Members phkrause Posted October 2, 2012 Author Members Posted October 2, 2012 October 1, 2012 Joshua 1:1-18 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Joshua 1:1-18: The book of Joshua is the story of how the Israelites entered Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the successor to Moses. In today’s reading, Joshua is assured that the LORD will be with him as the people prepare to occupy the land that God had promised to their ancestors. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 1:9b “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go.” Today’s Reading 1 After the death of the LORD's servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Moses' helper, Joshua son of Nun. 2 He said, “My servant Moses is dead. Get ready now, you and all the people of Israel, and cross the Jordan River into the land that I am giving them. 3 As I told Moses, I have given you and all my people the entire land that you will be marching over. 4 Your borders will reach from the desert in the south to the Lebanon Mountains in the north; from the great Euphrates River in the east, through the Hittite country, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you. 6 Be determined and confident, for you will be the leader of these people as they occupy this land which I promised their ancestors. 7 Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go. 8 Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the LORD your God, am with you wherever you go. ” 10 Then Joshua ordered the leaders to 11 go through the camp and say to the people, “Get some food ready, because in three days you are going to cross the Jordan River to occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you. ” 12 Joshua said to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to half the tribe of Manasseh, 13 “Remember how the LORD's servant Moses told you that the LORD your God would give you this land on the east side of the Jordan as your home. 14 Your wives, your children, and your livestock will stay here, but your soldiers, armed for battle, will cross over ahead of the other Israelites in order to help them 15 until they have occupied the land west of the Jordan that the LORD your God has given them. When he has given safety to all the tribes of Israel, then you may come back and settle here in your own land east of the Jordan, which Moses, the LORD's servant, gave to you. ” 16 They answered Joshua, “We will do everything you have told us and will go anywhere you send us. 17 We will obey you, just as we always obeyed Moses, and may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses! 18 Whoever questions your authority or disobeys any of your orders will be put to death. Be determined and confident! ” Reflect What does the LORD promise Joshua? What instructions is Joshua given? Why is Joshua told to be determined and confident (verse 9)? Knowing that he was chosen to succeed Moses, what might Joshua’s thoughts have been at this time? What challenges do people today face when they succeed someone who has been famous and successful? Pray Lord God, you are with me wherever I go. With confidence in your steadfast love and care, I need not be afraid or discouraged. Amen. Prayer Concern Newly elected leaders Tomorrow's Reading Joshua 2:1-24: Joshua sends spies into Jericho. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 2, 2012 Author Members Posted October 2, 2012 October 2, 2012 Joshua 2:1-24 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Joshua 2:1-24: Joshua sends out two spies to explore the land of Canaan. In the city of Jericho they encounter Rahab, a woman who hides them from the king of Jericho and asks them to spare her household when the Israelites enter the land. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 2:11b “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and here on earth.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Joshua sent two spies from the camp at Acacia with orders to go and secretly explore the land of Canaan, especially the city of Jericho. When they came to the city, they went to spend the night in the house of a prostitute named Rahab. 2 The king of Jericho heard that some Israelites had come that night to spy out the country, 3 so he sent word to Rahab: “The men in your house have come to spy out the whole country! Bring them out!” 4-6 “Some men did come to my house,” she answered, “but I don't know where they were from. They left at sundown before the city gate was closed. I didn't find out where they were going, but if you start after them quickly, you can catch them.” (Now Rahab had taken the two spies up on the roof and hidden them under some stalks of flax that she had put there.) 7 The king's men left the city, and then the gate was shut. They went looking for the Israelite spies as far as the place where the road crosses the Jordan. 8 Before the spies settled down for the night, Rahab went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land. Everyone in the country is terrified of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the Red Sea in front of you when you were leaving Egypt. We have also heard how you killed Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan. 11 We were afraid as soon as we heard about it; we have all lost our courage because of you. The LORD your God is God in heaven above and here on earth. 12 Now swear by him that you will treat my family as kindly as I have treated you, and give me some sign that I can trust you. 13 Promise me that you will save my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families! Don't let us be killed! ” 14 The men said to her, “May God take our lives if we don't do as we say! If you do not tell anyone what we have been doing, we promise you that when the LORD gives us this land, we will treat you well. ” 15 Rahab lived in a house built into the city wall, so she let the men down from the window by a rope. 16 “Go into the hill country,” she said, “or the king's men will find you. Hide there for three days until they come back. After that, you can go on your way.” 17 The men said to her, “We will keep the promise that you have made us give. 18 This is what you must do. When we invade your land, tie this red cord to the window you let us down from. Get your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's family together in your house. 19 If anyone goes out of the house, his death will be his own fault, and we will not be responsible; but if anyone in the house with you is harmed, then we will be responsible. 20 However, if you tell anyone what we have been doing, then we will not have to keep our promise which you have made us give you. ” 21 She agreed and sent them away. When they had gone, she tied the red cord to the window. 22 The spies went into the hills and hid. The king's men looked for them all over the countryside for three days, but they did not find them, so they returned to Jericho. 23 Then the two spies came down from the hills, crossed the river, and went back to Joshua. They told him everything that had happened, 24 and then said, “We are sure that the LORD has given us the whole country. All the people there are terrified of us. ” Reflect How did Rahab hide the spies? What did she tell the king’s men? What does she ask of the Israelite spies? Based on today’s reading, how would you describe Rahab? What are your thoughts regarding the actions she took? What caused her to express her faith in the God of the Israelites? How do you demonstrate your faith in God? Pray Lord God of heaven and earth, I place my trust in you, knowing that I am always in your loving care. Amen. Prayer Concern New converts Tomorrow's Reading Joshua 3:1-17: The Israelites cross the Jordan into Canaan. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 3, 2012 Author Members Posted October 3, 2012 October 3, 2012 Joshua 3:1-17 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Joshua 3:1-17: As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River, Joshua tells the people to follow the priests carrying the Covenant Box. The water stops flowing when the priests step into the river, and the people go across on dry ground. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 3:7 The LORD said to Joshua, “What I do today will make all the people of Israel begin to honor you as a great man, and they will realize that I am with you as I was with Moses.” Today’s Reading 1 The next morning Joshua and all the people of Israel got up early, left the camp at Acacia, and went to the Jordan, where they camped while waiting to cross it. 2 Three days later the leaders went through the camp 3 and told the people, “When you see the priests carrying the Covenant Box of the LORD your God, break camp and follow them. 4 You have never been here before, so they will show you the way to go. But do not get near the Covenant Box; stay about half a mile behind it. ” 5 Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, because tomorrow the LORD will perform miracles among you. ” 6 Then he told the priests to take the Covenant Box and go with it ahead of the people. They did as he said. 7 The LORD said to Joshua, “What I do today will make all the people of Israel begin to honor you as a great man, and they will realize that I am with you as I was with Moses. 8 Tell the priests carrying the Covenant Box that when they reach the river, they must wade in and stand near the bank. ” 9 Then Joshua said to the people, “Come here and listen to what the LORD your God has to say. 10 As you advance, he will surely drive out the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Hivites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and the Jebusites. You will know that the living God is among you 11 when the Covenant Box of the Lord of all the earth crosses the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now choose twelve men, one from each of the tribes of Israel. 13 When the priests who carry the Covenant Box of the LORD of all the earth put their feet in the water, the Jordan will stop flowing, and the water coming downstream will pile up in one place. ” 14-15 It was harvest time, and the river was in flood. When the people left the camp to cross the Jordan, the priests went ahead of them, carrying the Covenant Box. As soon as the priests stepped into the river, 16 the water stopped flowing and piled up, far upstream at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The flow downstream to the Dead Sea was completely cut off, and the people were able to cross over near Jericho. 17 While the people walked across on dry ground, the priests carrying the LORD's Covenant Box stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan until all the people had crossed over. Reflect Reread verses 2-6. What are the people told to do? Before crossing the Jordan River, Joshua tells the people “the LORD will perform miracles among you” (verse 5). What miracles were performed? The crossing of the Jordan River may be compared to the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses’ leadership (see Exodus 14). In what ways are these river crossings similar? How are they different? Pray Lord God, teach me to follow you and to observe your commandments. Order my steps this day so that all I do is in accord with your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who will be traveling this day Tomorrow's Reading Joshua 20:1-9: Cities of refuge are established. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 4, 2012 Author Members Posted October 4, 2012 October 4, 2012 Joshua 20:1-9 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Joshua 20:1-9: God had told Moses about providing cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally kill someone (see Numbers 35:9-15; Deuteronomy 4:41-43; 19:1-13), and now Joshua is instructed to choose cities for that purpose. Six cities are chosen – three cities on the west side of the Jordan and three cities east of the Jordan. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 20:1, 2 Then the LORD told Joshua to say to the people of Israel, “Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about.” Today’s Reading 1 Then the LORD told Joshua 2 to say to the people of Israel, “Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about. 3 If any of you accidentally kills someone, you can go there and escape the one who is looking for revenge. 4 You can run away to one of these cities, go to the place of judgment at the entrance to the city, and explain to the leaders what happened. Then they will let you into the city and give you a place to live in, so that you can stay there. 5 If the one looking for revenge follows you there, the people of the city must not hand you over to that one. They must protect you because you killed the person accidentally and not out of anger. 6 You may stay in the city until you have received a public trial and until the death of the man who is then the High Priest. Then you may go back home to your own town, from which you had run away. ” 7 So, on the west side of the Jordan they set aside Kedesh in Galilee, in the hill country of Naphtali; Shechem, in the hill country of Ephraim; and Hebron, in the hill country of Judah. 8 East of the Jordan, on the desert plateau east of Jericho, they chose Bezer in the territory of Reuben; Ramoth in Gilead, in the territory of Gad; and Golan in Bashan, in the territory of Manasseh. 9 These were the cities of refuge chosen for all the people of Israel and for any foreigner living among them. Any who killed a person accidentally could find protection there from the one looking for revenge; they could not be killed unless they had first received a public trial. Reflect Cities of refuge sheltered those who had accidentally caused someone’s death. The accused were given refuge until their cases could be tried. Reread verse 3-6. Describe the procedure that was to be followed. What are your thoughts about this system? Does our society today have anything comparable? Pray God of justice and mercy, I find refuge in your sheltering love. In your presence I feel safe and secure. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking refuge Tomorrow's Reading Joshua 23:1-16: Joshua prepares to bid farewell to the people of Israel. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 5, 2012 Author Members Posted October 5, 2012 October 5, 2012 Joshua 23:1-16 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Joshua 23:1-16: Joshua has successfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is now old, and he calls upon Israel’s leaders and reviews with them the agreement God made with the people. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 23:8 “Be faithful to the LORD, as you have been till now.” Today’s Reading 1 Much later the LORD gave Israel security from their enemies around them. By that time Joshua was very old, 2 so he called all Israel, the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of the people, and said, “I am very old now. 3 You have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to all these nations because of you. The LORD your God has been fighting for you. 4 I have assigned as the possession of your tribes the land of the nations that are still left, as well as of all the nations that I have already conquered, from the Jordan River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 The LORD your God will make them retreat from you, and he will drive them away as you advance. You shall have their land, as the LORD your God has promised you. 6 So be careful to obey and do everything that is written in the book of the Law of Moses. Do not neglect any part of it, 7 and then you will not associate with these peoples left among you or speak the names of their gods or use those names in taking vows or worship those gods or bow down to them. 8 Instead, be faithful to the LORD, as you have been till now. 9 The LORD has driven great and powerful nations out as you advanced, and no one has ever been able to stand against you. 10 Any one of you can make a thousand men run away, because the LORD your God is fighting for you, just as he promised. 11 Be careful, then, to love the LORD your God. 12 If you are disloyal and join with the nations that are still left among you and intermarry with them, 13 you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive these nations out as you advance. Rather, they will be as dangerous for you as a trap or a pit and as painful as a whip on your back or thorns in your eyes. And this will last until none of you are left in this good land which the LORD your God has given you. 14 Now my time has come to die. Every one of you knows in his heart and soul that the LORD your God has given you all the good things that he promised. Every promise he made has been kept; not one has failed. 15 But just as he kept every promise that he made to you, so he will carry out every threat. 16 If you do not keep the covenant which the LORD your God commanded you to keep and if you serve and worship other gods, then in his anger he will punish you, and soon none of you will be left in this good land that he has given you. ” Reflect Joshua tells the people that every promise God made has been kept (verse 14). What were those promises? What are the consequences for the people if they fail to keep their covenant with God? Joshua reminds the people that “the LORD your God has been fighting for you” (verse 3). Have you ever experienced a time when you felt that God was fighting for you? Pray Holy God, you are my strength and my shield. You are truly faithful and are always with me. I place my trust in your steadfast love and care. Amen. Prayer Concern Retirees Tomorrow's Reading Joshua 24:1-33: Joshua speaks to the tribes of Israel for the last time. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 6, 2012 Author Members Posted October 6, 2012 October 6, 2012 Joshua 24:1-33 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Joshua 24:1-33: At Shechem, Joshua addresses the people of Israel for the last time. He summarizes the history of God’s saving acts and exhorts the people to renew their covenant with the LORD. The chapter concludes with the deaths of Joshua and Eleazar, the son of Aaron. Today’s Scripture: Joshua 24:14a “Honor the LORD and serve him sincerely and faithfully.” Today’s Reading 1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem. He called the elders, the leaders, the judges, and the officers of Israel, and they came into the presence of God. 2 Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, has to say: ‘Long ago your ancestors lived on the other side of the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. One of those ancestors was Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor. 3 Then I took Abraham, your ancestor, from the land across the Euphrates and led him through the whole land of Canaan. I gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, 4 and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau the hill country of Edom as his possession, but your ancestor Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. 5 Later I sent Moses and Aaron, and I brought great trouble on Egypt. But I led you out; 6 I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and cavalry. But when your ancestors got to the Red Sea 7 they cried out to me for help, and I put darkness between them and the Egyptians. I made the sea come rolling over the Egyptians and drown them. You know what I did to Egypt. You lived in the desert a long time. 8 Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the east side of the Jordan. They fought you, but I gave you victory over them. You took their land, and I destroyed them as you advanced. 9 Then the king of Moab, Balak son of Zippor, fought against you. He sent word to Balaam son of Beor and asked him to put a curse on you. 10 But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you, and in this way I rescued you from Balak. 11 You crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought you, as did the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. But I gave you victory over them all. 12 As you advanced, I threw them into panic in order to drive out the two Amorite kings. Your swords and bows had nothing to do with it. 13 I gave you a land that you had never worked and cities that you had not built. Now you are living there and eating grapes from vines that you did not plant, and olives from trees that you did not plant. ’ 14 “Now then,” Joshua continued, honor the LORD and serve him sincerely and faithfully. Get rid of the gods which your ancestors used to worship in Mesopotamia and in Egypt, and serve only the LORD. 15 If you are not willing to serve him, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshiped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living. As for my family and me, we will serve the LORD. ” 16 The people replied, “We would never leave the LORD to serve other gods! 17 The LORD our God brought our fathers and us out of slavery in Egypt, and we saw the miracles that he performed. He kept us safe wherever we went among all the nations through which we passed. 18 As we advanced into this land, the LORD drove out all the Amorites who lived here. So we also will serve the LORD; he is our God. ” 19 Joshua said to the people, “But you may not be able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God and will not forgive your sins. He will tolerate no rivals, 20 and if you leave him to serve foreign gods, he will turn against you and punish you. He will destroy you, even though he was good to you before. ” 21 The people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD. ” 22 Joshua told them, “You are your own witnesses to the fact that you have chosen to serve the LORD. ” “Yes,” they said, “we are witnesses.” 23 “Then get rid of those foreign gods that you have,” he demanded, “and pledge your loyalty to the LORD, the God of Israel. ” 24 The people then said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey his commands. ” 25 So Joshua made a covenant for the people that day, and there at Shechem he gave them laws and rules to follow. 26 Joshua wrote these commands in the book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up under the oak tree in the LORD's sanctuary. 27 He said to all the people, “This stone will be our witness. It has heard all the words that the LORD has spoken to us. So it will be a witness against you, to keep you from rebelling against your God. ” 28 Then Joshua sent the people away, and everyone returned to their own part of the land. 29 After that, the LORD's servant Joshua son of Nun died at the age of a hundred and ten. 30 They buried him on his own land at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim north of Mount Gaash. 31 As long as Joshua lived, the people of Israel served the LORD, and after his death they continued to do so as long as those leaders were alive who had seen for themselves everything that the LORD had done for Israel. 32 The body of Joseph, which the people of Israel had brought from Egypt, was buried at Shechem, in the piece of land that Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for a hundred pieces of silver. This land was inherited by Joseph's descendants. 33 Eleazar son of Aaron died and was buried at Gibeah, the town in the hill country of Ephraim which had been given to his son Phinehas. Reflect What does Joshua ask the people to do? What choice does he put before them? What is the covenant that Joshua made for the people (verse 25)? What was the purpose of the stone (verses 26, 27)? Have you ever been called upon to serve as a witness? Pray Almighty God, you alone are God and I promise to honor and serve you sincerely and faithfully. Amen. Prayer Concern Those rededicating themselves to serve God Tomorrow's Reading Judges 2:1-23: Joshua dies and the succeeding generations sin against the LORD. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 7, 2012 Author Members Posted October 7, 2012 October 7, 2012 Judges 2:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Judges 2:1-23: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of Judges, a book that contains stories of national heroes known as “judges,” most of whom were military leaders during Israel’s tribal period. The book of Judges teaches that Israel’s survival depended on loyalty to God, whereas disloyalty always led to disaster. Today’s reading describes the death of Joshua and the unfaithfulness of the people. There is a recurring cycle of prosperity, unfaithfulness, punishment, repentance, and deliverance from enemies under the leadership of “judges” chosen by the LORD. Today’s Scripture: Judges 2:18b The LORD would have mercy on them because they groaned under their suffering and oppression. Today’s Reading 1 The angel of the LORD went from Gilgal to Bochim and said to the Israelites, “I took you out of Egypt and brought you to the land that I promised to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you. 2 You must not make any covenant with the people who live in this land. You must tear down their altars. ’ But you have not done what I told you. You have done just the opposite! 3 So I tell you now that I will not drive these people out as you advance. They will be your enemies, and you will be trapped by the worship of their gods. ” 4 When the angel had said this, all the people of Israel began to cry, 5 and that is why the place is called Bochim. There they offered sacrifices to the LORD. 6 Joshua sent the people of Israel on their way, and each man went to take possession of his own share of the land. 7 As long as Joshua lived, the people of Israel served the LORD, and even after his death they continued to do so as long as the leaders were alive who had seen for themselves all the great things that the LORD had done for Israel. 8 The LORD's servant Joshua son of Nun died at the age of a hundred and ten. 9 He was buried in his own part of the land at Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim north of Mount Gaash. 10 That whole generation also died, and the next generation forgot the LORD and what he had done for Israel. 11 Then the people of Israel sinned against the LORD and began to serve the Baals. 12 They stopped worshiping the LORD, the God of their ancestors, the God who had brought them out of Egypt, and they began to worship other gods, the gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and made the LORD angry. 13 They stopped worshiping the LORD and served the Baals and the Astartes. 14 And so the LORD became furious with Israel and let raiders attack and rob them. He let the enemies all around overpower them, and the Israelites could no longer protect themselves. 15 Every time they would go into battle, the LORD was against them, just as he had said he would be. They were in great distress. 16 Then the LORD gave the Israelites leaders who saved them from the raiders. 17 But the Israelites paid no attention to their leaders. Israel was unfaithful to the LORD and worshiped other gods. Their fathers had obeyed the LORD's commands, but this new generation soon stopped doing so. 18 Whenever the LORD gave Israel a leader, the LORD would help that leader and would save the people from their enemies as long as that leader lived. The LORD would have mercy on them because they groaned under their suffering and oppression. 19 But when the leader died, the people would return to the old ways and behave worse than the previous generation. They would serve and worship other gods, and stubbornly continue their own evil ways. 20 Then the LORD would become furious with Israel and say, “This nation has broken the covenant that I commanded their ancestors to keep. Because they have not obeyed me, 21 I will no longer drive out any of the nations that were still in the land when Joshua died. 22 I will use them to find out whether or not these Israelites will follow my ways, as their ancestors did. ” 23 So the LORD allowed these nations to remain in the land; he did not give Joshua victory over them, nor did he drive them out soon after Joshua's death. Reflect What promise did God make to Israel’s ancestors? What did the Israelites promise to do in return? Why did God stop helping Israel defeat its enemies? What does the recurring cycle described in today’s reading teach you about God? Pray Merciful God, forgive me when I stray from your teachings. You are always ready to hear my prayer and restore me to your fold. Help me to heed your voice and remain faithful and to act in accord with your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are hurting because of broken promises Tomorrow's Reading Judges 3:1-31: The LORD sends leaders to help Israel defeat its enemies. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 10, 2012 Author Members Posted October 10, 2012 October 8, 2012 Judges 3:1-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Judges 3:1-31: Israel’s tribes sin against the LORD by worshiping idols. This angers the LORD who lets neighboring nations conquer them. When the people cry out for help, the LORD sends leaders (judges) to help them defeat their enemies. Today we read about three of those leaders – Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Today’s Scripture: Judges 3:9a Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he sent someone to free them. Today’s Reading 1 So then, the LORD left some nations in the land to test the Israelites who had not been through the wars in Canaan. 2 He did this only in order to teach each generation of Israelites about war, especially those who had never been in battle before. 3 Those left in the land were the five Philistine cities, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the Lebanon Mountains from Mount Baal Hermon as far as Hamath Pass. 4 They were to be a test for Israel, to find out whether or not the Israelites would obey the commands that the LORD had given their ancestors through Moses. 5 And so the people of Israel settled down among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 6 They intermarried with them and worshiped their gods. 7 The people of Israel forgot the LORD their God; they sinned against him and worshiped the idols of Baal and Asherah. 8 So the LORD became angry with Israel and let King Cushan Rishathaim of Mesopotamia conquer them. They were subject to him for eight years. 9 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he sent someone to free them. This was Othniel, the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz. 10 The spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel's leader. Othniel went to war, and the LORD gave him the victory over the king of Mesopotamia. 11 There was peace in the land for forty years, and then Othniel died. 12 The people of Israel sinned against the LORD again. Because of this the LORD made King Eglon of Moab stronger than Israel. 13 Eglon joined the Ammonites and the Amalekites; they defeated Israel and captured Jericho, the city of palm trees. 14 The Israelites were subject to Eglon for eighteen years. 15 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he sent someone to free them. This was Ehud, a left-handed man, who was the son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin. The people of Israel sent Ehud to King Eglon of Moab with gifts for him. 16 Ehud had made himself a double-edged sword about a foot and a half long. He had it fastened on his right side under his clothes. 17 Then he took the gifts to Eglon, who was a very fat man. 18 When Ehud had given him the gifts, he told the men who had carried them to go back home. 19 But Ehud himself turned back at the carved stones near Gilgal, went back to Eglon, and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.” So the king ordered his servants, “Leave us alone!” And they all went out. 20 Then, as the king was sitting there alone in his cool room on the roof, Ehud went over to him and said, “I have a message from God for you.” The king stood up. 21 With his left hand Ehud took the sword from his right side and plunged it into the king's belly. 22 The whole sword went in, handle and all, and the fat covered it up. Ehud did not pull it out of the king's belly, and it stuck out behind, between his legs. 23 Then Ehud went outside, closed the doors behind him, locked them, 24 and left. The servants came and saw that the doors were locked, but they only thought that the king was inside, relieving himself. 25 They waited as long as they thought they should, but when he still did not open the door, they took the key and opened it. And there was their master, lying dead on the floor. 26 Ehud got away while they were waiting. He went past the carved stones and escaped to Seirah. 27 When he arrived there in the hill country of Ephraim, he blew a trumpet to call the people of Israel to battle; then he led them down from the hills. 28 He told them, “Follow me! The LORD has given you victory over your enemies, the Moabites. ” So they followed Ehud down and captured the place where the Moabites were to cross the Jordan; they did not allow anyone to cross. 29 That day they killed about ten thousand of the best Moabite soldiers; none of them escaped. 30 That day the Israelites defeated Moab, and there was peace in the land for eighty years. 31 The next leader was Shamgar son of Anath. He too rescued Israel, and did so by killing six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. Reflect How did the LORD test the Israelites? Why? What was life like for the Israelites prior to God’s sending Othniel and Ehud? Have you ever experienced consequences as a result of disobeying God? Pray God of hope and promise, draw me close to you. You hear me whenever I cry out to you for help, and I find peace and comfort in the embrace of your everlasting love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those living under the yoke of political oppression Tomorrow's Reading Judges 4:1-24: Deborah and Barak battle a Canaanite army. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 10, 2012 Author Members Posted October 10, 2012 October 9, 2012 Judges 4:1-24 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Judges 4:1-24: Once again the Israelites disobey God and they are conquered by Jabin, a Canaanite king who oppresses them cruelly. God chooses a female prophet, Deborah, to serve as the next judge and instructs her to command Barak to lead the Israelites in battle against Jabin and his army. Today’s Scripture: Judges 4:14a Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! The LORD is leading you!” Today’s Reading 1 After Ehud died, the people of Israel sinned against the LORD again. 2 So the LORD let them be conquered by Jabin, a Canaanite king who ruled in the city of Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived at Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles. 3 Jabin had nine hundred iron chariots, and he ruled the people of Israel with cruelty and violence for twenty years. Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. 4 Now Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet, and she was serving as a judge for the Israelites at that time. 5 She would sit under a certain palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel would go there for her decisions. 6 One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam from the city of Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given you this command: ‘Take ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them to Mount Tabor. 7 I will bring Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, to fight you at the Kishon River. He will have his chariots and soldiers, but I will give you victory over him. ’ ” 8 Then Barak replied, “I will go if you go with me, but if you don't go with me, I won't go either.” 9 She answered, “All right, I will go with you, but you won't get any credit for the victory, because the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman. ” So Deborah set off for Kedesh with Barak. 10 Barak called the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and ten thousand men followed him. Deborah went with him. 11 In the meantime Heber the Kenite had set up his tent close to Kedesh near the oak tree at Zaanannim. He had moved away from the other Kenites, the descendants of Hobab, the brother-in-law of Moses. 12 When Sisera learned that Barak had gone up to Mount Tabor, 13 he called out his nine hundred iron chariots and all his men, and sent them from Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles to the Kishon River. 14 Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! The LORD is leading you! Today he has given you victory over Sisera. ” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with his ten thousand men. 15 When Barak attacked with his army, the LORD threw Sisera into confusion together with all his chariots and men. Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. 16 Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-of-the-Gentiles, and Sisera's whole army was killed. Not a man was left. 17 Sisera ran away to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because King Jabin of Hazor was at peace with Heber's family. 18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Come in, sir; come into my tent. Don't be afraid.” So he went in, and she hid him behind a curtain. 19 He said to her, “Please give me a drink of water; I'm thirsty.” She opened a leather bag of milk, gave him a drink, and hid him again. 20 Then he told her, “Stand at the door of the tent, and if anyone comes and asks you if anyone is here, say no.” 21 Sisera was so tired that he fell sound asleep. Then Jael took a hammer and a tent peg, quietly went up to him, and killed him by driving the peg right through the side of his head and into the ground. 22 When Barak came looking for Sisera, Jael went out to meet him and said to him, “Come here! I'll show you the man you're looking for.” So he went in with her, and there was Sisera on the ground, dead, with the tent peg through his head. 23 That day God gave the Israelites victory over Jabin, the Canaanite king. 24 They pressed harder and harder against him until they destroyed him. Reflect Why does Barak want Deborah to go with him? What does his request indicate to you about Deborah? Deborah tells Barak that he will not get credit for the victory because the LORD will hand the commander of the Canaanite army over to a woman. How does this come about? How would you characterize Deborah and Jael? Pray Almighty God, lead me each day and teach me to heed your voice and obey your commands. Amen. Prayer Concern Military leaders Tomorrow's Reading Judges 5:1-31: Deborah and Barak sing about the LORD’s victory over the Canaanite army. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 11, 2012 Author Members Posted October 11, 2012 October 10, 2012 Judges 5:1-31 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Judges 5:1-31: Today’s reading is known as the Song of Deborah and Barak. It is a song praising God for defeating Jabin and the Canaanite army. In poetic form, it provides details about the battle and Israel’s victory. Today’s Scripture: Judges 5:5 The mountains quaked before the LORD of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. Today’s Reading 1 On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song: 2 Praise the LORD! The Israelites were determined to fight; the people gladly volunteered. 3 Listen, you kings! Pay attention, you rulers! I will sing and play music to Israel's God, the LORD. 4 LORD, when you left the mountains of Seir, when you came out of the region of Edom, the earth shook, and rain fell from the sky. Yes, water poured down from the clouds. 5 The mountains quaked before the LORD of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. 6 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, caravans no longer went through the land, and travelers used the back roads. 7 The towns of Israel stood abandoned, Deborah; they stood empty until you came, came like a mother for Israel. 8 Then there was war in the land when the Israelites chose new gods. Of the forty thousand men in Israel, did anyone carry shield or spear? 9 My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with the people who gladly volunteered. Praise the LORD! 10 Tell of it, you that ride on white donkeys, sitting on saddles, and you that must walk wherever you go. 11 Listen! The noisy crowds around the wells are telling of the LORD's victories, the victories of Israel's people! Then the LORD's people marched down from their cities. 12 Lead on, Deborah, lead on! Lead on! Sing a song! Lead on! Forward, Barak son of Abinoam, lead your captives away! 13 Then the faithful ones came down to their leaders; the LORD's people came to him ready to fight. 14 They came from Ephraim into the valley, behind the tribe of Benjamin and its people. The commanders came down from Machir, the officers down from Zebulun. 15 The leaders of Issachar came with Deborah; yes, Issachar came and Barak too, and they followed him into the valley. But the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. 16 Why did they stay behind with the sheep? To listen to shepherds calling the flocks? Yes, the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. 17 The tribe of Gad stayed east of the Jordan, and the tribe of Dan remained by the ships. The tribe of Asher stayed by the seacoast; they remained along the shore. 18 But the people of Zebulun and Naphtali risked their lives on the battlefield. 19 At Taanach, by the stream of Megiddo, the kings came and fought; the kings of Canaan fought, but they took no silver away. 20 The stars fought from the sky; as they moved across the sky, they fought against Sisera. 21 A flood in the Kishon swept them away— the onrushing Kishon River. I shall march, march on, with strength! 22 Then the horses came galloping on, stamping the ground with their hoofs. 23 “Put a curse on Meroz,” says the angel of the LORD, “a curse, a curse on those who live there. They did not come to help the LORD, come as soldiers to fight for him.” 24 The most fortunate of women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite— the most fortunate of women who live in tents. 25 Sisera asked for water, but she gave him milk; she brought him cream in a beautiful bowl. 26 She took a tent peg in one hand, a worker's hammer in the other; she struck Sisera and crushed his skull; she pierced him through the head. 27 He sank to his knees, fell down and lay still at her feet. At her feet he sank to his knees and fell; he fell to the ground, dead. 28 Sisera's mother looked out of the window; she gazed from behind the lattice. “Why is his chariot so late in coming?” she asked. “Why are his horses so slow to return?” 