I Samuel 4:1-11 - The Ark of the Covenant Captured

I Samuel 4:1-11

When the people came into the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies." (verse 3)

Message: The Ark of the Covenant Captured

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: The Philistines and Israel are in battle at Aphek. 4,000 Israelites lost their lives on the battlefield (v. 2). The elders of Israel wonder why the Lord has allowed Israel to be defeated by the Philistines (v. 3). The respond by taking the ark of the covenant from Shiloh thinking it will help them defeat their enemies (v. 3). Hophni and Phinehas were there with the ark and the people went there to get it and bring it back (v. 4). 

Arriving back at the camp, all the people shouted when the ark arrived (v. 5). The Philistines wondered what the noise meant, but then they realized the ark had arrived (v. 6). Now the Philistines were afraid thinking God had arrived in the camp (v. 7). They spoke "Woe to us!" And they spoke as if this represented gods because multiple gods is all they knew and guessed the ark represented multiple gods (v. 8). And then the Philistines encourage one another to defeat the Hebrews lest they become slaves to them (v. 9). Interesting how the writer of this book extolls the behavior somewhat of these Philistines, helping the reader understand the victory or mindset of the Philistines. It says 30,000 foot soldiers of Israel now perished and the ark of the covenant was taken and Hophni and Phinehas died (v. 10-11).  

This is an interesting passage that does not record victory by the Israel but instead successive defeats, even after the people bring the ark into their midst. 

In verse 3, the Israelites believe that God has allowed Philistines to defeat Israel. God is sovereign meaning to me that he works all things out according to the counsel of His will. But in response to this, the people believe they can take the ark, bring it to them and they will be safe. In Joshua 6, the ark is used in leading up to the battle at Jericho, but at the direction of the Lord. Here, Israel simply thinks they can grab the ark, bring it to them and they will be safe. But it doesn't work out like that. 

Life is not as easy as 1-2-3 and going with the formula and all works out. And yet we try. We hate to suffer and hate when bad things happen. I was speaking to a friend who is having trouble meeting his living expenses and made the comment - "I want to know how to pray to break the hindrance to receive money." He is looking for the formula with God. He sees that God is the way but he is discouraged because he thinks he needs to simply find the way to make things work out the way he needs them to work out. Tabletalk remarks today that Israel did not have the right heart. I wonder. Could it be that no matter what we do we can't force God's hand? Could it be that we can try to do the right things but ultimately we must trust God. All I know is it is hard. We hate to struggle. My friend seems like he is on the brink of homelessness if he doesn't start making money. 

In this lesson, I learn that God is sovereign, but that sovereignty does not always mean our lives are without complication. In this passage, it mentions 34,000 Israelites that died. That's an easy number to write, but a hard idea to accept. Any loss of life is difficult to understand. 

Summary: Israelites and Philistines are in battle with the Philistines as the aggressor. The Philistines win, twice, with Israel false believing that securing the ark of the covenant will make them victorious. 

Promise: God's ways are not our ways. We cannot simply do things to earn his favor, we surrender to Him and learn to accept what He provides. 

Prayer: Father God, this passage is difficult. It is hard I suppose to see the outcome of this war and the loss of life, though the losing army are the only numbers mentioned. Lord, we are a people that hates hard times and we obviously only want good things to occur. When they don't, we think we can come up with possibly the right formula to make things work out right. Sometimes I think we do this, simply to make things work out the way we want. I suppose it is normal. This passage of scripture is interesting, for I am not sure there is a big application other than you have purposes we do not see or understand. All I can continue to do is trust in You. And thank you for the eternal home I have with You. Teach me this. I keep trusting. I keep believing. I keep praying. 

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

Proverbs 10:28 - Only Today

Proverbs 10:28

The hope of the righteous is gladness,

But the expectation of the wicked perishes.

Message: Only Today

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Hope - righteous - glad vs expectation - wicked - perish. First thoughts -- hope is more of a sure thing than simply an expectation. Hope has more of a certainty about it while an expectation is less certain. Yet, overall I see again the natural comparison of the righteous and wicked person in this chapter that has been so prevalent throughout the chapter. The writer is extolling and raising up over and over the outcome of being a righteous person. It is a favorable position. Over and over the idea is to not only do the right thing, but be the right sort of person. To be righteous is not only to have high morals, but it is to live according to standards and the Christian is to live their life under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He directs us daily to live in a way that honors God. 

