Sunday, November 30, 2014

1 Kings, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 11 - 1 Kings  

After the death of King David, there is a brief power struggle before Solomon consolidates power and the undisputed king of Israel.  Not only does Solomon follow his father's example as a military leader, but he fulfills his father's greatest dream, the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.  The enormous and ornate project took seven years to complete.

Solomon was evidently a very prestigious king in the region, well-known for his wisdom and his wealth.  Also, the Jewish kingdom was at its most powerful -- and controlled the most territory -- under Solomon.

However, the years following Solomon's reign tell a story of decline.  Bitter animosities between Jewish factions cause the Jewish kingdom to split into two kingdoms -- the northern kingdom, which kept the name Israel; and the Southern kingdom, which took the name Judah and whose capital was Jerusalem (the city of David and the home of the Temple).

Much of the focus of the later chapters in 1 Kings describes the succession of unfaithful kings of Israel, who led the people astray.  This decline culminated in the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, two of the most despicable figures in Jewish history.  Against them was a powerful prophet who spoke for God against their abuses of power and their false faith -- the legendary Elijah.

Monday, November 24, 2014

A Holiday

During this Thanksgiving week, Godsway 66 is on holiday vacation.  The next sermon, concluding the study of 2 Samuel, will be on Sunday.  The overview for 1 Kings will also be posted that day.

May you enjoy a safe holiday with family and friends.  And may you find time and space to thank God for the blessings of this past year.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

2 Samuel, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 2 Samuel you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.


Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

  • If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
  • Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
  • Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for the Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on 2 Samuel Sunday, November 30 at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Friday, November 21, 2014

2 Samuel, Day 5 Readings

David's Song of Praise and the Siting of the Temple  

Today's first reading preserves a second part of David's legacy.  In many ways, this man after God's heart was the ancient equivalent of a Renaissance man.  He was a mighty warrior and capable ruler, but he also was timeless singer/songwriter.  Many of his greatest songs are preserved in the Bible in Psalms, but this song of praise was so powerful that it was copied into the history book.

Read 2 Samuel 22:1-20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection is the close of 2 Samuel.  God punishes David for arbitrarily ordering a census of the people, and David responds by building an altar and offering a sacrifice.  This ending, though, is also a beginning.  While this incident is better described in 1 Chronicles, it turns out that David builds the altar on the site of the Temple -- the magnificent House of God that Solomon will build.

Read 2 Samuel 24:10-25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Samuel 21-24 today.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

2 Samuel, Day 4 Readings

Absalom's Dangerous Revolt and Defeat  

Today's first reading continues the story of the consequences of David's abuse of power in marrying Bathsheba.  God promises that David will withstand threats to his power for the rest of his life.  The most dramatic came at the hands of his own son, Absalom, who claimed the throne and even forced David to flee Jerusalem.  Interestingly, David refuses to take the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem, faithful that it is now God's holy city, whether he is king or not.

Read 2 Samuel 15:1-37  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells of the eventual defeat of Absalom and his army.  Despite David's insistence that his rebellious son's life should be spared, the would-be king is killed by David's troops after he becomes stuck in a tree trying to flee the battlefield.  Upon hearing the news, David was disconsolate, weeping for his wayward son.

Read 2 Samuel 18:1-33  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Samuel 16-20 today.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

2 Samuel, Day 3 Readings

David and Bathsheba  

Today's reading tells the embarrassing story of David and Bathsheba.  After seeing the beautiful woman bathing on the roof -- at a time when David probably should have been away with the army -- he decides that he must have her.  Finding that she is married, he first tries to have her husband return (as a way to explain any pregnancy), but Bathsheba's husband Uriah refuses to visit with his wife when other army men cannot be with their wives.  So David plots for Uriah to be killed in battle, allowing him to marry the widow Bathsheba.  God, not surprisingly, is appalled by David's behavior and punishes him.  However, David begs God for mercy, and God partially relents, allowing the marriage.  The second child of David and Bathsheba was Solomon, who will ultimately succeed David as king.

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Samuel 11-15 today.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

2 Samuel, Day 2 Readings

The City of David Becomes the Holy City of God  

Today's first reading continues the story of Jerusalem, the city of David, as it also becomes God's holy city.  David, along with 30,000 other people, brought the Ark of the Covenant into this city, with great fanfare and celebration.

