Matthew 3

WEEK 3                                              Matthew 3

THURSDAY  Reflections

Do we have to prove we repent? John asked the Pharisees and Sadducees to bring forth fruit to prove it. Isn’t that different than what the rest of the Bible teaches? Isn’t salvation by faith, not works (For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9). 

The answer is yes of course, but that is not the end of the story. Once repentance/salvation takes place there should be a change of hearts and your life should be different. James said, “But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds (James 2:18).” When we consider the Pharisees and the Sadducees that John the Baptist was talking to they were great of words and knowing the right thing to say, the problem was their lives did not reflect their words. 

 

When we look at our lives can we say that our deeds match our words? If we claim we trust Jesus and believe the Bible, do we live it? Are there proofs in our lives to show we have repented? If not, then perhaps you really haven’t.

 

Think about it.

Mat 3:1-17
(1)  In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
(2)  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
(3)  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
(4)  And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
(5)  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
(6)  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
(7)  But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
(8)  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
(9)  And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
(10)  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
(11)  I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
(12)  Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
(13)  Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
(14)  But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
(15)  And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
(16)  And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
(17)  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

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Psalm 119

WEEK    3                                       Psalms 119

Tuesday/ Wednesday Reflections

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. What makes it so fantastic is something that only those who read Hebrew see. The whole chapter is an acrostic poem (alphabet poem).  The lines in each section begin with the letter of the alphabet that section represents. What is even more amazing is that all 176 verses sing the praise of God's law (God's word).

 

It may seem repetitive but no more than many songs we sing today. The theme is concrete, God's law (God's word) is the foundation for everything.

 

The effort to write this psalm may seem like a lot of work and might feel repetitive unless you’re an artist at heart. The artist knows, as do others like Engineers, designers, and finishers, the greatest compliment you can give a subject, or work is giving it your best and finest skill to make it complete even in the areas others may not see. God’s Word is a part of God’s revelation and this gift is something that deserves great praise.

 

What are some of your favorite verses from this psalm? I have to admit mine is verse 105; "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Take your time. You have an extra day to consider this amazing chapter from God's word.

Psa 119:1-176
(1)  ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
(2)  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
(3)  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
(4)  Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
(5)  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
(6)  Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
(7)  I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
(8)  I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
(9)  BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
(10)  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
(11)  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
(12)  Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
(13)  With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
(14)  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
(15)  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
(16)  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
(17)  GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
(18)  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
(19)  I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
(20)  My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
(21)  Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
(22)  Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
(23)  Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
(24)  Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
(25)  DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
(26)  I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
(27)  Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
(28)  My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
(29)  Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
(30)  I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
(31)  I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
(32)  I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
(33)  HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
(34)  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
(35)  Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
(36)  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.
(37)  Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
(38)  Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.
(39)  Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.
(40)  Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
(41)  VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
(42)  So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
(43)  And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
(44)  So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
(45)  And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
(46)  I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
(47)  And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
(48)  My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.
(49)  ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.
(50)  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
(51)  The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
(52)  I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
(53)  Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
(54)  Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
(55)  I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.
(56)  This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
(57)  CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
(58)  I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.
(59)  I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
(60)  I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
(61)  The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
(62)  At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
(63)  I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
(64)  The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.
(65)  TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.
(66)  Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.
(67)  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
(68)  Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.
(69)  The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
(70)  Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.
(71)  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
(72)  The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
(73)  JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.
(74)  They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.
(75)  I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
(76)  Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
(77)  Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
(78)  Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
(79)  Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.
(80)  Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.
(81)  CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
(82)  Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
(83)  For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
(84)  How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
(85)  The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
(86)  All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
(87)  They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
(88)  Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
(89)  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
(90)  Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
(91)  They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.
(92)  Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
(93)  I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
(94)  I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
(95)  The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.
(96)  I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
(97)  MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
(98)  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
(99)  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
(100)  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
(101)  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
(102)  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
(103)  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
(104)  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
(105)  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
(106)  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
(107)  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
(108)  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.
(109)  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.
(110)  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
(111)  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
(112)  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.
(113)  SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
(114)  Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
(115)  Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
(116)  Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
(117)  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
(118)  Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
(119)  Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.
(120)  My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.
(121)  AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
(122)  Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
(123)  Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
(124)  Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.
(125)  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.
(126)  It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
(127)  Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
(128)  Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
(129)  PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
(130)  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
(131)  I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
(132)  Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
(133)  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
(134)  Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
(135)  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
(136)  Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
(137)  TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.
(138)  Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
(139)  My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
(140)  Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
(141)  I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
(142)  Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
(143)  Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.
(144)  The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
(145)  KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.
(146)  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.
(147)  I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.
(148)  Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.
(149)  Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.
(150)  They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.
(151)  Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
(152)  Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
(153)  RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
(154)  Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
(155)  Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.
(156)  Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
(157)  Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
(158)  I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
(159)  Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
(160)  Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
(161)  SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
(162)  I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
(163)  I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
(164)  Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
(165)  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
(166)  LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.
(167)  My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
(168)  I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
(169)  TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.
(170)  Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.
(171)  My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.
(172)  My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
(173)  Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
(174)  I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.
(175)  Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.
(176)  I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

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2 Samuel 20

WEEK  3                                           2 Samuel 20

MONDAY  Reflections

David's forces won the victory over Absalom but the rebellion wasn't over. Sheba called on the Northern tribes of Israel to continue to rebel against David. Sheba might have thought this was an opportune time but things didn't go as he expected. This will be the second time David's throne is going to be threatened by the northern tribes of Israel. David might be wondering if his luck can continue to hold up against them. This continued rebellion probably caused David to worry rather than trust God, and this will push him to an action which we will see in chapter 24.    