The Contemporary English Version says there is no future for the wicked. I think that is the overriding point. The wicked person only has today. The righteous person has tomorrow and the day after. The atheist only has today while those that are walking with God have hope for tomorrow. 

One thing to think about here is the wicked person's future is futile because we live under the paradigm of righteousness and Godliness. Under that worldview, there is no hope for the wicked for they only have wrath to look forward to in the future. There is no happy after life. There is only separation from God in hell. To say that it perishes means it amounts to nothing. 

God also is preparing a place for us in the future (John 14:2-3) and so this is why our future has hope.

Prayer: O God, thank you for the future and for having my future in mind. I realize in this day and age, all the messages are only about today and making today priority one. Keep me attuned to Your message and Your word Lord in focusing on tomorrow and my future. Thank you for that peace and I pray more would understand and accept the peace that You have for them.  

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

I Samuel 3:1 - 4:1 - The Lord Calls Samuel

I Samuel 3:1 - 4:1

19 Now Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and He let none of his words fail. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord.

Message: The Lord Calls Samuel

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: Verse 1 seems to highlight a difference between the two sons of Eli and now Samuel. It states, "Now the boy Samuel" in contrast to the words of I Samuel 2 of his sons and "the report is not good" (2:24). The reality is those individuals who marked their lives consistently in growing up in the Lord and ministering to the Lord were rare. 

In this 2nd chapter the Lord calls Samuel and yet Samuel does not recognize the Lord. He thinks instead it is Eli. This happens 3 tunes through verse 8. Verse 7 says, "Samuel did not yet know the Lord." Then in verse 9, Eli instructs Samuel on how to answer the next time he hears the Lord. 

The Lord is speaking a word to Samuel and that word is He will curse Eli and his household. The issue was "because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he (Eli) did not rebuke them" (v.13). One problem was the sin and the other was the father not rebuking the sin. The sin needs to be called out and brought to the attention of others as not being acceptable. 

Samuel is now scared to tell Eli (v. 15), but eventually he does and Eli accepts it - "It is the Lord: let Him do what seems good to Him" (v. 19). It was not good for Eli, but he would accept it. As what is important is that it is good for the Lord. That's the crux of this. God will do what is best for Him in the moment. 

Thus:

• Samuel grew and the Lord was with him (v. 19)
• [he] let none of his words fail (v. 19)
• he was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord (v. 20)
• the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel (v. 21)
• the word of Samuel came to all Israel. (4:1)

The Lord speaks not simply alone himself, but uses people to speak through. This chapter chronicles the life of Samuel up to being a prophet. It started with his mother dedicated him to God's service and then he responded by growing up in the Lord. But even as God spoke to him, he did not hear Him as Lord. He needed instruction and Eli as a priest provided him that guidance and instruction so that next time the Lord called him, he heard. And then God asked him to do something and He replied and did it and in the process he became one God can count on. He grew to be a Prophet of the Lord and eventually one that speaks to all of the people. There is a progression here with many involved, his mother, a priest, and the Lord ultimately. 

Summary: Samuel, unlike Eli’s sons, is growing with the Lord God, as a prophet, and bringing God’s word to Israel. 

Promise: I need to take time daily to listen to God. 

Prayer: Father God, I am yours, created by You to not only live morally but to live always pleasing to You. Samuel modeled this and I pray my life now and going forward will be a life well lived according to the truth of who you are and who I am in You. I am to bring You glory. Like Eli’s sons though I am often so selfish and am only seeking what makes me feel good. I ask for strength each day, Your strength, so that I will be one that honors You. I ask this and come to You in the name of Jesus and because of Him. Amen 

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

Proverbs 10:27 - A Long Life

Proverbs 10:27

The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. 

Message: A Long Life

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: In first reading other translations of this verse there are not many variations though some instead of fear talk of obedience or respect to the Lord. 

I noticed a very similar idea with the following verse (possibly also by Solomon): 

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13

Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. / Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

It does seem like that ungodly ways in people do result in a shorter life, but perhaps we hear of the lifestyles of those in the public eye more often and the appearance that their life is shortened. It seems those that live long lives are those that have taken care of themselves and lived simpler lives. 

