For today, One Year Bible Online links here.

    This proverb is one to which people should pay more attention. All too many people are willing to spout off about something before they know what the facts are. Those who do so will usually discover that they have made a serious error.

    When people and nations rebel against God it is futile. God has made us and the commands He gives are based on how He designed us. We can serve the Lord with reverent fear and rejoice. Or we can rebel against Him and be destroyed. Rebelling against God results in destruction, but taking refuge in Him will bring us joy.

    Yesterday I pointed out that Paul realized that many of those rioting against him did not even know what he believed or preached. So he made an opportunity to inform them about what his positions on various issues actually were. However, in that explanation of his beliefs and positions he did not shy away from telling people things that they would not like to hear. At the beginning of his speech many of the people were angry with Paul for things he did not teach or believe. At the end of his speech they were angry with him for something he did believe and teach. This may not seem like an improvement, but it was because the difference revealed that the problem was not with Paul but with those in the crowd who were angry with him.
    Paul’s appearance before the Jewish Council gives us an example for dealing with those who put aside their differences to attack our position. We should be ready and willing to point out how some of those attacking us are doing so because of beliefs we share with those who are siding against us. Some of those attacking Paul disbelieved and opposed his teachings because he taught that there was resurrection from the dead. Others among those attacking him also believed in the resurrection of the dead. Paul used this divide to show them that they disagreed with each other as much as they disagreed with him. Let us follow Paul’s example by showing those who oppose the Christian message that they disagree with each other as much as they disagree with Christianity.

    One king after another ruled in Jerusalem as things went from bad to worse. The kings, and the people, did what was evil in the sight of God. Difficulty and invasions threatened from every side, yet neither the kings nor the people turned back to God. Despite things getting progressively worse neither the general populace nor the leaders turned back to serving God. As I read this passage I think of the world today. I see the people around me turning from God to sinful behaviors. I hear people condemned for attempting to live a righteous life. At the same time, I see economic hardship spreading and the world becoming a more dangerous place. Yet no one seems to see the connection between the two.