July 7 - Jonah: God's Mercy Includes All, to His Chosen People's Chagrin

Today’s Reading: Jonah

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading is the entire book of Jonah (book 18). It is the story of God's great mercy and His Chosen People's stubbornness and unwillingness to share their God.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Don't focus on the fish. Focus on the man in the fish.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God asked Jonah to tell Nineveh their sins were great. Jonah ran the opposite way to the sea.
God caused a great storm, destroying the boat. After much debate, the men threw Jonah overboard. A large fish ate him.
Jonah asked God for forgiveness. He received a second chance.
Jonah told Nineveh they would be destroyed. The entire city repented: from king to peasant. God removed their destruction.
Jonah angrily yelled at God's Mercy. A plant shaded him. The next night it died. Jonah was irate. God told Jonah that emotions change quickly. That is why God changed His Mind.

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

No one is exempt from God's Punishment or Mercy.

Nineveh was not part of the Promise. They had no special covenant with God. Yet God told Jonah their lives had become so bad He could no longer ignore them. There is no excuse, no one is exempt from God's punishment for their mistakes.
However, when the entire city repented God changed His Mind and decided not to destroy them after all. God did not protect them because He had a promise to uphold. God protected them because no one is exempt from God's mercy; anyone who repents will have their relationship to God set right.

Jonah never understood God's mercy.

I would love for the story of Jonah to be a redemptive tale of a man who learned God's mercy for others and glorified God. Unfortunately, we get a story of a spoiled man who only wanted to preach to Nineveh because God stopped him from going the opposite way. When God removed Nineveh's punishment, Jonah furiously cried out for death. God's Chosen People naturally forget God has mercy on others.
Regrettably, Jonah's story sounds too familiar. Our first reaction when we see a person stuck in a bad lifestyle is to run. However, when we can no longer run and God sets things right in their life we feel His Mercy is being diluted. That is not true at all! God's mercy is awesome because it covers everyone!

Jonah may have feared reprisal if he had returned home.

Reading through the Bible in a year helped me put this story into context. Jonah is the same as yesterday's Jonah. He lived during the age of Jeroboam the Younger (or right before). The people did not like God and hated their neighbors even more. If Jonah had returned and told everyone the people in Nineveh were saved because he preached to them, He may have been executed as a traitor. This may be why Jonah was so angry and asked God vociferously for death. What great irony! The very people God called to be a light to the nations now become angry when God forgives non-chosen people. God's Chosen People often focus on being chosen instead of why they were chosen.
It is sad to see that we can become so comfortable being God's Chosen People that we forget we are called to set things right in this world. It is also sad to see we forget how God set things right with us and allow other things to make us blind to His influence in our lives. We are called to set things right on this earth, not revel in being "better" than the rest of the world.

Do you glorify God for His Mercy or become jealous at God including others?

July 6 - 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25: Amaziah's Silly Mistake

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 25

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God uses a king who cares little for Him to accomplish His purposes.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Amaziah reigned in Judah. He was good, but not like David. He executed his father's assassins. Their children survived in accordance with God's Law.
Amaziah hired soldiers from Israel but God suggested sending them away. Amaziah defeated Seir then installed their gods in his shrines, angering God. God threw Amaziah out.
Amaziah picked a fight with Jehoash, Israel's king. Jehoash defeated Amaziah, looted Jerusalem, and destroyed part of its wall.
Amaziah's servants murdered him. Azariah, his son, reigned.
After Jehoash, his son Jeroboam became king in Israel, continuing to worship at Jeroboam's shrines. God allowed him to extend Israel's borders.

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

God does not punish children for the sins of their parents, and vice versa.

In Deuteronomy 24, God set the rule that parents and children are not to be executed for the others' sins. Amaziah remembered that aspect of the Law and did not punish the children of his father's conspirators. Parents are not responsible for their (grown) children's mistakes. Children are not responsible for their parents' mistakes.
What does that mean for God's punishments of the people in Canaan, and the families of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, Achan, Baasha, and Ahab? First, we must remember that God's punishments are His punishments and we should not question them because His Reasons may be unknowable to us. Second, God is either punishing the father by having all of his family executed (as in Korah, Dathan, Abiram, Achan and the kings of Israel) or preventing the family from polluting Israel with worship of a foreign god (as with the people of Canaan). This rule is not hard and fast for everything, nor should it be ignored at any convenient time. You did not "inherit" the sins of your ancestors. Your children will (have) not inherit(ed) your sins.

Do not begin worshiping gods who could not protect their former adherents.

