| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
1 Samuel 19
1 Samuel 19:20–24 (ESV) 20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David, and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Then he himself went to Ramah and came to the great well that is in Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
David had fled to Samuel at Ramah and Saul attempted three times to send messengers to take David. However, each time the messengers came near and saw the company of prophets prophesying, they began prophesying as well. As the NAC states, “Before they could initiate a search for David within the group, however, they were captured by God’s Spirit and compelled to join the prophets. This activity so absorbed the men that they were unable to continue with their royal mission.” Then Saul himself went to Ramah and the Spirit of God came upon him, causing him to prophesy until coming to Ramah and before Samuel when he arrived, laying naked all that day and night. These unique events indicate an overwhelming presence of the LORD in preserving David’s life and his divinely appointed kingship of Israel. Saul’s plan to take David was not only unsuccessful, it was overpowered by the Spirit in most profound fashion. In this, we see both the immense power of God and that no agent of His creation can ever threaten or thwart His plan.
1 Corinthians 1
1 Corinthians 1:17 (ESV) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Paul speaks of his role as one to preach the gospel rather than baptize and to do so with plain language lest his words detract from the power of the cross of Christ. Paul helps us to see what it looks like to know your part in God’s economy as well as the humble means by which it should be carried out. Some have giftings to reach the masses while possess those that are far more modest and simple. However, every follower of Christ is a member of His body, indwelt by the Spirit to proclaim the gospel to whom God has determined and to live out their faith in word and and deed.
Lamentations 4
Lamentations 4:7–8 (ESV) 7 Her princes were purer than snow, whiter than milk; their bodies were more ruddy than coral, the beauty of their form was like sapphire. 8 Now their face is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets; their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as wood.
The author presents a stark contrast between past and present Judah. Jerusalem was once purer than snow and whiter than milk, but now has a face blacker than soot and skin shriveled on their bones. The people were once handsome and in good health but the siege brought famine and now their faces are darkened in malady. It is a grim picture and one we should take to heart as we ponder the cause of their affliction. To their idolatry and rebellion, God responded in corrective action. It is an important reminder of the consequences of sin, of our due wrath as its proponents, but also the grace of our God in Christ to respond in love and redemption rather than utter obliteration.
Psalm 35
Psalm 35:27 (ESV) 27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
Unlike his enemies who clothed him with shame and honor, David calls on the people who delighted in his innocence to shout for joy, be glad and proclaim the greatness of the LORD. David encourages others to joyfully praise God and then joins them in declaring that his tongue shall tell of God’s righteousness. As with yesterday’s reflection on Ps. 34, this is a wonderful psalm to inspire individual and collective worship of our God. David is intentional in heartening the church toward praise of our God. As we read of this, may our hearts be stirred to lead our brothers and sisters in shouting, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”