Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Understanding to grow in
21v1 portrays “Satan” (lit. “adversary”) as God’s means of inciting David to take his census (compare 2 Sam 24v1 and notes). David’s sin is not to trust God to fight for him. What is added to 2 Samuel 24 is his decision that “the house of the LORD” be built on the site where the angel ceased his judgement (22v1). What is particularly striking is that this was on a site owned by a God-fearing Canaanite (21v18), again, showing God’s concern with the nations coming to worship him. Indeed, both Araunah and his four sons were priveledged with seeing the angel. David sacrificed burnt and fellowship offerings (stressing devotion and peace with God), but in calling on the LORD he may have just sought mercy. The fire from heaven showed that God accepted the offerings, and so the plague stopped. David's subsequent fear of going to enquire of God at the tabernacle is ironic as the events actually show how necessary the tabernacle and temple were. There priests would act as mediators specifically so that people could approach the holy presence of God. We should be thankful that because Christ embraced the sword of judgement and acts as our mediator, we no longer need to fear approaching God (Heb 10v22). Although David was not permitted to build the temple, his heart was so taken up with honouring God (22v5) and seeing his promise fulfilled (22v9-10) that he then devoted himself to making preparations. He may not have been allowed to build because of his contact with so much death in his wars (contact with dead bodies made people unclean). Alternatively, it may have been to stress that the temple was a sign of Israel entering a time of “peace and rest” (22v9). God may not fulfil our desires in Christian service. Nevertheless, we are to have a heart like David - to be so caught up with his honour and promises that we seek to further his purposes to whatever degree we can anyway. Like Moses handing over to Joshua for a new phase in Israel’s history, David prays that God would enable Solomon to to keep God’s law so that he has “success,” urging him to be strong and courageous (Jos 1v6-9) and to do the building. The point is that now the land is “subject” to the LORD and people, they are to “devote” themselves to seeking the LORD and establish his "house" so the ark and sacred items can be brought into it. The kingdom will then be fully established. No longer having to lead Israel to the land or into battle, God’s presence will have a settled home amongst them. As you read note what we learn of God. Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.