Amaziah's treatment of the gods of Seir baffles me. I cannot for the life of me understand why a person would go to war against a people, roundly defeat them, and then take the defeated people's gods and make them their gods. This makes no sense! I'm sure God was similarly surprised by the stupid decision Amaziah made. The only possible explanation is that Seir's gods were more beautiful and/or "freeing." Unfortunately, it led to Amaziah's death.

God used Jeroboam (the younger) to save Israel.

Jeroboam (the younger) did not obey God in any way. God was not impressed with him at all. He continued worshiping the shrines Jeroboam (the older) erected. Yet God used him because "God wasn't yet ready to blot out the name of Israel from history" (2 Kings 14:27). This thought continues the theme found in yesterday's reading. God can use anyone, even those who care little for Him, for His purposes.

Are you worshiping gods who could not protect their former adherents?

July 5 - 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24: Jehoiada Leads a Nation to God who Soon Forget that God

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Judah obeys God as long as their leader guides them in the truth.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Joash became king over Judah at seven years-old. Jehoiada trained him well.
Joash renovated the Temple.
After Jehoiada died at 130 years-old, Joash and Judah abandoned the Temple and stoned Jehoiada's son. God allowed a small band of Arameans defeat Joash's army.
Joash's servants assassinated him. Amaziah succeeded him.
In Israel, Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, reigned. He continued Jeroboam's sins. Hazael hurt them. Jehoahaz prayed for healing. However, Israel continued evil.
Jehoahaz's son Jehoash also did evil. However, Elisha prophesied from his death bed that God would help Jehoash defeat Aram three times.
God protected Israel because of the Promise.

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

Joash ruled well while Jehoiada the priest was there to guide him.

Joash became king at seven years-old. This is an extremely early age to become the leader of a nation, no matter the size. Jehoiada, the man responsible for Joash's ascension to the throne, trained him to worship and obey God. He was so loved by Judah that they buried him in the royal cemetery. When leaders surround themselves with godly advisors, God can set things right.

Joash did not keep Jehoiada's memory alive and left God soon after Jehoiada died.

This part of the history of Judah is heartbreaking. Jehoiada left a large imprint on the nation by bringing them back to God after several years of Baal worship. Unfortunately, his influence was quickly forgotten. Judah's leaders convinced Joash to return to worshiping Asherah, the goddess of sex and motherhood. Joash abandoned The Temple in Honor of God, what he had refurbished during Jehoiada's lifetime. Even great leaders cannot change a nation after they die. Although it may be depressing for a leader to know their legacy may not hold, it should be a greater warning for people to remember we must stay vigilant toward God. One generation can lead a nation down an irreversible path to leaving God.

God protected Israel because of the Promise, not their righteousness.

This is a humbling, troubling, and awe-inspiring thought. Israel, who for generations followed in Jeroboam's sin and worshiped gods other than the one who took them out of Egypt, was protected by God. The reason He protected them was a Promise He made hundreds of years ago to a man named Abraham. What a God! God will put up with generations of misbehavior because of a promise He made hundreds of years ago. I only wished Israel had understood how awesome their God was.
For us, yesterday we celebrated Independence Day. We honored our past, celebrated our nation's ancestors, and enjoyed a day of relaxation (at least many of us did). At the same time, there are a growing number of people questioning the legitimacy of our respect and honor paid to these (mostly) men. As I wrote earlier, we are not blessed by God because of our righteousness but because of our ancestor's righteousness. Even though we could delve into the minutiae of their actions and argue for hours on end whether they had a legitimate cause to rebel; whether the country they set up is a "Christian nation," a "nation of Christians," or a completely secular society; or if they lived up to their own standard, we cannot forget that our founding fathers came here to worship God in their own way. Just like God took non-perfect person in Abraham and called the nation of his children His Chosen People, our ancestors were blessed by God because of their faith, not their perfect obedience to a Law, and we continue to be blessed because of their willingness to obey Him. This does not mean we are now a Chosen Nation or we get a pass on our lives. What it does mean is that God's ability to forgive our faults is both humbling and awe-inspiring. Let's not become like Israel and let God's forgiveness lead us to complacency!

Who are the leaders who helped you become the person you are today?