Read 2 Samuel 6:1-19  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how David dreams of building God a house in the city of Jerusalem.  Interestingly, God replies to David that He never asked for a house.  But God takes David's dream to heart, and David's son and successor, Solomon, will build a Temple in Jerusalem, to house the Ark of the Covenant, the seat of God.  And, however misguided, God accepts the spirit of David's dream and promises blessings to David and his ancestors.

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-29  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Samuel 6-10 today.

Monday, November 17, 2014

2 Samuel, Day 1 Readings

David Claims Kingship and Makes Jerusalem His Capitol  

Today's first reading tells of the beginnings of David's reign as king.  He is again anointed, this time in front of the people.  However, the transfer of power from Saul to David is not peaceful.  The new king must continue to go into battle against others who also claim the throne.

Read 2 Samuel 2:1-17  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how David, after consolidating power and becoming the so
le king of the Israelites, captured Jerusalem and made the captured stronghold his personal city.  Again, after this, David and his armies must fight against the Philistines.

Read 2 Samuel 5:1-12, 17-25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Samuel 1-5 today.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

2 Samuel, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 10 - 2 Samuel  

After Saul's death, the reign of David is described.  While David is often considered the greatest of the Jewish kings -- a man after God's own heart -- his reign was anything but smooth and peaceful.  Just as he had contended with threats against his life from Saul, David immediately faces threats from Saul's followers after his death.  In fact, it takes years for David to completely consolidate power and become the undisputed king.

When he does, David captures the city of Jerusalem and makes it his capitol.  He also brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, establishing it as the city of God.  This act has had consequences for centuries, even to the present-day controversies in the Middle East.

Even after he consolidates power, David faces many threats.  The Philistines continue to attack on the edges of the kingdom and threaten the Hebrews.  And David is not always a completely ethical leader, which has implications from God and from others, including his son Absalom, who leads a revolt that captures Jerusalem and almost succeeds in defeating David and armies loyal to him.

Through it all, even when God punishes him, David never completely loses God's favor.  So David has a long reign as king, and he even dreams of building God a temple -- a task that will be completed by his son and successor, Solomon.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Bonus Reading, 1 Samuel

Poor, Poor Dagon  

Today's reading is an example of farce in the face of seeming disaster.  The Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle, capturing the Ark of the Covenant -- the most holy object of the Jewish faith.  They took their battle prize to their temple, setting it alongside an idol of their god, Dagon.  However, misfortune plagues poor Dagon as long as the Ark of the Covenant is nearby.  (In fact, the Philistines would return the Ark of the Covenant to the Hebrews voluntarily in only nine months.)

Read 1 Samuel 5:1-12  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Bonus Reading, Joshua

Joshua Commands the Sun to Stand Still  

Today's reading recounts yet another battle in the conquest of the Promised Land -- Joshua and the Hebrews defeating the Amorites.  The unique thing is that Joshua asked the sun and moon stand still -- and thus time itself stop -- until the battle against the Amorites could be completed and the victory claimed.

Read Joshua 10:1-27  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Bonus Reading, Numbers

Balaam and His Donkey  

Today's reading offers a "Mr. Ed" moment.  A foreign king, Balak, asks one of his court prophets to curse the Israelites.  But Balaam has reasons to resist.  However, he still goes out with people meant to intimidate the Israelites.  God sends an angel to stand in Balaam's way, but only the donkey can see it at first.  When the donkey stops, Balaam gets increasingly angry, striking the animal, which eventually speaks and asks why he should be treated so.  After this, Balaam will return to Balak and offer a prophecy of God's favor to the Israelites.

Read Numbers 22:15-35  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Sermon - "Kings and Princes" (1 Samuel)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the establishment of the Jewish monarchy, which is the main story of 1 Samuel.  This history focuses on the priest, Samuel, who would assent to the people's demand for a king, and the man he anointed, Saul -- a man who was tall, handsome, and a mighty warrior.

When the people demand a king, God responds (through Samuel) that this is a bad idea.  While a king might offer more consolidated power and a clear line of succession, the king will also place huge demands on the people.  However, God accepts the Israelites' request, and directs Samuel to Saul.

Initially, Saul seems a good choice, leading faithfully and wisely.  After some success, though, Saul reveals a dual problem.  First, he starts to behave as if he is a god due to his royal authority and power; second, he becomes paranoid that others will take away his power.  In fact, he is especially concerned about David, the shepherd boy who defeats the Philistine giant Goliath, which leads to some erratic behavior on Saul's part over the last years of his life.

