Justin Houtz

1 Chronicles 23, 1 Peter 4, Micah 2, Luke 11

DateVersionReading Plan
November 27, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

1 Chronicles 23

“The Chronicler describes David’s preparations in great detail. Not only does he provide the materials for constructing the temple (22:2–5), but he also prepares the personnel to minister in the temple.” (FSB) Chapter 23 describes the organization of Levites while subsequent chapters describe organization of the priests, musicians, gatekeepers, treasurers and other officials.

1 Peter 4

Peter exhorts followers of Christ to suffer well as Christ suffered so as to live the rest of their time not for human passions but for the will of God. The Gentiles continue in licentiousness, but the time of believers doing the same—living in sensuality, passions and the like—should be past. Gentiles are surprised when believers do not join them in the same debauchery, even to the point of opposition, but they will give an account the just Judge of all. This is the very reason the gospel was preached to “those who are dead” (1 Pet. 4:6). Interpretation on the “dead” is mixed, perhaps meaning the spiritually dead or those physically dead. As the BBC states and explains through Albert Barnes, “Preaching the gospel brings two results to those who believe—the blame of men and the approval of God. Barnes explains: ‘The design in publishing the Gospel to them was, that though they might be judged by men in the usual manner, and put to death, yet that in respect to their higher and nobler nature, the spirit, they might live unto God.’” (BBC)

Peter tells the people of God to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers because the end of all things is at hand. Above all, we are to love each other earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins, meaning that “that love repeatedly forgives (Pr 10:12).” (CSB Notes). As His followers, we are to show hospitality toward one another, serving others by using the gifts we have received as “as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet. 4:10). All this is to be done with the intent that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs all glory and dominion.

Peter then admonishes believers not to be surprised when they are tested by fiery trials. The saints are by no means exempt from suffering but we can rejoice through it because we await our eternal residence with our Creator. We are thus called to suffer well, not as a murderer, thief, evildoer or meddler. Those who endure suffering are not to be ashamed but should instead seek to glorify God in all that they do. We are to suffer according to God’s will, entrusting our souls “souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Pet. 4:19)

1 Peter 4:1 (ESV) 4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

“Suffering doesn’t result in sinless perfection. But to resolve to embrace suffering as a follower of Christ is clear evidence that one has turned from a life of sin.” (CSB Notes)

Micah 2

“Micah pronounced a ‘woe oracle’ against wealthy men who devised wicked schemes to seize houses and lands from the weak. Their own lands would be seized by the Assyrians. Their covetousness led them to seize … take, and deprive people of their rightful inheritance (Gn 31:14; Lv 25:23–34; 1Kg 21:4). God’s law prohibited such acts, even in cases where it was deemed legal (Lv 19:13). Thus the Lord was planning a disaster against this corrupt nation.” (CSB Study Notes). God’s people had risen up against Him as an enemy, robbing people of those who pass by trustingly, driving out women from their houses and taking God’s splendor from their young children.

Beyond the judgment, Micah promised salvation to a righteous remnant, speaking of how “God would gather them like a good shepherd (Is 40:11). Their King … the Lord himself would lead them from exile and take them home.”

Luke 11

Several events in the life and teaching of Jesus are recorded in this lengthy chapter. First is the instance in which Jesus had been praying and, when finished, the disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Jesus presents to them (and us) a model prayer similar to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:9-13) albeit shorter in length. Jesus then provides an example of petitionary prayer through the illustration of a persistent friend.

Next was the instance in which Jesus casted out a demon from a mute man which provoked a response of some that He did so by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus told them that every kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, thus sharply correcting their wrongful accusation.

Jesus then spoke regarding the indwelling of an unclean spirit and how “the exorcism of a demon is incomplete unless Christ enters by faith and indwells the person who is healed.” (CSB Notes)

Luke then gives account of several more events, namely the blessing of all who hear and keep the word of God, the sign of Jonah, the light of the gospel in believers, Jesus dining with a Pharisee and the declaration of woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers.

The chapter concludes with Jesus’ departure and of the scribes and Pharisees lying in wait to catch him in something He might say.

Luke 11:5–8 (ESV) 5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.

“The point of this story is that shameless boldness pays off. But, as with the story of the widow and the judge in 18:1–8, it must not be understood that God is like the hesitant homeowner in the story. If bold persistence is rewarded even by someone who is disposed against granting our request, how much more so will God, who cares about his children, delight in responding generously to our persistent prayers.”

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