my daily walk

Week of 13 Pentecost - Odd

This Bible Study was originally published at

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based on the Lutheran Book of Worship two-year Daily Lectionary for personal devotions* The daily readings are according to a Calendar based on the Church Year, which begins on the first Sunday of Advent, usually sometime at the end of November in the year preceding the secular calendar year.

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*Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary, p. 179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978.

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Podcast Download: Week of 13 Pentecost - Odd

Sunday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/13/05;

Podcast: Sunday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Tamar Raped by Amnon;

Romans 15:1-13 - Bearing with the Weak;
John 3:22-36 - John’s Further Testimony;

2 Samuel Paraphrase:

Absalom was David’s son by Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur, Syria. He had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Amnon was David’s son by Ahinoam, his first wife. Amnon was so passionately in love with Tamar that he was making himself ill.

David’s nephew, Jonadab, was devious in nature, and noticed that Amnon was not sleeping well. He asked Amnon, and Amnon confessed his love for Tamar. Jonadab told Amnon to feign illness, and David would come to check on him. Then Amnon should ask for Tamar to come and bake bread for him and feed him. Amnon followed Jonadab’s advice, and Tamar came to cook and feed him.

Amnon sent all his servants away and asked Tamar to bring the food to him in his bedroom. When she came near he grabbed her and asked her to have sex. She pleaded with him not to do such wickedness and cause her great shame. She told him to ask David for permission to marry her and she would be his wife, but Amnon wouldn’t listen, and forced himself on her.

After he had raped her, he loathed her more than he had loved her before. He told her to get out, and she told him that sending her away was worse than the rape. Amnon summoned his servant and had him throw her out and bolt the door, so she could not return. Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the robe she was wearing (rituals of mourning) and went away with her hand on her head and crying aloud.

Absalom suspected what had happened and by whom, and told Tamar not to let this tragedy ruin her. Tamar dwelt in Absalom’s house as a desolate (unmarriageable) woman. David was very angry when he heard what had happened, but Absalom said nothing to Amnon, although he hated Amnon for what he had done to Tamar.

Romans Paraphrase:

Those who are spiritually strong should endure the failings of those who are spiritually weak, and seek to help and build them up, rather than pleasing ourselves. Christ is our example, who accepted abuse and humbly obeyed God’s will rather than pursuing his own will and pleasure.

The Old Testament scriptures were written for our instruction so that we might be encouraged and strengthened in hope. God is the Lord of encouragement and steadfastness; may he grant his people to live in obedience to Christ and in harmony with one another, so that we may glorify God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us give to one another the welcome we have received from Jesus Christ, so that God will be glorified. Christ came to the Jews in fulfillment of the scriptures, so that the truth and faithfulness of God could be seen, but the scriptures also promised mercy and hope to the Gentiles, so that all might glorify God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).

John Paraphrase:

Jesus and his disciples were baptizing (in the Jordan River) in the region of Judea, the southernmost of three provinces of Israel. John the Baptizer was baptizing (in the Jordan) at Aenon which was between Samaria (the middle province) and Galilee (the northern province).

John’s disciples had been discussing the Jewish ritual of purification with a Jew. They came to John and told him that all the people seemed to be going to Jesus for baptism rather than John. John replied that whatever we receive comes from God. John’s disciples had heard John say that he was not the Christ (Messiah), but had been sent ahead (to herald the Messiah’s coming). John is like the bridegroom’s “best man” Jesus is the bridegroom because he has been given the bride (his Church). John rejoices to hear the bridegroom’s arrival, but with the bridegroom’s arrival, John’s role is completed.

John said that Jesus is of heaven and has the authority of heaven. John is of earth, and can only speak from a human perspective. Jesus testifies to the spiritual realm and what is eternal, which he knows from his heavenly origin, but worldly people do not accept Jesus’ testimony. But those who do accept Jesus’ testimony testify that God is true and that Jesus speaks the Word of God, because the fullness of God’s spirit dwells within Jesus (Colossians 2:8-9).

God the Father loves his (only begotten) Son, and has given him authority over all things. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see (real, eternal) life, but the wrath of God rests upon him (John 3:36 RSV).

Commentary:

It wasn’t love that Amnon had for Tamar. He was only interested in gratifying his lust. He cared nothing for her. She was willing to marry him, but instead he did what was wicked, brought her great shame, and destroyed her possibility for love and marriage, and then threw her away. Amnon had followed the worldly counsel of an unrighteous relative, because it gratified his self-interest, rather than doing what was right and honorable.

Jonadab had an opportunity to guide Amnon, but instead of helping Amnon know what was right and honorable, he helped Amnon accomplish what was wicked and which led to Amnon’s as well as Tamar’s destruction. The behavior of Amnon and Jonadab caused division and hatred among the members of David’s household.

