Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
October 12, 2024 | ESV (2016) | M’Cheyne Plan 2024 |
1 Kings 15
- Line of Rehoboam (David)
- Abijam
- Asa
- Jehoshaphat
- Line of Jeroboam
- Nadab
- Baasha
The chapter describes the kings of northern and southern tribes and conflicts between them. Following the line of David in Judah (southern tribe), Abijam reigned in the place of Rehoboam, followed by Asa and Jehoshaphat. Abijam walked in the sins of his father and was not wholly true to the LORD, but Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The Chronicler also held Jehoshaphat in high esteem in 2 Chron. 17:3 that “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David.”
Following the line of Jeroboam (northern tribe), the successors were Nadab and Baasha, both of whom did what was evil on the sight of the LORD (1 Kings 15:25 and 1 Kings 15:34, respectively).
Colossians 2
Paul wanted the church to know his great struggle for them and for those at Loadicea, a city about 11 miles from Colossae. He wanted them to reach a full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ. His aim was to infuse them with the truth so that no one would delude them with plausible arguments. He desired for the church to receive Christ and be firmly rooted in the faith, not to be taken captive by philosophy or empty deceit. “The false teaching that Paul opposes in this letter is sometimes called “the Colossian heresy.” This philosophy cannot be identified precisely; it could reflect the influences of several ancient traditions, including Judaism, mysticism, asceticism, mystery cults, and Gnosticism.” (FSB)
Paul makes clear that in Christ all the fullness of deity dwells bodily and that they were filled in Him. “This is an effective answer to the various forms of Gnosticism that deny the deity of the Lord Jesus—Christian Science, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unity, Theosophy, Christadelphianism, etc.” (BBC) Those once dead in their trespasses and sins, God made alive together with Him, forgiving all of their trespasses. The record of debt that was once set against us has been nailed the cross with Christ.
Paul urges them to let no one pass judgment on them in questions of food, drink or festivals. The Christian is not under ordinances that cults and aberrant teaching claim to be required in order to earn salvation or favor with God. These practices are deceiving, having the appearance of wisdom, promoting self-made religion and asceticism, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Ezekiel 45
Ezekiel was told that a portion of the land was to be set apart for the LORD as a holy district. He was given measurements of the district and that it was to be for the priests who minister in the sanctuary and approach the Lord.
The prince was to have land on either side of the central district and “oversee the division of the land to the tribes.” (CSB Notes) Measurements and boundaries of the property were given and the LORD through Ezekiel told the the princes that were to put away violence and oppression, executing instead justice and righteousness. There was to be just balances and measurements.
Focus then shifts to the offerings that were to be made (sin, burnt, grain, peace, drink) and the duties assigned to those making them. Specific days were appointed for sacrifices and offerings.
Psalms 99
“Yahweh is in control. He is powerful, he loves justice. God spoke to his priest in the past and answered their prayers. God punishes and forgives. So worship God.” (Bible: A Reader’s Guide)
Psalms 100
“Shout for joy to Yahweh. He made us and we belong to him. He loves us forever and will always be good to us. There is much to be thankful for.” (Bible: A Reader’s Guide)
Psalms 101
“The psalmist shows his commitment to faithfulness, justice, and integrity (vv. 1–2) and his rejection of evil (vv. 3–4). He extends his personal righteousness to others as he expresses his intention to expel the wicked and corrupt and look favorably on the faithful (vv. 5–8).” (FSB)
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- The Bible: A Reader’s Guide (Sterling Publishing, 2011)
- Henry, Matthew, and Thomas Scott. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
- Constable’s Notes