Ellicott's Commentary cites those who are "shortening their lives by excessive anxieties, or the pursuit of pleasure." Whereas, Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine." I also notice actions like stress often cause anxieties which can make problems with bowels and an upset stomach. Promiscuous lives result in the occurrence of diseases. It seems righteous living produces a peace in life perhaps that others do not experience. 

Prayer: Father, I pray I would be one that lives in a righteous manner, not only with the peace of Christ, but doing the right thing and making good choices. 

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

I Samuel 2 - Hannah's Song and Eli's Sons

I Samuel 2

The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;

And He will give strength to His king,

And will exalt the horn of His anointed. - verse 10

Message: Hannah's Song and Eli's Sons

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: Samuel is born with Hannah dedicating him to the Lord. Chapter 2 opens with Hannah's son, her prayer is an anthem of praise to God for the great God that He is and how He cares for his people and acts for them. He is sovereign and Lord of all. He is there for the poor and needy, "raises the poor from the dust, lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit a seat of honor" (verse 8). 

Elkanah returns home to Ramah (v. 11) while Samuel stays with Eli at Shiloh. In verses 12-18 the sons of Eli are mentioned - Hophni and Phinehas (1:3), priests to the Lord and yet "worthless men; they did not know the Lord" (v. 12). Verse 13-17 describe their unjust ways. Rather than taking the fat of the offering from the worshipper and offering it to be burned on the altar of Jehovah (Leviticus 3:3-5) as a soothing aroma before the Lord, they instead took the fat themselves (v.16) showing they "despised the offering of the Lord" (v. 17). 

Hannah is given 3 more sons in birth and two daughters (v. 21) for her comfort and enjoyment, beyond Samuel who is dedicated to the Lord. 

Meanwhile the sons of Eli mistreat the women that are there to serve at the tabernacle (v.22). There is the contrast mentioned here between the unwholesome ways of Eli's sons and Samuel "growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men" (v. 26). 

In verse 27, "a man of God came to Eli." The term “man of God” we find applied to Moses and to different prophets some forty or more times in the Books of Judges, Samuel, and Kings (Ellicott's Commentary). This signifies the way in which God intercedes and speaks to certain people and has come to this man and therefore the man is expected to pass that along to his children. God "chose them from all of the tribes of Israel (v. 28)." This man of God pronounces a judgment of sort on Eli based upon the actions and irreverence of his sons and instead of the sons, he will raise a faithful priest (v. 35). 

Summary: Hannah praises God and then there is the contrast of Eli's sons who are worthless and do not follow the Lord compared to Samuel that is dedicated to the Lord for service. 

Promise: We need to always be serious about our following of the Lord and not ever grow complacent.

Prayer: God, you are sovereign and Lord. Thank you for calling Your people. May we always be faithful in following You and honoring You with our lives. And may I return to You praise and thanksgiving for all that you have done for me. Draw people to yourself. Call people to love and honor You always. I praise Your name. Thank for you for saving me.  

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

TABLETALK - March 2019

2019 looks at the history of Old Testament Israel showing that the failures and successes of the Israelites led to the coming of Jesus, the Savior who redeems us from sin and empowers us by His Spirit to bear spiritual fruit in obedience to Him. 

January 2019 (October 25, 2024 - January 23, 2025) - Joshua 1-14 - How the Lord brought Israelites into Canaan

February 2019 (January 24, 2025 - July 6, 2025) - Joshua 15 to Judges 11 - God calls his people to finish driving out the inhabitants of Canaan, but they fail. God disciplines them and saves them from destruction. 

March 2019 (July 7, 2025 - August 24, 2025) - Judges 12 to I Samuel 1 - God's people may fall into great sin, but there is always a righteous remnant. 

Judges 12 and 13 - The Birth of Samson - Jephthah conquers Ephraim. Judges Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon follow. Then Israel does evil in the sight of the Lord and the angel of the Lord announces to Manoah and his wife the birth of Samson. 

Judges 14 - Samson Breaks the Vow - Samson goes against the way of God multiple times but God consecrated him for a purpose and the Spirit of the Lord continue to come upon him to do His work. 

