Mark 8:15 - Watch Out for the Leaven of Herod

Mark 8:15

And He was giving orders to them, saying, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." 

Message: Watch out for the Leaven of Herod

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: It is interesting to see how metaphors are used in the Bible. The dictionary definition of a metaphor is "a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable." It is figurative not literal. Thus, "time is a thief" means to say that like a thief that steals is time that steals moments from us. Or "Life is a roller coaster" means to say that life has ups and downs and can be compared to the ups and downs of a roller coaster. Thus, a metaphor takes one idea and places it into a picture or word picture to help us better understand. 

Thus, in this verse, "leaven" is a familiar item in baking. It is used to cause dough to rise. Leaven is a fermenting agent. It is a substance that makes the dough rise by producing gas and makes bread or baked goods, light and fluffy. Baking powder is a type of leaven, and something that I like, and use when I make biscuits as it makes the biscuits stand up and fluffy instead of being dense and flat. 

The leaven changes the original substance. It makes it different from the original. Puffs it up. It spreads. It changes everything.

For the Israelites, during the exodus, when they left Egypt, they had to leave quickly. They didn’t have time to let their bread rise so they baked unleavened bread. The Israelites time in Egypt was marked by bondage. They were being corrupted. Their time in Egypt started out being good for they went there to escape a famine but over time they were enslaved, Egypt wanted to control them and eventually Pharaoh ordered Hebrew boys to be killed. It began to be a place where they lost their identity as children of God, separating themselves from God's promise. 

Once they were freed from Egypt, the Israelites began to celebrate through commemorations specific things that they were doing at the time they left. One of those was having unleavened bread. In many instances, leaven is representing sin, or corruption or bondage. There are events when the Israelites will remove any form of leaven from their midst and commemorate their exodus. 

As such, in today's text Jesus is speaking to a large crowd and the disciples and says, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." Leaven here is not bread, but instead Jesus is saying beware of the corruption of the Pharisees and of Herod. Beware of what they represent and it spilling over into your life. Beware of what they are saying. 

In Mark 6:14-16, Herod is finding about Jesus from others. When people heard of Jesus in that day, it caused them to go to the source or go to Jesus and hear from him directly. Herod instead conjured up his conclusion of Jesus based upon what he heard and concluded with that Jesus is a risen John. Jesus warns his followers of listening to others. Instead go to the source.  

The other problem with Herod is he was only interested in an intellectual understanding. He was not moved to repentance. When we embrace Jesus we experience a heart change. It is not a change based upon what someone tells me I am to change, it is based upon what I want to change. I am called a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."

I have been conversing with some folks close to me. They actually seem to have a good understanding of Jesus and dying on the cross, but they have pointed out to me that they are not hip on making a life change or feeling like they are being told that they need a life change. They only want to go to school, they don't want to live in the real world. They don't want to repent and change their ways. They want the "get of jail free" card only. 

Summary: Jesus warns his followers to focus only on His words and not what others are saying about him. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving us this book and the richness of it. 

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

TABLETALK - July 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. 

April 2019 (August 25, 2025 - January 20, 2026) - I Samuel 2 to I Samuel 17 - Israel transitions from the eras of the judges to the monarchy. And also see Israel's ongoing conflict with the Philistines. 

May 2019 (January 21, 2026 - February 19, 2026) - I Samuel 17 to 2 Samuel 5 - David is on the run between his anointing and his assumption of the throne of Israel. 

June 2019 (February 20, 2026 - March 12, 2026) - 2 Samuel 6 to 2 Samuel 15 - David begins his 40 year reign of Judah/Israel.

July 2019 (March 13, 2026 - April 14, 2026) - 2 Samuel 16 to I Kings 2 - David is protected from Absalom’s revolt and Solomon succeeds him as king. 

2 Samuel 16:1-14 - David on the Run - David leaves Jerusalem, encounters Ziba and Shimei who both seems to want something ill of David and David responds not by dismissing them but with a trust in God for whatever He wills. 