In contrast, the Church is a household where the spiritually strong, mature Christians are to help new believers know and do what is right, and guide them to grow to spiritual maturity. Christians are to put the needs of those who are spiritually weaker, in the church and in the community, ahead of their own interests, following the example of Jesus Christ. Instead of being divided by selfish competing desires and seeking our own glory, we are to cooperate and work together to glorify God.

John the Baptizer is an example of a servant of the Lord who was obedient and faithful to the calling God gave him, not seeking to build up his own name and ministry, but to work in harmony with God’s plan, to point others to Jesus, and to glorify the Lord. He counseled his own disciples not to oppose or compete with Jesus’ ministry.

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Monday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/14/05;

Podcast: Monday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 13:23-39   -    Absalom’s Revenge;
Acts 20:17-38    -    Paul’s Farewell;
Mark 9:42-50    -   Warnings of Hell;

2 Samuel Paraphrase:

Amnon was David’s son by Ahinoam, David’s first wife; Tamar and Absalom were David’s children by Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur, Syria. Amnon had raped his half-sister, Tamar, the sister of Absalom. Two years later Absalom had a festival celebrating sheepsheering, on the border of Ephraim and Benjamin. He invited David and all David’s sons. David declined the invitation, but allowed his sons to go. Absalom made a point of including Amnon.

Absalom told his servants to wait until Amnon was drunk, and then to kill him. He told them not to be afraid, but to do as he ordered. They killed Amnon as Absalom had told them, and the other brothers fled. While they were fleeing, news came to David, saying that all the king’s sons had been killed by Absalom. The King tore his robes and lay on the ground (ritual acts of mourning). But David’s nephew, Jonadab (whose counsel facilitated Amnon’s rape of Tamar; 2 Samuel 13:3-5) corrected the report by telling David that only Amnon had been killed, and that it was because of Amnon’s rape of Tamar.

Absalom fled to Geshur, Syria, the land of his maternal grandfather, which was under David’s military control (2 Samuel 8:6). David’s watchman reported that many people were coming on the Horonaim road (named for a city of Moab south of the Arnon River). The watchman reported that it was David’s sons, confirming Jonadab’s report.

As the watchman finished reporting, David’s sons arrived and David, his sons, and his servants wept. David also mourned for Absalom and longed to be reconciled with him, since Amnon was dead (and nothing could change that). Absalom stayed three years at Geshur.

Acts Paraphrase:

Paul was trying to return to Jerusalem, from his third missionary journey, by Pentecost, so to save time he summoned the leaders of the Ephesian congregation to meet him in Miletus. When they arrived Paul reviewed his ministry in Asia, how he had declared the full Gospel message despite persecution from the Jews. Paul preached the Gospel of repentance to God and of faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul told them he was now heading for Jerusalem, in obedience, knowing by the Holy Spirit, that imprisonment and afflictions awaited him. Paul’s only desire was to fulfill the ministry the Lord had given him. Paul told the congregation that he knew they would never see him again. Paul was confident that he had taught them the full Gospel, and that their salvation (from eternal death) was their own responsibility (according to what they did with the Gospel they had received).

Paul urged the leaders to take heed to their own spiritual wellbeing and also of the congregation which the Holy Spirit had appointed them to lead and guard, and to spiritually nurture the church of the Lord, which Jesus secured by his blood. Paul warned that there would be “wolves” (false teachers and false prophets) attacking the “flock" and even arising from within the congregation, attempting to lead the disciples (Christians) astray. Paul asked them to be vigilant to preserve the sound doctrine Paul had lovingly and faithfully taught them night and day for the three years he was with them.

Paul commended the congregation to God and to the Gospel of grace (free gift; unmerited favor; Ephesians 2:8-9) which is able to strengthen them spiritually and enable them to receive the fulfillment of the promise to all who are sanctified (purified and consecrated, by the indwelling Holy Spirit). Paul reminded them that he had not used his ministry to accumulate material wealth. In fact Paul had earned his living among them (as a tentmaker). His life was an example of how Christians are to help those who are weak, following the teaching of Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:36; compare Luke 14:12-14.).

Then they all knelt and prayed. They all hugged and kissed, sad most of all because they knew they wouldn’t see him again, and then they accompanied him to the ship.

Mark Paraphrase:

Jesus warned that whoever causes a follower of Jesus to sin will suffer worse consequences that the worst imaginable physical death. Sin has eternally terrible consequences. If sin could be avoided by removing an eye or a hand or a foot, the physical disability now, with the ability to enter God’s eternal kingdom, would be far better than the eternal destruction of unquenchable fire in Hell. Jesus declared that everyone will be seasoned (tested) with fire. Seasoning is good and necessary, but if doesn’t produce the desired result the result is worthless. One should become seasoned within (grow to spiritual maturity) so that one can live peacefully with others.