July 4 - 2 Kings 9-11: Jehu Cleans Out Ahab's House

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 9-11

The Message

English Standard Version

Like yesterday, chapter 11 repeats Sunday's section on the kings of Judah. I will skip that part and refer you to the other post.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Even though Jehu does not completely obey God, He still blesses Jehu.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Elisha informed Jehu that God anointed him the next king of Israel and commissioned him to execute Ahab's entire family. This began the conspiracy against Joram.
Jehu laid a trap and killed both Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah.
Jezebel's servants threw her out a window. Dogs ate her body.
Jehu executed all 70 of Ahab's sons, his advisors, and his extended family.
He then laid a trap for the Baal worshipers in Israel. He turned the temple into a toilet.
Jehu did not tear down Jeroboam's shrines; however, God still blessed his family.
Israel lost land.

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

Ahab's punishment was brought in his sons' day.

God promised to Ahab that his entire family would be killed and wild animals would eat their flesh. Because Ahab repented, God delayed the punishment until after Ahab's death. Jehu became God's executioner, punishing Ahab's entire family because of his sins. God's promises, especially his punishments, will come true.
Why did Ahab's family and advisors suffer death because of his sins? The answer is similar to why God wanted the Canaanites removed from the land. If Ahab's family had been allowed to live, they would have become bad influences on Israel and could have derailed Jehu's work to bring Israel back into a good relationship with God. God does not want bad influences to stay among His Chosen People. They are to remain pure, wholly for Him.

Jehu did not remove Jeroboam's shrines but God blessed him anyway.

Jeroboam's name always comes with an epithet—he's the one who caused Israel to sin. By this time, Jeroboam has become a legend. What he created became accepted culturally. Jehu was not willing to anger the people by removing them. However, God delighted in Jehu's actions and allowed the next three generations to be on the throne. God does not demand perfection. He demands holiness. Unfortunately, Jehu's heart did not stay holy to God and he fell into the same sin as Jeroboam.

Are you trying to obey the god of perfection?

July 3 - 2 Kings 5-8: God Heals Naaman

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 5-8

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading focuses Elisha and the kingdom of Israel. The last section repeats Sunday's section on the kings of Judah. I will skip that part and refer you to the other post.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Naaman wanted to worship God but did not understand how. God allowed him to worship anyway.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Elisha healed Naaman, a general in Aram, of leprosy. Naaman promised to worship only God and Elisha allowed him to accompany his master to Rimmon's shrine.
The king of Aram wanted to capture Elisha. Elisha struck the army blind, led them into Samaria, fed them, and sent them home.
Later, Ben-Hadad laid siege on Israel. Many Israelites died of starvation. The king of Israel complained to Elisha. That night, God caused Ben-Hadad's armies to flee without their possessions. Israel was saved.
Ben-Hadad, through Hazael, asked Elisha if he would live. Elisha cried because he knew Hazael wanted to destroy Israel.

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

Naaman's story gives an example of conversion with legacy issues.

Naaman's story is difficult for the black-and-white, all-or-nothing view of God we often have. We love the story because Naaman humbles himself to do something he considers disgusting—dip in the Jordan. However, we like to cover up is his request to Elisha for God to overlook his worship of Rimmon. Why does God grant this request? God cares more for the heart of worship than the actual acts. Naaman's heart was with God. He specifically asked for these acts to be forgiven because he wanted to keep peace at home.
What does this mean for today? Not every person will worship God in the same way at the same time. Individuals and/or families may have legacy issues similar to Naaman. If they are not able to attend the weekly meeting(s) because of these issues, God will overlook it because their hearts are in the right place. However, God's leniency should not be seen as a license to "quit church." Naaman was open and honest about both his heart and why he needed God to overlook the worship of Rimmon. Before a person decides to stop attending weekly meetings they should first speak to and gain permission from the spiritual leaders of their group. Let's not pick and choose what we learn from Naaman.

God's People do not require payment for performing God's Work.

Elisha rejected all of Naaman's gifts. Gehazi, after tracking Naaman down and taking some of the gift, was struck with leprosy. Elisha understood that God's Work is a gift given to all for free. Everything given to God is volunteered by grateful hearts. There are no "transaction fees" related to offering God's services. All that is needed is a heart willing to submit to Him. This is what Gehazi missed and why he received Naaman's leprosy.

God takes care of his prisoners.

The story of the king of Aram trying to capture Elisha is funny. Elisha takes them into the lair of the king of Israel, feeds them, and then lets them go. The king of Israel is flummoxed. His enemies, right at his door, are given a feast. However, it works; Aram leaves Israel alone. This story reminds me of a legendary Abraham Lincoln quote, "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" God's way of destroying His enemies is first to make them love and respect His Goodness.

Has God earned your love and respect?

