We turn to Him and He heals us.
We are in an exciting week of reading and living in His word. As we read, we enter the story. The images given by the Holy Spirit lead us into encounters in truth with our Lord. We are not gaining information. We are entering transformation from the Spirit, from glory to glory. Whenever we turn to the Lord all veils are removed.
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GOSPELS
Mark 3 – 8
There are timely moments in these chapters. All moments are transformational to us as we read. But to prepare us for three let me point out a few important things to focus on. Mark Chapter 4 is on the parables of the kingdom, and the parable of the Sower sowing the word is foundational. All other parables are understood by this parable. Chapter 6 has the record of the feeding of 5,000, followed by His disciples being sent out in a boat as Jesus went to pray. The storm rages and Jesus walks on water. They are at first frightened but then amazed beyond measure as the wind ceases as He steps into the boat. Here is the reason: “For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened” (Mark 6:52). Ponder.
In Chapter 8 Jesus warns about the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. The disciples think He is scolding them for forgetting to take bread. Jesus recounts the two miracles of the multiplication of bread asking them to tell Him what happened, again. Why? “Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? (Mark 8:17, 18) Ponder.
EPISTLES
Romans 15 – 16
We enter our calling with one another in patience and comfort. The strong are called to bear with the scruples of the weak, and together—with one mind and one mouth—glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have the scriptures to give us patience and comfort, and the God of patience and comfort will grant us to be likeminded. We have the God of hope filling us with joy and peace. Paul is on his way to Rome and begs for prayer:
“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.” (Romans 15:30-32)
1 Corinthians 1 – 6
Paul loves the Corinthian Church brought forth in his gospel; they are spiritual but act as mere men. There are divisions about everything from baptism to the cross, to whom and what movement they are aligned with. Paul makes it known, that their natural (soulish) thinking, and carnal (fleshly) effort, have brought them into division and behaving like mere men. In Chapter 4, Paul states the standard of stewardship and his fatherly relationship with them. In Chapter 5, he uncovers sin in the church and rather than having grief over the matter they have pride. Paul’s heart again is seen. Chapter 6 speaks to the relationship of forgiveness (and not the law) with brethren and our being one spirit with the Lord. Therefore, we are not to “join ourselves” to (be intimate with) a harlot. Joined to Jesus, in one spirit, our temples are for the Holy Spirit. We are to glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which both are God’s.
HISTORY
1 Kings 22
We have the death of Ahab, who is warned by Micaiah not to go to war against the Syrians. Jehoshaphat requests to seek a prophetic word from the prophets. Ahab dies in battle and Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 18 and 19 relays this story, with many more wonderful truths, as seen from a heavenly perspective. Remember Kings are the “News channel”; Chronicles are “Heaven’s perspective—the Priestly channel.”
2 Kings 1 – 8
The first eight chapters all revolve around Elijah (Chapters 1, 2) and Elisha (Chapters 3-8). They are filled with such spiritual truths and workings of God, faith, and deliverance. Elisha asked for a double portion from Elijah, of the spirit upon Elijah. He sees and he receives. Though Israel is in massive decline the focus is on God and His ability through His prophets Elijah and Elisha to lead and deliver Israel in times of trouble. In some stories, the reigning king is not even named. We can see the power and might of God to be present in all situations, taking control of all situations, to give opportunity to all to be delivered. Let’s take our time in these passages. I would encourage listening to the eight chapters as we drive or work around the house.
POETRY
Ecclesiastes 2 -6
I look at Ecclesiastes as the confessions of a backslidden preacher. They are honest accounts of Solomon’s vanity in the quest for meaning in this life. From this book we have the famous song, “For everything there is a season…” (Turn, Turn, Turn, Pete Seger, 1959). Ecclesiastes brings truth with a dose of reality and a bit of skepticism, but as we move into Chapters 4 through 6, we are being exhorted again to remember God.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For it they fall, one will lift up the companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)
“Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4)
PROPHETS
Micah 4 – 6
In Chapter 4, we see glimpses into the millennial reign of Messiah, with Jesus as King. Chapter 5 (5:2) continues with the promise of Bethlehem being the birthplace of the Christ, something the Scribes knew and told Herod, who told the Wise Men where to go from Jerusalem, to find the “King of the Jews.”
Chapter 6 holds a well-known sobering verse: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