Commentary:

Jonadab is an example of one who causes the “King’s children” to sin. He facilitated and encouraged Amnon to commit terrible sins against Tamar and her family. Amnon was the eldest son and potential successor to the throne. Jonadab’s counsel destroyed Amnon and gravely injured Tamar, and caused a three-year separation between Absalom and David. But Jonadab thought he was helping comfort David by telling him that it was “only” Amnon who had been killed. Jonadab and Amnon thus fulfilled the prophecy of Nathan that evil would arise against David from within his own house (2 Samuel 12:11a).

Paul, in contrast, is the example of a faithful servant of the Lord who sacrificed his own will and desires in order to fulfill the ministry the Lord had given him. Paul had proclaimed the full Gospel (not just the parts that make us feel good), to enable the congregation to be saved and to avoid the consequences of sin (disobedience of God’s Word), and his congregation would bear the responsibility for how they applied that message.

Paul warned the church that evil would arise against it, even from within the household of the people of God, and he warned leaders to heed their own spiritual wellbeing, and also the spiritual wellbeing of the members under their supervision. He warned that false teachers would arise in the world and within the Church.

The church is to make every effort and sacrifice to hold to the scriptural apostolic doctrine (the Gospel taught by the apostles including Paul, and recorded in the New Testament) which Paul had faithfully preached. Jesus shed his blood on the Cross for that Gospel, and Paul had made personal sacrifices and suffered persecutions to preserve and pass on that Gospel accurately.

Jesus preached the full Gospel, including eternal damnation in Hell for those who do not trust and obey Jesus. Jesus warned that a Day of Judgment is coming. Those who have rejected Jesus and have refused to obey God’s Word will be punished eternally in the unquenchable fire of Hell.

Only through Jesus, by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, are we able to be saved from eternal destruction and to receive eternal life in the Lord’s presence in his eternal kingdom. Jesus is God’s only provision for our salvation (Acts 4:12; 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Only Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit, only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).

Jesus declared that everyone will be tested by trials and adversities in this life. Those trials are intended to develop our faith (trust and obedience) in the Lord. They’re designed to lead us to grow in faith to spiritual maturity through “rebirth” (being “born-again;” John 3:3, 5-8) by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Jesus said that if we had to lose an eye or a hand in order to avoid sin and eternal condemnation it would be well worth the loss. Paul (formerly called Saul of Tarsus) is an example of a “born-again” disciple who was willing to sacrifice everything including his physical life, for the joy of the Gospel and of eternal life in the Lord’s presence.

That spiritual maturity in Paul was the result of walking daily in personal fellowship with and obedient trust in the Lord, developing over a period of years as Paul experienced the faithfulness of the Lord. It began in a “fiery trial” of physical blindness and his confrontation with his sin by the Spirit of the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-20).

We may not be required to lose a body part, or die physically for the Gospel, but we will need to make personal sacrifices in order to follow Jesus. We start by surrendering our personal will and desires to the Lord, one day at a time.

Are we willing to surrender twenty minutes a day for personal Bible study and prayer, seeking the Lord’s will and guidance for the day? Are willing to spend a couple hours regularly every week to worship the Lord in Church and be spiritually nurtured by his Word and presence? What have we done with the Gospel of Jesus Christ which we have received? Have we made every effort to know and pass on, faithfully and accurately, the full Gospel of Christ?

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Tuesday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/15/03;

Podcast: Tuesday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 14:1-20 - Joab Intercedes for Absalom’s return;

Acts 21:1-14 - Paul’s Return to Israel;

Mark 10:1-16 - Teaching on Marriage and Family;

2 Samuel Paraphrase:

Absalom had killed his half-brother, Amnon, King David’s oldest son and heir to the throne, in revenge for Amnon’s rape of Absalom’s sister Tamar. Absalom, the next in succession to the throne, after Amnon, had been forced to flee to Geshur, Syria, the land of his maternal grandfather. Joab, the commander of David’s army, realized that David was mourning for Absalom, and he devised a way to have Absalom reinstated. Joab located a woman in Tekoa, within a couple miles of Bethlehem, where David had been raised. Joab had the woman appear as one who had been mourning and had her present herself to David and speak as Joab instructed.

The woman came to David and said that she was a widow with two sons. They had fought and one had killed the other. Now the family sought to kill the remaining brother in revenge. She told David that the loss of her remaining son would quench the spark of life which remained in her, and leave no one to carry on her dead husband’s name and heritage.

David told the woman to go home, assured that David would give orders protecting her remaining son. David promised to punish anyone who would attempt to harm her or her remaining son.

The woman asked permission to speak freely and then suggested that the situation which she had described was David’s own situation. She said that David had been willing to help her and her son, but was not intervening to restore Absalom, David’s heir. She pointed out that everyone faces death, but God will not destroy the life of one for seeking his son’s restoration (2 Samuel 14:14). The woman expressed her faith in the king, who she hoped would deliver her from the one who would seek to destroy the woman and her remaining son from the heritage of God, since David was acting as an angel (prophet; Strong’s number 4397; messenger; spiritual counselor and judge of good and evil*) of God by the Lord’s will and authority.

