July - Reading 16

Good evening -

Our Scriptures for today are:

Luke 10:38-42

1 Thessalonians 4:11-18

Psalm 141

2 Chronicles 8-9

May God bless the reading of His Word.

 

Good evening –

Our reading in 2Chronicles today gives us a bit more insight into a few matters discussed in 1Kings. First of all, the account of the lands given by Hiram is exactly the opposite of our reading of 1Kings 9. There are a few possible explanations for this discrepancy. The cities may have served as collateral until Solomon repaid his debt to Hiram and 1Kings failed to record the return of these cities. It is another possibility that the Chronicler fails to mention that the towns were unacceptable as payment as we find in 1Kings 9:11-13. The third possibility is simply the Chronicler’s bias toward Solomon as we have seen repeatedly through this Book. We also see in chapter 8 of 2Chronicles the reason why the Pharaoh’s daughter, Solomon’s wife is given special quarters. In verse 11 we are told it is because the Ark had at one time occupied the Palace.
The account of the visit by the Queen of Sheba is very parallel to the account given in 1Kings chapter 10. The major variation is found in verse 8 where the queen states that the throne of Israel ultimately belongs to God. Chapter 9 ends with an obvious omission of the rebellion exhibited by Solomon, thus preserving, at least in this account, the king’s goodness.

We read in Luke today the account of Christ’s visit to the home of Martha and Mary. This to me is one of the great examples of how Christ changed the perspective on the roles of women. Martha probably truly felt that she was scolding Mary for good reason but as was so often the case, Christ rebuked the legalist’s philosophy and showed His approval of Mary’s desire to learn. You will see this story crop up often on this board during the discussions of women’s roles. It also shows us all where our true priorities need to be.

In 1Thessalonians we see the one clear citing of the doctrine of the Rapture in verse 4:16-17. It would appear that the people in Thessalonica had thought Christ’s return would be during their lifetimes and as time passed and their membership began dying off, they wondered how the dead would be involved in the celebration of the Return. Paul refers to the dead believers as “sleeping” but as for Christ, Paul always refers to Him dying, showing us that Christ’s death and resurrection defeated death for those who believe. One other note of interest is found in verse 15 where Paul says, “”according to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not preceded those who have fallen asleep.” This doctrine is found nowhere in the Gospels. This may have been an unrecorded statement made by Christ that survived by word of mouth.

May God bless you

- Clint

 

Sunday School lesson 11/7/04 – continued

Luke 10:38-42 Mary and Martha

This mention of Mary and Martha is the only to occur in the Synoptic Gospels. We learn from John that the village in which they lived was Bethany, a small town about a mile and a half east of Jerusalem.

The scene is easy to envision. Jesus is sitting in the sisters' home surrounded by His disciples and Mary also sits at His feet listening and learning. This in and of itself is another revolutionary thought from Judaism as women did not learn from rabbis.

Martha, on the other hand, sees her duty as more in line with traditional Jewish thought. Her responsibility was to serving her guests. She becomes incensed at her sister's inaction in attending to the hostessing Mary felt she should be performing and so she appeals to Jesus for help.

Jesus' reply once again reflects His answer at the temptation. Man, nor woman, does not live by bread alone. Mary recognized the real priority in her life was the words being spoken to her by the Christ.

 

Our Scriptural readings for 7/17 is:

Luke 11:1-13

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Psalm 142

2 Chronicles 10-12

 

Our Scriptural readings for 7/17 is:

Luke 11:1-13

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Psalm 142

2 Chronicles 10-12

 

Our Scriptural readings for 7/17 is:

Luke 11:1-13

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Psalm 142

2 Chronicles 10-12

 

Our Scriptural readings for 7/17 is:

Luke 11:1-13

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Psalm 142

2 Chronicles 10-12

 

Our Scriptural readings for 7/17 is:

Luke 11:1-13

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Psalm 142

2 Chronicles 10-12