I Samuel 19 - Saul among the Prophets

I Samuel 19

So he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; but the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. (verse 23)

Message: Saul among the Prophets

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: David continues to make a name for himself. It was back in I Samuel 16 that the Lord told Samuel to go to Bethlehem (16:1 - I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, because I have chosen a king for Myself among his sons). Samuel had 8 sons. The seven oldest were paraded before Samuel but none were it. He was directed to David. And yet even though David was chosen, his time to be king had not arrived.  What follows is David coming forward to slay Goliath, Jonathan (Saul's son) starting a special bond with David, David and Jonathan looking to the Lord for guidance and direction, and David getting the opportunity to slay Philistines, and getting married to Saul's daughter Michal. While all of this is going on Saul is not happy. He probably sees what is going on. He sees David as a rival. The people of Israel are noticing David and giving him credit now instead of Saul getting all of it.  

For Saul, an evil spirit is being mentioned now, sent by God (16:14, 18:10). In Chapter 16, David's harp playing soothes Saul. In Chapter 18, Saul tries to get rid of David with a spear, pinning him against a wall, but he escapes. Saul also puts David in charge of his army (18:13), but more likely to put him in harm's way and it backfires. What David has is being chosen by God. He has victories and Saul is jealous. 

In chapter 19, verse 1, "Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to put David to death." No more playing around Saul. Plain and simple. He wants David dead. "But Jonathan...." David has an ally in the family in Jonathan and and Jonathan told Saul all that David had done in conquering Philistines and how much this helped Saul. So Saul agrees before David and Jonathan not to kill David. But these words are empty. He really has no reason to keep this vow (verse 6). 

Verse 9 mentions the evil spirit from the Lord again and once again while David is playing the harp, Saul tries to pin him against the wall, but David escapes. Saul sends messengers to David's house but Michal helps David, as he goes out a window on a rope and she wraps an idol in a blanket to act has David lying down. But Saul has his men go back to retrieve the sleeping David and the caper is exposed. They find out where David has fled (Ramah) but David is now with Samuel. Saul's messengers show up but in the process the Spirit of God moves in Saul's messengers and they also prophesied with Saul. Three times Saul sends messengers and then finally goes himself and the same thing happens, he starts prophesying.

God can use anyone to accomplish his purposes. The Messengers and then Saul were diverted by the Lord to prophesy or sing hymns. David was able to get away. Just as the Lord had sent an evil spirit, he also sends to Saul's messengers and Saul the ability to prophecy. This is an important distinction. God at work in others does not mean that those individuals are called by Him, set apart as His favored Children or chosen one's. At any time God can work in people's lives for His good purpose. I think that's a compelling idea and also a little bit of a warning that even though we might see someone with the appearance of acting in the name of God, it doesn't mean they have been called by God and yet that can still be a person that God uses to impact others or keep His children safe and protected. 

Summary: Saul wants David dead. His children Jonathan and daughter Michal protect David but eventually God intervenes in the lives of his non-chosen one's to also thwart Saul's attempts. 

Promise: Matthew Henry, "serving in ministry is in itself no proof of conversion."    

Prayer: O God, you are the protector of your people. You will not let anything happen to your people and will save them from eternal harm. It is hard at times to see people not trust in You that appear to have trusted in You in the past. I know I am always trying to figure out who is saved and who isn't. But, that isn't my job. My job is to be faithful to Your calling on my life and be a faithful ambassador. Help me to stay in my lane and trust You always for the work You do. Thank you for protecting me and giving me so many blessings. Bless others. Give many comfort that are striving and having tough lives.  Be glorified always and keep me rooted in You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Ruth 2:1-18 - Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field

Ruth 2:1-18

May the Lord reward your work, and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge. - verse 12

Message: Ruth Gleans in Boaz's Field

Time: According to Jewish tradition, Samuel wrote the book of Ruth. The events of Ruth occurred sometime between 1160 BC and 1100 BC. This book stands as a ray of light, showing the power of the love between God and His faithful people, even during difficult times that were present. It is written from Naomi's point of view. Ruth is the gift God placed in Naomi's life. 

What the Lord is Saying: Been reading a book about the Old Testament and how much of the themes of the New Testament like redemption and atonement have their origin in the Old Testament. It references Ruth and Naomi returning to Bethlehem in chapter 5. Author says, "Naomi had gone out full, she said, and the Lord had brought her back empty (1:21)." Yet the author says "she went out and the Lord brought her back." And "the sovereign care, oversight, and detailed direction of our lives in the hands of a loving, provident God." I continue to think about and notice in the Bible that it calls attention so often to the work of God in our lives. That as it presents people and their lives, their coming and goings, it is all interlaced or spoke of as being the will of God. That he is at times disciplining them when they are experiencing affliction and sometimes there really isn't a cause that we are accustomed to thinking there must be. Like Paul in prison. God seems to have simply wanted him there. And my friend Bobby's cancer. Sometimes things happen with a purpose we don't understand and yet we can see how the Lord takes us through these events. 

