May - Reading 4

Good evening -

My apologies for being so late. Todays's readings are:

Mark 10:35-52

2 Corinthians 3

Psalm 98

1 Samuel 9-10

May God bless the reading of His Word.

 

Good evening -

Just a couple notes on 1Samuel tonight. First of all we see a few glimpses into the character of Saul. Despite the appointment by Samuel, we had already seen by his prophecy how the new king would bring about wars and taxes and how he would hoard the Israeli's property.
The fact that Saul did not know of the presence and prominence of Samuel in verse 9:6 is one indicator of his character. Also the way that his own townspeople were so amazed at Saul prophecying with the band of prophets in verse 10:11 also shows that there was doubt that he could be a man of God. Also the fact that Saul hid himself among baggage when he had been chosen and already annointed in verse 22 also shows the character of the man.
The second point that I wish to make is that verse 9:9 shows that Samuel was written after the fact as a historical story. We will find clues like this all through the two Books. Incidentally, the two Books were once viewed as one until the writers of the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) divided it and Jerome followed suit in the Latin Vulgate.

In 2Corinthians, I think we see a very good example of how Paul uses a flowing literary style. In some passages we see digressions and leaps, but tonight in chapter 3 we see him build on the concept of letters on stone and letters of the heart. Evidently, false teachers and prophets would come to the churches and take money from the people (we see an example of these offerings in 1Samuel 9:8). Because of this often teachers were sent with a letter of recommendation from an Apostle or church. Paul begins the chapter stating that he needs no such letter and indeed his verification comes from within his message. He then expounds on this concept beginning in verse 7 and explains that the letters in our hearts bring life. Then he flows into a comparison to the radiant face of Moses which we read about in Exodus. This chapter really shows a lot into the way that Paul's mind worked and how consumed he was in the Spirit.

I really like comparing Mark to Matthew and seeing how much more human the stories are. You can find this story of Bartimaeus receiving his sight in Matthew 20 beginning with verse 29. Notice how Mark names the man and how much more dialogue occurs between Christ and the man He heals. Same story, whole different approach.

May God bless you

- Clint

 

Our Scriptures for tomorrow, 5/5, will be:

Mark 11:1-11

2 Corinthians 4

Psalm 99

1 Samuel 11-13

 

Our Scriptures for tomorrow, 5/5, will be:

Mark 11:1-11

2 Corinthians 4

Psalm 99

1 Samuel 11-13

 

Our Scriptures for tomorrow, 5/5, will be:

Mark 11:1-11

2 Corinthians 4

Psalm 99

1 Samuel 11-13

 

Our Scriptures for tomorrow, 5/5, will be:

Mark 11:1-11

2 Corinthians 4

Psalm 99

1 Samuel 11-13

 

Our Scriptures for tomorrow, 5/5, will be:

Mark 11:1-11

2 Corinthians 4

Psalm 99

1 Samuel 11-13