David asked her if Joab had put her up to this and she admitted it was true, saying that one could do nothing but accept and do as the king had said. Joab had hoped to intervene and change the situation, but David had been given divine wisdom to know all things on earth.

Acts Paraphrase:

Paul and his associates were returning to Israel from Paul’s third missionary journey, sailing southeast down the coastline of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). When they came in sight of Cyprus they passed south of Cyprus across the Mediterranean Sea to port in Tyre, where the ship’s cargo was unloaded. They went to Ptolemais, south of Tyre on the coast, where they stayed overnight with Christians. The next day they traveled to Caesarea and stayed with Philip, the evangelist, (one of the seven original deacons; Acts 6:1-7).

Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophets (1 Corinthians 12:28). Paul’s group stayed there a number of days, and during that time a prophet, Agabus, came from Judea to Philip, and Agabus took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet and declared that the Jews of Judea would bind Paul likewise and deliver Paul to the Gentile authorities.

When the Christians heard that they begged Paul not to continue to Jerusalem, but Paul said that their weeping on his behalf was breaking Paul’s heart, but that he was committed to endure imprisonment and even physical death for the name of the Lord Jesus. Since Paul could not be dissuaded, his fellow Christians accepted and commended Paul to the Lord’s will.

Mark Paraphrase:

Jesus was teaching in Judea “beyond the Jordan” (i.e. the region of Perea; east of the Jordan; Gilead). Pharisees asked Jesus a question about whether divorce is lawful, in order to test Jesus. Jesus asked them what Moses had commanded, and they replied that Moses had allowed divorce.

Jesus replied that divorce was allowed because of the hardness (selfishness and lack of love for others) of people’s hearts. God’s intention was that man and wife would leave their parents and become one flesh (Genesis 2:24), joined together by God. Humans should not separate what God had joined. Privately, Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus about this teaching and Jesus said that anyone who divorces his spouse and marries another commits adultery (compare Matthew 5:31-32).

Crowds were bringing children to Jesus to be blessed, and the disciples told them to stop. Jesus saw it and was indignant and rebuked his disciples, telling them to let the children come to Jesus, because the kingdom of God belonged to those who come to him in innocent, obedient trust like a child. Jesus laid his hands on the children and blessed them.

Commentary:

Jesus is the “Son of David,” the fulfillment of the promised Messiah, the eternal King, Priest and Judge whom David foreshadowed. The one who would seek to destroy the woman and her remaining son from the heritage of God is Satan. Joab is the spiritual leader of God’s army, and the woman is a member of the King’s neighborhood. Joab and the woman worked together to restore the fallen son of the king.

Joab had interceded for Absalom’s restoration to David’s house. He knew that the King, impartially weighting a similar situation, would decide in favor of mercy, but was unable to see his own situation impartiality. The woman expressed her faith to David that the Lord doesn’t desire that anyone perish (eternally; John 3:16-17). God will not condemn anyone who works for restoration of a child of the King. The woman was willing to cooperate with Joab’s effort to restore Absalom, and to trust in the King’s divine wisdom and judgment.

Similarly Christians loved Paul and did not want him to perish, but they were willing to accept and trust the Lord’s will.

God’s commandments were not given to oppress us and make us miserable, but to save and restore us to true eternal life. God’s best will for us is that we would be united in marriage with one spouse, but he was merciful to allow for our human weakness.

Jesus is God’s mercy made visible in human flesh. No one is able to fulfill the requirements of God’s laws (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16), apart from the grace (unmerited favor; free gift) which is received through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We have all sinned and fall short of the righteousness of God (Romans 3:23), and the penalty for sin is (eternal) death (Romans 6:23). Jesus intercedes to God for our restoration to our heavenly father, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross (See God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Jesus is God’s only provision for salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12) and for restoration to fellowship with God (John 14:6).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

*The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, #4397, Greek Dictionary, pg 62, James Strong, LL.D., STD, Nelson, NY 1984 ISBN 0-8407-5360-8

Wednesday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/16/05;

Podcast: Wednesday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 14:21-33 - Absalom’s Reconciliation;

Acts 21:15-26 - Paul’s Arrival in Jerusalem;

Mark 10:17-31 - The Rich Man;

2 Samuel Paraphrase:

Absalom had killed his half-brother, Amnon, King David’s oldest son and heir to the throne, in revenge for Amnon’s rape of Absalom’s sister, Tamar. Absalom, the next in succession to the throne, after Amnon, had been forced to flee to Geshur, Syria, the land of his maternal grandfather. Joab, the commander of David’s army had interceded with David through a woman of Tekoa, David’s boyhood neighborhood, to allow Absalom to return to Israel.

David gave Joab permission to go to Absalom and return with him to Israel. Joab thanked David for granting his request, and did as he had been commanded. David allowed Absalom to return, but Absalom was to dwell in his own house in Jerusalem, and was not to come into the King’s presence.

Absalom was the handsomest man in Israel. His features were flawless, and he had magnificent hair. Absalom had three sons, and a daughter, whom he named Tamar (for his sister who had been raped by Amnon), and she was a beauty.

After Absalom had lived for two years in Jerusalem without seeing his father, he summoned Joab to go to the king in Absalom’s behalf, but Joab refused to come. Joab had a barley field next to Absalom’s property, so Absalom told his servants to set Joab’s barley on fire. That brought Joab to Absalom, demanding to know why Absalom had set fire to his barley. Absalom said he had asked Joab to come and take Abaslom’s message to David: If he couldn’t be in his father’s presence Absalom might as well have stayed in Geshur. Absalom said that if David found him guilty, he should kill Absalom. Joab took Absalom’s message to David, and David received Absalom and kissed him.

Acts Paraphrase:

Paul went with a group of disciples (Christians) from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where they stayed in the home of Mnason of Cyprus, an early convert. The Christians in Jerusalem welcomed them, and the next day Paul and his associates went to meet with James (the brother or close relative of Jesus) the head of the Church Council at Jerusalem and the elders and apostles who were members of the Council. Paul gave them a report of his ministry to the Gentiles, and they rejoiced and praised the Lord.

The Council warned Paul that the “Judaizers,” the “Circumcision Party,” the Pharisees who had been converted to Christianity, were accusing Paul of teaching Christians to forsake the traditions of Moses. The Council told Paul to sponsor four men who were under a Nazarite vow at the time, paying for the offerings required by the Law of Moses (Numbers 6:1-21). The Council hoped that by this, the allegation of the Judaizers against Paul might be disproved. But the ruling of the Council that the Gentile Christians did not have to conform to Jewish Law was sustained. Paul did as the Jerusalem Council had directed.

Mark Paraphrase:

A rich man came to Jesus and knelt before him. He addressed Jesus as “Good Teacher” (Mark 10:17) and asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked why the man had called him “Good,” because only God is truly good. Jesus told him that the rich man knew the commandments, and citing the fourth through eighth commandments, omitting the obligations to God and against covetousness. The rich man said that he had kept the commandments all his adult life. Jesus told the rich man that he lacked one thing; he should sell his material possession and give the proceeds to the poor and come and follow Jesus. The rich man left Jesus and went away in sadness, because he loved his possessions.

Jesus told his disciples that the rich will have difficulty entering God’s kingdom. The disciples were amazed at this statement, and asked Jesus who, then, could be saved. Jesus told them that it is easier for a camel pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom; a physical, human impossibility. But God is not limited by physical, human impossibilities.

Peter said that he and the other disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus, and Jesus replied that everyone who has given up anything to follow Jesus will be rewarded a hundred times over, in this life, although with persecution, and in the age which is coming, with eternal life. But Jesus said that the worldly values of things will be reversed.

Commentary:

Absalom wanted not only to be restored to life in the kingdom, but also restored to fellowship with the King, his Father. He took action to convince Joab that he was serious, by setting fire to Joab’s barley field. Because of Absalom’s initiative, David received him and restored him to full fellowship.

Paul is the prototype of the modern, “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ, like any of us, who did not know Jesus during Jesus’ physical life on earth. Paul wanted acceptance and approval by the Apostles and the Church in Jerusalem, and he was willing to conform to the doctrines and rulings of the Jerusalem Council, guided by the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the Scriptures. He didn’t want any behavior on his part, whether real or perceived, to hinder others in receiving salvation.

The rich man wanted to be restored to the kingdom of eternal life and fellowship with the Father, but was unwilling to conform to and obey Jesus’ teachings. Instead of submitting to Jesus’ authority, he went away in sadness, because he was unwilling to give up worldly things for eternal life and fellowship with the Lord.

We have all sinned and are estranged from God (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Jesus is our advocate (Acts 4:12), our only way to restoration to fellowship with God; John 14:6). Through him we can receive a full pardon, and be welcomed into our Heavenly Father's house.

Thursday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/17/05;

Podcast: Thursday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 15:1-18 - Absalom’s Conspiracy;

Acts 21:27-36 - Paul Assaulted in the Temple;

Mark 10:32-45 - Christ’s Mission;

2 Samuel Paraphrase:

Absalom, King David’s son and heir to the throne, had been reinstated in the King’s household following his murder of his half-brother, Amnon for the rape of Absalom’s sister, Tamar (see 2 Samuel 13:1-14:33). Once reinstated Absalom acquired a chariot and fifty bodyguards, and began standing by the king’s gate, intercepting those seeking legal redress from the king. Absalom would ask the petitioner his city and tribe, and then would tell the man that the man’s claim was valid, but that the king had not appointed anyone to serve as judge to hear legal claims. Absalom would tell them that if he were judge, he would give the petitioners justice. Then he would embrace the petitioners, and thus Absalom endeared himself to the people of Israel.

