Genesis 22:17 - Abraham's Extraordinary God

Genesis 22:17

Indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 

Message: Abraham's Extraordinary God

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: The author of this article talks about going to the beach as a family in the summer. Genesis 22:17 speaks of an angel of the Lord from heaven speaking to Abraham after he went to sacrifice his son Isaac (though God stopped it) and giving him the promise that his seed will be multiplied and that multiplication number will look like the sand on the seashore. Yet, Abraham would not experience this in his lifetime. When he died he did not see this multiplying number of offspring. 

God's promises are extravagant. To think that he gave a promise to Abraham that his seed will be an numerous as the sand speaks to extreme way that God wants to bless his people. I see this at times in my life, blessing others or giving them hopefully more than they expect. But it is a promise that I need to remember, that God wants to bless his people. So much is spoken of his judgment and wrath and yet, he wants to bless and provide. But it is focused on his called ones. 

He blesses us as well in the giving of His Son - giving up His Son at Calvary, on the cross, so that His people will live. If anything, could it be that we make salvation too hard. If God is really a God that wants to give so much to us, is it possible that we restrict His giving by coming up with too many rules to merit salvation. Granted, God is Holy and He is to be respected and esteemed. But sometimes I just wonder about God's extravagant love for his people and what that really means. 

Galatians 3:29 is such a powerful verse, "And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heir according to promise." The promise. That is an incredible verse and idea. This connects the dots. The sand on the seashore. 

This author states, "So, the next time you’re at the beach, grasp a handful of sand. Then, let it sprinkle from your fist and see in the windswept particles an extravagant promise, a bloody cross, and an extraordinary God."

Prayer: It is hard to fathom God this and that your plan would include me. But, I love the idea that it includes many more than me. To celebrate with one another, cheering, arm in arm, hugging and joyful for the reward that you have for us in heaven is what it is all about. Thank you for your great love, your extravagant Love. You are great and great to be praised. Thank you for connecting these dots and I pray I am one of the particles of sand on the seashore. Help me to communicate this more and more. 

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

2 Samuel 6 - Uzzah's Error

2 Samuel 6

But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he dies there by the ark of God. (verse 6-7)

Message: Uzzah's Error

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: David's 40 year reign as King began in Judah for 7 years and then it moved to Jerusalem as his capital where a house is built for him. It was in I Samuel 6 that the Ark of the Covenant returned to Israel. It was there that I saw how bad things happened to people that thought they could possess the Ark and clearly the Ark belonged only in certain places. It had been in the city of Baalah Judah (Kiriath Jearim) (I Chronicles 13:5) to retrieve the ark as it had been in possession of the priest Abinidab. I Chronicles 13:7,9-10 says, "They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it...When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark." When this happened, this troubled David and instead of taking the Ark to Jerusalem, it was kept with "the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite" for 3 months and "the Lord blessed his household and everything he had."

2 Samuel 6 summarizes these same events told in I Chronicles 13. Chronicles adds that Uzzah was intending to steady the ark. 2 Samuel 6:6 says the "oxen nearly upset it." Something caused the ark to shake. It was being pulled by oxen. The terrain could have been uneven at times. Whatever the circumstances, it resulted in Uzzah reaching out and grabbing the ark. It seems most anyone would have done what he had done in that situation. And yet for doing it he was struck dead. 

After the events with Uzzah, David starts to question whether the ark should be with him, perhaps concerned that someone might make a similar gesture toward the ark unwittingly trying to help and be struck dead. David will eventually learn that only the Levites are to carry and transport the ark of God (I Chronicles 15:2). Uzzah was a Levite but the ark was not being carried, but instead on a cart. Uzzah did commit an error. Even if there was danger of it falling, it should not have touched because only the priest is able to touch the ark. 

David sees that Obed-edom is blessed for having the ark of God so he then makes plans to take it to Jerusalem - going 6 paces with it, then stopping and sacrificing. And David danced. Michal his wife saw David dancing and despised him, not understanding his joy of the Lord. David later explains to her how he celebrates to the Lord for His hand of providence and the joy he has with God. 

For me this is a lesson about being careful and realize that God's commandments are sacred, though in the New Testament there seems to be also a lesson on the heart being more of what God is concerned about. I suppose we always have to consider the situation at hand. I suppose there is the question as to whether or not commands must be followed by the letter of the Law, thus no variation or if there can be deviation because of circumstances. Overall, good intentions do not justify disobedience to God's Word, which had decreed that human hands should never touch the sacred ark of God's covenant. 

Summary: David now is ready to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and on the way there Uzzah touches the ark and only the priests are allowed to touch it and Uzzah is struck dead. 

