Tag Archives: Bible

April 25

I Samuel 30:10-31:13, I Chronicles 10:1-14, 2 Samuel 1:1-27

When I read the Bible chronologically I sometimes am confused by seemingly different reports. I Samuel 30 and I Chronicles 10 are almost word for word. But then comes this person in 2 Samuel who tells a different version. Does this mean the Bible can’t be trusted? Is the Bible God’s infallible Word or not?

Here’s what I think. Saul died the way I Samuel and I Chronicles records it. Saul was wounded and afraid of being captured so he killed himself. His armor-bearer did the same. The news traveled fast. Who didn’t know Saul made David’s life miserable? To the world the men were enemies.

So one man figured he’d cash in on Saul’s death and claim responsibility. He’d run to David, tell him he had killed David’s enemy, and receive a generous reward. I imagine he pictured a parade, a crown, wine, women, and song in his honor. Boy was he wrong.

Not only did those things not happen, but David was mad. He ordered the man be killed for lifting a hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed.

Did you read David’s lament? David still loved and respected Saul. How the mighty have fallen.

The Bible is God’s Word and can be trusted. Every word is true. I just love to get in there and see what God has to say.

Father, I thank you for inspiring men to write your words so that we in 2013 can know you. Help us to read and understand what you would say to us each day. Then help us go and live out your Truth so others can know you, too.

April 9

I Samuel 1:1-2:21, Psalm 113, Judges 14:1-16:22

Those of us who grew up going to Sunday School are probably very familiar with these stories. Hannah and Samuel taught us about faith and the power of prayer. Samson taught us about God’s strength. But as an adult I read these same stories and see other things.

I see Hannah’s deep pain from having no children. I see faith in her agonizing prayer. I see Hannah express her love for God and thankfulness to him as she takes her young son to another city to be raised by the priest there. I see her missing Samuel, making robes for him through her tears. And I see her home filled with the laughter of other children, too.

I see a very foolish Samson. Physically strong but morally weak. Has anyone ever had worse taste in women? I see a man so “in love” he is blind to Delilah’s real character. He just sees what he wants to see. I see in Samson’s story the devastating result of seeking revenge.

Isn’t the Bible amazing? God wants little children to know him so he included the accounts of people like Hannah, Samuel, and Samson to tell them about his power, his love and faithfulness, and that he answers prayer.

But if you look deeper, God reveals more of Himself. What a privilege we have of opening these pages each day, of getting a glimpse into the heart of God.

God, I thank you for your Word again this morning. Thank you that the lives of people like Hannah and Samson are recorded here to show us more about you. May we have faith like Hannah. And may we be examples of your strength like Samson. May we not be satisfied with just knowing about you, but may we dig deeper and know you personally.

April 3

Judges 5-7

It always puzzles me why people like Gideon, who spoke face to face with the angel of God (which many believe was Jesus Himself) still needed a sign or two or three before they believed God. The offering was burned up, the fleece was wet, the fleece was dry. Then Gideon believed and did what God had asked him to do.

I need to be careful before I judge old Gideon. I may not be able to speak to the angel of God face to face, but I have several copies of God’s written word in my home. I can open those pages any time of any day and read God’s words to me.

So why, if he says “I will never leave or forsake you” do I wonder at times if he’s here. If he says he forgives sins and remembers them no more, why do I continue to carry guilt as though I’m not forgiven? If he promises to go with me why don’t I obey the call to share him with others?

God is not a mystery. He has laid it all out there for us to read in the Bible. How many signs do I need before I believe him?