Author: Jim Pruett

May 22, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

This week, I will give a brief overview of 1-2 Samuel, but before I do, I want to remind us all that we are reading through a chronological plan. We read it this way to gain a better understanding of the order of biblical events and their historical context.

For example, Psalms follow the events they were written about – the prophetic books have been interwoven with the historical accounts they represent.

So hang in there with the reading and I will try to sort it out each week along the way.

Samuel was originally one long book, much like Luke-Acts.  Somewhere along the way it was split in two, but I am going to treat it as one continuous book and story in this blog.

The books of Samuel open during the period of the Judges. The history of Israel under the Judges was marked by political, moral, and spiritual anarchy.

We covered this a couple of weeks ago in the Book of Judges blog.

The situation was so pervasive that even the sons of Eli, the standing high priest at the time, had completely forsaken the Lord and had used their priestly office for their own gain and evil pursuits.

Just when it seemed that the nation was doomed, God intervenes.  Hannah, Samuel’s mother is barren and prays for a child.  Her statement in verses 1:27-28 sums up the story:

“I prayed for this boy, and since the Lord gave me what I asked for, I now give the boy to the Lord.  For as long as he lives he is given to the Lord.”

Samuel’s strong leadership as judge, prophet, and priest provided respite to the people from both internal and external threats.

Samuel thus functions as the link between the judgeship and the kingship.

The Books of Samuel deal with the transition from the priest Eli to the judge and prophet Samuel, then from Samuel to King Saul, and then from Saul to King David.

The Books of Samuel show God’s continued care for His people, in raising up for them a king whose job was to be their champion, representative, and example.

God’s sovereignty is demonstrated throughout the books as He provided His people the leaders and resources they needed to defeat their enemies and to live out His purpose in the land, though both people and leaders often failed Him.

When reading through the books you will notice when leaders focused their attention on the Lord and saw their leadership roles as instruments for His glory, they flourished.

When they abandoned the Lord and used their offices for their own gain, they failed.

The books of Samuel take sin seriously, describing in detail the awful consequences of sin—even forgiven sin.

Saul’s disobedience led to his estrangement from his son Jonathan and son-in-law David, and ultimately led to his death in battle.

The consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba, however, stand as a warning to all who experience sin’s attraction.

God holds His children accountable for their actions, and even forgiven sin can have terrible consequences.

In spite of his moral failures, David is described as a man after God’s own heart. He wrote many of the Psalms we have today.

God’s special covenant with David found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David.

Until next time… keep reading!

Jim

Excerpts taken directly from the following study bibles and commentaries: ESV, HCSB, GTB, BKC

May 15, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

The story of Ruth takes place during the period of the Judges, something we explored in last week’s blog. The Book of Ruth provides a gratifying reminder that even in the darkest times, God was at work in the hearts of His faithful remnant.

If you were there for the sermon last weekend, we spent a great deal of time walking through the story thus far (Genesis-Judges) with particular emphasis on the bleakness in Israel’s history during the time of the Judges.

As a reminder, the period of the Judges was marked by weak faith and irresponsible conduct. The degree of permissiveness in Israel was a theme repeated often in the Book of Judges and restated in the book’s last verse: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

Against this background of national irresponsibility and weak moral character (sound familiar?) – Ruth, a Moabite, a people descended from Lot, and Boaz, a Hebrew landowner, shine as bright examples of purity, faith, and responsible living.

Ruth provides a view of people who acted responsibly with faith and highlights how God’s people can experience His sovereignty, wisdom, and covenant kindness.

The practice of levirate marriage (the requirement that a man marry the widow of his deceased brother, Deuteronomy 25:5-6) and the activity of the kinsman- redeemer provide an additional backdrop for the story.

After a closer kinsman refuses to take Ruth, Boaz redeems all the property of the deceased and marries Ruth. His willing acceptance of this responsibility showed the genuine quality of his character, as well as his love for Ruth.

Ruth in turn shows love for Naomi, her mother-in-law and provides for her.  A mother-in-law, daughter-in-law story that should serve as a model for all of us!