After four years Absalom asked his father for permission to go to Hebron (the former capital city) on the pretext of fulfilling a vow Absalom had made while in exile in Geshur. David gave him permission, but Absalom secretly sent messengers throughout Israel to declare, at Absalom’s signal, that Absalom was reigning as king at Hebron. Absalom took two hundred men of Jerusalem with him as invited guests who were unaware that Absalom was planning to depose David. At Hebron, Absalom sent for Ahithopel, David’s counselor and prophet. Absalom’s support was growing and he was informed that the majority of Israelites supported him as king.

David called all his men and servants in Jerusalem to escape from Jerusalem so that they would not be trapped in the city by Absalom’s rebels. All of David’s people left the city, except for ten concubines left to keep the king’s house. David halted at the edge of the city as all of his people passed by, including the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites (all foreign, perhaps Philistine, mercenary soldiers loyal to David).

Acts Paraphrase:

Paul had accepted the advice of the Jerusalem Council (Christian church headquarters), to sponsor four Christian Jews then in Jerusalem to fulfill Nazarite vows (Jews who separated themselves from others and consecrated themselves to the Lord; Numbers 6:1-21), to avoid antagonizing Jews and Jewish Christians who had accused Paul of teaching Jewish converts to stop obeying the Laws of Moses.

Jews from Asia (who had persecuted Paul there) were in Jerusalem and stirred up the Jews against Paul, claiming that he had desecrated the Temple by bringing Gentiles into it. They had seen Trophimus, an Ephesian (Gentile Christian) with Paul in Jerusalem, and had supposed that Paul had brought Trophimus into the Temple. They stirred up a riot in the city, and Paul was dragged from the temple and was being beaten to death.

The commander of a Roman military unit stationed in Jerusalem to maintain order received word of the riot and took soldiers to intervene. When the rioters saw the soldiers coming, they stopped beating Paul. Paul was arrested and put in chains, while the officer tried to obtain the facts, but because of conflicting information, he was unable to make a determination, so he had Paul brought to the barracks. At the steps into the barracks the soldiers had to physically carry Paul, because of the violence of the mob.

Mark Paraphrase:

Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, where he knew that he would be crucified. He was walking determinedly ahead while his disciples were hanging back in fear. For the third time Jesus told the Twelve plainly that the Son of man (Jesus) would be condemned by the Jewish religious authorities and delivered to the Gentile governing authorities. Jesus would be mocked, spit upon, scourged, and killed, and would rise again on the third days.

James and John drew near and asked Jesus to do something for them. Jesus asked what they wanted, and they asked to be his immediate subordinates in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus told them they didn’t know what they were asking. He asked them if they could endure the same fate that Jesus must endure, and they said they were able. Jesus said that they would suffer the same fate, but what they had asked was not possible for Jesus to grant, because those positions had already been determined by God’s will.

The others of the Twelve were indignant at James and John for trying to gain rank over them, but Jesus told them that the standards of worldly behavior are reversed in God’s eternal kingdom. Here the powerful are in authority, but in God’s kingdom the greatest is the one who is the servant of all the rest. Jesus is the example of that principal; he is the king who didn’t come to be served in the worldly manner of a king, but to be the servant who suffered for all, and gave his life as a ransom to purchase our release from eternal condemnation.

Commentary:

Absalom had been forgiven and pardoned from execution for murder, and restored to fellowship with the Lord’s anointed King, Absalom’s father, David. Absalom was next in line to inherit the kingdom, but he wasn’t content to be second and to wait until the kingdom was his.

David foreshadows the promised eternal savior and king, Jesus Christ. We are all like Absalom, pardoned from the punishment of death for disobedience of God’s Word, and restored to fellowship with him through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; see God’s Plan of Salvation sidebar, top right, home).

Paul had made every effort to avoid antagonizing the Jews and the Jewish Christians of the “Circumcision Party,” because he didn’t want to hinder anyone from receiving salvation (from God’s eternal condemnation and eternal death). The Jews who opposed Paul were not willing to seek and obey God’s will. They wanted to make the rules and be in authority over others.

Jesus is God’s anointed Savior and King. “Christ” and “Messiah” are the Greek and Hebrew words (respectively) which mean “anointed." Jesus came humbly, not seeking his own power and glory from the world; he came as a suffering servant of all, contrary to the world’s concept of kingship, but his resurrection from death illustrates and proves that his servanthood was rewarded by God with kingship.

Jesus was warning the disciples for the third time that he was going to Jerusalem where he would be crucified and rise from the dead on the third day. But they didn’t understand what he was saying; Jesus was teaching by word and example, but they were still thinking of greatness in worldly terms. James and John wanted to share in Jesus’ glory without sharing in Jesus’ suffering.

Worldly people oppose the Lordship of Jesus Christ, because they want to be great and powerful by worldly standards. They want to have their kingdom now, by worldly standards, instead of waiting to inherit it through the Lord’s anointed Savior and King, Jesus Christ.

