One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Monday, May 16th

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Click Here to Read 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24

As David's popularity and military success grew, so did Saul's jealousy. When the women came out singing and rejoicing over David's victory they chanted, "David killed 10,000, while Saul killed 1,000". This set off a jealous rage in Saul that would never be put out.  

In the meantime a tormenting spirit was getting to Saul, which is says was from God. Normally when David would play music for Saul it would calm him down, but now it was making him even more furious. Saul's jealousy grew to the point where he chucked a spear at him that almost killed David, but he evaded it. 

David Marries Saul’s Daughter

Saul became so desperate, he even made the price for marrying his daughter, Michal, the death of 100 Philistines. Saul was hoping he would die in battle. But instead of killing 100 Philistines in the time limit he was given, he killed 200.  David was successful in all he did, which caused Saul to hate him for the rest of his life. Saul saw that his daughter loved David, and the Lord was with him, which made him even more paranoid. 

Saul Tries to Kill David

Once again Saul's jealousy reached the point where he wanted to kill David. This time he tried to get his servants and even his own son Jonathan to betray him and have him assinatated. But Jonathan loved David and made David aware of his dad's plans. Jonathan confronted his father, Saul, and tried to talk some sense into him by reminding him of everything David had done for him. At least for the moment Saul was satisfied. But the tormenting spirit came upon him again, and he hurled a spear to kill David but missed him once again. 

Michal Saves David’s Life

Saul continues his plans to assassinate David by surrounding his house with his men. This time Michal hears of the plan and helps David escape through the upstairs window in his home. By this time David knew he needed to get out of town, so he went to visit Samuel the priest. 

When Saul found out David was with Samuel, he sent more men to try and find him. But everytime they got near Samuel, he was surrounded by prophets, who were prophesying. Soon, the men began to prophesy as well. Three times Saul sent men and the same thing happened. Finally, Saul went himself, and on his way the Holy Spirit came upon him, and he prophesied all the way to Samuel's house. At one point, he stripped himself naked before Samuel and prophesied day and night. 

Three times, the Holy Spirit said to Saul, “Leave David alone. My Spirit is stronger than you are. You will never win this battle against Me and against David.” But Saul didn’t listen. Instead, to an even greater degree, Saul took matters into his own hands: he also went to Ramah. hen the Spirit of God was upon him also: As before, the Holy Spirit worked to prevent David’s capture. Through this God also told Saul, “Hands off My servant David. I am in charge here There may have been an additional message to Saul in this: “Saul, you are prophesying now, speaking beautiful words of praise and wonder to Me. This is how I could work in you all the time if you were humble and willing. - Guzik

Saul had tried just about every way to kill David, but David was God's anointed and God rescued him every time. In this last story even the Holy Spirit intervened with words of prophesy.  Saul's jealousy only tormented him like jealousy always does to a man. 

Click Here to Read John 8:31-59

Jesus and Abraham

Abraham is the central figure in the history of Judaism. In Genesis 12, 15, and 17 God made a covenant with Abraham that he would bless him, make his name great, and make him into a great nation. His descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Abraham believed by faith in God's promises and it was credited to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

As Jesus was teaching those who believed in him, they claimed to be children of Abraham, which set off a contentious conversation with Jesus. While Jesus would never deny the importance of Abraham, he was trying to point out that a person and a power greater than Abraham was before them. Immediately this put them on the defensive, because their identity was so wrapped up in being a descendant of Abraham. 

Jesus then asks them how they could be children of Abraham, when they were trying to kill him. This conversation only spiralled downward from there. While they were physical descendants of Abraham, Jesus distinguishes between the physical and spiritual nature. Just being a son in the line of Abraham did not mean they necessarily had the faith of Abraham. The true children of Abraham were the ones who believed in faith like he did. They also would recognize that Jesus was sent by the Father to them. 

As the people get more furious and more offended that Jesus is challenging their true identity, they claim he is a Samaritan and demon possessed. The more vicious the men get with Jesus, Jesus doesn't mince words either. 

For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! 46 Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

As this contentious scene reaches a climax Jesus says that if they were children of Abtaham they would have recognized he was the Messiah, and the only Son of God. He said to them Abraham looked forward to the day when Jesus would come to the earth. And then Jesus makes a clear statement of his divinity when he says, 

"I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM." John 8:58

If you notice, "I AM" is capitalized. It is the Greek word for Yahweh, "Ego Eimi". When Moses asked God what name should he use for him in Exodus 3:14, God said, "I am who I am." 

Or sometimes we say God is the GREAT I AM! 

'With this dramatic phrase Jesus told them that He was the eternal God, existing not only during the time of Abraham but before unto eternity past. Jesus claimed to be the great I AM, the voice of the covenant God of Israel revealed at the burning bush (Exodus 3:13-14).

I AM: This is the third time in this chapter Jesus uses the phrase I AM(John 8:24, 8:28), and here in John 8:58. The ancient Greek phrase is ego emi, which was the same term used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament in Jesus’ day to describe the Voice from the burning bush. “All the previous lightning flashes pale into significance before the blaze of this passage.” (Barclay)

If anyone were to try and make an argument that Jesus did not think He was on equal footing as God and truly divine, they haven't read this passage. And it is no wonder that after Jesus uttered these words, the people wanted to kill him. 

Click Here to Read Psalm 1120:1-12

Click Here to Read Proverbs 15:12-14