2 Samuel 16:15-17:23 - Ahithophel’s Counsel Defeated - Ahithophel betrays David siding with Absalom in a coup to make Absalom king. But Hushai gets the information communicated to David. 

2 Samuel 17:24-18:18 - Absalom Defeated - David prepares for battle toward Absalom and his army. Justice and mercy are central in sparing Absalom's life, but Joab seizes an opportunity to kill him and Absalom's rebellion is defeated. 

2 Samuel 18:19-33 - David Laments Absalom's Death - The battle has ended and Ahimaaz, a priest and a Cushite want to deliver the results to David and yet our vague in announcing the demise of Absalom, but David figures it out and laments. 

2 Samuel 19:1-23 - David Returns to Jerusalem - Joab encourages David to show his people they are important and to gain their acceptance he appoints Amasa as commander of his army. 

2 Samuel 19:24-43 - Signs of Trouble to Come - David is heading towards Jerusalem, crossing the Jordan, bringing Chimham along but there is a rift between the tribes of Judah and Israel. 

2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion - Sheba now rebels and the Northern Tribe, but Joab begins to cut off the supplies in a fortified city and a woman comes forward to mediate and Sheba's head is cut off and delivered to Joab.

2 Samuel 21 - Blood Atonement - A famine has been in the land for 3 years because Saul's attacking Gibeonites who had a previous covenant with Joshua. In return, 7 men are hanging providing a blood atonement and the famine ends and then wars with the Philistines occur but David's men conquer them. 

2 Samuel 22:1-20 - David's Song of Deliverance - The author of 2 Samuel starts to conclude the life of David by offering here a song of praise with God as David's deliverer, fully expressing God's intervention in David's life.

2 Samuel 22:21-31 - The Righteousness of David - David continues his song to God showing how his righteous living results in good outcomes. 

2 Samuel 22:32-51 - Kindness to the Lord's Anointed - God stabilizes me. I am only strong because of God. David is one of his chosen one's, but not all are chosen. David praises God. I give thanks to Him. 

2 Samuel 23-24 - David's Last Words - David mentions last words about characteristics of a Godly king and then also lists out all of the men that assisted him in establishing his kingdom. 

I Chronicles 21:1-6 - David's Census - Under God's sovereign will, Satan incites David to count his people to prepare his army. Joab objects but this counting will result eventually in the building of the temple. 

I Chronicles 21:7-22:1 - The Temple's Location Identified - The consequence David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel, and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. 

I Kings 1:1-27 - Who Will Be King? - David is old in age and struggling in his health. Meanwhile, his son Adonijah self proclaims himself as the next although Nathan and Bathsheba confirm that Solomon, as promised, is to be king. 

I Kings 1:28-53 - Solomon Anointed King - In response to Adonijah trying to be king, David proclaims Solomon as king, has him ride in on a mule, sit on his throne and the people respond while the supporters of Adonijah flee and David has mercy on him. 

1 Kings 2:1-9 - Guidance to Solomon - David concludes his life by giving a great charge to Solomon to follow God, walk in His ways, and carry on the promise God made to David - to remain faithful. 

I Chronicles 22:2-19 - The Temple Builder - David, close to death, charges Solomon to build the temple, after gathering the material and labor groups for the building, stating the Lord will be with him. 

I Chronicles 23 - Numbering the Levites - The Levites were designated by David as God's people responsible for service in building and overseeing the temple, some being priests. 

I Chronicles 28:1-19 - David's Final Charge to Israel - David commissions Solomon to build the temple, to trust God, be obedient to His commands and gives him detailed instructions on the inside building of the temple and its attributes. 

I Chronicles 28:20-29:9 - David's Final Temple Guidance - David gives Solomon a final charge of strength and courage and speaks to the leaders and their respond with willingness and providing their resources as well in building the temple. 