July 2 - 2 Kings 1-4: These are the Days of Elijah Elisha

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Today, July 2, is officially halfway through the Bible in a year! Congratulations! You have done it! It's all downhill from here!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Elijah did not die. He was taken to be with God. How cool is that!

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Ahaziah, injured, consulted Baal-Zebub. Instead he heard Elijah's message, "You will die." Joram became king.
Elisha asked for Elijah's spirit. God escorted Elijah from the earth. Elisha took his place.
Jericho had bad water. God, through Elisha, purified it.
Children laughed at Elisha's baldness. Bears mauled them.
Joram, Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom warred with Moab. God gave them victory.
God, through Elisha, helped a widow pay her debts.
An old couple allowed Elisha into their home. When their son died, God, through Elisha, revived him.
God, through Elisha, fed a hundred men with twenty loaves of bread.

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

The third captain sent by Ahaziah understood Elijah's position and asked for mercy.

Two captains with their fifty men died when they attempted to get Elijah to surrender. The third one humbled himself and asked for mercy. God not only spared their lives, He told Elijah to go with them. When we humble ourselves before holy people, God has mercy on us.

God took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind.

Elijah had a difficult life. During all of it, Elijah faithfully set things right for God and only once did he question God's plan—when he asked to die. Because Elijah was so willing to do what God asked him to do, God allowed him not to see death. When we obey God no matter what, God will bless us in the end.

Elisha started where Elijah stopped.

Elisha's life starts off less dramatic than Elijah's; however, we know more things Elisha did. All of these things were done by God through Elisha. Anyone can be used by God to do great and small tasks. Not all tasks are dramatic; but all tasks are equally important to God.

Don't make fun of balding holy men.

Or the bears will get you.

Do you know a holy person you do not want to leave?

July 1 - Obadiah; Psalms 82-83: God's Punishment is No Laughing Matter

Today’s Reading: Obadiah; Psalms 82-83

The Message

English Standard Version

We read the entirety of Obadiah (17), a short book found in what we call the "Minor Prophets," today. It opens a new section of scripture which will take us until the end of September to finish.

Tomorrow marks the half-way point!

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Obadiah and Asaph warn against gloating when the wicked are being punished.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Obadiah tells Edom a message from God.
"Doom and destruction coming to get you! You think you can hide in your strength. Wrong! God will find you wherever you are.
"You will be picked clean. Your whole world will fall apart. Because you fought against Israel, God will fight against you.
"Foreigners came and destroyed Jerusalem and you acted blasé. You stood by and suggested they received what they deserved. You punished the deserters and took advantage of the refugees.
"God's Judgment Day comes for you. Israel will have their land returned. The exiles will return and honor God's kingdom."

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 82

Asaph describes a scene where God grills judges for perverting justice. It is their fault that their world is coming apart. They were commissioned for a task and failed. Now they are relieved of duty.

Psalm 83

Asaph calls for God to save him! God's enemies are plotting to defeat Him. They gang up against him and Asaph calls them by name and calls God to get rid of them. This way they will realize God is the real god.

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

Obadiah's message: Do not join when God punishes others.

God punished Israel for their sin by sending in foreign invaders. Instead of learning from Israel's mistakes or trying to help them through the siege, Edom sat back and laughed at Israel's punishment. They killed the deserters and punished the refugees. They thought, "Israel sinned against God. They deserved it. No one was innocent." However, what Edom did not understand and what would eventually condemn them is that God has exclusive authority to punish. We cannot join or add to the punishment.
What does this mean for today? We should not revel in other people's punishments. When people have sinned against God and receive their punishment, God's People should not laugh at, mock, or remind them that they caused their own punishment. God always wants everyone to repent and return and will protect them from anyone who adds to his punishment. Christians should not look down on non-Christians when they are punished with the fruits of their lifestyles. We should help set things right between in all of their relationships.

Judges have an obligation not to pervert justice.

Their job is simple,

You're here to defend the defenseless,
   to make sure that underdogs get a fair break;
Your job is to stand up for the powerless,
   and prosecute all those who exploit them. (Psalm 82, 3-4, The Message)

Judges are not to pervert justice, no matter how difficult the decision may be.

Calling for punishment is not the same as enjoying someone's punishment.

In the same day's reading we have good and bad attitudes towards God's punishment. The difference is in the purpose of the response. Edom didn't care about God and laughed at Israel for being wrong. Asaph wants his enemies to be punished because they were God's enemies. He wanted them to see God's Power. When we call out for God to punish our enemies, make sure they are His enemies.

Do you call for God to bring justice or do you laugh at the problems of others?