29 Her wisest friends answered her, and she told herself over and over, 30 “They are only finding things to capture and divide, a woman or two for every soldier, rich cloth for Sisera, embroidered pieces for the neck of the queen.” 31 So may all your enemies die like that, O LORD, but may your friends shine like the rising sun! Reflect Today’s reading is a victory hymn that is believed to be one of the oldest Old Testament texts. What details about the battle and victory are recounted in this song? What verses attest to the power of Israel’s God? Verses 28-30 describe how the mother of Sisera (the commander of the Canaanite army) is waiting for her son to return from battle. What is she worried about? How do her friends seek to reassure her? Do you know anyone who has a loved one serving in the armed forces? If so, in what ways can you be a source of support for them? Pray I sing your praises, Lord God! You are powerful and victorious, and I thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen. Prayer Concern Military families Tomorrow's Reading Judges 10:1-18: The Israelites are unfaithful again. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 12, 2012 Author Members Posted October 12, 2012 October 11, 2012 Judges 10:1-18 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Judges 10:1-18: The chapter opens with brief descriptions of two of Israel’s judges, Tola and Jair. Then the Israelites disobey the LORD by worshiping foreign gods, and they are conquered by the Philistines and the Ammonites. Once again, the Israelites cry out to the LORD for deliverance from their enemies, but God chooses not to rescue them. The people then get rid of their Canaanite idols and the LORD becomes “troubled over Israel’s distress.” Today’s Scripture: Judges 10:16a They got rid of their foreign gods and worshiped the LORD. Today’s Reading 1 After Abimelech's death Tola, the son of Puah and grandson of Dodo, came to free Israel. He was from the tribe of Issachar and lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. 2 He was Israel's leader for twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried at Shamir. 3 After Tola came Jair from Gilead. He led Israel for twenty-two years. 4 He had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys. They had thirty cities in the land of Gilead, which are still called the villages of Jair. 5 Jair died and was buried at Kamon. 6 Once again the Israelites sinned against the LORD by worshiping the Baals and the Astartes, as well as the gods of Syria, of Sidon, of Moab, of Ammon, and of Philistia. They abandoned the LORD and stopped worshiping him. 7 So the LORD became angry with the Israelites, and let the Philistines and the Ammonites conquer them. 8 For eighteen years they oppressed and persecuted all the Israelites who lived in Amorite country east of the Jordan River in Gilead. 9 The Ammonites even crossed the Jordan to fight the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Ephraim. Israel was in great distress. 10 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD and said, “We have sinned against you, for we left you, our God, and worshiped the Baals.” 11 The LORD gave them this answer: “The Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites, and the Maonites oppressed you in the past, and you cried out to me. Did I not save you from them? 13 But you still left me and worshiped other gods, so I am not going to rescue you again. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them rescue you when you get in trouble. ” 15 But the people of Israel said to the LORD, “We have sinned. Do whatever you like, but please, save us today.” 16 So they got rid of their foreign gods and worshiped the LORD; and he became troubled over Israel's distress. 17 Then the Ammonite army prepared for battle and camped in Gilead. The people of Israel came together and camped at Mizpah in Gilead. 18 There the people and the leaders of the Israelite tribes asked one another, “Who will lead the fight against the Ammonites? Whoever does will be the leader of everyone in Gilead.” Reflect Reread verses 10-14. How does God respond to the cries of the Israelites? Are you surprised by God’s response? Why or why not? What are your thoughts about this recurring cycle of the people turning away from God, experiencing punishment in the form of oppression by their enemies, and then crying out to God to be saved? Are there times in your life when you have not put God first? Pray Holy God, you alone are God and I worship only you. Teach me each day to remember and to thank you for your steadfast love and care and help me to avoid any temptation that would lead me astray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those facing temptation Tomorrow's Reading Judges 11:1-40: The Israelites ask Jephthah to be their leader. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 12, 2012 Author Members Posted October 12, 2012 October 12, 2012 Judges 11:1-40 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction Judges 11:1-40: Yesterday’s reading concluded with the Israelites discussing who would lead them in fighting against their enemy, the Ammonites (Judges 10:18). Today we read that they seek out Jephthah and ask him to lead them. Jephthah attempts to negotiate with the king of Ammon, but his efforts fail. Jephthah makes a promise to the LORD that he will keep if the LORD gives him the victory – a promise that has heartbreaking consequences. Today’s Scripture: Judges 11:29a The spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah. Today’s Reading 1 Jephthah, a brave soldier from Gilead, was the son of a prostitute. His father Gilead 2 had other sons by his wife, and when they grew up, they forced Jephthah to leave home. They told him, “You will not inherit anything from our father; you are the son of another woman.” 3 Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. There he attracted a group of worthless men, and they went around with him. 4 It was some time later that the Ammonites went to war against Israel. 5 When this happened, the leaders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah back from the land of Tob. 6 They told him, “Come and lead us, so that we can fight the Ammonites.” 7 But Jephthah answered, “You hated me so much that you forced me to leave my father's house. Why come to me now that you're in trouble?” 8 They said to Jephthah, “We are turning to you now because we want you to go with us and fight the Ammonites and lead all the people of Gilead.” 9 Jephthah said to them, “If you take me back home to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives me victory, I will be your ruler. ” 10 They replied, “We agree. The LORD is our witness. ” 11 So Jephthah went with the leaders of Gilead, and the people made him their ruler and leader. Jephthah stated his terms at Mizpah in the presence of the LORD. 12 Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon to say, “What is your quarrel with us? Why have you invaded our country?” 13 The king of Ammon answered Jephthah's messengers, “When the Israelites came out of Egypt, they took away my land from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River and the Jordan River. Now you must give it back peacefully.” 14 Jephthah sent messengers back to the king of Ammon 15 with this answer: “It is not true that Israel took away the land of Moab or the land of Ammon. 16 This is what happened: when the Israelites left Egypt, they went through the desert to the Gulf of Aqaba and came to Kadesh. 17 Then they sent messengers to the king of Edom to ask permission to go through his land. But the king of Edom would not let them. They also asked the king of Moab, but neither would he let them go through his land. So the Israelites stayed at Kadesh. 18 Then they went on through the desert, going around the land of Edom and the land of Moab until they came to the east side of Moab, on the other side of the Arnon River. They camped there, but they did not cross the Arnon because it was the boundary of Moab. 19 Then the Israelites sent messengers to Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon, and asked him for permission to go through his country to their own land. 20 But Sihon would not let Israel do it. He brought his whole army together, camped at Jahaz, and attacked Israel. 21 But the LORD, the God of Israel, gave the Israelites victory over Sihon and his army. So the Israelites took possession of all the territory of the Amorites who lived in that country. 22 They occupied all the Amorite territory from the Arnon in the south to the Jabbok in the north and from the desert on the east to the Jordan on the west. 23 So it was the LORD, the God of Israel, who drove out the Amorites for his people, the Israelites. 24 Are you going to try to take it back? You can keep whatever your god Chemosh has given you. But we are going to keep everything that the LORD, our God, has taken for us. 25 Do you think you are any better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? He never challenged Israel, did he? Did he ever go to war against us? 26 For three hundred years Israel has occupied Heshbon and Aroer, and the towns around them, and all the cities on the banks of the Arnon River. Why haven't you taken them back in all this time? 27 No, I have not done you any wrong. You are doing wrong by making war on me. The LORD is the judge. He will decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites. ” 28 But the king of Ammon paid no attention to this message from Jephthah. 29 Then the spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah. He went through Gilead and Manasseh and returned to Mizpah in Gilead and went on to Ammon. 30 Jephthah promised the LORD: “If you will give me victory over the Ammonites, 31 I will burn as an offering the first person that comes out of my house to meet me, when I come back from the victory. I will offer that person to you as a sacrifice. ” 32 So Jephthah crossed the river to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave him victory. 33 He struck at them from Aroer to the area around Minnith, twenty cities in all, and as far as Abel Keramim. There was a great slaughter, and the Ammonites were defeated by Israel. 34 When Jephthah went back home to Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him, dancing and playing the tambourine. She was his only child. 35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes in sorrow and said, “Oh, my daughter! You are breaking my heart! Why must it be you that causes me pain? I have made a solemn promise to the LORD, and I cannot take it back! ” 36 She told him, “If you have made a promise to the LORD, do what you said you would do to me, since the LORD has given you revenge on your enemies, the Ammonites. ” 37 But she asked her father, “Do this one thing for me. Leave me alone for two months, so that I can go with my friends to wander in the mountains and grieve that I must die a virgin.” 38 He told her to go and sent her away for two months. She and her friends went up into the mountains and grieved because she was going to die unmarried and childless. 39 After two months she came back to her father. He did what he had promised the LORD, and she died still a virgin. This was the origin of the custom in Israel 40 that the Israelite women would go out for four days every year to grieve for the daughter of Jephthah of Gilead. Reflect How is Jephthah described in the opening verses (1-3)? Why do the Israelite leaders want Jephthah to lead them in their fight against the Ammonites? Why does Jephthah agree to their request? What was Jephthah’s message to the king of Ammon? What vow does Jephthah make (verses 30, 31)? Does his vow indicate that he lacks trust in God who has filled Jephthah with his spirit? Why or why not? Human sacrifice was not considered acceptable (Exodus 13:13; Leviticus 18:21); yet a vow, once made, was irrevocable (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23). How does Jephthah’s daughter respond when learning of her father’s vow? What are your thoughts regarding Jephthah’s vow? Pray God of mercy and love, help me to discern your will each day. Teach me to place my trust in you and to be guided by your truth. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those seeking to resolve disputes through diplomacy Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 6:20—7.17: The Philistines return the LORD’s Covenant Box. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 13, 2012 Author Members Posted October 13, 2012 October 13, 2012 1 Samuel 6:20—7:17 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 6:20—7:17: During a war with the Israelites, the Philistines captured the Covenant Box containing the two flat stones on which were carved the Ten Commandments (1 Samuel 4:1-11). While the Covenant Box was in their possession, the Philistines were stricken with sores, so they sent the Covenant Box back to the Israelites (1 Samuel 5:1—6:19). In today’s reading, the Covenant Box is brought to the house of Abinadab in Kiriath Jearim. Samuel exhorts the Israelites to return to the LORD and to get rid of all the foreign gods. When the Israelites learn that five Philistine kings are planning to attack them, they beg Samuel to pray for them. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:3b Dedicate yourselves completely to the LORD and worship only him. Today’s Reading 20 So the men of Beth Shemesh said, “Who can stand before the LORD, this holy God? Where can we send him to get him away from us? ” 21 They sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim to say, “The Philistines have returned the LORD's Covenant Box. Come down and get it. ” 1 So the people of Kiriath Jearim got the LORD's Covenant Box and took it to the house of a man named Abinadab, who lived on a hill. They consecrated his son Eleazar to be in charge of it. 2 The Covenant Box of the LORD stayed in Kiriath Jearim a long time, some twenty years. During this time all the Israelites cried to the LORD for help. 3 Samuel said to the people of Israel, “If you are going to turn to the LORD with all your hearts, you must get rid of all the foreign gods and the images of the goddess Astarte. Dedicate yourselves completely to the LORD and worship only him, and he will rescue you from the power of the Philistines. ” 4 So the Israelites got rid of their idols of Baal and Astarte, and worshiped only the LORD. 5 Then Samuel called for all the Israelites to meet at Mizpah, telling them, “I will pray to the LORD for you there. ” 6 So they all gathered at Mizpah. They drew some water and poured it out as an offering to the LORD and fasted that whole day. They said, “We have sinned against the LORD. ” (It was at Mizpah where Samuel settled disputes among the Israelites.) 7 When the Philistines heard that the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, the five Philistine kings started out with their men to attack them. The Israelites heard about it and were afraid, 8 and said to Samuel, “Keep praying to the LORD our God to save us from the Philistines. ” 9 Samuel killed a young lamb and burned it whole as a sacrifice to the LORD. Then he prayed to the LORD to help Israel, and the LORD answered his prayer. 10 While Samuel was offering the sacrifice, the Philistines moved forward to attack; but just then the LORD thundered from heaven against them. They became completely confused and fled in panic. 11 The Israelites marched out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines almost as far as Bethcar, killing them along the way. 12 Then Samuel took a stone, set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and said, “The LORD has helped us all the way ”—and he named it “Stone of Help.” 13 So the Philistines were defeated, and the LORD prevented them from invading Israel's territory as long as Samuel lived. 14 All the cities which the Philistines had captured between Ekron and Gath were returned to Israel, and so Israel got back all its territory. And there was peace also between the Israelites and the Canaanites. 15 Samuel ruled Israel as long as he lived. 16 Every year he would go around to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and in these places he would settle disputes. 17 Then he would go back to his home in Ramah, where also he would serve as judge. In Ramah he built an altar to the LORD. Reflect Reread verses 3-6. What ritual act of cleansing was performed? Why was this ritual necessary? In what way did the LORD answer Samuel’s prayer (verses 9, 10)? What does today’s reading teach you about the power of prayer? Pray Almighty God, I dedicate myself to you and promise to worship only you. You are my God in whom I trust. In your holy name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Prayer warriors Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 8:1-22: The people of Israel ask for a king. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 19, 2012 Author Members Posted October 19, 2012 October 14, 2012 1 Samuel 8:1-22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 8:1-22: When Samuel ruled in Israel, he served as prophet and judge; and as he got older, he appointed his sons to serve as judges. His sons do not rule justly and so the people approach Samuel and ask him to appoint a king to rule over them. Samuel speaks to the LORD who tells Samuel to explain to the people how a king will treat them. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:22a The LORD answered, “Do what they want and give them a king.” Today’s Reading 1 When Samuel grew old, he made his sons judges in Israel. 2 The older son was named Joel and the younger one Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. 3 But they did not follow their father's example; they were interested only in making money, so they accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly. 4 Then all the leaders of Israel met together, went to Samuel in Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are getting old and your sons don't follow your example. So then, appoint a king to rule over us, so that we will have a king, as other countries have.” 6 Samuel was displeased with their request for a king; so he prayed to the LORD, 7 and the LORD said, “Listen to everything the people say to you. You are not the one they have rejected; I am the one they have rejected as their king. 8 Ever since I brought them out of Egypt, they have turned away from me and worshiped other gods; and now they are doing to you what they have always done to me. 9 So then, listen to them, but give them strict warnings and explain how their kings will treat them. ” 10 Samuel told the people who were asking him for a king everything that the LORD had said to him. 11 “This is how your king will treat you,” Samuel explained. “He will make soldiers of your sons; some of them will serve in his war chariots, others in his cavalry, and others will run before his chariots. 12 He will make some of them officers in charge of a thousand men, and others in charge of fifty men. Your sons will have to plow his fields, harvest his crops, and make his weapons and the equipment for his chariots. 13 Your daughters will have to make perfumes for him and work as his cooks and his bakers. 14 He will take your best fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your grapes for his court officers and other officials. 16 He will take your servants and your best cattle and donkeys, and make them work for him. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks. And you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that time comes, you will complain bitterly because of your king, whom you yourselves chose, but the LORD will not listen to your complaints. ” 19 The people paid no attention to Samuel, but said, “No! We want a king, 20 so that we will be like other nations, with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles. ” 21 Samuel listened to everything they said and then went and told it to the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Do what they want and give them a king.” Then Samuel told all the men of Israel to go back home. Reflect The LORD tells Samuel that it is the LORD whom the people have rejected as their king (verse 7). How have the people demonstrated their rejection of the LORD? What does Samuel tell the people about the treatment they will receive when they are ruled by a king? How do the people respond? Pray Almighty God, you alone are my lord and king. I promise to serve you always. Reign in my heart forever and ever. Amen. Prayer Concern National leaders Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 9:1-27: Samuel meets Saul. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 19, 2012 Author Members Posted October 19, 2012 October 15, 2012 1 Samuel 9:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 9:1-27: Yesterday’s reading concluded with the LORD telling Samuel to do what the people wanted and to give them a king. In today’s reading, the LORD tells Samuel that he will encounter a man whom Samuel is to anoint as king. While Saul is searching for his father’s missing donkeys, he meets Samuel, and Samuel invites him to a banquet. Saul is given a place at the head of the table, the place of honor. Thus Samuel treats Saul as if Saul were already king. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:16b [The LORD said] “I have seen the suffering of my people and have heard their cries for help.” Today’s Reading 1 There was a wealthy and influential man named Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin; he was the son of Abiel and grandson of Zeror, and belonged to the family of Becorath, a part of the clan of Aphiah. 2 He had a son named Saul, a handsome man in the prime of life. Saul was a foot taller than anyone else in Israel and more handsome as well. 3 Some donkeys belonging to Kish had wandered off, so he said to Saul, “Take one of the servants with you and go and look for the donkeys.” 4 They went through the hill country of Ephraim and the region of Shalishah, but did not find them; so they went on through the region of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then they went through the territory of Benjamin, but still did not find them. 5 When they came into the region of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Let's go back home, or my father might stop thinking about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” 6 The servant answered, “Wait! In this town there is a holy man who is highly respected because everything he says comes true. Let's go to him, and maybe he can tell us where we can find the donkeys.” 7 “If we go to him, what can we give him?” Saul asked. “There is no food left in our packs, and we don't have a thing to give him, do we?” 8 The servant answered, “I have a small silver coin. I can give him that, and then he will tell us where we can find them.” 9-11 Saul replied, “A good idea! Let's go.” So they went to the town where the holy man lived. As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some young women who were coming out to draw water. They asked these women, “Is the seer in town?” (At that time a prophet was called a seer, and so whenever someone wanted to ask God a question, he would say, “Let's go to the seer.”) 12-13 “Yes, he is,” the young women answered. “In fact, he is just ahead of you. If you hurry, you will catch up with him. As soon as you go into town, you will find him. He arrived in town today because the people are going to offer a sacrifice on the altar on the hill. The people who are invited won't start eating until he gets there, because he has to bless the sacrifice first. If you go now, you will find him before he goes up the hill to eat.” 14 So Saul and his servant went on to the town, and as they were going in, they saw Samuel coming out toward them on his way to the place of worship. 15 Now on the previous day the LORD had told Samuel, 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man from the tribe of Benjamin; anoint him as ruler of my people Israel, and he will rescue them from the Philistines. I have seen the suffering of my people and have heard their cries for help.” 17 When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the LORD said to him, “This is the man I told you about. He will rule my people.” 18 Then Saul went over to Samuel, who was near the gate, and asked, “Tell me, where does the seer live?” 19 Samuel answered, “I am the seer. Go on ahead of me to the place of worship. Both of you are to eat with me today. Tomorrow morning I will answer all your questions and send you on your way. 20 As for the donkeys that were lost three days ago, don't worry about them; they have already been found. But who is it that the people of Israel want so much? It is you—you and your father's family. ” 21 Saul answered, “I belong to the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important one in the tribe. Why, then, do you talk like this to me?” 22 Then Samuel led Saul and his servant into the large room and gave them a place at the head of the table where the guests, about thirty in all, were seated. 23 Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the piece of meat I gave you, which I told you to set aside.” 24 So the cook brought the choice piece of the leg and placed it before Saul. Samuel said, “Look, here is the piece that was kept for you. Eat it. I saved it for you to eat at this time with the people I invited.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day. 25 When they went down from the place of worship to the town, they fixed up a bed for Saul on the roof, 26 and he slept there. At dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get up, and I will send you on your way.” Saul got up, and he and Samuel went out to the street together. 27 When they arrived at the edge of town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” The servant left, and Samuel continued, “Stay here a minute, and I will tell you what God has said.” Reflect Israel’s cries for help (verse 16) pertain to attacks and threats of attack from their surrounding enemies, and the person God chooses to serve as their king will be primarily one who is able to provide military leadership and “rescue them from the Philstines.” How is Saul described? In addition to being a judge, Samuel was also a priest and a prophet. What verses in today’s reading indicate these two roles of Samuel as a servant of God? Pray Lord God, keep me mindful of your loving and guiding presence. May all I do and say bring glory and honor to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Banquet caterers Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 10:1-27: Samuel anoints Saul as king. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 19, 2012 Author Members Posted October 19, 2012 October 16, 2012 1 Samuel 10:1-27 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 10:1-27: Saul is anointed as king, and Samuel tells him about things that will happen that day as proof that he has been chosen by the LORD. God gives Saul a new nature, and the spirit takes control of him. When Samuel summons the people for the purpose of presenting Saul to them, the process he follows is similar to one that is used for finding a criminal, which perhaps explains why Saul was hiding. The people acclaim Saul as king, but some of them question Saul’s leadership. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:24 Samuel said to the people, “Here is the man the LORD has chosen! There is no one else among us like him.” Today’s Reading 1 Then Samuel took a jar of olive oil and poured it on Saul's head, kissed him, and said, “The LORD anoints you as ruler of his people Israel. You will rule his people and protect them from all their enemies. And this is the proof to you that the LORD has chosen you to be the ruler of his people: 2 When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel's tomb at Zelzah in the territory of Benjamin. They will tell you that the donkeys you were looking for have been found, so that your father isn't worried any more about them but about you, and he keeps asking, “What shall I do about my son?” 3 You will go on from there until you come to the sacred tree at Tabor, where you will meet three men on their way to offer a sacrifice to God at Bethel. One of them will be leading three young goats, another one will be carrying three loaves of bread, and the third one will have a leather bag full of wine. 4 They will greet you and offer you two of the loaves, which you are to accept. 