DAILY BIBLE READING
May 17: 2Sam 16-18
May 18: Ps 26/40/58/61-62/64
May 19: 2Sam 19-21
May 20: Ps 5/38/41-42
May 21: 2Sam 22-23; Ps 57
May 22: Ps 95/97-99
May 23: 2Sam 24; 1Chron 21-22; Ps 30
May 24: Ps 108-110
NOTES ON THIS WEEK’S READING
· I don’t know why this didn’t dawn on me until now, but this back-and-forth between the historical books and the books of poetry/prophecy will be the norm for Bible reading from now through September! That’s what the chronological plan is. The books of history (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles – then Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther) tell the story of Israel’s rise, fall, and partial restoration. The balance of the Old Testament – Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and the prophets – convey God’s Word to God’s people during these same events.
· This week we continue with David’s story, told mostly in 2 Samuel. The chronicler (500 or so years later) once again omits parts of the stories he finds less relevant in retrospect. One of the really interesting contrasts is noted in the devotions below. The earlier historian said that the Lord incited David to take a census. Given the devastating consequences, the chronicler said that Satan incited David to take the census. Is it possible both are true?
· I hope you’re reading the titles of the Psalms. There is some debate as to whether these titles were original or added later. But they are often helpful – sometimes simply indicating the author and other times giving some of the circumstances surrounding the penning of the Psalm. We learn, for example ,that Psalm 30 was written by David for the dedication of the temple. But remember that David had been told he would not build the temple – so David wrote this psalm to be sung after his death for a great occasion he could only imagine.
DEVOTIONS
Every temptation is an opportunity for you to pass a test.
The words “temptation” and “test” sound different, and they should. A temptation is an enticement to do the wrong thing. A test is a chance to do the right thing.
Almost always the same situation falls into both categories.
One of the clearest biblical examples comes in the parallel accounts of David’s census.
In 2 Samuel 24:1, the Lord incited David to take the census.
In 1 Chronicles 21:1, it was Satan who incited David to take the census.
Who was it? Both?
Do God and Satan sometimes cooperate in a temptation/test? Think about Job’s story. Think about Matthew 4:1, where Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
The words “test” and “tempt” are the same word in both Hebrew and Greek. James insists that God doesn’t “tempt” anyone – meaning that God never sets us up to do the wrong thing. God does, however, allow us to be placed in situations where we can choose to do what’s right.
Every temptation is a chance to pass a test.