Naomi and Ruth are in Bethlehem. Verse 1 of chapter 2 mentions a kinsman, a relative on her husband's side of the family - Boaz. Boaz is introduced. Ruth requests to go glean in the field (verse 2). As it states in Lev. 19:9–10 - "‘Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God." To glean is to gather grain. The edges of your field will not be completely gleaned or extracted from the field, but some shall be left for the needy. 

I like this recognition that there are certain parts of our class that are in more need than others and it is our purpose to share with those in need. God made provision for these people. I just wonder at times if we are doing all we can to properly help those in need. Ruth comes across Boaz (verse 3). In verse 4 Boaz pronounces a blessing upon his workers. And the workers return the favor to Boaz as well. Boaz asks about Ruth. Ruth goes to serve with the reapers (v 7). 

Boaz remarks favor towards Ruth (v. 8-9). He asks her to remain with the other women, so as to be protected with those of the same sex as her. He orders the men reapers to stay far from her. He serves her and has his best interest in mind towards her. Ruth wonders why someone would be so kind to her, given that she is a Moabite and a stranger. Boaz remarks of how impressed he is of Ruth and all that she has done in supporting her mother-in-law and being with her. He remarks that she seeks refuge in the Lord and is serving him in this regard and seek refuge in him. The people of Boaz and Israel are different and Ruth is more interested in being a part of the people of Israel and so comes to be with Ruth and now Boaz. 

Boaz serves her at mealtime. She took the gleanings that Boaz had provided for her (v.16) and gave them to Naomi. All the time, Boaz was serving her, blessing her and protecting her. Boaz went over and above in providing for the needs of Ruth and Naomi. 

Summary: Ruth goes to glean in the field with Boaz looking on, admiring her, protecting her and blessing her. She brings back to Naomi extra gleanings provided by Boaz. 

Promise: Commandments of gleaning are there to encourage us to be more generous. 

Prayer: God, you are good and sovereign over all. Your ways are above our ways. You provide for people, all those in need and encourage me as well to be generous. Thank you for your scripture and your words and this time to study and learn from these books. Thank you for your divine guidance and showing me how you work. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Joshua 10:1-15 - The Sun Stands Still

Joshua 10:1-15

Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai...and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land, that he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. Therefore this king sent word to (4 other) kings to attack Gibeon...and they camped by Gibeon and fought against it.

The men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua...saying, “Do not abandon your servants...and the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.” So Joshua came upon them suddenly...and slew them...and pursued them...and as they fled...the Lord threw large stones from heaven on them...and they died.

Then Joshua spoke to the Lord...

“O sun, stand still at Gibeon,

And O moon in the valley of Aijalon.”

So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,

Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies.

Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel (excerpts).

Message: The Sun Stands Still

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: I continue to walk through these passages in Joshua - and the story of the Lord delivering the house of Israel into the land of Canaan, a land He had promised them. Moses had not been successful in taking them here, so Joshua completes that conquest of the Promised Land. In these passages, I notice the Lord speaking and providing the means to conquer situations that look daunting. I think these are miracles (parting waters of Jordan, falling the walls of Jericho) and following these is the people celebrating or commemorating these works of God. 

In this reading today, Adoni-zedek hears that Joshua had captured Ai and so Adoni-zedek, king of Jerusalem, calls his allies together, four neighboring Amorite rulers, to resist Joshua and instead attack Gibeon. Verse 12 speaks of "delivered up the Amorites" and so the Amorites are a people group of Canaan. Some say Canaanites are interchangeable with Amorites, or the Amorites are a people group of Canaan. 

Israel controls about half the land of Canaan. With these kings arriving as a group and now attacking Gibeon, the men of Gibeon send word to Joshua asking for help, stating, "Do not abandon your servants, come quickly." Joshua responds and the Lord promises, "I have given them into your hands." And they were conquered by Joshua and his men with the Lord throwing large stones from heaven on them. With God by their side, they are overcomers. 

And then a miracle occurs whereby the sun stands still for an entire day and does not go down. What occurs here is hard to define. But we know God intervened. 

Summary: Allies King of Jerusalem and Amorite Kings go to Gibeon to attack, but Joshua comes to slay them with stones from heaven and the sun appearing to stand still. 

Promise: God does not leave us alone and continues to fight for us today. 

Prayer: O God, your mercy and your protection for your people, your called one's, is a wonder. Thank you for showing through Your word Your protection of Your people. Thank you for these stories that can encourage me today. That you are with me and continue to fight for your people. Help us to remember this and not be focused on our setbacks. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Jesus Calling: December 9

Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to Me is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk. You are approaching a crossroads in your journey. In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe.
     Let Me lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid. Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go. 

