TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
2 Samuel 4:1-6:23
John 13:31-14:14
Psalm 119:17-32
Proverbs 15:31-32
2 Samuel 4:11 — David ushers in a higher ethical standard. Instead of a form of utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number), David advances a Torah-based ethical system (Deuteronomy 24:16). What could be more utilitarian than assassinating one individual to save the lives of hundreds of soldiers? We read of something like this in John 11:50, and we’ll read about it again in John 18:14.
2 Samuel 5:13 — David had been doing so well, and now he violates Deuteronomy 17:17. Thankfully, he listens to God in 2 Samuel 5:19 and 2 Samuel 5:23.
2 Samuel 5:21 — David follows Moses’ pattern from 450 years ago (Exodus 32:20).
2 Samuel 6:3 — David sins again (Numbers 4:5-15), and Uzzah dies (2 Samuel 6:7) as God warned (Numbers 4:15). Strangely, David is unfamiliar with Moses’ commands (2 Samuel 6:9).
John 13:34 — Moses gave 613 commandments, summarized into 10 “words.” Micah 6:8 summarizes the entire Law into three commands; Jesus boiled it down to two in Matthew 22:37-40. And because it is difficult to judge another’s love for God, loving God is best demonstrated by a love for one another.
John 13:35 — From Earl Martin (By This Shall All Men):
John 14:2 — A great promise set to music by Earl Martin:
John 14:2 — J.W. Pepper has a great song based on John 14:1-3 as well:
John 14:6 — Jesus is the way of life (Acts 2:28), the way of salvation (Acts 16:17), the source of instruction (Acts 18:25-26), an alleged heresy (Acts 24:14), the way of peace (Romans 3:17), the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), and the way of righteousness (2 Peter 2:21).
Psalm 119:18 — A great prayer to pray before studying God’s Law.
Psalm 119:23 — How should we treat the Word? Meditate therein, delight therein (Psalm 119:24), and talk of it (Psalm 119:27).
Psalm 119:30 — From Earl Martin (I Have Chosen the Way of Truth):
Proverbs 15:32 — Correction is never easy to take, but it saves your soul and gives understanding!
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