Promise: The Lord's wrath is real and people need to be warned. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for having grace with me regarding my sin. Your patience overwhelms me. Your wrath is real and you are to be respected always. Thank you for knowing me and knowing my needs and also showing me the importance of following your ways. Lord, I ask for your discernment in regards to your commands and to what extent Your laws and commands need to be followed. Is it hard and fast like this always? As I read your word and study I see instances of doing things with an emphasis on heart and motivation, is that correct? Or it always precisely how you have laid out? Thank you for wisdom and understanding. And providing people in my life that you use as well to give me understanding. You are to be praised and adored. 

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

Colossians 1:4 - The Gospel to the Whole World

Colossians 1:4

Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints. 

Message: The Gospel to the Whole World

Time: Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church in AD 60-61 during his first imprisonment in Rome after the church was under attack and denigrating the deity of Christ. He penned it before visiting the church. Christ was and is the visible image of the invisible God, containing within Himself the fullness of Deity. 

What the Lord is Saying: We are to be global Christians. In Romans 1:8 it says, "...your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world." As such, I am thankful the ministry I have been involved with over the last 18 years called Global Media Outreach where I have a chance to communicate with people throughout the world. But even if not that ministry, as we pray for and support missionaries we are involved in fulfilling this verse. I have several friends that are involved with Internationals here and in a way this is a way to be anchored in that truth as well. 

In Colossians 1:4 it says, "...the love you have for all the saints." We need to be praying for people all over our lands and finding ways to help people. Compassion International is a way to sponsor children in other parts of the world, providing them food and training in God's truth. My wife and I have been doing this for the last 6 or 7 years. 

Jesus tells us we are not to light a lamp and then put it under a basket (Matthew 5:15) but instead "Let your light shine before men." God is to be mentioned in our lives, a part of our lives. It is who I am and so I am not to be ashamed of sharing who I am and what I think and believe. I am to speak out and be bold. 

Prayer: Help me God to remain bold in the preaching of Your word, in the preaching of Your name. Thank you again for the ministries you allow me to be involved in and the missionaries I can join with as they are serving others. You are great and your name is great and as we live life we see it is the only way to live. Thank you God for the richness of your love. Help me to remain bold and to continue to live my faith out in my words and actions, continually. 

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

TABLETALK - May 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. 

I Samuel 17:38-58 - David Versus Goliath - David defeats Goliath stating the battle is the Lord's and brings his head before Saul and declares he is the son of Jesse.

I Samuel 18:1-16 - David Ascendant - David is now in Saul's court. Jonathan and David's friendship is marked by a covenant between them. Saul does not like David being near and puts him in command of his army. 

I Samuel 18:17-30 - Saul Becomes David's Enemy - A daughter is promised to David after Goliath victory, but David wants a different daughter. Saul tries to get David to fail but he is even more victorious and gets Michal and Saul becomes more bothered by David. 

I Samuel 19 - Saul among the Prophets - 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. 

I Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David - As David continues to flee from Saul, Jonathan and David make a covenant of mutual friendship and protection. Saul still wants David dead, but David is able to get away. 

I Samuel 21 - David on the Run - David flees to Nob and then Gath. In Nob, the ceremonial law is broken so that David's life can be preserved and he pretends to be insane in order to keep him free from custody of the king in Gath. 

I Samuel 22 - Saul Kills the Priests at Nob - David continues to flee but he makes sure his parents are safe in Moab while he goes back to Judah. Saul meanwhile apprehends Ahimelech and has Doeg kill him and his entourage while Ahimelech's son Abiathar goes to David and has refuge. 

I Samuel 23 - David Escapes Saul - God is still directing David as David continues to call on him for guidance as Saul continues to pursue David. David is escaping though and each time God's providence is evident. 

I Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul's Life - David shows grace toward Saul in not killing him. Instead bows to him and Saul tells David he will be king and David swears he will not hurt Saul. 

I Samuel 25 - Abigail Saves David - David sends men to Nabal's camp in hopes of receiving something while he is having a feast. But they are rejected. Nabal's wife Abigail intercedes and prevents a bloodbath. Nabal dies and Abigail becomes one of David's wife. 

I Samuel 26 - Davis Spares Saul Again - Saul begins to pursued David again, but God allows David to come upon Saul sleeping and David spares Saul's life, trusting instead in God to take care of Saul in his time. Saul and David part ways.

I Samuel 27:1-28:2 - David Deceives Achish - David seems to take a detour and run off to Achish to flee from Saul and in the process conquers and kills people south of that place in Judah. 

I Samuel 28:3-25 - Saul's Final Rejection - Once again, fearing the Philistines, Saul asks God, but grows impatient and seeks a medium and receives confirmation that David is to be the new king, replacing him. 

I Samuel 29 - The Philistines Reject David - David is with Achish following the Philistines, but those leaders recognize this and say this can't be good, so David returns to Ziklag. 

