| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| August 30, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
1 Samuel 23
1 Samuel 23:14 (ESV) 14 And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.
1 Sam. 14b is somewhat of a summary statement of the chapter. Saul pursued David throughout various regions (ex. Keilah, Ziph, Maon, Engedi), seeking to take his life, but the LORD protected David and kept him from being given into the hand of Saul. Matthew Henry provides helpful perspective on these events and the contrast of Saul and David by saying, “David made no attempt against Saul; he kept God’s way, waited God’s time, and was content to secure himself in woods and wildernesses. Let it make us think the worse of this world, which often gives such bad treatment to its best men: let it make us long for that kingdom where goodness shall for ever be in glory, and holiness in honour.”
1 Corinthians 4
1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (ESV) 4 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
Paul made clear that he, Apollos and Cephas were to be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. The requirement of stewards (not optional) is that they are found faithful. As I read this verse, it prompts self-reflection and the question of how I am doing as a steward and servant of the kingdom. Are my ambitions selfish or is my aim to serve my Lord and be a faithful ambassador of His gospel? Am I stewarding the mysteries of God in my interactions with others in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name? Lord, help me to fulfill this requirement of stewardship in faithful obedience, that I would be fully surrendered to your will and calling on my life.
Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel 2:3–6 (ESV) 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ 5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
The LORD called Ezekiel to be sent to the impudent and stubborn people of Israel who had rebelled against God. Ezekiel was to speak on God’s behalf whether the people heard or refused to hear (an implication that some will indeed refuse to hear) and to not be afraid of them or their words. How true this continues to be for us as followers of Christ. The message of the gospel and the need for repentance and faith in Christ will fall within a spectrum of acceptance among the unregenerate. Some will respond favorably while others with utter reviling but neither reply should have a bearing on our procession in love and truth. May it be for us as with Ezekiel that we have no conditionality in our approach to sharing the hope that is in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 38
Psalm 38:21–22 (ESV) 21 Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!
David’s desire for closeness to God, beckoning for His help, is one I share with him today. That we can have such intimacy with our LORD is a blessing, an outpouring of His abundant grace. He is immanent, present and actively guiding the steps of His children by His Spirit. How wonderful it is to meditate on these truths in a season of dryness, knowing that we worship our LORD who is near and not far off. Oh Lord, you are my salvation, my rock and my redeemer.