Christians are to follow Jesus’ example, and we cannot expect to be treated any better by the world than Jesus was. Jesus knew what was coming and he set his face toward Jerusalem in determination to accomplish his mission (Luke 9:51-53). Paul knew what awaited him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:17-25; 21:10-14), and yet he was determined to go and fulfill his ministry. Christians are disciples who set their face toward the Cross daily and walk in determination to finish their mission in Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23).

Friday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/18/05;

Podcast: Friday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 15:19-37 - David Flees from Jerusalem;

Acts 21:37-22:16 - Paul’s Testimony in Jerusalem;

Mark 10:46-52 - Blind Bartimaeus Healed;

2 Samuel Paraphrase:

David and his loyal followers left Jerusalem to avoid being trapped there by his son, Absalom, who was attempting to take over the kingdom. David had stopped at the city boundary, as his people passed by. As the Gittites passed by David said to their commander, Ittai, that the Gittites should remain in Jerusalem, since they were new exiles in Israel; why would they want to join David’s people with such an uncertain future? But Ittai responded that he and his people would follow David in life or death. So the Gittites went with David.

Abiathar, the surviving priest from Saul’s massacre of the priests of Nob (1 Samuel 22:19-23), and Zadok, a high priest, came with all the Levites, bringing the Ark of the Covenant. David told Zadok to carry the Ark back into Jerusalem with Abiathar and his son, Jonathan, and Zadok’s son, Ahimaaz. David said that if it was the Lord’s will David would return to Jerusalem and the Lord’s house; David would accept the Lord’s will, whatever the outcome.

David and his people went up the Mount of Olives in mourning. David heard that Ahithophel, David’s advisor, had joined Absalom’s conspiracy, and David prayed that the Lord would change Ahithophel’s wisdom to foolishness. At the summit, where God was worshiped (high places were places of worship), Hushai, the king’s counselor, came to David with torn coat and dust on his head (signs of ritual mourning). David told Hushai to return to Jerusalem and offer to be Absalom’s advisor, so that he could defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. From that position Hushai would know Absalom’s plans and be able to relay information to David through Zadok and Abiathar, by their sons as messengers. Hushai returned to Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering.

Acts Paraphrase:

Paul had been rescued by Roman soldiers from being beaten to death by a Jewish mob outside the temple. As he was being taken into the Roman garrison, he asked the Roman officer, apparently in Greek, for permission to speak to the mob. That caused the officer to suspect that Paul might be an Egyptian who had recently stirred up revolt. Paul answered that he was a Jew from Tarsus, an important city in Cilicia, known for wealth and as a center of education. The Roman officer gave his permission.

Paul, speaking in Hebrew, addressed the mob, saying that he was a Jew of Tarsus who had been raised in Jerusalem and educated by Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a well-known Jewish educator and head of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish supreme court). Paul told them that he had been as zealous for God as they were; he had persecuted the Way (as Christianity was known; Jesus is the Way: John 14:6) to the death, arresting and imprisoning Christians by the authority of the high priest and the Sanhedrin. Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) had been on the way to Damascus for that very purpose, when he was struck down by a bright light and a voice, which only he heard, rebuking Paul’s persecution.

Paul asked who was speaking, and the voice said “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 22:8). Paul asked Jesus what he wanted Paul to do, and Jesus told him to go to Damascus and wait for instructions. Paul was unable to see because the light had blinded him, and he had to be led by the hand.

Ananias, a devout Jewish (Christian) man, respected in the Jewish community came to Paul and commanded Paul’s blindness healed. Ananias told him that God had appointed Paul to know God’s will, to see the “Just One” (Jesus, the Messiah, the Righteous Judge) and to hear his voice; the Lord had appointed Paul to be a witness to what he had seen and heard. Ananias told Paul to be baptized in the name of Jesus, for the cleansing of his sins.

Mark Paraphrase:

Jesus was determinedly going to Jerusalem, where he knew that he would be crucified. As they were leaving Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (“son of Timaeus”) was sitting by the road and when he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing, he called out, saying “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47)! Many told him to be quiet, but he kept calling, and Jesus stopped and asked Bartimaeus to come to him. Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus, who asked what Bartimaeus wanted Jesus to do for him. Bartimaeus asked Jesus to heal his blindness, and Jesus, dismissed him, saying that his faith had made him well. Bartimaeus’ vision was immediately restored, and he followed Jesus.

Commentary:

Ittai, the Gittite leader, committed himself and his men to follow David, no matter what came, and David committed himself to accept the Lord’s will, although the outcome seemed uncertain.

Paul went to Jerusalem in obedience to the Holy Spirit, knowing that he would be persecuted and imprisoned. He had been struck blind on the road to Damascus but had obeyed Jesus to go on to Damascus and await instructions, and his blindness had been healed.

Jesus was going to Jerusalem, in obedience to God’s will, knowing that he would be crucified, but trusting in God the Father. Bartimaeus had trusted that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the “Son of David,” and his blindness was healed, and he followed Jesus.

