Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
@July 19, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
Judges 2
Judges 2:13–14 (ESV) 13 They abandoned the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. 14 So the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies.
In Joshua 23, Joshua exhorted the people to remain faithful to the LORD and, if they did not, they would “know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you” (Josh. 23:13a). In this chapter, we see its fulfillment by God giving the people over to plunderers. In the time of Joshua, the LORD was with the people allowing them to take possession of the promised land. But now, their idolatry and abandonment would result in no longer being able to withstand their enemies. We see in this the power of God’s blessing and presence along the calamity that befalls the rebellious and disobedient.
Acts 6
Acts 6:8–10 (ESV) 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Stephen was one of the seven elders selected after a dispute regarding the distribution of the widows in the church (Acts. 6:1-5). Of the seven selected, Stephen was described as having been “full of grace and power” and “was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts. 6:8). Perhaps of the most remarkable details in these verses is that those who rose up against Stephen could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he was speaking. God’s active work through Stephen thwarted all efforts of opposition, a clear demonstration that there is no earthly power that come against the Living God of all creation.
Jeremiah 15
Jeremiah 15:19–21 (ESV) 20 And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD. 21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”
The LORD promised to strengthen Jeremiah among his people who had become his enemies. As the CSB Notes says, “These words amount to a recommissioning service for Jeremiah (1:18–19).” However, there is also an implication in God’s promise to Jeremiah that he will continue being persecuted while he carries out his prophetic ministry on behalf of God. The Lord will be with him but he still must endure the hardship of representing God. How relevant and applicable this is for us followers of Christ. We rest in knowing that the Lord is with us in our faithful ambassadorship of the gospel but also realize the spiritual battle set before us and the steadfast endurance to which we are called.
Mark 1
Mark 1:23–25 (ESV) 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
What struck me in particular was v. 25 in which Jesus did not only cast out the demon but first told the demon to be silent. As the FSB states, “With this command, Jesus simultaneously neutralizes the spirit’s attempt to oppose Him and prevents His identity as the Messiah from becoming public knowledge.” The simultaneous performance of miracles while not wanting to reveal His identity is fascinating. The NAC provides more insight by saying, “Jesus did not need a magical formula to exorcize this demon, as other exorcists of His day did. He simply ordered it to be quiet and to leave the man. Jesus probably commanded the demon to ‘be muzzled’ (Gr. phimotheti) because He desired to maintain control when the demon revealed His identity.” The progressive revelation of Jesus as Lord and Savior eludes to the predetermined and divinely-appointed plan for His earthly ministry.
Carson on Judges 2
Here is a sober lesson. Even after times of spectacular revival, reformation, or covenantal renewal, the people of God are never more than a generation or two from infidelity, unbelief, massive idolatry, disobedience, and wrath. God help us.
Carson illuminates the reality that we are not to rest on previous victories and spiritual laurels. May this be for us an opportunity to rekindle our prayer for the church that it may not succumb to such apostasy and thereby maintain its heavenly course.
Resources
- Craig L. Blomberg, Matthew*: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 22) (The New American Commentary)* (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference, 1992)
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- D. A. Carson, For the Love of God: Volumes 1 & 2 (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006; hosted on thegospelcoalition.org)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)