5 Then you will go to the Hill of God in Gibeah, where there is a Philistine camp. At the entrance to the town you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the altar on the hill, playing harps, drums, flutes, and lyres. They will be dancing and shouting. 6 Suddenly the spirit of the LORD will take control of you, and you will join in their religious dancing and shouting and will become a different person. 7 When these things happen, do whatever God leads you to do. 8 You will go ahead of me to Gilgal, where I will meet you and offer burnt sacrifices and fellowship sacrifices. Wait there seven days until I come and tell you what to do. ” 9 When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God gave Saul a new nature. And everything Samuel had told him happened that day. 10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Suddenly the spirit of God took control of him, and he joined in their ecstatic dancing and shouting. 11 People who had known him before saw him doing this and asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Has Saul become a prophet?” 12 A man who lived there asked, “How about these other prophets—who do you think their fathers are?” This is how the saying originated, “Has even Saul become a prophet?” 13 When Saul finished his ecstatic dancing and shouting, he went to the altar on the hill. 14 Saul's uncle saw him and the servant, and he asked them, “Where have you been?” “Looking for the donkeys,” Saul answered. “When we couldn't find them, we went to see Samuel.” 15 “And what did he tell you?” Saul's uncle asked. 16 “He told us that the animals had been found,” Saul answered—but he did not tell his uncle what Samuel had said about his becoming king. 17 Samuel called the people together for a religious gathering at Mizpah 18 and said to them, “The LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘I brought you out of Egypt and rescued you from the Egyptians and all the other peoples who were oppressing you. 19 I am your God, the one who rescues you from all your troubles and difficulties, but today you have rejected me and have asked me to give you a king. Very well, then, gather yourselves before the LORD by tribes and by clans. ’ ” 20 Then Samuel had each tribe come forward, and the LORD picked the tribe of Benjamin. 21 Then Samuel had the families of the tribe of Benjamin come forward, and the family of Matri was picked out. Then the men of the family of Matri came forward, and Saul son of Kish was picked out. They looked for him, but when they could not find him, 22 they asked the LORD, “Is there still someone else?” The LORD answered, “Saul is over there, hiding behind the supplies.” 23 So they ran and brought Saul out to the people, and they could see that he was a foot taller than anyone else. 24 Samuel said to the people, “Here is the man the LORD has chosen! There is no one else among us like him. ” All the people shouted, “Long live the king!” 25 Samuel explained to the people the rights and duties of a king, and then wrote them in a book, which he deposited in a holy place. Then he sent everyone home. 26 Saul also went back home to Gibeah. Some powerful men, whose hearts God had touched, went with him. 27 But some worthless people said, “How can this fellow do us any good?” They despised Saul and did not bring him any gifts. Reflect When Saul is anointed as king, what does Samuel tells him? What happened when the spirit took control of Saul? Reread verses 17-19. What does Samuel say to the people? How would you describe his tone? When Samuel calls the people together, how is Saul selected? Pray Loving God, fill me with your spirit. I yield to your control. Guide my thoughts and actions this day and lead me in the way of your truth. Amen. Prayer Concern Political candidates Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 11:1-15: Saul defeats the Ammonites. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 19, 2012 Author Members Posted October 19, 2012 October 17, 2012 1 Samuel 11:1-15 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 11:1-15: While Saul is farming in his hometown of Gibeah, messengers from Jabesh arrive with news that the Ammonite king has besieged their town. The spirit of God takes control of Saul, and Saul gathers an army and defeats the Ammonites. The people once again proclaim Saul as king and celebrate. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:13b “This is the day the LORD rescued Israel.” Today’s Reading 1 About a month later King Nahash of Ammon led his army against the town of Jabesh in the territory of Gilead and besieged it. The men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a treaty with us, and we will accept you as our ruler.” 2 Nahash answered, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition: I will put out everyone's right eye and so bring disgrace on all Israel.” 3 The leaders of Jabesh said, “Give us seven days to send messengers throughout the land of Israel. If no one will help us, then we will surrender to you.” 4 The messengers arrived at Gibeah, where Saul lived, and when they told the news, the people started crying in despair. 5 Saul was just then coming in from the field with his oxen, and he asked, “What's wrong? Why is everyone crying?” They told him what the messengers from Jabesh had reported. 6 When Saul heard this, the spirit of God took control of him, and he became furious. 7 He took two oxen, cut them in pieces, and had messengers carry the pieces throughout the land of Israel with this warning: “Whoever does not follow Saul and Samuel into battle will have this done to his oxen!” The people of Israel were afraid of what the LORD might do, and all of them, without exception, came out together. 8 Saul gathered them at Bezek: there were 300,000 from Israel and 30,000 from Judah. 9 They said to the messengers from Jabesh, “Tell your people that before noon tomorrow they will be rescued.” When the people of Jabesh received the message, they were overjoyed 10 and said to Nahash, “Tomorrow we will surrender to you, and you can do with us whatever you wish.” 11 That night Saul divided his men into three groups, and at dawn the next day they rushed into the enemy camp and attacked the Ammonites. By noon they had slaughtered them. The survivors scattered, each man running off by himself. 12 Then the people of Israel said to Samuel, “Where are the people who said that Saul should not be our king? Hand them over to us, and we will kill them!” 13 But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this is the day the LORD rescued Israel. ” 14 And Samuel said to them, “Let us all go to Gilgal and once more proclaim Saul as our king.” 15 So they all went to Gilgal, and there at the holy place they proclaimed Saul king. They offered fellowship sacrifices, and Saul and all the people of Israel celebrated the event. Reflect What does Saul warn the people will happen if they do not follow him and Samuel into battle? After the people proclaim Saul as king, they offer “fellowship sacrifices” also known as “peace offerings” or sacrifices to ask the LORD’s blessing. In what ways has God blessed you? Pray Gracious God, thank you for all your blessings and for the blessing of your steadfast love and care. I praise your holy name. Amen. Prayer Concern Those serving in the armed forces Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 12:1-25: Samuel addresses the people. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 20, 2012 Author Members Posted October 20, 2012 October 18, 2012 1 Samuel 12:1-25 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 12:1-25: Today’s reading is often referred to as Samuel’s farewell address. He begins by seeking acknowledgment from the people for his leadership and then recounts God’s mighty deeds and all the times God rescued them from their enemies. He reminds them to obey and serve the LORD. You may wish to compare Samuel’s farewell address with the one given by Joshua (see Joshua 24:1-33, the reading for October 6). Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:24 Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you. Today’s Reading 1 Then Samuel said to the people of Israel, “I have done what you asked me to do. I have given you a king to rule you, 2 and now you have him to lead you. As for me, I am old and gray, and my sons are with you. I have been your leader from my youth until now. 3 Here I am. If I have done anything wrong, accuse me now in the presence of the LORD and the king he has chosen. Have I taken anybody's cow or anybody's donkey? Have I cheated or oppressed anyone? Have I accepted a bribe from anyone? If I have done any of these things, I will pay back what I have taken. ” 4 The people answered, “No, you have not cheated us or oppressed us; you have not taken anything from anyone.” 5 Samuel replied, “The LORD and the king he has chosen are witnesses today that you have found me to be completely innocent. ” “Yes, the LORD is our witness, ” they answered. 6 Samuel continued, “The LORD is the one who chose Moses and Aaron and who brought your ancestors out of Egypt. 7 Now stand where you are, and I will accuse you before the LORD by reminding you of all the mighty actions the LORD did to save you and your ancestors. 8 When Jacob and his family went to Egypt and the Egyptians oppressed them, your ancestors cried to the LORD for help, and he sent Moses and Aaron, who brought them out of Egypt and settled them in this land. 9 But the people forgot the LORD their God, and so he let the Philistines and the king of Moab and Sisera, commander of the army of the city of Hazor, fight against your ancestors and conquer them. 10 Then they cried to the LORD for help and said, ‘We have sinned, because we turned away from you, LORD, and worshiped the idols of Baal and Astarte. Rescue us from our enemies, and we will worship you! ’ 11 And the LORD sent Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, and finally me. Each of us rescued you from your enemies, and you lived in safety. 12 But when you saw that King Nahash of Ammon was about to attack you, you rejected the LORD as your king and said to me, “We want a king to rule us.” 13 Now here is the king you chose; you asked for him, and now the LORD has given him to you. 14 All will go well with you if you honor the LORD your God, serve him, listen to him, and obey his commands, and if you and your king follow him. 15 But if you do not listen to the LORD but disobey his commands, he will be against you and your king. 16 So then, stand where you are, and you will see the great thing which the LORD is going to do. 17 It's the dry season, isn't it? But I will pray, and the LORD will send thunder and rain. When this happens, you will realize that you committed a great sin against the LORD when you asked him for a king. ” 18 So Samuel prayed, and on that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. Then all the people became afraid of the LORD and of Samuel, 19 and they said to Samuel, “Please, sir, pray to the LORD your God for us, so that we won't die. We now realize that, besides all our other sins, we have sinned by asking for a king. ” 20 “Don't be afraid,” Samuel answered. “Even though you have done such an evil thing, do not turn away from the LORD, but serve him with all your heart. 21 Don't go after false gods; they cannot help you or save you, for they are not real. 22 The LORD has made a solemn promise, and he will not abandon you, for he has decided to make you his own people. 23 As for me, the LORD forbid that I should sin against him by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do. 24 Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you. 25 But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed. ” Reflect Why does Samuel tell the people that they committed a great sin against the LORD when they asked for a king (verse 17)? What examples does Samuel give as evidence that God has taken care of the Israelites? What great things has God done for you? Pray Lord God, I want to obey you with all my heart and serve you faithfully. I praise and thank you for all the great and wonderful things you have done. Amen. Prayer Concern Speechwriters Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 15:1-35: Saul disobeys the LORD. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 22, 2012 Author Members Posted October 22, 2012 October 19, 2012 1 Samuel 15:1-35 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 15:1-35: Saul is instructed to attack the Amalekites and to destroy everything they have. However, Saul allows his men to keep the best sheep and cattle to offer as a sacrifice. Samuel confronts Saul with his sin of disobedience, and the LORD rejects Saul as king. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:29 “Israel’s majestic God does not lie or change his mind. He is not a human being – he does not change his mind.” Today’s Reading 1 Samuel said to Saul, “I am the one whom the LORD sent to anoint you king of his people Israel. Now listen to what the LORD Almighty says. 2 He is going to punish the people of Amalek because their ancestors opposed the Israelites when they were coming from Egypt. 3 Go and attack the Amalekites and completely destroy everything they have. Don't leave a thing; kill all the men, women, children, and babies; the cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys. ” 4 Saul called his forces together and inspected them at Telem: there were 200,000 soldiers from Israel and 10,000 from Judah. 5 Then he and his men went to the city of Amalek and waited in ambush in a dry riverbed. 6 He sent a warning to the Kenites, a people whose ancestors had been kind to the Israelites when they came from Egypt: “Go away and leave the Amalekites, so that I won't kill you along with them.” So the Kenites left. 7 Saul defeated the Amalekites, fighting all the way from Havilah to Shur, east of Egypt; 8 he captured King Agag of Amalek alive and killed all the people. 