I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
Another passage that lists some of the descendants of Jacob. This passage also contains the verse that was the basis for the book, “The Prayer of Jabez”. This book was vastly popular among certain types of Christians for awhile (this is not intended as a criticism of those who liked the book). There is something to be learned from this verse. Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. It is in the context of being an honorable man that Jabez prayed his prayer. If we are honorable and obedient to God, He will grant our prayers as well. The key to Jabez’ prayer was that he asked God to be with him in all that he did. The only way that God will be with us in all that we do, is if all that we do is in service to God’s will. I will pray to God that He guide me so that all that I do is His will. I know that the only way I can accomplish that is through the power of the Holy Spirit.
When the new governor, Festus, arrived the Jewish leaders asked him to transfer Paul to Jerusalem. Luke tells us that this was so that they could have him killed en route. Festus, however, tells them that Paul is in Caesarea and since he, Festus, will be returning there shortly, they should come to Caesarea to make their case against Paul. When Festus returned to Caesarea he brought Paul before him to face the charges made by the Jewish leaders. The Jewish leaders were unable to prove their charges and Paul proclaimed that he had broken no Jewish or Roman law. When Festus asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to stand trial before Festus, Paul appealed to the Emperor as a Roman citizen.
When King Agrippa came to visit Festus a few days later, Festus discussed the case with him. Festus said that the charges against Paul were not what he expected, but rather were about minutia of the Jewish religion and Paul’s claim that Jesus was alive. He said that he asked Paul to go to Jerusalem for trial because he could think of no other way to investigate the charges. However, since Paul appealed to Caesar, Festus ordered him held in custody until he could arrange to send him to Rome.
King Agrippa expressed a desire to hear Paul speak, so Festus arranged for Paul to come before both of them the following day. Festus told those assembled with himself and King Agrippa that the Jewish leaders had demanded Paul’s death, but that he had found none of the charges deserving of death. Festus went on to imply that if Paul had not appealed to Caesar, he would have released him (although the evidence of everything that had transpired up to this point suggests that such was not the case). Festus continues by saying that while he is going to send Paul to Rome and Caesar, he does not what to write by way of explaining what Paul is charged with. He asks that those present examine the case with him so that they, especially King Agrippa, can help him compose a letter for Caesar’s court explaining the charges against Paul.
This psalm is one among many where the psalmist requests that God listen to his prayers. Today, this appears to be a request made because the psalmist recognizes that God is under no obligation to listen to his prayers, let alone answer them. Nevertheless, the psalmist expresses no doubt but that the Lord will listen to and answer his prayers. He proclaims that each morning he brings his requests before the Lord and waits patiently for God to answer. The psalmist tells us that God detests the sins of the wicked, but that we can worship God because of His love.
In the heart of the psalm is the prayer that I strive to pray every day:
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Make your way plain for me to follow.
I cry out to the Lord that He make His way plain for me to follow. Show me, oh God, what you want me to do. Make plain to me the actions you wish me to take. Take me by the hand and lead me.
Today’s proverb is a timeless truth to which I can add nothing. I strive to avoid offending my friends, but I find it difficult when they fail to return the favor.