encouragement is to look beyond the legal appropriateness of every act and instead see if it helps honor God. We do not need to see if God approves of what we do before we do it. We should look to see if it helps set things right or divides us. Sexual promiscuity and gluttony do not honor the Temple God gives us. Honor God through your body. Treat it well as the Temple of God. Just as God became angry that Israel mixed holy and common in the Temple, God becomes angry when His Chosen People mix holy and common within their bodies. In this way sexual sins are greater than all other sins. It takes something holy—intimacy and commitment—and mixes profane—lust and selfishness.

Marriage is meant to merge sexual urges with commitment and intimacy. If a person can live without sex, they should also live without marriage.

Paul tackles a very difficult and complicated issue, one in which Christians battle over today. Paul seems to think marriage is necessary to help control our urges. This is why his first instructions were about submitting to each other—no husband or wife should stop the other from having their urges met. Abstinence is only good when it is mutually agreed upon. If not, the one wanting intimacy is tempted to go elsewhere. If an unmarried couple cannot manage their urges, they should get married. If a person can control their urge they should not get married enabling them to focus more on setting things right. Paul walked a fine line—on one hand he thought being single was more beneficial to setting things right, but on the other he did not want to encourage couples to separate or think they were second-class because they have sexual urges. He finished by warning them,

And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. (7:17, The Message)

Although this is couched in Paul's opinion, he reminds the Corinthians that he has the Spirit of God. Disagree only if you are led by the Spirit, too.
Christians today have a rather strange view of marriage compared to Paul's instructions. I find it ironic that Paul states—with help from the Holy Spirit—that unmarried people make better workers for God yet congregations would rather have a married minister (or pastor). Our society has elevated marriage to the point that it is the goal of life—to live in a committed relationship with one person, not to set things right. It causes people who have the ability to become, as Jesus stated, eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom to get married and struggle with their relationships for a lifetime. It also encourages people who have never been married feel left out or second-class. We should remind Christians, especially younger Christians, to let God define their life and to be content where they are.

Paul instructed the Corinthians to stay where they were.

Paul commanded in Galatians that they stop arguing over the Law. Here he reminds them that being or not being a Jew is neither a benefit nor an obstacle with regard to holiness. The most important part of obeying God is setting things right. Slavery is neither a benefit nor an obstacle with regard to holiness. The most important part of obeying God is setting things right. Marriage is neither a benefit nor an obstacle with regard to holiness. The most important part of obeying God is setting things right. Marriage to a person not dedicated to setting things right is neither a benefit nor an obstacle with regard to holiness. The most important part of obeying God is setting things right. If the spouse decided to stay, they could be won over through unswerving faithfulness. Where you are in life is not the focus for a Disciple. How you can use your position to set things right for God is the focus of life for a Disciple.

Meat offered to idols was a test-case for freedom vs. love.

Paul and the Christians in Corinth knew that there were no such things as idol-gods. The meat offered to idols meant nothing to them. They were free to eat meat offered to idols without worrying about their loyalty to God. But not all of the members had that clean conscience. One person's freedom should not cause another person to split their allegiance to God. Freedom should be second to brothers' and sisters' relationships with God.
One thing I think we should remember is that Paul does not suggest these people are theoretical people. I have heard many Christians argue that we should not do certain things because in theory a Christian could stumble and fall. That isn't what Paul wanted them to do. That isn't freedom at all. If they knew a person that would be harmed by them eating meat they should defer to the other person's sensibilities. If they did not know of a person, they had the freedom to continue as they wished.

What else do you see here?

November 4 - Matthew 22; Mark 12: Futile Questions on a Futile Quest to Trap the Son of Man

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22; Mark 12

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Jesus shows both the Pharisees and the Sadducees that they miss Scripture by focusing on minute details.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jesus continued storytelling, "A king opened his banquet to anyone. One improperly-dressed person was removed.
"Vineyard workers beat and killed their master's servants and his son. They were executed and replaced."
Pharisees sprung a trap, "Should we pay taxes to Caesar?"
Jesus responded, "Give to both Caesar and God."
Sadducees questioned marriage at the resurrection.
Jesus responded, "Marriage is not needed then."
Pharisees asked, "What is the greatest commandment?"
"Love the Lord your god with everything and your neighbor as yourself."
"Beware religious scholars who do not set things right."
A poor widow gave more than anyone by giving all.

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

Jesus splits the middle between Caesar and God.

The question about paying taxes to Caesar was not a softball question. Caesars were considered gods after their deaths and eventually called themselves gods and demanded worship. The Jews had rebelled against Rome in the past (the history is written in the Apocrypha). The question about paying taxes was about contributing to emperor worship or rebelling against Rome. If Jesus had answered "yes" He would have approved of emperor worship. If He answered "no" He would become a revolutionary. The answer the Pharisees got was the answer the least expected, "Respect Caesar as your leader, worship God as your Creator." Respect government officials, but only worship God.