Judges 15 - Samson Avenges Himself on the Philistines - Samson and the Philistines fight fire with fire. Eventually, Samson prevails, but only because of the Spirit of the Lord giving him the power. 

Judges 16:1-22 - Samson Defeated - Samson continues to show his problem with lust, dealing with Delilah who has a quest for money. The Lord disciplines Samson as he ends up in prison. 

Judges 16:23-31 - Samson Victorious - The Philistines ridicule Samson but Samson implores God's strength one last time and bring the temple down.

Judges 17-19 - Israel becomes Sodom - Once again people did right in their own eyes , idolatry occurred as did sodomy and murder. 

Judges 20 - At War with Benjamin - The sin of Gibeah is addressed, but at a heavy cost and a loss of many men on both sides, but mostly in the tribe of Benjamin. 

Judges 21 - Wives for Benjamin - Wives are provided for Benjamin in an unorthodox way. Without a leader, people kind of do run astray.  

Ruth 1:1-14 - Naomi and Her Daughters-In-Law - Naomi and her family go to Moab and get two wives, though all of the men then die and Naomi returns to Judah only with one wife--Ruth. 

Ruth 1:15-22 - Ruth and Naomi - Naomi returns to Bethlehem, her home and Ruth clings to her stating where she goes, Ruth will go as well. Coming back home without men feels like being afflicted by God. 

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

Ruth 2:19-3:5 - Naomi Sees God's Kindness - Naomi plans a way for Boaz to hopefully see that he can fulfill the law to take Ruth for his wife. 

Ruth 3:6-18 - Ruth Asks Boaz to Redeem Her - Ruth follows threw on Naomi's advice in going to the threshing floor to pursue Boaz. He complies but wants to make sure there isn't another relative who will fulfill the close relative obligation toward Ruth. 

Ruth 4:1-12 - Boaz Redeems Elimelech’s Line - Boaz checks with the other relative about fulfilling the redeemer role. He’s not interested so Boaz marries Ruth. 

Ruth 4:13-22 - A Story of Hesed - Boaz marries Ruth and they give birth to Obed. The women of Bethlehem speak blessings on Naomi. 

Various Scriptures - The Coming of the Messiah

I Samuel 1:1-18 - A Pious Family From Ephraim - Elkanah comes to Shiloh to offer sacrifices and provides a double portion to his wife Hannah who is without children. 

I Samuel 1:19-28 - God Remembers Hannah - Samuel is born to Hannah and Elkanah and taken to Shiloh to be dedicated to the Lord.

Why Is It So Hard to Pray - Burk Parsons - It's hard to pray because humbling ourselves, getting over ourselves, and coming to the end of our stubborn and sinful selves is hard. If I thought for a second that my feeble prayers changed God's mind and His perfect will, I would stop praying altogether. And then he says, "I'm sinful." I pray because I believe in the power of God. I trust Him. And I must share with God my life, my needs, my interactions with people and their needs. Prayer is my continual surrender of my perceived control of my life over to God for His control, knowing He cares more about me and what is best for me than I do. I agree, in prayer, of His perfect will for my good and His glory.  

1 - What is Prayer - Barry J. York - Westminster Larger Catechism 178 - "Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit; with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of his mercies." It is creaturely dependence in recognizing our needs and offering them to God. Our desires to God. We don't make requests on our own merits, but on the merits of Christ. To enter unto God through prayer can only be done by entering the holy places by the blood of Jesus ("In Jesus name"). And the Holy Spirit enables us to talk to the Father. The Spirit groans for us. Prayer, then, is having the Spirit's breath helping us to communicate, the Son's blood making a way, and the Father's ear attuned to our every plea. 

2 - Why Should I Pray - Douglas F. Kelly - The Trinity speaks of community and we pray because we were made likewise to commune with God. Prayer is hindered by sin. Jesus' coming restored complete man's fellowship with God, though the Lord continued to speak to us after the fall. We pray because God calls us to speak to Him. Directed by the Holy Spirit, we receive blessings. 

3 - To Whom Should I Pray - Jon D. Payne - Prayer is a principal element of worship. Biblical prayer is ordinarily addressed to the Father, in the name of the Son, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Paul mentions, "Through [Jesus] we...have access in one Spirit to the Father" (Eph. 2:18). Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father in heaven..." Jesus is our mediator, our one mediator. In Jesus we have fellowship with the Father. Apart from the Spirit, we are spiritually dead and have neither the ability nor the desire to pray (Eph. 2:1, Rom. 8:7). We can occasionally pray directly to Jesus or to the Holy Spirit for this underscores the divine personhood of the holy Trinity. 