Psalm 23:4
English Standard Version
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
 
Psalm 9:10
English Standard Version
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
 
John 12:26
English Standard Version
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

My Prayer
Lord, comfort, minimizing risk, and keeping myself safe are hallmarks of my life. I know this is how I live life. And I often will follow you only to extent that it doesn't infringe on these tenets of my being. For instance, I know your word says I will be persecuted but I tend to not follow you and put myself in situations where persecution might occur because I like my lifestyle too much and I don't want to hurt it so I find easier ways to follow You. Yesterday, I was remembering a song that was so popular 25 years ago and the words are "Lift me up" meaning its focus is you rescuing me and lifting me up. I too often take this to mean that I want to be greater or more successful or have more riches. But your focus towards me is eternal. Lord, teach me and break me so that if you are calling me to be uncomfortable or take risks I can do that and still be in peace. 

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

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Psalm 72:12-20 - The Enduring Name of the King

Psalm 72:12-20

For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight; so may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; and let them pray for him continually; let them bless him all day long. May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.

The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Message: The Enduring Name of the King

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

We need to intercede for all of our rulers. 

Rescuing the helpless

Verse 12 presents ideas from previous Psalm 72 verses, but now as if the requests had already been carried out. In those verses the prayer was that the king would defend the cause of the helpless and now Solomon speaks as if these requests have been fulfilled. For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight. Or it could be that he is still praying, but praying with much more confidence now.

A life of praise and gratitude
so may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; and let them pray for him continually; let them bless him all day long. So may he live. Those are amazing words. The cry of the forgiven, the saved, the redeemed -- it is a glorious thing. I think of that song by Mylon LeFevre, Stranger to Danger that I have always loved. It speaks of a life that was being lived, but then was found, new life in Christ. "I'm finally free." Lord, my prayers are rarely for the oppressed. Instead, I am often praying the comfortable would be more comfortable or the safe would be more safe.

Everyone is valuable. The gold of Sheba is obviously something of great value that can now be offered to God. and let them pray for him continually; I am to pray that this leader, who has this power, would have a great reign and be able to protect and keep safe the oppressed. let them bless him all day long. From Albert Barnes - "Their lives are lives of praise and gratitude. From their dwellings daily praise ascends to him; from their hearts praise is constant; praise uttered in the closet and in the family; praise breathed forth from the heart, whether on the farm, in the workshop, on a journey, or in the busy marts of commerce. The time will come when this shall be universal; when he who can take in at a glance the condition of the world, will see it to be a world of praise; when he who looks on all hearts at the same moment will see a world full of thankfulness." It is interesting how wonderful and contagious is praise time. And yet, we have lives to live and so we must live those lives. I struggle sometimes living in this praise because it does feel segmented from the other ways of life. And then I struggle thinking what it could be live for eternity. Yet, maybe eternity will be praising God. And that experience may be eternal, but actually feel momentary. We will be caught up in blessing God all day long. But, also here is the idea that the leader is blessed for saving his people. 

Abundance of vegetation
I move to verse 16 and continue to break this down: May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. As he continues to pray, he remarks that the grain and produce of the world will be abundant. He mentions that vegetation will produce. He prays that life will be healthy.

His name endures forever
May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. I dream of a day when God's name is cherished more. I can't help but see more and more as I walk around in life and how the name of God is just not praised and blessed more. God is an afterthought or something that is just a part of our lives, but not our entire lives. It is sad to see. But, one day "his name endure forever." Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.

Promise: Even the best rulers do not fulfill the task of peace and justice. The failure of earthly leaders point us to to the only king who will never fail -- Jesus Christ.

Jesus Calling: June 27

Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.
     I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go. 

Psalm 143:8
English Standard Version

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.
 
Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

My Prayer
Lord, I come to you in the morning. I seek you this day. You are with me. You live in me. I do not live my life alone. You are my protection, my rest. Wherever I go, you are there. I can trust You God. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.  

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Zechariah 2

Message: Vision: Future prosperity and the angels are called home

Time: Written during the building of the temple -- 520-516BC

What the Lord is Saying: Zechariah sees another vision. This time he sees a man with a ruler in his hand. The man was headed to Jerusalem to measure its width and length. Then the angel with me saw a second angel that told me to hurry that man for Jerusalem will be full of people one day and there won't be room enough for everyone. And the Lord states that He will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem. He will protect his people, even though they are large in numbers.

The Lord reminds his people that he will protect them. He won't be distant, but he is coming to live among them. God is near. He will come. The Lord is active. All humanity will know that God is with His people.

Promise: The Lord will protect His people. "The Lord loves us so deeply and thoroughly that He will not let those who impenitently rise up against us finally get away with it. God never forgets His children. (Tabletalk, November 25, 2013)"