Marriage is unnecessary when we are with God.

Marriage was meant to populate the world and provide a companion. When we are with God, we neither need to populate the Earth nor need companionship. God will be our Companion for eternity.

The greatest commands provide the foundation for every command given by God.

"Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: "Love others as well as you love yourself." These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them. (Matthew 22:37-40, The Message)

Every command falls into one of these two areas. The question we should ask when we see any command given by God is does it help love God or love my neighbor? Any command given beyond what is in Scripture should also be based on one of the two.

Jesus shows the futility of trapping Him in a theological quandary by proposing His own.

In this reading, Jesus was faced with three major questions which were futile attempts at trapping Him in theological quicksand. Jesus wanted to show how silly they were in asking these questions by posing His own. The answer is unimportant—it doesn't help people love God or love their neighbor as themselves. However, since the Pharisees cared more for the words of Scripture instead of its meaning, the question could not be answered. They did not understand that some things do not make sense because our rules are man-made, not God-given. Beware deep, theological discussions about minute details in Scripture. They may prevent you from seeing the meaning of the text.

Beware "scholars" who do not set things right.

The religious leaders complained that only "ignorant" people accepted Jesus. "Scholars" knew better than to obey Jesus, even though He did all of the things necessary for them to believe. Their issue wasn't Jesus at all. They did not care for setting things right. They wanted to keep their education posts. They did not have time to set things right. Jesus wanted everyone to beware of their teachings—they were not being followed.
As a seminary student, I had courses which I did not understand why they were important—at least in how they were taught. Religious training must walk a fine line between equipping for setting things right and setting up an elite class of "academics" who look down on others trying to obey God's Word. Although I realize most of the issues about this come from the students taking their training in the wrong way, we must keep a firm grasp on teaching students to obey God's Word along with understanding God's Word.

Giving is accepted based on mindset not amount.

Jesus was not discounting the gifts rich people brought. He was praising the widow for giving everything. She gave more than everyone else because she was willing to put more faith in God to provide for her future. By giving more we put more faith in God to provide for our needs.

Love the Lord Your god with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.

September 25 - Ezra 7-10: Ezra Goes to Jerusalem; Israelites Separate from Foreign Wives

Today’s Reading: Ezra 6-10

The Message

English Standard Version

Ezra brings us to 36 books! Only 3 left.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

The sin Ezra prays to God about is unholiness not interracial marriage.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

King Artaxerxes sent Ezra, a descendent of Aaron dedicated to studying, living, and teaching God's Word, to Jerusalem to restart Temple worship.
Ezra asked Levites to join the travelling party. They fasted and prayed for wisdom and guidance from God. When they arrived they offered sacrifices.
Ezra learned that some Israelites had married foreign women. Ezra ripped his clothes and prayed to God because they made ties with the people in the land.
Shecaniah suggested everyone remove their foreign wives and children and separate from the people of the land to honor God's Law. Israel agreed and did just that.

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

Ezra was sent to Jerusalem because Artaxerxes saw he was dedicated to God.

What a great description of Ezra. He was not only dedicated to learning God's Law, he was dedicated to living God's Law. Because of this God was with Him and Artaxerxes could see this. When God's Chosen People dedicate themselves to God's Law, the whole world knows God is with them.

Ezra sought God's guidance on his life.

The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was not as safe as today; therefore, Ezra asked God to help him and the others arrive safely. They wanted God's guidance in how much to request in gold and assistance for the Temple. God's Chosen People should ask God for guidance in all areas of life.

The issue with foreign wives is a matter of allegiance, not race.

The last two chapters of Ezra are often ignored because they seem to bring a contradiction in something we will read next week. What we must understand when reading this section is that they are not suggesting divorcing these women because they want to keep Israel's blood pure. Back in the book of Exodus God told Israel

Be careful that you don't make a covenant with the people who live in the land and take up with their sex-and-religion life, join them in meals at their altars, marry your sons to their women, women who take up with any convenient god or goddess and will get your sons to do the same thing. (34:15-16, The Message)

Even though the translation of Ezra 9:2 could be "holy race" (as in the ESV), the emphasis is holy race. The issue is allegiance to God not racial purity. The reason these women needed to go was because they would tempt God's Chosen People to worship other gods—as they had with Solomon, starting a chain of events which sent both nations into exile. God wants His Chosen People to be fully devoted to Him and not to marry those who are not fully devoted to Him.
What does this mean for us today? Do not marry someone who does not have full allegiance toward God setting all things right. Remember, this is not about denominational or racial purity. Having split allegiances in marriage is difficult for the one fully dedicated to God setting all things right. If you are already married, Paul will have something to say to you, so I will leave the idea here and pick it up in 1 Corinthians.