I Chronicles 28:20 - 29:9 - David's Final Temple Guidance

I Chronicles 28:20 - 29:9

Then David said to his own son Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished." (verse 20)

Message: David's Final Temple Guidance

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, pr+iests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: Previously, in chapter 28, David commissions Solomon to build the temple, to trust God, be obedient to His commands and gives him detailed instructions on the inside building of the temple and its attributes. 

Solomon has a big responsibility. Most thought probably that David would be building the temple, but instead Solomon has the responsibility. I think of Joshua who would be responsible for taking the people into the promised land when it seemed like this would be Moses role. And just like Joshua in chapter 1 being told to "be strong and courageous" Solomon hears the same words from David. God will be with him. Yes, he is told to respond to the Lord with obedience but there is also this promise that "the lord God, My God is with you." God is there with us. 

And David tells him that "every willing man of any skill will be with you in all the work for all kinds of service." In addition to God being with him, men will be with him. God works through us and God works through others to accomplish his purposes. 

David speaks "to the entire assembly" as chapter 29 begins and records. He lets them know of the great project and the great provision of material. The people see the need and "offered willingly." The people rejoiced in this manner. They received a great joy in also providing in a willing manner. 

Let us do the same and contribute to the church our works, our actions and our funds. God is doing a great work and we have the opportunity to be involved. As we do, we will be blessed.

Summary: David gives Solomon a final charge of strength and courage and speaks to the leaders and their respond with willingness and providing their resources as well in building the temple. 

Promise: Let us generously support the work of the church as Christ builds His kingdom on earth.

Prayer: God, you are doing a great work. Let me be strong and courageous and let me and others be willing to be involved and get excited about this great work. Thank you for the church and our opportunity to be involved. 

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

I Chronicles 28:1-19 - David's Final Charge to Israel

I Chronicles 28:1-19

So now, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek after all the commandments of the Lord your God in order that you may possess the good land and bequeath it to your sons after you forever (verse 8). 

Message: David's Final Charge to Israel

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, pr+iests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying: David is dying and at the end of his life Solomon is now beginning to build the temple after David has started gathering the supplies and items to be included in the build. 

David assembles all of the leaders of Israel, including tribe leaders, commanders, those overseeing property and livestock. He mentions that God called him and his people to build a home for the ark , a house for His name, yet he would not build it but his son Solomon. This came from the Lord. "His kingdom forever for those that perform God's commandments and ordinances." Blessings occur from obedience. This is the covenant relationship established by God. Our works do not earn God's acceptance but our faithfulness to his commands is done to ensure God's continued blessings. True discipleship is marked by obedience in learning to do all that God commands though I have always approached this as doing so because we want to be faithful to Him because of His great love for us. Even as I read and study Proverbs, living in righteousness yields good outcomes. Thus, in verse 8 of this chapter, "seek after all the commandments of the Lord your God so that you may possess the good land." Deuteronomy 6:17, "You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His provisions and His statutes which He has commanded you." We need to be serious always about keeping God's laws. 

David also speaks directly to Solomon and tells him to (1) know God and (2) Serve Him wholeheartedly. This is our way of life and what we need to desire. I will go to church tomorrow and my ambition in church should be to know Him. I serve Him by serving others and I am struggling right now in this regard. I am 58 now and feel like I am struggling with working and serving others in the church. My ability to do numerous priorities daily is getting harder. I am spending time in His word and enjoying knowing Him but finding that my service of God is waning. David also tells Solomon to know and serve "with a willing mind." This suggests eagerness and readiness. I feel like I need to blot out distractions. Verse 9 is a great verse. "Be courageous and act." 

Next David gives more detailed instructions regarding the temple. The porch or the entrance from the secular to the sacred. Churches most often call this the foyer but it is there before one enters the sanctuary. He explained its buildings designed to facilitate worship; supply rooms or storehouses; upper rooms for prayer and meditation; the mercy seat or atoning cover where the priests sprinkled the blood once a year for atonement. These plans reflected God's plans for the house of the Lord. 

