Reflections on I Chronicles 17-18

On November 2, 2017November 2, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

God makes a covenant with David. Consider:

God Is Great – David acknowledges the greatness of God. There are none like God; indeed he is the only God. According to his greatness, God has made promises to David, and called Israel to be his people. Ponder God’s greatness, and his greatness to you!
God’s Promises – In 17:9-10, God promises to subdue their enemies that Israel might dwell in peace. In chapter 18, God fulfills his promise, giving David victory over his enemies (v6, 13). We can trust his promises; he will not fail. What promises of God do you need to cling to today?

Reflections on I Chronicles 14-16

On October 19, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

David finishes moving the ark to Jerusalem – this time moving it the proper way.

Praise – As they moved the ark, David and the people were rejoicing before the Lord. Many of the Levites were assigned to sing praises and thanks to God. David gives them a song of praise to sing. How can David’s song help you praise God today?
Seek the Lord – Part of David’s song calls us to seek the Lord (16:10-11). We are to seek him from our hearts. We are to seek his strength and his presence. Are you seeking the Lord like this?

Reflections on I Chronicles 11-13

On October 17, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

David becomes king and tries to move the ark to Jerusalem.

Rejoicing – As the ark was being moved, David and the people were rejoicing before the Lord. At what special event have you rejoiced before the Lord? How is rejoicing in the Lord part of your daily life?
Fear – The ark was not supposed to be carried in a cart, nor was it to be touched. When Uzzah touched it, he died on the spot. The celebration ended. David was afraid. Do you have a proper reverence for the Lord?

Reflections on I Chronicles 6-10

On October 12, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

The genealogies continue, before retelling Saul’s death:

Return – Chapter 9 gives the genealogy of those who returned from exile. The point of all these genealogies is to show that the returned exiles belong to Israel. The promises to Israel belong to them. In the same way, we celebrate our adoption as the children of God. The promises of God belong to us through Jesus Christ.
Broken faith – Chapter 9 begins with a reminder of why Judah went into exile (v1). It is the same reason Saul was rejected as king (10:13-14). Why? Because they broke faith with God. They did not obey God or seek his direction, but went their own way. Are there ways that you are acting like Judah and Saul?

Reflections on I Chronicles 1-5

On October 10, 2017October 10, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today consists of genealogies.

Davidic Line – Chapter 3 gives the genealogy of David’s descendants. Note that it continues beyond the exile (v17-24). Judah may have gone into exile, but David’s line continues. This would have been a great hope to Israel. And in this line will come our Savior in whom we place our hope.
Trust or not – The two and a half tribes east of the Jordan cried out to God for help in a battle, and God helped them because they trusted in him (5:18-22). But later they were taken into captivity because they broke faith with God – they went after other gods (5:23-26). What about you? Are you looking to God, or chasing after idols?

Reflections on Job 40-42

On October 5, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Job says he will be quiet, and God begins to speak again. Job repents and God restores him. Observe:

Everything belongs to God – Since God created everything, everything is his (41:11). All that you have is really his. Anything you might give to God was already his before you gave it. If God owns everything you have, how should this affect your attitude toward things? Your use of things? Be specific.
Repentance – Job has found fault with God, even condemning God (40:2, 8). Job acknowledges that he spoke of what he didn’t understand (42:3). He shuts his mouth (40:4-5), and repents (42:6). Is there something you are judging God for – some way you are finding fault with God? Will you humbly repent before him?

Reflections on Job 36-39

On October 3, 2017October 3, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elihu begins to speak of God’s power and wisdom in creation, and then God himself takes up the refrain.

God’s power and wisdom – Statement upon statement followed by question upon question overwhelmingly points to God’s awesome power and wisdom over creation. Ponder these words. Go outside and see. Be in awe. Fall down in worship before your Creator.

Reflections on Job 32-35

On September 28, 2017September 28, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elihu begins his speeches. Elihu’s arguments overlap Job’s three friends, but his focus seems to be more on Job’s words against God rather than any prior sin.

God the Giver – Elihu rightly says that God is the giver of wisdom (32:8). As Job said earlier, wisdom is found in God. Are you seeking wisdom from God for your life? God is also the giver of life (33:4). Are you using his gift of life well? Are you wasting his gift in any way?
God cannot do wrong – Elihu rightly asserts that God cannot act wickedly or pervert justice (34:10-12). Job’s fault is that he has spoken against God (34:37). When you don’t understand a situation, do you speak against God? Or will you trust him?

Reflections on Job 29-31

On September 26, 2017September 26, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Job remembers his life before when he was honored, and considers his life now when he is ridiculed. Then he considers various sins he has not committed.

Lust and adultery – Job says that he has made a covenant with his eyes, and that his heart has not been enticed. Do you need to make a similar covenant? In what ways are you guarding your eyes and heart? In what ways do you need to?
Purpose of wealth – Job says he has used his wealth for good. He does not trust in his wealth (which is a good thing since his life demonstrates how quickly it can disappear). He uses his wealth to help the poor and the traveler. Are there ways you are trusting in your wealth? How are you using your wealth to help others?

Reflections on Job 25-28

On September 21, 2017 By BrianIn OT Reflections

Bildad continues his theme that man is not righteous before God. Job continues to claim his righteousness.

God’s power – Job continues in chapter 26 what will become gigantic theme in the latter part of the book – God’s power over creation. Go outside again and ponder God’s power in his creation.
Wisdom – Job speaks of wisdom in chapter 28. Wisdom is of great value – greater than wealth. Wisdom is found with God. We are wise when we fear the Lord and turn away from evil. For what situation do you need to seek wisdom from God? Are you living wisely?