Thoughts on the Bible Readings (1 Samuel 18; Isaiah 62; Matthew 7) for July 6th

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1 Samuel 18 speaks of David's deep friendship with Jonathan - Saul's son - his appointment to high office in Saul's army; and of David's marriage to Michal - Saul's younger daughter. Verses 1-5 tell of the strong bond that was forged between Jonathan and David following the victory of faith which had allowed David to slay Goliath the giant of Gath. The two friends - David and Jonathan - were one in their attitude towards their God. Let's highly prize and value true friendships as these can assist us in walking faithfully towards the kingdom of God. Jonathan made a covenant with David and gave to David his bow - which was Jonathan's prized weapon of choice - and the royal robe which he wore. Saul retained David as one of his army captains. Verses 6-9 describe Saul's envy of David who was praised by the Israeli women above Saul their king. David was under Saul's watchful and critical eye. Saul believed that David was seeking to usurp him. Verses 10-16 describe a foul mood overtaking Saul and his unsuccessful attempt to kill David with the king's javelin. The LORD's protection surrounded David. David's behaviour caused Saul to be in awe of David. In verses 17-31 Saul, knowing of the love of David for Saul's younger daughter Michal, seeks to have David slain in battle by the Philistines by asking a dowry from David of two hundred foreskins of the Philistines. What treachery to use a ruse of vengeance against God's enemies as an excuse to eliminate the king's rival. Likewise how wonderful it is when our lives bare testimony to our being the children of our Heavenly Father.

Isaiah 62 describes Zion's coming salvation. Verses 1-5 speak of the prophet's prayer for his beloved Jerusalem. It is a prayer for her destiny to be delivered by her faithful and Almighty Sovereign. Jerusalem will be a city of truth and righteousness as Zechariah 8 verses14-23 speaks. The terms used in verses 4-5 describing the fruitfulness of the land are used of Hezekiah and his wife Hephzibah. In verses 6-7 the prophet asks all the faithful to copy their faithful king who despite settling watchmen on Jerusalem's walls he continues to pray and trust in the Almighty and counsels his people to do likewise. Verses 8-9 tell of his confidence in the LORD to deliver and exalt His people during the glorious reign of His Son in the near future. Verses 10-12 describe the time when Yahweh elevates Zion to the capital of the world: Isaiah 2:1-5; Jeremiah 3 verses 16-17. The people of the LORD will be blessed and all nations will come to Jerusalem to worship in sincerity and truth.

The judgment mentioned in Matthew 7 verses 1-5 refers to critical fault finding in others as opposed to the need to show discernment . We must judge righteous judgment: we are commanded to do so. Verse 6 tells disciples to not share the precious knowledge of God with mockers who will never change. Verses 7-11 tells us that the askers will receive; the seekers will find; and to the knockers doors will be opened. This is because our Heavenly Father is faithful to His promises and will only give good gifts to His children. In verse 12 our Lord highlights the golden rule - do to others what you would wish them to do for you. Verses 13-14 tell us to strive to please God. Diligence must characterise the disciple's life. Without diligence we will easily lose our way. Verses 15-20 teach us what type of tree we are; for the fruits of our lives will be seen in the fruits of our behaviour. Verses 21-23 are sobering thoughts which teach us that is not what we say that will save us - but rather how we live. Our Lord only knows those who understand him and love and live as he lived: There was a popular song many years ago called: "To know him (Jesus) is to love him". Our Lord Jesus knows those who love him and he reciprocates that love to them. Matthew 25 verses 34-36. Read aloud and pause and ponder. Verses 24-27 tell of two builders - one wise, the other foolish - each one chose a different foundation on which to build. The wise man undertook the long and laborious task of digging deep and founding his house on the rock: Matthew 16 verses 13-20; 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. The foolish builder lazily chose the quick and easy way of building on sand. When the waters and tempests and afflictions of trials tested the stability of the structures, the houses, house on the rock stood firm, but the house on the sand was swept away. The Lord Jesus Christ says that wisdom lies in listening to his words and acting on them. Only doers of the Word and not simply forgetful hearers are founded upon the rock: James 1:19-27. Verses 28-29 speak of Jesus' authority in his speech in contrast to the scribes who quoted each other rather than speak with a "Thus says the Word of God".