There are specific instructions for worship. There are divisions in the worship process in order to make sure that worship is done in an orderly fashion. David isn't only providing Solomon the individuals but he is also now laying out the specifics of the material that is being used for construction. Each lampstand is mentioned as it is the light in the temple. It is a critical part of the temple obviously, its placement and how it is constructed. My understanding comes from here. Verse 16 mentions, "The table of showbread, also known as the table of the Presence, was a sacred piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where twelve loaves of bread were placed as an offering to God, representing the twelve tribes of Israel." The placement of the cherubim overhangs the ark of the covenant and its details are mentioned. 

Summary: David commissions Solomon to build the temple, to trust God, be obedient to His commands and gives him detailed instructions on the inside building of the temple and its attributes. 

Promise: Pay close attention to God's words and his instructions. 

Prayer: Lord, give me strength. Lord, I want to know You and want to serve You but I admit getting busy and procrastinating and not getting after it at times. But I need to simply try. Like with the men of the art of marriage class. You gave me a charge to spend time with them and perhaps get them involved regularly with other men in prayer and encouragement. I need to follow up with them. Help me to make this happen. Just as the Lord chose Solomon to build a temple, it seems Your Spirit pressed upon me to get these men involved in small groups. Help me to be courageous and act. Courage is something I need Lord. 

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

I Chronicles 23 - Numbering the Levites

I Chronicles 23

For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward. (verse 27)

Message: Numbering the Levites

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying:  In the previous chapter, David, close to death, charges Solomon to build the temple, after gathering the material and labor groups for the building, stating the Lord will be with him. Here in chapter 23, David "made Solomon king over Israel and he gathered together all the leaders of Israel with the priests and the Levites" numbering them at 38,000 -- 24,000 to oversee work on the temple, 6,000 as officers and judges, 4,000 as gatekeepers, and 4,000 praising the Lord with instruments. It was the Levites who were appointed for service in the temple, but not all the Levites were designated as priests. This temple would be a replacement for the temporary tent of the tabernacle. But the temple was also temporary, and one day all of God's people would be permanent priests living in the temple of Christ. 

Thus in the Bible is this theme of temporary and permanent. Perhaps the law was set up as a temporary instrument to guide people in understanding what they are to do and their sin, but ultimately God has written this on people's hearts with a conscience. The sacrificial system was temporary covering for sin with Jesus ultimately covering everyone's sin once and for all. Even our time on earth is temporary which leads us ultimately to our permanent home with God in heaven. Suffering is temporary in this life as sin entangles us but permanently we will be with God without sin. 

Summary: The Levites were designated by David as God's people responsible for service in building and overseeing the temple, some being priests. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "In Christ, we can all enter God’s direct presence, for He has gone before us as our High Priest, and we also go with Him, for we are united to Him by faith."

Prayer: O God, you are gracious and your plan for history and my life and all time is perfect. I submit and surrender to You, My Lord and King, choosing me as your vessel. Give me strength today in service to You continually in serving others. Be glorified. Thank you for the reminder here of temporary versus permanent. And having an eternal home for us in heaven. 

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

I Chronicles 22:2-19 - The Temple Builder

I Chronicles 22:2-19

Now, my son, the Lord be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the Lord your God just as He has spoken concerning you. (verse 11)

Message: The Temple Builder

Time: 1 Chronicles has a mystery writer and focuses on David's reign though doesn't repeat David's sin with Bathsheba. It was written in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah or 538-333 BC while the Jews were dispersed throughout Persia, some having returned from Israel. The book lists genealogies, priests, Levites, armies, temple officials, and other leaders of various ministries and devotes significant attention to proper worship of Yahweh and adherence to the regulations of the Law. It focuses on obedience that results in God’s blessing, the priority of the temple and priesthood, and the unconditional promises to the house of David.