9 But Saul and his men spared Agag's life and did not kill the best sheep and cattle, the best calves and lambs, or anything else that was good; they destroyed only what was useless or worthless. 10 The LORD said to Samuel, 11 “I am sorry that I made Saul king; he has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands.” Samuel was angry, and all night long he pleaded with the LORD. 12 Early the following morning he went off to find Saul. He heard that Saul had gone to the town of Carmel, where he had built a monument to himself, and then had gone on to Gilgal. 13 Samuel went up to Saul, who greeted him, saying, “The LORD bless you, Samuel! I have obeyed the LORD's command. ” 14 Samuel asked, “Why, then, do I hear cattle mooing and sheep bleating?” 15 Saul answered, “My men took them from the Amalekites. They kept the best sheep and cattle to offer as a sacrifice to the LORD your God, and the rest we have destroyed completely. ” 16 “Stop,” Samuel ordered, “and I will tell you what the LORD said to me last night. ” “Tell me,” Saul said. 17 Samuel answered, “Even though you consider yourself of no importance, you are the leader of the tribes of Israel. The LORD anointed you king of Israel, 18 and he sent you out with orders to destroy those wicked people of Amalek. He told you to fight until you had killed them all. 19 Why, then, did you not obey him? Why did you rush to grab the loot, and so do what displeases the LORD? ” 20 “I did obey the LORD, ” Saul replied. “I went out as he told me to, brought back King Agag, and killed all the Amalekites. 21 But my men did not kill the best sheep and cattle that they captured; instead, they brought them here to Gilgal to offer as a sacrifice to the LORD your God. ” 22 Samuel said, “Which does the LORD prefer: obedience or offerings and sacrifices? It is better to obey him than to sacrifice the best sheep to him. 23 Rebellion against him is as bad as witchcraft, and arrogance is as sinful as idolatry. Because you rejected the LORD's command, he has rejected you as king. ” 24 “Yes, I have sinned,” Saul replied. “I disobeyed the LORD's command and your instructions. I was afraid of my men and did what they wanted. 25 But now I beg you, forgive my sin and go back with me, so that I can worship the LORD. ” 26 “I will not go back with you,” Samuel answered. “You rejected the LORD's command, and he has rejected you as king of Israel. ” 27 Then Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today and given it to someone who is a better man than you. 29 Israel's majestic God does not lie or change his mind. He is not a human being—he does not change his mind. ” 30 “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “But at least show me respect in front of the leaders of my people and all of Israel. Go back with me so that I can worship the LORD your God. ” 31 So Samuel went back with him, and Saul worshiped the LORD. 32 “Bring King Agag here to me,” Samuel ordered. Agag came to him, trembling with fear, thinking to himself, “What a bitter thing it is to die!” 33 Samuel said, “As your sword has made many mothers childless, so now your mother will become childless.” And he cut Agag to pieces in front of the altar in Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and King Saul went home to Gibeah. 35 As long as Samuel lived, he never again saw the king; but he grieved over him. The LORD was sorry that he had made Saul king of Israel. Reflect Samuel tells Saul that it is better to obey God than to offer sacrifices (verse 21). What was Saul’s act of disobedience? How does Saul respond to Samuel (verses 15, 20, 21)? What does Saul ask of Samuel (verse 30)? Have you ever experienced consequences resulting from disobedience? Pray Glorious and majestic God, teach me to obey you and to serve you faithfully. Forgive me when I disobey and fail to act in accord with your will. In your mercy restore me to a right relationship with you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are seeking forgiveness Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 16:1-23: David is anointed king. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 22, 2012 Author Members Posted October 22, 2012 October 20, 2012 1 Samuel 16:1-23 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 16:1-23: God has rejected Saul as king, and Samuel anoints David, a young shepherd boy, to be Israel’s next king. Saul is tormented by an evil spirit, and David is sent to play his harp for Saul. Saul enlists David in his service as his weapons carrier. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:13b The spirit of the LORD took control of David and was with him from that day on. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you go on grieving over Saul? I have rejected him as king of Israel. But now get some olive oil and go to Bethlehem, to a man named Jesse, because I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 “How can I do that?” Samuel asked. “If Saul hears about it, he will kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a calf with you and say that you are there to offer a sacrifice to the LORD. 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will tell you what to do. You will anoint as king the man I tell you to. ” 4 Samuel did what the LORD told him to do and went to Bethlehem, where the city leaders came trembling to meet him and asked, “Is this a peaceful visit, seer?” 5 “Yes,” he answered. “I have come to offer a sacrifice to the LORD. Purify yourselves and come with me. ” He also told Jesse and his sons to purify themselves, and he invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Jesse's son Eliab and said to himself, “This man standing here in the LORD's presence is surely the one he has chosen. ” 7 But the LORD said to him, “Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called his son Abinadab and brought him to Samuel. But Samuel said, “No, the LORD hasn't chosen him either. ” 9 Jesse then brought Shammah. “No, the LORD hasn't chosen him either, ” Samuel said. 10 In this way Jesse brought seven of his sons to Samuel. And Samuel said to him, “No, the LORD hasn't chosen any of these. ” 11 Then he asked him, “Do you have any more sons?” Jesse answered, “There is still the youngest, but he is out taking care of the sheep.” “Tell him to come here,” Samuel said. “We won't offer the sacrifice until he comes.” 12 So Jesse sent for him. He was a handsome, healthy young man, and his eyes sparkled. The LORD said to Samuel, “This is the one—anoint him!” 13 Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the LORD took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. 14 The LORD's spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit sent by the LORD tormented him. 15 His servants said to him, “We know that an evil spirit sent by God is tormenting you. 16 So give us the order, sir, and we will look for a man who knows how to play the harp. Then when the evil spirit comes on you, the man can play his harp, and you will be all right again. ” 17 Saul ordered them, “Find me a man who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 One of his attendants said, “Jesse of the town of Bethlehem has a son who is a good musician. He is also a brave and handsome man, a good soldier, and an able speaker. The LORD is with him. ” 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the one who takes care of the sheep.” 20 Jesse sent David to Saul with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a leather bag full of wine. 21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much and chose him as the man to carry his weapons. 22 Then Saul sent a message to Jesse: “I like David. Let him stay here in my service.” 23 From then on, whenever the evil spirit sent by God came on Saul, David would get his harp and play it. The evil spirit would leave, and Saul would feel better and be all right again. Reflect How was David selected to be anointed as Israel’s next king? Saul may have been suffering from depression or a similar illness. People believed evil spirits caused such conditions. Why does David’s harp playing make Saul feel better? Have you ever experienced the effects of soothing music? Pray Lord God, calm any fears I may be experiencing today, and fill me with your gentle spirit. Trusting in your care, I rest safely in your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those suffering with depression Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 24:1-22: David spares Saul’s life. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 22, 2012 Author Members Posted October 22, 2012 October 21, 2012 1 Samuel 24:1-22 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 24:1-22: Saul had been pursuing David, but David escaped every time. In today’s reading, David has the opportunity to kill Saul, but instead he lets Saul live. Saul weeps with gratitude and says that David will be Israel’s next king. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:6a [David said] “May the LORD keep me from doing any harm to my master, whom the LORD chose as king!” Today’s Reading 1 When Saul came back from fighting the Philistines, he was told that David was in the wilderness near Engedi. 2 Saul took three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel and went looking for David and his men east of Wild Goat Rocks. 3 He came to a cave close to some sheep pens by the road and went in to relieve himself. It happened to be the very cave in which David and his men were hiding far back in the cave. 4 They said to him, “This is your chance! The LORD has told you that he would put your enemy in your power and you could do to him whatever you wanted to. ” David crept over and cut off a piece of Saul's robe without Saul's knowing it. 5 But then David's conscience began to hurt, 6 and he said to his men, “May the LORD keep me from doing any harm to my master, whom the LORD chose as king! I must not harm him in the least, because he is the king chosen by the LORD! ” 7 So David convinced his men that they should not attack Saul. Saul got up, left the cave, and started away. 8 Then David went out after him and called to him, “Your Majesty!” Saul turned around, and David bowed down to the ground in respect 9 and said, “Why do you listen to people who say that I am trying to harm you? 10 You can see for yourself that just now in the cave the LORD put you in my power. Some of my men told me to kill you, but I felt sorry for you and said that I would not harm you in the least, because you are the one whom the LORD chose to be king. 11 Look, my father, look at the piece of your robe I am holding! I could have killed you, but instead I only cut this off. This should convince you that I have no thought of rebelling against you or of harming you. You are hunting me down to kill me, even though I have not done you any wrong. 12 May the LORD judge which one of us is wrong! May he punish you for your action against me, for I will not harm you in the least. 13 You know the old saying, “Evil is done only by evil people.” And so I will not harm you. 14 Look at what the king of Israel is trying to kill! Look at what he is chasing! A dead dog, a flea! 15 The LORD will judge, and he will decide which one of us is wrong. May he look into the matter, defend me, and save me from you. ” 16 When David had finished speaking, Saul said, “Is that really you, David my son?” And he started crying. 17 Then he said to David, “You are right, and I am wrong. You have been so good to me, while I have done such wrong to you! 18 Today you have shown how good you are to me, because you did not kill me, even though the LORD put me in your power. 19 How often does someone catch an enemy and then let him get away unharmed? The LORD bless you for what you have done to me today! 20 Now I am sure that you will be king of Israel and that the kingdom will continue under your rule. 21 But promise me in the LORD's name that you will spare my descendants, so that my name and my family's name will not be completely forgotten. ” 22 David promised that he would. Then Saul went back home, and David and his men went back to their hiding place. Reflect Why did David choose not to harm Saul when he had the chance? David calls Saul “my father” (verse 11) and Saul calls David “my son” (verse 16). What does this say to you about their relationship? What promise does David make to Saul? Pray God of justice and mercy, remove from my heart any thoughts that are not in keeping with your will. Help me overcome any feelings of anger I may have toward another and guide me in your way. Amen. Prayer Concern Parents and children who are estranged Tomorrow's Reading 1 Samuel 26:1-25: David spares Saul’s life again. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 22, 2012 Author Members Posted October 22, 2012 October 22, 2012 1 Samuel 26:1-25 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Samuel 26:1-25: Once again, David is pursued by Saul. David has another opportunity to kill Saul, but again he spares Saul’s life, saying that God will punish anyone who harms God’s chosen king. David criticizes Saul’s army commander for failing to protect him. Then Saul awakens and apologizes to David. Today’s Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:23a “The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous.” Today’s Reading 1 Some men from Ziph came to Saul at Gibeah and told him that David was hiding on Mount Hachilah at the edge of the Judean wilderness. 2 Saul went at once with three thousand of the best soldiers in Israel to the wilderness of Ziph to look for David, 3 and camped by the road on Mount Hachilah. David was still in the wilderness, and when he learned that Saul had come to look for him, 4 he sent spies and found out that Saul was indeed there. 5 He went at once and located the exact place where Saul and Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, slept. Saul slept inside the camp, and his men camped around him. 6 Then David asked Ahimelech the Hittite, and Abishai the brother of Joab (their mother was Zeruiah), “Which of you two will go to Saul's camp with me?” “I will,” Abishai answered. 