Skip to main content

March 14 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 73

If you haven't already heard the story, after today, you'll be able tell the story behind this picture.  Blessings!

Image result for abimelech

DAILY READINGS

Judges 9-12 & Psalm 73

DAILY NOTES

Judges 9

  • This chapter outlines the rise and fall of Abimelech.
  • The chapter opens with his desire to rule over the people.  He is confirmed and immediately kills "70" brothers, except the youngest who is able to hide.
    • The younger brother offers a curse to the leaders who selected Abimelech because he killed his family.
  • Abimelech goes into battle and is, somewhat, successful. He then turns his attention on the people of the city (not the troops).  
  • A woman standing in a tower throws a millstone on Abimelech.  He is close to death, but orders someone to kill him so it can't be said he was killed by a woman.  #MachoMan
Judges 10
  • Two judges, Tola & Jair, are mentioned.
  • The people turn from God again.  This time, when they cry out, God says he will not deliver them.  It is later stated, however, that God could not stand to see the people suffer.
Judges 11
  • The rise of Jephthah as judge.  
  • Take note of his victory and his vow.
Psalm 73
  • Take note how specific and honest this psalm is.  Can we pray that honestly?

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

I'm pretty sure we just read the first parable of the Bible (Judges 9:7-15).  We don't often associate parables with the OT, but there it is.  

I love the story behind it.  Jotham's brothers have been killed by his brother.  Jotham is able to escape; of course, he is fearful for his life.  But he returns to deliver a prophetic word to the leaders responsible for his brother's coronation and, more importantly, the death of his other brothers.  

It's a courageous thing to do.  Maybe he get courage from God.  Maybe he conjures some up by remember his father, Gideon.  Gideon was the least in his smallest clan, too (presuming that being being the youngest equates being the least).  

What's powerful to me is that he comes out of hiding to give his parable.  The parable comes with a promise of blessing or curse, depending on what the leaders have done.  After that he returns to hiding and we never hear of him again.  His prophecy comes true, but he is never seen or spoken of in scripture.

The real courageous people of faith are the ones that "stand in the gap" for others.  They aren't seeking notoriety or publicity.  There are plenty of times they feel as if they need to hide, but their words and their prayers, sometimes their actions, need to be given.  So, they courageously do what God has called them do.

Lord, help us live courageously so.

Stay blessed...john
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February 16 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 47 Before the movie Shrek, the best known talking donkey was Balaam's donkey.  That's what we're reading about today.   Of course, that's only part of the story between Balak and Balaam.   DAILY READINGS Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 47 DAILY NOTES Numbers 22:2 Apparently, Israel is making a name for itself.  The Moabites are terrified and distressed/irritated by the news of what the Israelites are doing. Numbers 22:5-6 Balaam is, apparentely, a diviner with a good reputation.  Balak is "overcome with fear" and his response is to go to Balaam.  Balak knows that "whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." Numbers 22:8 This is the recurring theme for Balaam.  He will only say what  God tells him to say.  That is, there's no money back guarantee.  Even if it doesn't align with what Balak wants, Balaam will only give the words that God gives him. There is no indication why Balaam w...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible.  King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving.  Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close.  These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him.   2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people.  Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so.   The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin.  Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated.  This is what's called an enthronement psalm.  OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more