Ruth becomes a believer in the God of the Hebrews and they have a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.

Although the book is relatively short, it is rich in examples of kindness, faith, and patience.

Like Ruth, we too need a Kinsman-Redeemer who will do what is necessary to remedy our helpless condition.  Jesus Christ is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer who voluntarily paid the price for the redemption of His people.

Until next time… keep reading!

Jim

Excerpts taken directly from the following study bibles and commentaries: ESV, HCSB, GTB, BKC

April 30, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

The Book of Joshua

For many the book of Joshua can be perplexing, as we witness the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to the patriarchs to give Israel the land of Canaan.

By the end of Deuteronomy, Israel has been brought into the blessing of covenant relationship with the Lord and has become a great people. But, they remain outside of the Land of Promise, on the plains of Moab.

Just as Joshua’s leadership begins with the death of Moses, so the book of Joshua follows and some might say, completes the book of Deuteronomy.

As we read through the Book of Joshua we have to keep a few things in mind.

The Old Testament teaches that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the Creator of everything, and therefore the owner of all lands. He has the right to distribute territories according to His good and holy will.

As the universal Creator, He is also the universal Judge, to whom all people everywhere are accountable. The Flood, Tower of Babel, and judgment on Egypt during the time of the Exodus all serve as examples of His Justice.

This means that God has the ultimate rights over the land of Canaan, and that He has the right to bring the Canaanites to judgment for their moral condition and deeds.

Here in the Book of Joshua, the Lord as divine Warrior, brings His people into the Land of Promise and gives them “rest”.  This is the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob back in the Book of Genesis.

God gave them victories, but each victory required a step of faith.

That the nation was later dispossessed reflects not on the character of God but on the fickleness of a people who took divine blessings for granted, fell into the worship of their neighbors’ gods, and therefore came under the chastisement God had warned them about in Deuteronomy prior to the Conquest we read about in Joshua.

We will explore this further in the Book Of Judges.

Paul taught that the events of the Exodus and the Conquest are meaningful for Christians symbolizing the work and ministry of Jesus.

The Greek form of the name “Joshua” (“Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation”) is “Jesus.”

Joshua led Israel to victory over her enemies and into possession of the Promised Land, and he interceded for the nation after it had sinned and been defeated at Ai.

In the same way, Jesus brings His people into a promised rest, intercedes for us continually, and enables us to defeat our enemies.

These factors—God’s right to allocate land and judge the world with perfect justice; the need to protect the purity of the Israelite theocracy; and the provisions for even Canaanites to be saved (Rahab and her family, the Gibeonites, etc.)—all illustrate the justice that lies behind the events that take place in Joshua.

Until next time…keep reading.

Jim

Excerpts and references: ESV Study Bible, HCSB Study Bible, Bible Knowledge Commentary
April 24, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

In Numbers 17, Moses prophesizes about a time in Israel’s future when they will call out for a king to rule over them. When this happens, Moses warns that the king must adhere to certain standards to ensure the success of his reign.

  • An obedient Israelite king was to depend not on military strength, but on the Lord alone. He was to put all his trust in God. Moses reminds them that God had already demonstrated His ability to crush the large superior chariot army of Egypt back in the Book of Exodus when Israel had yet to establish an army.
  • The king was not to participate in polygamy because it would lead him into idolatry when he tried to satisfy all his wives’ religious preferences.
  • He must resist the urge to accumulate riches because these would likely cause him to depend on his own resources rather than on the Lord.
  • Finally, the future king was to write out for himself a copy of the Law, in front of the Levitical priests. The idea was to keep this with him at all times during his rule that he might keep his eyes on the Lord.

As we continue to read on through the history of Israel in the coming months, we will see how the Kings failed to keep these promises and the consequences of their sin, failures and the impact on the Nation of Israel.

We shake our heads in wonder when we read about the absolute failure of Israel’s kings, despite God’ presence and the warnings of the Prophets.

Yet – how much are we like Israel’s ancient kings, continually tempted to trust in our own earthly resources, abilities and gifts? I think of how little time we spend in the Scriptures, contemplating His love and promises.

As we move out of the Easter season, let us not forget the King of Kings.

Jesus had no earthly resources to speak of and relied wholeheartedly on His Father.

He knew the Scriptures and lived them perfectly, thereby securing the blessings of the kingdom for Himself and for all those who trust in Him.

When we look to Jesus, we have the ability to use all the resources that God has put at our disposal, while relying entirely on Him.

For Jesus was the true and final King, who lived as every king before him was supposed to, yet He suffered on the cross for our sin that we might one day reign with Him in the new Kingdom.

Until next time, keep reading…

Jim
Excerpts and references: HCSB Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Bible
April 16, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

Time to Remember 

As I work my way through the first 13 chapters in Deuteronomy – I am reminded that there is a consistent pattern throughout the Book: hope for the future is rooted in the past.

In Hebrew idiom, to remember carries the sense of deep reflection and meditation on the past, particularly with regard to God’s mighty acts of love, grace and promise.

When I wrote last time, I described Deuteronomy as a series of speeches or sermons by Moses, his last attempt to instill an obedient spirit in his audience.

He used the threat of judgment, the promise of reward, and appeals to God’s graciousness to seek to accomplish that goal.

Moses used some great imagery as well, see Deuteronomy 1:30-31 for an example. The imagery of God going before them, fighting for them and carrying Israel as a man carries his son, brings to mind Israel’s special relationship to the Lord through His covenant with Abraham and serves as a reminder of how deep the Father’s love runs for His children.

As we approach Easter this weekend, I am reminded again of how deep the Father’s love runs for us, the sending of His son Jesus to live with us.  Jesus became sin that we might have life. I am reminded of His life, death and resurrection.

Jesus also gave us instructions, and something special to do in remembrance of Him.

Following each service this weekend, we will set up Communion stations for those that want to partake either as individuals or families. I encourage you to partake if you are follower of Christ.

I remember Jesus and the price he paid, do you?  Join me this weekend, rally your families, friends, your 8-15 and encourage them to attend a service celebrating the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.  The staff, worship team and Matt are ready to go.  Come join us!

Following the service, come to the communion stations, reflect, and mediate on His promises and hope for the future.

I close with the Apostle Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is foryou. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Amen!

Until next time, keep reading…

Jim
Excerpts and references: BKC, HCSB Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Bible
April 10, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

By our love, by our love…

We did it!  We finished Numbers today and tomorrow we begin the Book of Deuteronomy. As we prepare to read Deuteronomy, I thought I would lay out some thoughts about this great book in the Bible.

Deuteronomy is essentially a sermon or series of sermons preached by Moses. It is motivational in nature, urging Israel’s faithful obedience to the covenant laws of Sinai given 40 years before.

The book contains the addresses that Moses gave during the final months of his life, when the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab prior to their entrance into the Promised Land.

The people were facing war, temptations, and a new, settled way of life – all under the unproved leadership of Joshua.

Moses’ congregation had not personally experienced the deliverance at the Red Sea or the giving of the law at Sinai; they needed to be reminded of God’s power and God’s laws.

As a reminder, the older generation (the generation that was part of the exodus from Egypt) has died off after the refusal to enter the promised land (see my blog dated March 27, 2014).  Now that the younger generation is back at the border again, Moses wants to ensure the failure of their parents does not happen again.

The book may be viewed as a constitution for the theocracy of Israel once she was established in the land. Think about it – Israel in Deuteronomy is the only nation on earth that had as its “constitution” the Word of God.

The primary themes are God’s love and man’s obedience. Deuteronomy recognizes the need for God to act within the heart if Israel is to achieve faithful obedience to God’s covenant.

The ideal life in the land is for each member of the people, and the body as a whole, to display fervent love to God as the proper response to God’s love for them. This is the means by which the rest of the world is to learn of the true God – the very reason why Israel exists.

Hmmm…suppose we switch the words of the previous paragraph to each member of the church, and the church as a whole, is to display fervent love to God as the proper response to God’s love for them. This is the very reason why we as Christians and the Church as a whole exist.

