DAILY BIBLE READING
May 3: Ps 106-107
May 4: 2Sam 5:11-6:23; 1Chron 13-16
May 5: Ps 1-2/15/22-24/47/68
May 6: Ps 89/96/100-101/105/132
May 7: 2Sam 7; 1Chron 17
May 8: Ps 25/29/33/36/39
May 9: 2Sam 8-9; 1Chron 18
May 10: Ps 50/53/60/75
NOTES ON THIS WEEK’S READING
· Again, not a lot of “new” background information to read. We continue weaving back and forth between the story of David’s reign in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles, as well as the Psalms. These psalms were either written by David during this time, written about David during this time period, or perhaps (like Psalm 107 – see below) written retrospectively about Israel’s history during this time period.
· A bit of a warning. If you’re tired of the bloodshed in the biblical drama, it’s not over yet. David is a warrior, and his God-given mission is to expand and secure Israel’s borders. War is always messy, but we’re also dealing with a time period where the rules of war were far different than our own time. Because of this, it helps me to weave these Psalms into the history. I see a man with a heart for God, and I can respect that heart even when I don’t fully understand how he lives out that faith and obedience.
· Here’s a note I put on the “Through the Bible” Facebook page –
o There are 356 members of “Through the Bible in 2010,” although my “sneakin’ suspicion” (as my Mom used to say) is that many if not most have found it hard to keep up. I’d love a little vulnerability on the “Through the Bible” Facebook page. If you gave up, when did that happen? Was there something in the reading that made it difficult, or just the daily routine? Your experience might help us help others when we try this again.
o If you’re behind, I’ll suggest again that you NOT try to “catch up.” Just pick up where we are and go back later to read what you missed.
o If you’re on schedule or ahead, congratulations! You can encourage others by posting what the readings have meant to you. And don’t forget to add your questions and comments.
DEVOTIONS
“God is good…ALL THE TIME.”
“All the time…GOD IS GOOD.”
This is a common antiphonal liturgy in the African American church. (Few, however, would call it an “antiphonal liturgy.” That just means the speaker says the first part and the congregation responds.)
In the ups and downs of life, it’s a reminder we regularly need.
Whoever wrote Psalm 107 was overwhelmed with the goodness of God. What prompted the songwriter’s praise? History.
The psalmist reviews Israel’s story. Much of the story is harsh and difficult – homelessness, hunger, thirst, distress, trouble, darkness, gloom, and so much more.
Yet the songwriter uses that very history to declare that God is good.
The Hebrew word he uses to describe God’s love – not once but six times (vv. 1, 8, 15, 21, 31, 43) is “chesed” (or “khesed”). It’s a hard word to translate because it means love, kindness, mercy, desire, grace, or favor. The word is often used of God’s “covenant love” – that God keeps his promises.
Mother’s Day is a good time to review your family’s story. May is also the month when we celebrate Corinth’s anninversary (May 22, 1869). Soon we will honor our nation’s founding on July 4.
As you review these stories – remembering good times and hard times, find in them a fresh cause to celebrate God’s love that endures forever.