4 - How Does the Holy Spirit Help When I Pray - Ken Jones - Romans 8:26, "The Spirt helps us...intercedes for us with groanings..." The Holy Spirit is indwelt in every believer (Rom. 8:9; Eph 1:13-14). The Spirit ministers to us, illumines our minds to comprehend God's grace in Christ. Paul contrasts the weakness of our flesh with the help of the Spirit (Rom. 7-8). Thus, the Spirit helps us in prayer, to recall who we are and comprehend the grace of the Lord to whom we're praying. 

5 - Does Prayer Change Things? - Fred Greco - We have needs and the Lord is the best and only provider for our needs ("He cares for me" - I Peter 5:7). God has given prayer as a means for us to come to Him, to trust Him, and to understand that He loves us and cares for us. God speaks to me through the Bible. I speak to Him through prayer. We pray to shape us more into the image of Christ. But God also use the prayer of His people to bring about His will. He chooses prayers of His people to initiate His deliverance of His people or them. So we pray, that the Lord will change both our circumstances and us. 

6 - Is It Better to Pray Out Loud Or Silently - Bruce P. Baugus - Jesus taught His disciples that our Father hears prayers offered silently or in secret. Jesus warns hypocrites who like to pray aloud in front of other to be seen. We should mostly pray in secret or silence, ready to pray aloud when the occasion presents itself. Praying with others often offers mutual encouragement and edification. God always hears the prayers of His people. 

7 - Do I Need to Follow a Pattern while Praying - Robert Rothwell - Jesus provided prayers by saying, "When you pray, say ..." (Luke 11:1-4), and, "Pray then like this..." (Matt. 6:9-13). We have ways to pray, but we also have a lot of various prayers in scripture, letting us know that there is variety in prayer. From these prayers, we can substitute our names in those prayers in scripture and it can help us stay focused on pray, especially when we are prone to wander when we pray. There are many resources for prayer and we do well to take advantage of any that help us pray more. 

8 - Is it necessary to end every prayer with "In Jesus Name"? - Mantle A. Nance - The Gospel of John mentions Jesus asking His disciples to pray in His name (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24). "Ask in my name." We don't have to end each prayer with "In Jesus Name" but we need to have the knowledge that our access to God is because of Jesus. Thus, by stating his name, we honor Him and we call attention to His name. There is a delight then to pray in His name. It is not a burden and shouldn't be, but a joy and privilege. 

9 - What does "Amen" mean? - Jared S. Oliphint - Amen marks the end of hymns, prayers, and even creeds. It is a word of connection of God's people - today to the past. It is a word of agreement. Saying the word directs our focus from ourselves and onto God. It seems to unite everyone in the thought and idea of the prayer. 

10 - Where and When Should I Pray - Like a marriage or any relationship, frequent conversation is necessary and needed to keep the relationship thriving. And yet need to be careful that it does not simply become a to-do list item to check off. Location or setting is not important. We need to pray where we need to pray. 

11 - How Long Should I Pray - C.N. Willborn - Questions of length and quantity over quality are often about ourselves. Paul's prayers appear to be sporadic. Length is not the most important thing. We will pray until we die. As we encounter people, events, thanksgiving, a sinner, temptation - pray. 

12 - What Posture Should I Use When I Pray? - Kevin Struyk - Any posture is good, what matters most is the condition of our heart - broken, contrite, humble, and dependent. Postures mentioned in the Bible include kneeling to pray alone, kneeling to pray with others. Kneeling is bent over, limiting distractions, showing honor. David sits before the Lord in prayer. Solomon stands and extends his hands in prayer. Paul exhorts Timothy and others to lift holy hands. Pray at all times means we will be in many different positions. 

13 - Does It Help If Others Pray for Things With Me - Thomas Brewer - Why do we have multiple people? Praying for the same thing? Perhaps we think that God will be more likely to do something. But that implies that we can conform. God’s will to ours. But God does what he pleases and prayers about making his will, or will, rather than making our will his. It’s God‘s will that we pray for one another and at all times. This is the way he is set things up. How many more people pray won’t increase the chance of altering gods will but God does choose to listen to an act, according to the prayers of his people when they pray together, according to his will and in his spirit. 

