| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| @August 12, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
1 Samuel 2
1 Samuel 2:29–31 (ESV) 29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’ 30 Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your house.
The LORD confronted Eli for the wickedness of his household and for honoring his sons above Himself. The result would be that their strength would soon be cut off there would not be an old man in their house. God declares how this rebellious behavior is to be far from Him, that He would honor those who honor Him and that those who despise Him shall be lightly esteemed. By this statement, God reveals His underlying motive to be glorified. From beginning to end, God is to be honored and we as His people are to proclaim, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.” (1 Chron 29:11)
Romans 2
Romans 2:6–8 (ESV) 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
Paul speaks of works being the basis of either a glorified path or one of wrath and fury. A number of commentaries note the controversial nature of this passage in light of so many others that speak of salvation by faith alone. Even Paul himself says in Rom. 3:20: “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The CSB notes provides some helpful clarification by saying, “The most likely interpretation is that works are the outcome of a person’s faith. Christians are declared righteous by faith. At the moment of that declaration, the person is joined to Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, becoming a new creation (2Co 5:17) created for good works (Eph 2:10).” The work of seeking glory, honor and immortal life with the Lord is fruit of faith from heart regenerated by the Spirit while self-seeking and disobedience are works of the flesh.
Jeremiah 40
Jeremiah 40:6 (ESV) 6 Then Jeremiah went to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, at Mizpah, and lived with him among the people who were left in the land.
The Chaldean captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan, gave Jeremiah the option of either going to Babylon or staying in the land of Judah under the rule of Gedaliah. The BBC makes an interesting observation in that Jeremiah did not overtly respond to the choice but instead hesitated and that, “noticing his indecision, the captain sent him back to Gedaliah and gave him rations and a gift for the journey.” We are not given enough to know why Jeremiah did not speak up, but it is an interesting detail to ponder.
Psalms 15–16
Psalm 16:7–11 (ESV) 7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Many times I have read this psalm, but it words washed over me today like they never have before. How much I needed to hear these things, to bless the LORD who gives me counsel, to set my eyes ever before Him, knowing that, because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. It has been a difficult season, but the Lord is so faithful. As I draw closer to Him, His grace shines forth in revealing the depth of my sin and great need for Him. How much do I long to be in His presence where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.