I Samuel 30 - David Rescues the people of Ziklag - David returns home to a raided Ziklag at the hands of the Amalekites. He takes men and slaughters these foes and returns home and all receive the gift of the spoil from the fighting. 

I Samuel 31 - Saul Falls to the Philistines - Saul and his brothers and the men of Israel are defeated by the Philistines, killing Saul and his brothers, parading his head throughout the land. 

2 Samuel 1:1-16 - A Lying Amalekite - An Amalekite shows up on the scene saying he helped kill Saul, but David saw through him and had him killed for even saying he would assist in killing the Lord's anointed.

2 Samuel 1:17-27 - Lament for Saul and Jonathan - David now brings a lament of sorrow, grief, but also celebration of Saul and even more notably his honored friend Jonathan. David has loved well. 

2 Samuel 2 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul - Following Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, leading to a divided kingdom and a civil war against Saul's son Ish-bosheth, whose forces are defeated by David’s army. 

2 Samuel 3 - Abner's Negotiations with David - Ish-bosheth servants and David's are in conflict. After David makes a covenant with Abner, Joab shows up and has vengeance on Abner for killing his brother. David laments Abner's death.

2 Samuel 4 - Justice for Ish-bosheth - Ish-bosheth hears of Abner's death and two commanders of Saul go and kill Ish-bosheth in his home, wanting a reward from David, but end up being killed as a judgment for their actions.

2 Samuel 5:1-10 - Israel Anoints David - David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the strong hold for his reign as king for 40 years.

2 Samuel 5:11-25 - The Lord Established David - David is established as King over Israel. He takes many wives though and many children, so not of it is good. He looks to God first before going to battle, for His direction. 

This issue has its theme being "the Nineteenth Century." 

An Overview of the Nineteenth Century - The thinking of the 19th century is in many ways the aftermath of the French Revolution of 1789; driven by an Enlightenment devotion to the sovereignty of reason in human affairs. The French tried to reform the calendar stating 1789 as year 1 no longer recording time by the Savior's redeeming birth. Believing in original sin means humans cannot be rational for long. The defeat of Napoleon led to redrawing the map of Europe. Friedrich Schlei)ermacher (1768–1834), Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831), and Søren Kierkegaard (1813–55), are mentioned as men who had influence on the Protestant world. Objective truth, and subjective appropriation of that truth are married together. It’s not amicable to rational thinking, such as the incarnation in which Jesus is both God and man. Meanwhile, in Britain, Anglo-Catholicism emerged in response to the church of England subordinating to the English state. John Henry Newman was its most eloquent spokesmen and he left for Roman Catholicism. Then came the Brethren movement - corporate lay eldership including pastor, open style of worship, dispensationalism. Also Catholic Apostolic Church where Christ had a propensity to sin but was held in check by the Holy Spirit. In America, the 2nd Great Awakening from 1795 to the 1830s or 1840s resulted in Revivalisn including Charles Finney. 

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

2 Samuel 5:11-25 - The Lord Establishes David

2 Samuel 5:11-25

Then David did so, just as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. (verse 25)

Message: The Lord Establishes David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In the first part of this chapter, David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the major place of strong hold for his reign as King for 40 years.

This section begins with Hiram king of Tyre, obviously someone who loved and feared God and he sends to David material and help to build David a house. With this and so much more, "David realized that the Lord had established him king over Israel." God does so much in our lives continually, providing for us and granting us gifts that of things that we need and can use. With these gifts, we see his work in our lives. And we can be thankful to God then and realize that God is indeed at work in our lives. 

Then it says "David took more concubines and wives." Not sure if this is the right thing for him to do. Deuteronomy 17:17 says, "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself." God's intent is not for us to have multiple wives but David perhaps went along with the kings of this day. Yet, despite all that he had, he continued to covet others. I have this tendency to acquire things thinking they will make things better and often it makes things worse. I must be careful about my own self-gratification and then thinking that this is the way it should always be and that I need more and more always. 

In verse 17, "The Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel." Verses 11-16 had been a sort of general statement of David but now in verse 17 the narrative moves back to detailing events in their order and here it begins with the Philistines. These Philistines continue to be a problem in the area. As David heard of this he went down to his safe place to get his army ready. As the Philistines come, David consults the Lord, "Shall I go up against the Philistines?" David asks God if he should go and God confirms he will go before Him. 

I ask for God's will in my life to know how God will go before me and provide for me in those future days. It is not always the right time because I think that it is. God is not their chiefly to fulfill my desires. I am to seek Him in all things. 

Thus, David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines. The Philistines idols become a spoil for David and his men. They brought their idols with them to battle. Next up is the valley of Rephaim and it is here that David is told by the Lord to "circle around them." And David just as the Lord had directed him. 

Summary: David is established as King over Israel. He takes many wives though and many children, so not of it is good. He looks to God first before going to battle, for His direction. 