When asked which commandment is the most important, (Mark 12:29-31) Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5,

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Jesus would go on to add, “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Imagine what our lives would be like if we embraced this idea to display fervent love for Jesus and our neighbor and adapted the Bible as our own “constitution”.

Until next time, keep reading…

Jim
 
Excerpts and references: ESV Study Bible, HCSB Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Bible
April 2, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

WHEN A DONKEY SPEAKS…

As a child I remember a series of films made in the 1950’s centered on the comedic adventures of a talking mule named Francis.  Recently, we were bemused with the talking antics of the donkey in Shrek.

Talking animals in movies are cute, but in scripture it gives us pause.  Satan takes the form of a talking snake in Genesis 3, Jesus sends a legion of demons in a herd of pigs in Matthew 8 and here in Numbers 22-24, we read the story of Balaam and his talking donkey.

Balaam, a pagan diviner and seer is hired by King Balak to curse the nation of Israel.  After a vision or dream from God, Balaam instead blesses the nation to Balak’s dismay.

It may seem surprising that God can use such a corrupt character to deliver His Word, but our Big God can even make a donkey speak! It was the donkey that first recognized the Angel of the Lord, in essence saving the life of Balaam.

God demonstrates that He can use even a pagan wizard to bring blessing to His people.

Though Balaam had been unsuccessful in cursing the people of Israel, he evidently managed to play a role in their seduction by the Baal cult at Peor (Numbers 25:1-4 and 31:16). When Israel was in Shittim, Israelite men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women. This was an integral part of the Canaanite fertility rites and was practiced in connection with the regular services of their temples (Num. 25:2).

The physical, carnal aspects of this idolatry tempted the Israelites and led them into the spiritual apostasy of worshiping the false God Baal.

So serious was this breach of covenant, especially when Israel was on the threshold of the land of promise, that the Lord commanded Moses to take serious action– all the guilty individuals involved must die.

Later in Chapter 31:8, we read that Balaam was killed during Israel’s battle with the Midianites.

These accounts are reminders that a holy God demands complete obedience of His servants; on the journey to Moab, Balaam’s donkey was more sensitive to God’s moving than was this renowned seer.

Until next time, keep reading…

Jim
Excerpts and references: ESV Study Bible, HCSB Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Bible
March 27, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN

As we read through Numbers, God is preparing His people for the conquest promised in Genesis.  The nation of Israel, descendants of Abraham, are finally ready to enter the Promised Land. But when we get to Chapters 13 and 14, things take a turn for the worse.

Moses sends 12 spies to scout out the land and report back to the elders. The spies’ explore the land for 40 days, covering an estimated 350 to 400 miles.

When the spies return, their report begins on the positive side with the demonstration of the fruitfulness of the Promised Land.

The tenor of the report quickly changes to a negative assessment of the possibility of conquering the heavily fortified cities and the numerous inhabitants, which they claimed included giants.

Demonstrating the trustworthiness of God’s Word that the land was indeed bountiful, the cluster of grapes (13:23) should have encouraged the Israelites to claim God’s promise and enter the Promised Land.

Tragically, however, the people desired to reverse the exodus and go back to Egypt instead (14:1–4). This faithlessness, denying the purpose of the exodus at the very cusp of its fulfillment, brings on the most severe crisis since the golden calf idolatry, as God once more suggests annihilating the whole lot and starting over with Moses (14:12; Ex. 32:10), as he once did with Noah and the world (Genesis 6–9).

Yet, according to the Lord’s steadfast love, Moses’ mediation preserves the promise of the land for the next generation of Israelites (Num. 14:13–20).

The problem was that the people focused on their own strength rather than the power of God. The point of the later victories over the Midianites, Amorites, and Canaanites was to demonstrate God’s strength.

The power of Israel was never in her armies. Victory came at the hands of the Lord of Hosts.

As a result of the rebellion, prompted by the spies’ negative report, God punished the people by making them wait 40 years to enter the land.

This illustrates the fact that sin may be forgiven but its consequences may endure and preclude God’s otherwise intended blessings. It also serves as a reminder to many of us that children often bear the results of their parents’ sins. The innocent suffer because of the actions of their parents.

Returning to our story, there is hope.  Joshua and Caleb both live through the 40 years and go on into the Promised Land.  Unlike the other spies Joshua and Caleb believed God would do what He promised.  Though threatened with death by the people, Joshua and Caleb courageously spoke up and were rewarded.

Their cry of, “don’t be afraid… the Lord is with us”,  (Numbers 14:5-9) reminds me of Romans 8:31, “if God is for us, who is against us?”. Amen.

Until next time, keep reading…

Jim
Excerpts and references: ESV Study Bible, HCSB Study Bible, Gospel Transformation Bible
March 12, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

The Ultimate Day of Atonement

As we read Leviticus we have to be ever mindful of the fact that salvation is not earned through the obedience of the law.  Obedience is the proper response to the salvation God has provided.

It is helpful to read through passages in Hebrews to fully understand Leviticus and why Jesus is the greater priest and the greater, perfect atoning sacrifice.

Let’s take the Day of Atonement described in Leviticus 16.  Known today as Yom Kippur, the Jewish People still consider this to be the holiest day of the year, a day of atonement and repentance.

But here in our story, despite all the law and regulations described in Leviticus, sins and impurities remained and defiled the camp and the Lord’s holy dwelling among His people.

God therefore provides the ceremony of the Day of Atonement, to cleanse the tabernacle and the camp of these sins and impurities.

The heart of the ceremony consisted of three rites: purification offerings to cleanse the tabernacle (16:11–19), the scapegoat to bear the Israelites’ sins out of the camp (vv. 20–22), and burnt offerings to emphasize the atonement made that day (vv. 23–24).

For these rites to be effective, it was important that the Israelites had repentant hearts (vv. 29, 31).

As we move through the Lent season in preparation of Easter weekend, we are reminded of Jesus’ crucifixion, the ultimate Day of Atonement.

In reflection and fulfillment of the purification offerings, He cleansed our sin by means of His own blood (Hebrews 9:12, 14, 24).

In reflection and completion of the sign of the scapegoat, He bore our sins away (Hebrews 9:28).

In reflection and fulfillment of the burnt offerings, He made atonement for us.

We look to him with hearts that not only mourn and repent of our sin but that also rejoice that His sacrifice cleanses us so completely that we can draw near to God with the full assurance that He accepts us completely (Hebrews 10:19–22).

Amen!

Until next time…keep reading…
Jim

Excerpts taken from the Gospel Transformation Study Bible. 

March 6, 2014

Thoughts About What We’re Reading…

Holy is the Lamb – Lent 2014

We did it!  We finished another book – Exodus. God has delivered His people, made a covenant, and established a theocracy. We have the Sabbath, the Law (which included the Ten Commandments), and the Tabernacle. As the book comes to an end, God is with the nation of Israel, His chosen people.  He is guiding them on to the promised land, as part of the promise given to Abraham back in Genesis 15.

Today we began the Book of Leviticus.  I like that we are we starting this book as we begin our season of Lent in preparation of the upcoming Easter celebration.

Leviticus deals with the severity of sin and God’s grace. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) NASB

The writer of Hebrews relied on the images of Leviticus in describing the person and role of Jesus Christ: the sacrifice, priesthood, and the Day of Atonement (Hebrews 4:14–10:18).

In Leviticus, we learn how it is God’s desire that His holiness be reflected in the life of His covenant people Israel. Studying Leviticus gives us a deeper devotion to Jesus Christ, a stronger worship of God, and a better understanding of daily Christian living.

The Gospel Transformation Bible describes it like this:

“In order to read Leviticus well we must therefore remember these two things:(1) the many ways that Jesus has become the far greater priest who intercedes for us on the basis of his perfect and far greater atoning sacrifice; and (2) that obedience to God’s law is not meant to earn his salvation but to be an appropriate response to the salvation he has so richly provided.”

As we read through Leviticus, during this Lent season, let’s focus on how every offering and sacrifice gives us understanding of the price Jesus (the Lamb of God) paid, that we might be forgiven, consecrated, and separated.

Holy is the Lamb!

Until next time…keep reading…
Jim