Justin Houtz

1 Chronicles 26–27, 2 Peter 1, Micah 4, Luke 13

DateVersionReading Plan
November 29, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

1 Chronicles 26–27

In chapters 26 and 27, the Chronicler gives account of various divisions and appointments among the Israelites: gatekeepers, treasurers, leaders of external duties, military commanders, tribal leaders, those in charge of agriculture, counselors and the commander of the king’s army, Joab.

1 Chronicles 27:1 (ESV) 27 This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

“The most important category of classification here is that there were twelve divisions composed of 24,000 soldiers each. Each of those units was on duty for one month out of the year during times of peace. During times of war, obviously everyone would be mobilized.” (FSB)

1 Chronicles 27:23–24 (ESV) 23 David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the LORD had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.

“A potential army would have been much larger than the 288,000 mentioned here, but the Chronicler reminds us that no exact total is available because the census that David had ordered was contrary to God’s directions and was punished by the Lord (see chap. 21).” (FSB)

2 Peter 1

2 Peter 1:3–8 (ESV) 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is by the Lord’s divine power that we are granted ability to lead a life of godliness. This comes by way of our knowledge of Him, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, who has called us to His own glory and excellence. In this one verse, we see both the means and purpose of our walk in obedience to Christ. Through the Lord’s power we become partakers of the divine nature; not to become gods ourselves but to be aligned with Him in essential compatibility through the sacrificial work of Christ. To this end, we are to make every effort to live out our faith in uprightness, to express character traits that will maintain a fruitful ministry, bolstering our witness and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Micah 4

Micah 4:6–7 (ESV) 6  In that day, declares the LORD, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; 7  and the lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from this time forth and forevermore.

“Though they had been injured by God’s judgment, God would also gather his lame and scattered people once more (see note at 2:12–13). From this godly remnant he would build a strong nation. Thus God’s people could expect to suffer before being redeemed. He will reign over them … forever.” (FSB)

Micah speaks of how it is from the weak that the LORD will assemble and make a remnant. Infused throughout the Biblical narrative is the understanding that God shows favor to the lowly and contrite in heart while bringing down the haughty and self-sufficient. In Isaiah 57:15b, God through Isaiah said, “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Jesus Himself said in Matt. 18:3, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” To the humble children of this world is granted eternal dwelling with our Beloved. Rebecca McLaughlin captured this well when she said, “Status in his kingdom lies at the bottom of the pile”

Luke 13

Luke 13:29–30 (ESV) 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

Furthering the reflection on Micah, Jesus speaks to the reality that “The kingdom of God reverses many of the world’s values.” (FSB)

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