Joab, after dealing with Absalom, is taking more and more into his own hands. Joab kills one of David's men because he isn't gathering the troops promptly, knowing this will give the enemy time to prepare. We are not told if this was because he fully supported the rebellion or because he was trying to undermine David's reign. Joab took it on himself to deal with the matter. These actions will come back on Joab later, but for now, he believes he is doing right. 

 

2Sa 20:1-26
(1)  And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
(2)  So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem.
(3)  And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.
(4)  Then said the king to Amasa, Assemble me the men of Judah within three days, and be thou here present.
(5)  So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah: but he tarried longer than the set time which he had appointed him.
(6)  And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.
(7)  And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men: and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
(8)  When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab's garment that he had put on was girded unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fastened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as he went forth it fell out.
(9)  And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
(10)  But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
(11)  And one of Joab's men stood by him, and said, He that favoureth Joab, and he that is for David, let him go after Joab.
(12)  And Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a cloth upon him, when he saw that every one that came by him stood still.
(13)  When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
(14)  And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.
(15)  And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
(16)  Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee.
(17)  And when he was come near unto her, the woman said, Art thou Joab? And he answered, I am he. Then she said unto him, Hear the words of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear.
(18)  Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter.
(19)  I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel: thou seekest to destroy a city and a mother in Israel: why wilt thou swallow up the inheritance of the LORD?
(20)  And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.
(21)  The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.
(22)  Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
(23)  Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
(24)  And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
(25)  And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
(26)  And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

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Jeremiah 39

WEEK 2                                             Jeremiah 39

SATURDAY  Reflections

One of the greatest fears for officials of a conquered king is enslavement or death. Yet Jeremiah spoke to Ebedmelech after Jerusalem was destroyed and told him God remembered Ebedmelech's faithfulness. It was Ebedmelech who saved Jeremiah from the cistern. Both Ebedmelech and Jeremiah saw the fall of Jerusalem and what seemed to be the end of Judah as a nation. Yet in these hard times, God protected them. As for Ebedmelech, he disappeared from the Biblical record, but for Jeremiah, his work wasn't done. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and a host of others, including Joshua, had warned of this day, and now it had come. God is patient and sometimes seems slow to respond, but he is faithful in grace and in judgment. 

Jer 39:1-18
(1)  In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.
(2)  And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up.
(3)  And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.
(4)  And it came to pass, that when Zedekiah the king of Judah saw them, and all the men of war, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king's garden, by the gate betwixt the two walls: and he went out the way of the plain.
(5)  But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him.
(6)  Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah.
(7)  Moreover he put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.
(8)  And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.
(9)  Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people that remained in the city, and those that fell away, that fell to him, with the rest of the people that remained.
(10)  But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, which had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.
(11)  Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,
(12)  Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
(13)  So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;
(14)  Even they sent, and took Jeremiah out of the court of the prison, and committed him unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, that he should carry him home: so he dwelt among the people.
(15)  Now the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying,
(16)  Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished in that day before thee.
(17)  But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the LORD: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid.
(18)  For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.

2 Samuel 19

Book 5 WEEK  2                                            2 Samuel 19

FRIDAY  Reflections

Though much of what Joab does in the Bible is wrong, here in 2 Samuel 19 I have to agree with him. David's sorrow for the loss of his son Absalom has distracted him from his role as king. It is often the case that a leader has to set aside their own feeling and concerns for the welfare of his/her people. When they need to be encouraged or congratulated, the leader needs to do the job even if they don't feel like it. Joab was correct in pointing out that when a leader only looks to their own problems and emotions that they can dishearten their follower and end up losing their support. David's men gave him the victory and now David was about to lose it by his lack of leadership. In this incident, Joab was absolutely correct.

For us, this story is a reminder that being a leader isn't about us. Jesus reminds his followers that whoever is going to be a leader in His kingdom has to be a servant (Matthew 20:26). Leaders have to consider others before themselves or they may find themselves without any followers.

2Sa 19:1-43
(1)  And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.
(2)  And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.
(3)  And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.
(4)  But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!
(5)  And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;
(6)  In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
(7)  Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the LORD, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.
(8)  Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.
(9)  And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.
(10)  And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?
(11)  And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.
(12)  Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?
(13)  And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.
(14)  And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.
(15)  So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.
(16)  And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.
(17)  And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.
(18)  And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;
(19)  And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.
(20)  For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.
(21)  But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?
(22)  And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
(23)  Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
(24)  And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.
(25)  And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?
(26)  And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.
(27)  And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.
(28)  For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?
(29)  And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.
(30)  And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.
(31)  And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.
(32)  Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.
(33)  And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.
(34)  And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?
(35)  I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
(36)  Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?
(37)  Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.
(38)  And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.
(39)  And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.
(40)  Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.
(41)  And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?
(42)  And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?
(43)  And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.