What the Lord is Saying:  In chapter 21 there is mention of a census that David does. The consequence of David's pride in doing the census is the falling of 70,000 men of Israel (21:7), and then David builds an altar on threshing floor which will be the location of the temple. Chapter 22 now picks up with this temple that is to be built. In verse 2, "David gave orders" to start gathering the items needed - "stonecutters to hew out stones", "iron to make the nails for the doors", "bronze", "timbers of cedar logs." Thus some items are mentioned. 

David mentions Solomon who might be about 18-20 at this time "young and inexperienced" and so David feels a need to do as much as he can on this project before his death. But ultimately David gives the charge to Solomon to build the temple in verses 7-16. David lets Solomon know that the work of building the temple falls on him - for a such time is it for him to build it. David engaged in other activities that were necessary, but now seen more as preparation for this work to be done by Solomon. He says that the Lord will be there for his son and give him "discretion and understanding." Solomon has prepared the materials and the tradesmen to do the work (verse 15). And finally states, "May the Lord be with you" (verse 16). 

One purpose in building this temple is bringing the ark of the covenant to reside in it. 

Summary: David, close to death, charges Solomon to build the temple, after gathering the material and labor groups for the building, stating the Lord will be with him. 

Promise: There are different times for different purposes that God has laid out for his people to do. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy. Thank you for your great love and helping me get back into your Word. Let it be a light for me. Thank you for the promise you have given to your people, to do your work and setting aside certain times for that work. 

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

Proverbs 11:21 - Descendants of the Righteous

Proverbs 11:21

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Message: Descendants of the Righteous

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: At first glance this verse looks familiar. Verse 4, "Righteousness delivers from death." Verse 5, "The wicked will fall." Verse 6, "The righteousness of the upright will deliver them." Verse 8, "The righteous is delivered from trouble" and "through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." These verses continue to contrast the upright and the wicked with slight alterations in describing the outcomes of the evil man versus the righteous. 

Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished

Justice is a very important theme in the Bible. The word is more common in the Old Testament with few references in the New Testament. As I've studied the time of David and Saul and others in 1 and 2 Samuel I have noticed that the line between God rewarding people with safety in this present life is fairly close meaning there often isn't much different between those that receive life versus death. In other words, there is a clear contrast in the Bible between those that are favored versus those that are punished. And so Solomon here gives a clear contrast here with the evil man and righteous. 

The King James Version says, "Though hand join in hand" meaning that their is a collective effort by the wicked. NASB says "Assuredly." 

But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Beyond the righteous only, this verse now highlights the descendants. Thus, the actions of one generation impact the next. Most of what I am gleaning from these verses is found here. Like the statement, righteousness is often associated with faithfulness to God's commandments and a life lived in accordance with His will. 

This makes me think how I am actively living a life of righteousness. I hope our children are seeing us choose righteousness, not simply going along with the activities of our world but choosing activities that please God. Hopefully they see me investing in people's lives, both online and in real life. But righteous living is also seeking to glorify God in my activities, trusting God. And speaking of this in my life. I would like them to see someone that not only reads God words, but practices it. I hope they see my deep care for people and their well being. I hope they see that we need to be a people that gives to those in need. 

Ultimately, I want to see my descendants choosing God in their lives and making their relationship with God important in all the days of their lives, also having a devotion to God. I hope we are people in which our activities are spent doing things that glorify God. 

This morning I was listening to this song -- "It's the Truth" by Dogwood from 1975. It had this chorus:

It's the truth

My sin has made me just as good as dead

But Jesus said, "I took your place

On the cross I bore your shame and disgrace

So, child, with your face, it's all right

I heard you prayin' early in the night

I made it right, it's the truth

You don't have to suffer when you're dead"

He made it right. I don't have to suffer. Jesus has suffered for me. He took my place. He bore my shame and disgrace. Today is Easter / Resurrection Day. 

Prayer: Thank you God for giving this one person not what he deserves but giving me grace. Thank you for taking my place. O God, pass on any righteousness you have given me to my children. Remove evil from me, including any selfishness. 

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