7 So that night David and Abishai entered Saul's camp and found Saul sleeping in the center of the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the troops were sleeping around him. 8 Abishai said to David, “God has put your enemy in your power tonight. Now let me plunge his own spear through him and pin him to the ground with just one blow—I won't have to strike twice!” 9 But David said, “You must not harm him! The LORD will certainly punish whoever harms his chosen king. 10 By the living LORD, ” David continued, “I know that the LORD himself will kill Saul, either when his time comes to die a natural death or when he dies in battle. 11 The LORD forbid that I should try to harm the one whom the LORD has made king! Let's take his spear and his water jar, and go. ” 12 So David took the spear and the water jar from right beside Saul's head, and he and Abishai left. No one saw it or knew what had happened or even woke up—they were all sound asleep, because the LORD had sent a heavy sleep on them all. 13 Then David crossed over to the other side of the valley to the top of the hill, a safe distance away, 14 and shouted to Saul's troops and to Abner, “Abner! Can you hear me?” “Who is that shouting and waking up the king?” Abner asked. 15 David answered, “Abner, aren't you the greatest man in Israel? So why aren't you protecting your master, the king? Just now someone entered the camp to kill your master. 16 You failed in your duty, Abner! I swear by the living LORD that all of you deserve to die, because you have not protected your master, whom the LORD made king. Look! Where is the king's spear? Where is the water jar that was right by his head? ” 17 Saul recognized David's voice and asked, “David, is that you, my son?” “Yes, Your Majesty,” David answered. 18 And he added, “Why, sir, are you still pursuing me, your servant? What have I done? What crime have I committed? 19 Your Majesty, listen to what I have to say. If it is the LORD who has turned you against me, an offering to him will make him change his mind; but if some people have done it, may the LORD's curse fall on them. For they have driven me out from the LORD's land to a country where I can only worship foreign gods. 20 Don't let me be killed on foreign soil, away from the LORD. Why should the king of Israel come to kill a flea like me? Why should he hunt me down like a wild bird? ” 21 Saul answered, “I have done wrong. Come back, David, my son! I will never harm you again, because you have spared my life tonight. I have been a fool! I have done a terrible thing!” 22 David replied, “Here is your spear, Your Majesty. Let one of your men come over and get it. 23 The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous. Today he put you in my power, but I did not harm you, whom the LORD made king. 24 Just as I have spared your life today, may the LORD do the same to me and free me from all troubles! ” 25 Saul said to David, “God bless you, my son! You will succeed in everything you do!” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home. Reflect What reason does David give for not killing Saul? What does he do instead? What are Saul’s parting words to David? Verse 23 states, “The LORD rewards those who are faithful and righteous.” What is your reaction to these words? Pray Faithful God, wrap me in your righteousness and fill me with your wisdom. Open my heart to receive your blessings, and guide my steps today, that I may be a witness to your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are facing danger Tomorrow's Reading 1 Chronicles 13:1-14: The Covenant Box is moved from Kiriath Jearim. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 23, 2012 Author Members Posted October 23, 2012 October 23, 2012 1 Chronicles 13:1-14 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Chronicles 13:1-14: The Covenant Box had been in Kiriath Jearim for about twenty years (1 Samuel 7:2). David makes arrangements to bring the Covenant to Jerusalem. Uzzah, one of the men chosen to guide the cart on which the Covenant Box was placed, touches the Box to prevent it from falling and is struck dead. Out of fear, David decides to leave the Box at the home of Obed Edom in the city of Gath. Today’s Scripture: 1 Chronicles 13:8a David and all the people danced with all their might to honor God. Today’s Reading 1 King David consulted with all the officers in command of units of a thousand men and units of a hundred men. 2 Then he announced to all the people of Israel, “If you give your approval and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send messengers to the rest of our people and to the priests and Levites in their towns, and tell them to assemble here with us. 3 Then we will go and get God's Covenant Box, which was ignored while Saul was king. ” 4 The people were pleased with the suggestion and agreed to it. 5 So David assembled the people of Israel from all over the country, from the Egyptian border in the south to Hamath Pass in the north, in order to bring the Covenant Box from Kiriath Jearim to Jerusalem. 6 David and the people went to the city of Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, in the territory of Judah, to get the Covenant Box of God, which bears the name of the LORD enthroned above the winged creatures. 7 At Abinadab's house they brought out the Covenant Box and put it on a new cart. Uzzah and Ahio guided the cart, 8 while David and all the people danced with all their might to honor God. They sang and played musical instruments—harps, drums, cymbals, and trumpets. 9 As they came to the threshing place of Chidon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and took hold of the Covenant Box. 10 At once the LORD became angry with Uzzah and killed him for touching the Box. He died there in God's presence, 11 and so that place has been called Perez Uzzah ever since. David was furious because the LORD had punished Uzzah in anger. 12 Then David was afraid of God and said, “How can I take the Covenant Box with me now?” 13 So David did not take it with him to Jerusalem. Instead, he left it at the house of a man named Obed Edom, a native of the city of Gath. 14 It stayed there three months, and the LORD blessed Obed Edom's family and everything that belonged to him. Reflect The Covenant Box was holy, and only the Levite priests were allowed to move the Covenant Box. They had to carry the Box on poles on their shoulders, and the poles were inserted in rings along the sides of the Box. Thus, Uzzah’s touching the Covenant Box was considered a grave transgression. Although Uzzah’s intentions were probably good, he was not a Levite and should not have touched the Box. Was David at fault for not arranging for Levite priests to guide the cart? Why or why not? What is your reaction to God’s severe punishment of Uzzah? Pray Sovereign God, your name is holy and I revere your sacred name. May all I do and say this day give glory and honor to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Security guards Tomorrow's Reading 1 Chronicles 15:1-24: David prepares to bring the Covenant Box to Jerusalem. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 24, 2012 Author Members Posted October 24, 2012 October 24, 2012 1 Chronicles 15:1-24 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Chronicles 15:1-24: Yesterday’s reading concluded by informing us that the Covenant Box had remained in the house of Obed Edom for three months. Today we read that David once again prepares to bring the Covenant Box to Jerusalem, and he makes detailed arrangements for moving the Covenant Box. Today’s Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:14 The priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to move the Covenant Box of the LORD God of Israel. Today’s Reading 1 For his own use, David built houses in David's City. He also prepared a place for God's Covenant Box and put up a tent for it. 2 Then he said, “Only Levites should carry the Covenant Box, because they are the ones the LORD chose to carry it and to serve him forever. ” 3 So David summoned all the people of Israel to Jerusalem in order to bring the Covenant Box to the place he had prepared for it. 4 Next he sent for the descendants of Aaron and for the Levites. 5 From the Levite clan of Kohath came Uriel, in charge of 120 members of his clan; 6 from the clan of Merari came Asaiah, in charge of 220; 7 from the clan of Gershon, Joel, in charge of 130; 8 from the clan of Elizaphan, Shemaiah, in charge of 200; 9 from the clan of Hebron, Eliel, in charge of 80; 10 and from the clan of Uzziel, Amminadab, in charge of 112. 11 David called in the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the six Levites, Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12 He said to the Levites, “You are the leaders of the Levite clans. Purify yourselves and your fellow Levites, so that you can bring the Covenant Box of the LORD God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. 13 Because you were not there to carry it the first time, the LORD our God punished us for not worshiping him as we should have done. ” 14 Then the priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to move the Covenant Box of the LORD God of Israel. 15 The Levites carried it on poles on their shoulders, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. 16 David commanded the leaders of the Levites to assign various Levites to sing and to play joyful music on harps and cymbals. 17-21 From the clans of singers they chose the following men to play the brass cymbals: Heman son of Joel, his relative Asaph son of Berechiah, and Ethan son of Kushaiah, of the clan of Merari. To assist them they chose the following Levites to play the high-pitched harps: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah. To play the low-pitched harps they chose the following Levites: Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Azaziah, and the Temple guards, Obed Edom and Jeiel. 22 Because of his skill in music Chenaniah was chosen to be in charge of the levitical musicians. 23-24 Berechiah and Elkanah, along with Obed Edom and Jehiah, were chosen as guards for the Covenant Box. The priests Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer were chosen to blow trumpets in front of the Covenant Box. Reflect Why is bringing the Covenant Box to Jerusalem important to David? Whom does David select to carry the Covenant Box? What instructions are they given? How do these arrangement differ from those made earlier (see yesterday’s reading from 1 Chronicles 13:1-14)? What preparations for worship are made in your community of faith? How do you prepare yourself for worship? Pray Holy God, fill me with your spirit and purify my heart. May all my words and deeds this day serve as acts of worship, giving honor and glory to you. Amen. Prayer Concern Church musicians Tomorrow's Reading 1 Chronicles 15:25—16:7: The Covenant Box is brought to Jerusalem. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted October 27, 2012 Author Members Posted October 27, 2012 October 25, 2012 1 Chronicles 15:25—16:7 (Good News Translation) Come Together in Faith and Strive for Justice and Peace Introduction 1 Chronicles 15:25—16:7: David and the leaders of Israel retrieve the Covenant Box from the house of Obed Edom where a celebration takes place. All the Israelites accompany the Box up to Jerusalem with shouts of joy and music. Today’s Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:28 All the Israelites accompanied the Covenant Box up to Jerusalem with shouts of joy, the sound of trumpets, horns, and cymbals, and the music of harps. Today’s Reading 25 So King David, the leaders of Israel, and the military commanders went to the house of Obed Edom to get the Covenant Box, and they had a great celebration. 26 They sacrificed seven bulls and seven sheep, to make sure that God would help the Levites who were carrying the Covenant Box. 27 David was wearing a robe made of the finest linen, and so were the musicians, Chenaniah their leader, and the Levites who carried the Box. David also wore a linen ephod. 28 So all the Israelites accompanied the Covenant Box up to Jerusalem with shouts of joy, the sound of trumpets, horns, and cymbals, and the music of harps. 29 As the Box was being brought into the city, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and leaping for joy, and she was disgusted with him. 1 They took the Covenant Box to the tent which David had prepared for it and put it inside. Then they offered sacrifices and fellowship offerings to God. 2 After David had finished offering the sacrifices, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD 3 and distributed food to them all. He gave each man and woman in Israel a loaf of bread, a piece of roasted meat, and some raisins. 4 David appointed some of the Levites to lead the worship of the LORD, the God of Israel, in front of the Covenant Box, by singing and praising him. 5 Asaph was appointed leader, with Zechariah as his assistant. Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed Edom, and Jeiel were to play harps. Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6 and two priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, were to blow trumpets regularly in front of the Covenant Box. 7 It was then that David first gave Asaph and the other Levites the responsibility for singing praises to the LORD. Reflect Based on today’s reading and the preparation details recorded in yesterday’s reading (1 Chronicles 15:1-24), how do you envision the procession as the Covenant Box was brought into Jerusalem? What did David do after offering sacrifices and blessing the people? What types of celebrations take place within your community of faith? Pray I sing praises to you, O Lord God, and glorify your holy name. Guide me each day by your Word. May you be praised forever and ever! Amen. Prayer Concern Worship leaders Tomorrow's Reading 1 Chronicles 18:1-17: David is victorious in all his military battles. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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