| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| @August 20, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
1 Samuel 12
1 Samuel 12:14–15, 24-25 (ESV) 14 If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well. 15 But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king. … 24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 25 But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
In his address of the people, Samuel tells them that things will go well if they fear, serve and obey the LORD, not rebelling against His commandment. However, if they did not obey the LORD and serve Him faithfully, His hand would be against both they and their king. A couple things that seemed worth noting. First, having a new king did not absolve the people from knowing and abiding in the LORD who ultimately reigns. Saul was king by divine appointment and his rule was limited to the scope of which he was granted by the Creator of all things. The people were to abide in his leadership but their primary allegiance was to be to the LORD. Secondly, the king himself was specifically mentioned in the admonition of service and obedience to the LORD. Saul was given worldly governance over the people but this position was to be in complete subservience to the King of kings who has dominion over all things. Samuel’s call to the Israelites is so helpful to read as we approach an election cycle to make sure our hearts are in the right place in how we view and operate under earthly leadership.
Romans 10
Romans 10:11–13 (ESV) 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16 in that all who believe on the Lord will be saved, both Jew and Greek. There is no distinction and the Lord bestows His riches on all who call on Him. And oh, what amazing riches He gives! He showers us with His love in abundance, His grace to the ends of the earth. How great is the faithfulness of our Lord to show us such favor, a sinful and underserving people. What are we to do but give our whole lives and hearts to Him? To the extent we realize the depth of the Father’s love in sending and sacrificing His only Son we will respond to Him in adoration and obedience.
Jeremiah 49
Jeremiah 49:6, 39 (ESV) 6 “But afterward I will restore the fortunes of the Ammonites, declares the LORD.” … 39 “But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the LORD.”
In this chapter, the LORD through Jeremiah declares judgment on Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor and Elam. However, only Ammon and Elam are described as having a future restoration. Previous chapters also speak of nations who will be restored (Israel in Jer. 29:14, Egypt in Jer. 46:25-26, and Moab in Jer. 48:47), but this promise is not extended to all nations. It is the LORD who decides whom He will bless according to His perfect plan and divine providence. He will be gracious to whom He will be gracious and have mercy on who He will show mercy.
Psalms 26–27
Psalm 27:4 (ESV) 4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
What an incredible posture David had and one that we should long to share. His sole desire was to dwell in house of the LORD all the days of his life, to be in His presence in the fullness of joy. If only our hearts were so fixed on our everlasting, blessed union with our Lord that it drove our every word and deed. May we plead with the Spirit to lead our hearts in steadfast devotion, to gaze upon His beauty and to stir up a fervency in our ambassadorial mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.