Jesus gives sight to the spiritually blind. If we’re trusting in Jesus we can follow him and leave the outcome to him. Are you following Jesus?

Saturday 13 Pentecost - Odd
First posted 08/19/05;
Podcast: Saturday 13 Pentecost - Odd

2 Samuel 16:1-23 - Absalom takes Jerusalem;

Acts 22:17-29 - Reaction to Paul’s Testimony;

Mark 11:1-11 - Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem;

2 Samuel Summary:

David and his supporters had fled Jerusalem to avoid being trapped there by Absalom, David’s son, who was trying to usurp the kingdom. Ziba was the servant of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, the sole surviving descendant of Saul’s family, whom David had had taken in and provided for, for Jonathan’s sake. Ziba brought two asses loaded with food to provide for David and his people, claiming that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem hoping that Saul’s kingdom would be restored to Mephibosheth by Absalom. David then promised that all Mephibosheth possessed would be transferred to Ziba.

Descending from the Mount of Olives, David and his followers passed through Bahurim, and Shimei, a descendant of the family of Saul came out and cursed David continually as David passed. Abishai, one of David’s commanders, offered to kill Shimei. David said he didn’t need Abishai to deal with Shimei. Instead, he left it to the Lord to deal with. David thought Shimei had more reason to hate David than David’s own son, Absalom. David trusted that the Lord would reward him for his forebearance of Shimei. David and his followers were weary when they reached the Jordan River.

Absalom, David’s advisor, Ahithopel who had joined Absalom’s conspiracy, and Absalom’s followers from all over Israel entered Jerusalem. Hushai, David’s friend, whom David had sent back to Jerusalem to thwart Ahithopel and to spy on and report Absalom’s plans, came to Absalom and pledged his allegiance to Absalom. Absalom asked guidance from Ahithopel, and Ahithopel told Absalom to take David’s concubines for himself (as a way of demonstrating that Absalom had assumed the throne). Ahithopel’s counsel was regarded as the Word of God, by both David and Absalom.

Acts Summary:

Paul, placed under arrest by Roman soldiers following an attack by a mob outside the temple in Jerusalem, asked permission to address the mob. Paul told how he had formerly persecuted Christians. The mob listened to Paul up to the point that Paul testified that the Lord had warned him to get out of Jerusalem because the people would not accept Paul’s testimony, and that the Lord would send Paul to testify to the Gentiles.

At that point the mob began shouting that Paul should not be allowed to live The military commander ordered Paul brought into the barracks and interrogated by scourging (torture). When Paul’s hands had been tied Paul asked the Centurion (a Roman officer) if it was legal to scourge a Roman citizen without a legal judgment.

Hearing this, the Centurion told his commander, and the commander, who had purchased his citizenship for a large fee, asked Paul if it was true that Paul was a Roman citizen? Paul responded that he was born into Roman citizenship. Hearing this, the soldiers withdrew immediately, and the commander himself was afraid of what might happen to him as a result of having bound a Roman citizen without a trial.

Mark Summary:

Jesus had been heading for Jerusalem, knowing that crucifixion was awaiting him. At Bethphage, and Bethany, villages on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples into the village to get a young donkey, He told them where to find it and what to say, and as they followed his instructions, it happened exactly as Jesus had told them.

They brought the donkey and placed garments on the donkey and Jesus sat on it. Others spread robes and branches on the roadway. The crowd in front and behind him shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming!” (Mark 11:9-10). Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.

Commentary:

David was the Lord’s “anointed;” the legitimate king of Israel, but he was driven from Jerusalem by Absalom, the imposter who claimed to be king. (Absalom did not have the Lord’s anointing.) David left Jerusalem by the same route the Son of David, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would enter Jerusalem.

David prefigures and illustrates the Messiah, Jesus. David, the legitimate anointed king was driven out by the illegitimate worldly king, Absalom, but ultimately David triumphed over Absalom and returned to his throne. In the same way Jesus was physically driven from Jerusalem by crucifixion, but rose from the dead, and will return in glory to reign eternally.

Paul was a legitimate citizen of Rome, while his worldly interrogator and judge had purchased his citizenship. The Jews considered themselves to be special because they were “God’s chosen people,” and they could not accept God’s salvation going to “Gentiles” who they regarded as pagans.

Jesus entered Jerusalem by the route David had exited, and his followers acknowledged him as the rightful heir to David’s throne. But he was rejected by the worldly authorities, as David had been.

The legitimate people of God are those who acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, God’s anointed eternal savior and king. Jesus' entry was a “drama” in the form of a parable, to be understood and accepted or rejected, humbly offering himself as the Messiah (God's Anointed King). Jesus doesn’t force his kingship on anyone. We’re free to choose God’s way or our own way, but there will be an accounting before God.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Week of 13 Pentecost - Odd - 08/23 - 29/2015

Week of 13 Pentecost - Odd

Shepherdboy David

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