Can people see God is with you because you are dedicated to studying, living, and teaching His Way?

June 21 - 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9: Solomon's World-Famous Wisdom and Foreign-God-Serving Wives

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading brings us to the end of Solomon's life. Unfortunately, his life does not end as well as his father's.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Riches did not corrupt Solomon's values. Foreign women who worshiped other gods did.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon. He exceeded her expectations.
Solomon received massive amounts of gifts from the kings who flocked to Jerusalem.
Solomon obsessed over women. He married 700 and had 1000 concubines. He married from the people God warned Israel against. They eroded his faithfulness and he erected shrines to their gods.
God informed Solomon that David's promise kept him on his throne; however, Solomon's son would be the king of only one tribe.
God informed Jeroboam that he would reign over 10 tribes. Solomon's assassination attempt failed.
Solomon reigned in Israel 40 years and died.

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

God gave Solomon everything he could possibly imagine.

God came to Solomon and allowed his request for wisdom. Because Solomon asked for wisdom and not lesser blessings God granted him all of the other blessings. He became the richest, most respected, and wisest king. Silver was considered gravel it was so common. Kings flocked to Jerusalem not to overtake it but to sit at his table and learn. When God's People learn God's precepts, the entire world will want to sit and learn.

Solomon's downfall came because of foreign women, not riches.

Solomon ignored God's warnings not to marry the people who originally lived in the land of Canaan. God was very specific not to "marry your sons to their women, women who take up with any convenient god or goddess and will get your sons to do the same thing" (Exodus 34:16, The Message). This happened in Israel's early history and they were punished. The problem was not the number of women Solomon married. The problem was his choice of women. God's Chosen People should not marry people who are not converted to God setting all things right.
Let me reiterate what I wrote earlier in the year. The story of Solomon does not focus on your local congregation, denomination, or religion. Solomon's story warns against people who are not willing to join God setting all things right. They join with any group. I think Solomon built these shrines because he wanted to please his wives, not because he was convinced these gods were more powerful than God. Yet because he did this God took the kingdom from his sons and gave 10 tribes to Jeroboam.

What do you think of Solomon's life?

April 17 - 1 Samuel 25-27: David and Abigail; David Spares Saul (Again)

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 25-27

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

David goes outside the normal traditions to marry a righteous woman.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Samuel died. Israel mourned.
Nabal was having a great feast. David requested an invitation for him and his men. Nabal insultingly called them runaway servants. David wanted to kill Nabal and all his men. Nabal's wife Abigail intercepted David and prevented the attack. Ten days later Nabal died. David married Abigail.
Saul chased David again. David and his friend Abishai snuck to Saul's side. Abishai asked to kill Saul. David prevented it. They took Saul's spear and water pitcher. Saul was embarrassed once again.
David moved to Gath to escape Saul's reach. He took up God's punishment of the Canaanites.

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

Abigail sets things right by taking her husband's blame and begging for peace.

I love this story because Abigail takes it upon herself to defend her husband and his men. Not only does she defend him but she takes on the blame for how David's servants were treated. She remedies the situation by giving the men food in return for their safety. David praises God for sending her,

Blessed be God, the God of Israel. He sent you to meet me! And blessed be your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and taking charge of looking out for me. (25:32-33, The Message) 

God can set things right when wives (and husbands) defend their spouses even when the spouse does not set things right.

David does not follow the Law but takes Abigail as his wife because she sets things right.

The Law says the next-of-kin should take Abigail and have children for Nabal. But God gave Abigail to him because David loved her for her willingness to set things right for God. God will provide for women who set things right.

David marries more than one woman at a time.

I point this out only to remind us that our "traditional" view of marriage is not necessarily the "biblical" view of marriage. David is considered a man after God's own heart. He has more than one wife (before he is king).

Saul hasn't learned from his past mistakes.

Saul has chased David once and almost died. Because he continues to listen to those who only want war Saul goes after David again. And again he finds himself in David's hand and still alive. The saddest part of this story is that Saul's companions who have convinced him to kill David are not willing to protect him. Beware of your companionship—they can lead you to unwise acts and not protect you during those acts.

David once again protects Saul.

Saul once again wants to kill David. He has a force around him willing to kill all of David's men. Yet instead of finishing Saul off so he could take his place as king, David gives Saul another lesson by taking his spear and water pitcher. God can make things right when His Chosen People respect His Anointed, no matter how they do not live up to that name.

David takes up God's punishment of the Canaanites.

Over 300 years later David takes up what his ancestors could not.

What do you think of Abigail's actions?