Victory in Christ

This section of scripture continues the genealogies. Some of these names we know nothing about other than their relatives. At first glance we might think this person did nothing of value in their life. Just because they were not known for some great accomplishment does not mean they did not live a life faithful to God. If we live all of our days faithful to Him and never gain any fame or fortune, our reward will be great. If we live our life striving to be seen and honored by men, Jesus tells us the reward we will receive. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:1-5)

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 3-5

Listen:

In chapter 49 the Psalmist reminds us that riches of this world are not to be envied nor feared.“Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches?” (Psalms 49:6) Money is necessary for us to live, but the pursuit of great riches has the same end for everyone who strives for it. “For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others.” (Psalms 49:10) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

Listen:

Reading thru all of these genealogies can be tedious reading, but we are told that every bit of God’s word has purpose. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) One of the things we see from these family trees is the root of Christ that was prophesied. “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” (Jeremiah 23:5) Another thing we can notice is some of these names are not mentioned anywhere else in scripture. The one place we should all strive to have our name listed in is the Lamb’s book of life. “The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5)

Today’s reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2

Listen:

Do you ever look at parts of God’s creation and marvel? David did, and he wondered how with the vastness of the universe God could know and care for us all. “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4) Jesus told us that God knows everything about us down to the number of hairs on our head. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31) Even though He does know all of the details of our looks, that is not what is important to Him. “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21

Listen:

An Amalekite man came to David and gave him news of the death of Saul and Jonathan. When questioned by David how he knew they were dead, the man claimed to have taken Saul’s life at his request. Since Saul had been trying to kill David and his death meant David would now be king, the man was probably expecting to be considered a hero. David did not have the same feeling about it. “David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” And he struck him down so that he died.” (2 Samuel 1:14-15) It is easy to be happy when something bad happens to someone who we consider an enemy, but that is not God’s will. “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.” (Proverbs 24:17-18)

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

Listen:

Have you ever needed help with something but did not know who to turn to for the solution? The Psalmist tells us that he turns to the one who never sleeps. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalms 121:1-4) The Hebrew writer also points us toward the best helper. “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6) That Helper will never leave us if we do not leave Him. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130

Listen:

Psalm 18 is a song of victory after David had conquered his enemies. The same song is also found in 2nd Samuel 22 with some variations. David had accomplished much and could have easily gotten arrogant and taken full credit for everything. But no matter how great the things he had done, David always knew where the credit was due. In the first three verses he shares his love for the Lord, he calls Him the rock and deliverer and exclaims that He is worthy to be praised. David also had confidence that God was with him if he was following God’s commands. “For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” (Psalms 18:29) David made his share of mistakes and we will too, but like David we can have that same confidence in our Heavenly Father today if we follow His word.

Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 28-31; Psalm 18

Listen:

So often in Psalms we read words credited to David that show a humble heart. “Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed.” (Psalms 65:1) David made his share of mistakes, but he knew where to find the only hope of forgiveness. “When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions.” (Psalms 65:3) The atonement is available to us, but it requires our turning away from that sin. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19) That cleansing power continues for Christians if we live our life by His pattern. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 17, 35, 54, 63

Listen:

Have you ever had an opportunity to get revenge on someone who had treated you very badly? Most of us would jump at that kind of opportunity. David again had a chance to kill Saul, but once again he did not harm the king. “And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not; for who can put forth his hand against Jehovah’s anointed, and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9) David made his share of mistakes in his life, but the love and respect he had for Jehovah God are evident in his responses to those mistakes.

Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 25-27

Listen:

Psalm 142 is said to be written by David when he was hiding from Saul in a cave. He felt like everyone had abandoned him. “Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.” (Psalm 142:4) But David knew His God was always there for him. “I cry to you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” (Psalm 142:5) Paul reminds us that no matter what happens, God’s love toward us is there just like it was for David. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) 

Today’s reading: Psalms 56, 120, 140-142

Listen: