Justin Houtz

Judges 16, Acts 20, Jeremiah 29, Mark 15

DateVersionReading Plan
@August 2, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

Judges 16

Judges 16:18 (ESV) 18 When Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up again, for he has told me all his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands.

The lords of the Philistines came to Delilah and promised that each of them would give her 1,100 pieces of silver in return for seducing Samson and revealing where his great strength lies. After three failed attempts in which Samson gave false report of how he could be overpowered, she tried a fourth time and saw that Samson had told her all his heart. The first three attempts do not include any reference to Samson’s heart, so there was something unique about this instance. The CSB Notes says that, “Something may have changed in Samson’s manner that causes Delilah to know he is telling the truth. Samson’s undoubtedly long hair may also have persuaded her.” While we cannot know for certain what was different in this fourth effort, there is a notable relationship between the heart and speech. Samson was finally speaking with integrity from the heart and, in so doing, the truth was made manifest.

Acts 20

Acts 20:22–23 (ESV) 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.

Paul declared to the Ephesian elders that he was constrained by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem with no sure knowledge of what would happen except that, by the Spirit’s testimony, he would encounter imprisonment and affliction. Paul demonstrates his unshakable faith and mission to bring the gospel to where he has been divinely appointed and models for us the kind of eagerness and intensity by which we are to do the same. Paul did know know how affliction would come to him on his journey, only the assurance that it would come. Uncertainly did not deter him in the slightest and he was adamant to press on in his calling. How powerful this is for us to read and to be renewed in our purpose to share salvation in Christ.

Jeremiah 29

Jeremiah 29:11–14 (ESV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

These are some of the more well-known verses in the Bible and showcase God’s unfailing faithfulness to His people. They would be sent into exile for seventy years, but God assured their rescue and restoration, promising that He would hear those who call upon Him and be found by those who seek Him with their whole heart. Quoting Yates, the BBC provides encouragement for the weary who are earnestly seeking the Lord during a long, exile-like season:

God’s Word to His people in the day of Jeremiah is still His sure word for men who have sinned and lost touch with the Infinite. No perfunctory gesture of interest can procure the rich treasure that is more valuable than all gold. He is always available. His longing is that all men may look to Him and live. His arms are always open in loving invitation to any who will turn to Him. It is just as true, however, that a diligent search is necessary. One who becomes conscious of his need, senses the satisfying gift of God, and sets out to find Him can be sure of victory if he seeks with his whole heart. Cleansing, peace, joy, victory will be his at the hand of a loving God who delights to welcome His children home.

Mark 15

Mark 15:46 (ESV) 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Upon being granted the dead body of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea purchased a linen shroud, wrapped Jesus in it and laid Him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Joseph was a wealthy man, making it striking that it seems as though he did all these things himself. The NAC says that, “Inasmuch as he was well-to-do, Joseph may have had servants to assist him, but none of the Gospels mentions such a thing; nor would it detract from the virtue of his deed.” Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret follower of Jesus. By his actions to request and personally care for the body of Jesus, Joseph publicly and profoundly unveiled his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. May this be for us that our outward gestures reveal with equal clarity and boldness our devotion to our Beloved.

Resources