In some ways, 1 Samuel tells a two-part story about God's interaction with the Israelites.  First, God tries to dissuade the people from choosing the wrong way of life, but allows them the freedom to crown a king.  Despite recognizing that this is a bad idea, God then tries to put the right people in place for the monarchy.  In the case of 1 Samuel, the main examples of this are Samuel, Saul, and David.  One imagines that God looks at our modern life in a similar way.  To be sure, we live under a system that God did not design -- humans did -- so it has flaws.  However, God tries to help us to live as well as we can under this system.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

Bonus Reading, Exodus

Raising Up Leaders  

Today's reading tells how Moses was a bit "in over his head" as the Hebrews left Egypt.  Jethro, his father-in-law, noticed that Moses seemed be the only one making decisions for all of the people in the wilderness -- an impossible task.  So he encouraged Moses to pick leaders of smaller groups to handle some of the lesser issues.  It was the beginning of the civic order -- another lesson the Israelites needed to learn so that they could truly become a nation.

Read Exodus 18:1-27  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Monday, November 10, 2014

Bonus Reading, Genesis

Noah and the Great Flood  

Today's reading tells of Noah, 600 years young, who was saved from a great flood, along with his family and pairs of every creature on earth.  Having built an ark and collected the animals, the group waited out the rains and flood waters until they could again set foot on dry land.  After this salvation, Noah built an altar and thanked God.

Read Genesis 7:11-8:22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Sunday, November 9, 2014

A Rest Stop

This week Godsway 66 will take a break.  The resources and readings for 2 Samuel will be posted beginning next Sunday.

This week offers a brief opportunity to catch a breath -- and maybe catch up on any past readings or sermons that you have missed.  It also allows a chance to offer a few interesting readings from some previous books.  This week, there will be selections of some stories that we did not have time for during the week of readings for each book of the Bible.

So, in the coming days we'll offer part of the story of Noah and the great flood, the influential advice Moses' father-in-law gave him, the odd story of a talking donkey, the famous time when Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, and the rather comedic story of the Ark of the Covenant and the Philistine god Dagon.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

1 Samuel, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of 1 Samuel you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.


Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

  • If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
  • Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
  • Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach tomorrow on 1 Samuel at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Friday, November 7, 2014

1 Samuel, Day 5 Readings

The Desperate Final Days of Saul  

Today's first reading describes how truly desperate Saul became, consumed by paranoia and devastated by the loss of divine favor.  Afraid that he is about to lose a battle, the king seeks out advice wherever he can find it, including from a medium -- the witch of Endor -- who channels the prophet Samuel and a message of doom for the embattled king.

Read 1 Samuel 28:3-19  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection describes the end of the house of Saul.  After his sons are all killed in battle with the Philistines and he is wounded, Saul takes his own life by falling on his sword.

Read 1 Samuel 31:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Samuel 26-31 today.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

1 Samuel, Day 4 Readings

David and Goliath and Emerges as Saul's Rival  

Today's first reading describes how David emerges as a mighty warrior in his own right, even though he is just a boy.  When no Israelite soldier is willing to face the Philistine giant Goliath, who taunts Saul and his army morning and night.  Interestingly, it is perhaps Saul's finest hour; he gives permission for his armor-bearer David to fight the Philistine champion.  However, it also begins the path by which David will emerge as Saul's rival and successor.

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-54  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how David becomes estranged from King Saul.  After trying to keep his rival close -- even encouraging David to marry his daughter Michal, Saul loses patience and threatens to kill David.  Despite this threat, David tries to maintain his loyalty to the Israelite king.  Here, David refuses to kill Saul when he has the chance, which chastens the king for a while (but he will continue to threaten David again).

Read 1 Samuel 24:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Samuel 20-25 today.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

1 Samuel, Day 3 Readings

God Does Not Forgive Saul and Selects David  

Today's first reading clearly describes God's rejection of Saul's kingship.  Saul, sensing God's disfavor, asks for forgiveness, but it is too little, too late.

Read 1 Samuel 15:17-35  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how David, perhaps a most unlikely candidate, is selected by God to be Saul's successor as king.  Even more interesting, David's selection is immediately followed by King Saul inviting the boy to join his court as an armor-bearer and musician.

