June - Reading 12

Good afternoon -

The Scriptures in our schedule for today are:

Luke 4:13-30

Ephesians 6:1-9

Psalm 119:89-96

1 Kings 19-20

May God continue to bless you as you read from His Word.

 

Good evening -

As we continue our reading of 1Kings, we see Elijah threatened by Jezebel and he flees. The first point of interest, in my opinion, is that Elijah is in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights, the same amount of time as first, Moses and then later, Jesus.
I also like the imagery of how God appears to Elijah. He sends first wind, then earthquake, then fire, but the manifestation He chooses is a whisper. I think that as believers we tend to imagine the Infinity of God to massiveness and strength, but God, being infinite, can also be small and gentle. Infinity goes in both directions and in this case God chooses a less imposing presence.
We also meet our next major player, Elisha. The placing of the cloak on him is a sign of succession. Elisha will pick up where Elijah leaves off.
Finally in chapter 20, we read of the war between Israel and Aram. This chapter is believed to cover a two year period if that adds any perspective for you. Although Israel and King Ahab have turned away from God, the Lord graciously appears to the king to reveal a plan of deliverence for the nation.

In Luke we read about Christ teaching in His own hometown of Nazareth. The account that Luke shares with us shows what a focus the Ministry had relating to the Gentiles. Remember, the Gospel is addressed to a Roman. I like it that we had just read yesterday of the widow in Zaraphath in 1Kings, and tonight we see it referenced in a quote from Christ. I feel it is one of the strengths of this reading program. Though the Covenants differ, the two parts of the Bible are intrinsically interwoven.

In Ephesians, Paul continues his discourse on mutual submission. Some folks wonder why children are allowed the right to vote in (most) Baptist churches. This passage relating to children is one of the cornerstones of that belief. Paul addressed the children as members of the church.

May God bless you

- Clint

 

1 Kings 19
20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? (KJV)

Hello Gwyneth -

The commentaries that list this verse seem to be in agreement for the most part that the reply indicates that it was not Elijah who had called Elisha, but God.

James Burton Coffman varies slightly:

 

Sunday School lecture 9/26/04 continued

Luke 4:14-30 The Ministry in Galilee and the Rejection at Nazareth

The story now moves into the accounts of Jesus' earliest ministries in and around His home of Nazareth. Verse 23 presupposes that some time had passed and the ministry had begun before He arrives in Nazareth. In verse 16 we learn that Jesus had been absent some time and that Christ was in the habit of attending synagogue services on the Sabbath. On that particular day in the Nazarene synagogue it was appointed to Him to read from the scroll of Isaiah. It was the custom among Jews that all stood while the reading occurred and exposition happened after the reading when all were seated. The Passage that Christ read was from Isaiah 61:1-2. It is interesting that the quote here in Luke does not completely align with the Passage from Isaiah, demonstrating that multiple versions existed during the time of Christ.

When Christ sits down He begins His teaching with "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." The Passage is an obvious messianic prophecy describing the healing and preaching ministry to the poor, underprivileged and oppressed. It is interesting that at first the people marveled at Him and spoke well of His gracious teachings. They perceived Him as "Joseph's son" not "God's Son."

However, Jesus then prophesies of the future rejection the people will display towards Him. As stated, the ministry had already begun and it may well be that certain miracles had already been reported about Him and now this town would expect the same display. In verses 26 & 27 Jesus reminds the crowd of two Old Testament figures who ministered to non-Israelites. The prophecy He had just read in Isaiah would not be for just the Jews, but all the world There would be no displays of miracles for the town of Nazareth

These statements infuriated the Jews in the synagogue. Their actions demonstrate the axiom just spoken by Christ that no prophet is accepted in his own town. They physically fore Him out of the city to the brow of a hill where they intend to force Him over. Through supernatural means He passes through the crowd and escapes. Though Jesus was not going to tempt God by throwing Himself off of the temple, God protected Him when others planned to do the same.

 

The reading schedule of Scriptures for tomorrow, 6/13, is:

Luke 4:31-37

Ephesians 6:10-24

Psalm 119:97-104

1 Kings 21-22

 

The reading schedule of Scriptures for tomorrow, 6/13, is:

Luke 4:31-37

Ephesians 6:10-24

Psalm 119:97-104

1 Kings 21-22

 

The reading schedule of Scriptures for tomorrow, 6/13, is:

Luke 4:31-37

Ephesians 6:10-24

Psalm 119:97-104

1 Kings 21-22

 

The reading schedule of Scriptures for tomorrow, 6/13, is:

Luke 4:31-37

Ephesians 6:10-24

Psalm 119:97-104

1 Kings 21-22

 

The reading schedule of Scriptures for tomorrow, 6/13, is:

Luke 4:31-37

Ephesians 6:10-24

Psalm 119:97-104

1 Kings 21-22