Sunday, April 21, 2019

FROM KING DAVID TO KING JESUS

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 24

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

Mount Tabor is located in Lower Galilee, Israel, at the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley, 11 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. It was the site of the Mount Tabor battle between Barak, under the leadership of the Israelite judge Deborah, and the army of Jabin, commanded by Sisera, in the mid 14th century BC. It is believed by many Christians to be the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Here in the mosaic dome above the altar, where as recorded in Mathew 17, Jesus is transfigured with Moses and Elijah on either side, with Peter, James and John looking on.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: 2 Samuel 24:24

Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

In today’s reading, the people bore the judgment of God. Pictured above is the place where Jesus prepared to bear God’s judgment in place of the people. It may be that Moses and Elijah were there to encourage Jesus in His greatest of all sacrifices, bearing all our sins. Comparing 2 Samuel 24 with 1 Chronicles 21, it appears to be the same event. In the latter account, God decided to test His people by allowing Satan to tempt them to sin. Yes, David sinned, but so did the people. This shows the widespread effect of sin. Our sins do not only impact our lives, but others around us as well. Our key verse should inspire us to think about our level of sacrifice. The final words, verse 25 of 2 Samuel 24, should encourage us. It tells us that “The Lord heeded the prayers for the land.” Let us determine to be fervent and constant in our prayer life.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, the way I live my life will inevitably have an effect on others. I pray for Your grace and power in my life to be obedient to You 100% of the time. Please forgive my sin and bring healing to those who have been hurt in any way because of my sin. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I often heard my Dad pray in our family prayers as we knelt at our chairs after supper, “O God, may the smile of Your approval be on our lives.” I knew my parents would tend to smile when I was obedient and did something good, and I feared their frowns when I did the opposite. I knew that punishment was to follow on the heels of my transgression.

Tomorrow, God willing, I will read, with my blog partners, Galatians chapters 1 & 2. I’m so thankful that because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, I am now, on the basis of faith, not of works, free to enjoy freedom from sin and its power over my life. Judaism, the expression of the faith revealed in the Old Testament, is often called the cradle of the Christian faith. In Galatians, we will learn that the practice of Judaism almost became the grave of Christianity. I’m excited at the prospect of moving from King David to his descendant, King Jesus!

Yours for victory over sin, and for healing from sin’s effects through the Lord Jesus Christ,

David

7 thoughts on “Sunday, April 21, 2019

  1. Here is to our victory because of the sacrifice our Lord Christ made for us. We celebrate today, our Risen King and sing praises of glory!! Wishing all saints a most blessed Easter Sunday! Our Redeemer lives!!!

    Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
    John 20:11-18 (NIV)

    Nicole C. Mullen – My Redeemer Lives (Lyrics)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRW-jr_PnbQ

  2. The following pieces (after “The Threshing Floor”) are very interesting too. Perry Stone’s entry is especially interesting. Thanks Beverlee

  3. He is risen! Hallelujah! Happy Resurrection Sunday to all my brothers and sisters. We have so much to rejoice and be thankful for, and to look forward to because of our precious Savior.

  4. Our church cooked breakfast for the other 2 churches who share our pastor and had a combined service.It all went great followed by a great teaching.(Our pastor is noted for his teaching ability…gift.)That’s why I just got on here.
    Happy Easter everyone.Needless to say,there would be no Christians today if Jesus had not arisen as He and the prophets proclaimed….and there likely would not be any civilization either.Christianity hinged on the Resurrection.We have so much to be thankful for.

    Salvation

    Sweet Jesus I owe everything to you and to you alone,
    You have shown me my home,you are my anchorstone,
    You have saved me always when stormy winds have blown,
    You have always been my rock,the truest friend I’ve known,
    So why do you think me worthy as a seed you have sown;
    What can I ever do to earn all the love you’ve shown .

    Ch:
    Let me know sweet Jesus, let me know beyond my days
    Let me know my savior,when I bow down to you in praise,
    When my time here is drawing short and coming to a close,
    As they carry me away after leading the life I chose,
    I pray that I will leave not sorrow for those that I love,
    But instead to know the joy that waits for us above.

    I am not a wealthy man but I am very rich by far,
    When I walk my journey you’re my guiding star
    And you know that I am honest in all the things I do,
    I have never born false witness,I only say what’s true,
    You have strengthened my soul before I even knew
    Of life’s losses with your love to see me through.

    You have always had your hand placed within my soul,
    You have shown me your light that has made me whole,
    I have never known this love that comes from your grace,
    Nor have I known compassion that shines from your face,
    For I am still a sinner and you are the son of God
    I can only meet you at the end of the road I’ve trod.
    G W(Bill) Marshall (No copyright intended)

  5. Blessings to all, pray for healing where needed;reconciliation where needed;honesty where needed;support for parents and their children where needed;for good decisions in our governments;I pray that our leaders will turn to God on this blessed Easter Day; we all know the power of prayer; blessings to those visiting family; may God grant them a safe trip to visit and return home; we pray for good relationships among our neighbours; we pray for our teachers as they all return back to their schools and continue teaching our precious chuildren; Jesus Name we Pray Amen

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