14 - Are the Prayers of Some People More Effective - Kevin D. Gardner - As we progress in sanctification our prayers become more and more aligned with the will and the heart of God. God is more and more inclined to grant what we desire, because what we desire will be what he desires.

15 - Does My Sin Hinder My Prayers? - David E. Briones - James 4:3 says, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." We will not get what we ask for if our motives are ungodly. Jesus modeled prayer for us and we look at those words of His prayer to help guide us in how we pray. He said, "Your kingdom come, your will be done." Thus, we pray to desire God's gifts in order to glorify and enjoy Him, now and forever. God is not a divine ATM where you insert a card, request a certain amount of cash, and take out what you want. God knows precisely what we need and what we do not need. We need to echo Jesus' prayer, "Not my will, but yours, be done." Sin can hinder our prayers but it's not always true that a hindered prayer means sin is present. A no from God is an answer to prayer. We should always work to trust God that he has our best interests in view. 

16 - Can I Pray Imprecatory Prayers? - John W. Tweeddale - Imprecatory is a prayer of lament and echoes ideas and prayers in scripture and our prayers are rooted in scripture. These prayers express the hurt and outrage that the people of God have at times in a world desecrated by sin. Thus, we can pray that God will punish the wicked, judge wicked leaders, dislike those that preach another gospel, thus we lift our voices to God, not our swords or words towards others of vengeance or payback. We let God do our fighting. 

17 - What If I Don't Feel Like Praying? - Adriel Sanchez - 

18 - How Can I Pray for Non-Christians? - Michael Lawrence

19 - How Can I Pray for My Spouse? - Joe Holland

20 - How Can I Pray for My Children? - Burk Parsons

21 - How Can I Pray for My Church? - Aaron L. Garriott

22 - Does God Hear Non-Christians When They Pray? - Keith A. Mathison

23 - How Can I Pray for Those who Are Ill and Dying? - Kelly M. Karic

24 - How Can I Pray for the World? - Daniel Timmer

A Strange Genealogy 

After We Fail

Coping With Anxiety

A Prison for Our Souls

Truth in a World of Lies

Gripped by Glory

Aspects of the Lord's Supper

Boldness and Clarity as a Light to the World

The Loneliness Epidemic 

Proverbs 10:26 - Lazy Messenger

Proverbs 10:26

Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
So is the lazy one to those who send him.

Message: Lazy Messenger

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: These Proverbs mostly explain the problem with being wicked and the advantage of being righteous. Most lead with a "not-to-do" followed by a "to-do." That contrast is fundamental to most of these proverbs, but I’ve noticed in chapter 10 the author deviates from that method at times. Verse 22 spoke about blessings from God. And now, here in verse 26 is an outcry to the lazy person.

Vinegar to the teeth and smoke in the eyes as mentioned. I think of both of these as being an irritant. And as an irritant, it makes life uncomfortable in that moment to where nothing else works, or can't function easily because of that disturbance. 

And this is spoken of a person who has been sent or is on a mission or is a messenger and that person is lazy. In other words, this is a person that has a job to do, has a task that has been assigned to them and rather than being efficient or proficient in doing that task, instead, they are not doing it which means they are now being called lazy. 

In my mind, this is something I struggle with. Assignments are given to me or tasks and I do some task quickly and some tasks are not done quickly. I put them off and then I find myself even at times wasting time or doing things that are not really important or even not that important at that moment based upon the task that has been given to me. I need to be doing the best I can but instead, I’m finding excuses to not do those things that are important. 

And so yes, most definitely, this person is an irritant. This person has potential and could do the task, but they are choosing to do other things. 

As a manager, I’ve seen this in employees, and it can be at times a hard thing to address. Rather than being blunt and saying they are lazy, often I dance around it by speaking gentler admonitions, but the idea is the same.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this verse. It hits me hard. I am quick to judge others rather than staring at myself, realizing that I too struggle with this. Forgive me Lord for pointing this out and not looking back at myself. Help me to change Lord and help others as well. I want to improve. Praise you God. Amen. 

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