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.
Sheba, the rebel against David, led his men to the town of Abel-beth-maacah. Joab pursued him there and laid siege to the town. A wise woman in the town came out to Joab and asked him why he was trying to destroy this town. She argued that the town was an important town in Israel. Joab answered that if they surrendered Sheba to him, he would withdraw. The woman returned to the town and convinced the people of the town to kill Sheba and throw his head over the wall to Joab. This was done and Joab withdrew. This episode points up an important point in negotiations. Remember what your goals are. Joab had no particular interest in conquering this town. He merely wished to end Sheba’s rebellion against David. The town had no particular interest in rebelling against David. Therefore the town killed Sheba and provided Joab with proof that he was dead. With that action the conflict ended.
At some point there was a three year famine in Israel. David petitions the Lord to know why they are suffering the famine. The answer he receives is that the famine is because Saul and his family had attempted to wipe out the Gibeonites. The Israelites under Joshua had made an oath not to wipe out the Gibeonites. David summons the remaining Gibeonites and asks how he can make amends to them. They respond by requesting that seven of Saul’s sons for them to execute. David turns over to them Saul’s two remaining sons and five of his grandsons, specifically exempting Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. The Gibeonites executed them and the famine ended. I have no idea what the relevance of this is to us today, although I am sure at another time God will show me something in this passage.
Then we have an account of battles against the Philistines in which the Israelites killed several giants among the Philistines. In the first battle, David becomes exhausted and is cornered by a giant. As the giant is about to kill David, Abishai came to his rescue and killed the giant. After this the men ask David to not go into battle with them anymore because they are afraid that the next time he might be killed. The account tells us that in four different battles against the Philistines David and his men faced and killed a giant.
Luke begins the Book of Acts by telling us that Jesus was with the apostles from time to time for forty days after the resurrection (the translation I am using says after the crucifixion, but the traditional understanding is that it was after the resurrection and other translations suggest that the original Greek is slightly ambiguous). During this time the apostles kept asking Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom of Israel now. Jesus replies that it is not for them to know. Then He tells them that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth telling people about Him. The attempt to determine the date when Jesus will return is futile. God has not revealed that information to anyone and according to this, and several other passages, will not do so.
After this when the about 120 believers were gathered, Peter stood up and said that they should choose someone to replace Judas. They all considered the qualifications such a person should have and then nominated two men: Justus and Matthias. They prayed for the Lord’s guidance and then cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias and so he was chosen. I remember several people who taught that the disciples made a mistake in replacing Judas at this time, that God intended Paul to be Judas’ replacement. This is the result of faulty thinking. There is nothing in this passage or any other that says that this was a mistake. The basis for this thinking is the idea that there were only ever supposed to be twelve apostles. Paul’s writings suggest that the role of apostle is one that God will fill according to His will and desires.
This psalm is so appropriate today. I was feeling a little depressed and starting to worry about the future earlier today. As I was doing my daily devotions, just before I got to this psalm. I received a phone call telling me that the reason I had not received a phone call about a job I had interviewed for was because the hiring manager had been out of town unexpectedly. He was just getting back and called to let me know that he would review the information on Monday when he got into the office and call me on Tuesday with their answer. I got off of the phone and read:
who made heaven and earth!”
…
“The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.”
How very true I know that to be. God’s timing is wonderful in all things and this psalm reminds me to praise God in all things. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I am learning to do this.
Lord help me to remain humble when I experience good fortune. Remind me that all good things come from you and are not the result of my good works or talent.