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Samuel 14-19 today.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Sermon - "Gaming the System" (Ruth)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached about the story of love and loyalty recorded in the book of Ruth.  There are three main characters: Ruth, a Moabite woman (meaning a foreigner in Jewish eyes), Naomi, her mother-in-law, and Boaz, a man who is a distant relative of Naomi.  After Naomi and Ruth were both widowed, without any male in the immediate family to provide for them, they were supposed to return to their own families (and throw themselves on their mercy in order to survive -- such were the customs and laws of the ancient world).  Ruth, however, insisted on partnering with Naomi, casting her lot with her mother-in-law.

They returned to Naomi's family lands, and Ruth followed the custom of trailing the workers who harvested the fields, picking up the grain that was left unnoticed on the plants.  The owner of the land, Boaz, took notice of Ruth, and instructed his workers to leave extra grain for her and even invited Ruth to drink of his water whenever she was thirsty.  Eventually, Boaz will want to marry Ruth, but there are problems: he wasn't the man who had the legal right to marry her in his family.  So he had to negotiate that right.

In fact, Ruth is not merely a story of loyalty, but of people working around the system so that good things happen.  Ruth violated custom and stays with her mother-in-law, helping Naomi to relocate and survive.  Naomi brought a foreigner into the Promised Land.  Ruth used her feminine wiles to attract Boaz.  Boaz fell in love with her and negotiated within the family tribe in order to marry her.

Often in our culture, we take a dim view of people who "game" or "work" the system because we expect that most people are trying to get an unfair advantage.  Sometimes, though, people "game" the system in order to get good things for people in a disadvantaged or unfair situation.  In some ways, it is one way, perhaps a slightly cynical way, to view the earthly ministry of Jesus and the example he set for his disciples -- and through them, for us.

You can listen to the sermon here.

You can also listen to the Communion meditation and the closing benediction.

1 Samuel, Day 2 Readings

Saul Becomes King but Quickly Makes a Mistake  

Today's first reading introduces the first king of Israel, Saul.  He is anointed by the revered priest Samuel and introduced to the people as the king God has chosen for them when they cried out for a king.

Read 1 Samuel 9:27-10:25  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how Saul quickly lost God's favor with his impatience and, ultimately, lack of faith.  With a battle against the Philistines looming, Saul waits for Samuel to arrive to offer a sacrifice, asking for God's blessing in battle.  But Samuel does not arrive when he should, so Saul offers the sacrifice himself, likely because he was afraid that the Philistine army might attack before Samuel would arrive.  Although Saul would continue to be king, and would even lead Israel to military victories, this opened the door for another king to be chosen by God.

Read 1 Samuel 13:1-15  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Samuel 8-13 today.

Monday, November 3, 2014

1 Samuel, Day 1 Readings

The Priest Samuel and the Demand for a King  

Today's first reading introduces the boy who will be priest, young Samuel who is God's choice to take the role from Eli (instead of Eli's two sons, who are both more interested in using the priesthood for personal gain than in serving God).  Samuel, who is an assistant to the aging Eli, hears the voice of God calling him, but he requires Eli's instructions on how to respond and listen to God.

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection tells how Samuel's sons are as disappointing as Eli's sons, which leads to a public outcry for a king to take control and rule the Israelites.  Samuel shares God's warning that a king will place heavy burdens on the people -- and that it is another example of how the people are unable to place complete faith in God.

Read 1 Samuel 8:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Samuel 1-7 today.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

1 Samuel, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 9 - 1 Samuel  

After the time of the judges, the people looked for warrior kings who could lead the Israelites against their enemies, especially the Philistines.  The last of the judges, the prophet Samuel, gives name to the first history of the Jewish monarchy.  It is Samuel who will anoint the first two kings of Israel: Saul and David.

This change in leadership is not without foreboding, as it signals a lack of faith in God to provide protection.  Still, God accepts the Hebrews' passionate request for a king, and selects Saul, a man who literally stands head and shoulders above most of the other men of Israel.  Saul proves to be a willing fighter, but an impetuous leader.  As often as he leads the Israelites to victory, he becomes paranoid to threats everywhere -- some real, but some mostly figments of his imagination.

So God directs Samuel to anoint another king, the boy David who will become famous for his slingshot in a battle against the giant Philistine Goliath.  David's entry into the halls of power, though, makes the last half of this book read like a soap opera, filled with court intrigue and political maneuvering.  Saul tries again and again to neutralize David's growing prestige, but grows increasingly desperate as his attempts seem only to increase David's reputation.  In the end, Saul meets an ignoble end and the way is cleared for David to become king.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Ruth, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Ruth you might have missed.  Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.


Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

  • If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
  • Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
  • Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach tomorrow on Ruth at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.