Promise: The Lord will be faithful to us even though we are often unfaithful.

Prayer: God, you are the faithful one. You ways are always right and true. Forgive me often for devising what I think is right and then asking you often to bless it. But even as I wander and do things that are not honoring to You, You continue to bless me and watch over me and guide my steps. Lord, you are great and mighty and we praise you for your goodness and love. Thank you for establishing men like David and placing them before us to lead us. There are many like him even in my world. You care for me and help me. You are guiding and directing me each day. I want to keep looking to You. 

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

2 Samuel 5:1-10 - Israel Anoints David

2 Samuel 5:1-10

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; they they anointed David king over Israel. (verse 3)

Message: Israel Anoints David

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: Ish-bosheth was killed in 2 Samuel 4 by two commanders of Saul's army almost for sport as the men that did it thought David would want that. But David saw this as capital punishment and those men were sentenced to death. With Ish-bosheth now passed, and the people acknowledge David now as their King remembering that the Lord said to him, "You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel." And so "King David made a covenant with them...they anointed David king over Israel." 

"David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned 40 years" splitting that reign between Judah for 7 years and in Jerusalem for 33 years over Israel and Judah. 

David takes residence in the stronghold of Zion. "David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him." 

The Lord had first anointed David as king back in I Samuel 16, several years prior. With the death of Saul, David lived in Hebron, anointed as King over Judah. However, Ish-bosheth was given Israel by Abner. Abner has now died, as well as Ish-bosheth and so the people rally behind and around David and declare him as King. The Lord previously anointed him, but now the people are involved in also declaring him as king. The Lord anoints and the people approve. 

David and his men now are to inhabit Jerusalem and make it the central place of power for his kingship. The Jebusites are there in Jerusalem and in fulfillment of a prophecy back in Genesis, David and his men seize the Jebusites and take the reign of Jerusalem.

Summary: David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the strong hold for his reign as king for 40 years.

Promise: God’s timing is not our timing but we can continue to pray and trust that his promises will come to pass.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the king overall, but you place leaders in this world. At times some of those leaders don’t end up serving you or making decisions your ways, but they are still there for your glory. I pray that there would be Godly leaders throughout our lands. Help us as your people to remain confident in you, trusting in your mighty hand and your providence. Challenge me to be a leader, at work, at home, with my kids, and even as you call me to at church. Thank you for the friendships you have given me and the encouragement my friends provide me. Keep us focused on glorifying you always.

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

2 Samuel 4 - Justice for Ish-Bosheth

2 Samuel 4

"when one told me, saying, "Behold, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hand, and destroy you from the earth?" (verse 9,10)

Message: Justice for Ish-Bosheth

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: In Chapter 3, Abner died and David grieved his death. And now in Chapter 4 Ish-Bosheth has heard of Abner dying and "he lost courage and all Israel was disturbed." Saul's sons Baanah and Rechab are mentioned and that they fled to Gittaim. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's crippled son is mentioned. Then Baanah and Rechab come to Ish-bosheth and struck him in the belly. Then they struck him while lying on his bed and took his head, bringing it to David. David responded, "As the Lord lives who has redeemed my life from all distress." The one who killed Saul thought he was doing something good, but David killed him. And now these men "have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed" and so David had them killed, "and hung them beside the pool in Hebron." And then they buried the head of Ish-bosheth. 

Ish-bosheth came to prominence by Abner, not on his own. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, simply proclaimed him to be the rightful heir to be king of Israel even though it seems to have been very clear by Samuel that David was to be the king. There is really nothing special or good about the future of Israel, just in terms of Saul's descendants. And there is no mention of any of these men being men of God. Only Jonathan was one that trusted God and he willingly stepped aside for David to be king before he met his own demise. Mephibosheth is also mentioned, but he is crippled. 

And then Baanah and Rechab, two of the commanders of Saul's army decided that David would probably want Ish-bosheth killed so they went and killed him in his own home. But David had no grievance with Saul or with Ish-bosheth. And so he carried out capital punishment on Baanah and Rechab. And these tried to claim they had done the will of God. We can't force the hand of God to defend our selfish actions.

Summary: Ish-bosheth hears of Abner's death and two commanders of Saul go and kill Ish-bosheth in his home, wanting a reward from David, but end up being killed as a judgment for their actions.

Promise: Let us not use the pretense of service to Christ to justify acts of evil, thinking that good ends justify evil means.

Prayer: O God, you are God and sovereign and we need to be a people that submits and surrenders to You at all times, you the Righteous One and Righteous King. Help me to honor you with my words and actions and do things in my life that are pleasing to You. I need to seek You and surrender to You first, not after I have done something, expecting you to bless it. Help me to prioritize you above all, first and foremost. Be glorified. I praise You. 

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