365 Reflections

Many times we let what people say about us really stick. Especially in times of hardship. That's what happens to Job in Job 30. He spent the previous chapter reminiscing about the glory days of his past. Now in chapter 30, he's talking about the devastating effects his suffering has had on his standing in the community.  Job 30:1 (ESV) “But now they laugh at me, men who are younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock. I would say that Job has sort of backtracked here. He's no longer interested in a response from God. He's looking at the response of people. This is a fool's errand in so many ways. People are never the proper barometer of our life. So what that they laugh? Their laughter betrays their ignorance. They have no idea that God was bragging about Job's righteous ways - that there was none like him in all the Earth (Job 1:8). He continues later: Job 30:8–11 (ESV) A senseless, a nameless brood, they have been whi...

One of the great misunderstood moments in all of scripture happens in 1 Chronicles 13. 1 Chronicles 13:9–10 (ESV) And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. David, seeking to bring the Ark of God back to Jerusalem from it's dormant facility in Kirath-Jearim is rejoicing and worshipping as it makes it's way back. But then tragedy strikes. Uzzah, seeking to steady the ark (we read that from 2 Samuel 6), touches the Ark and immediately is struck down by the Lord for his act of irreverence.  This is where secularists have problems with the Bible. They cannot imagine how unfair God could be in this moment. They have problems that the Lord would be so impetuous. This passage is why aggressive atheists in our world love to call the God of the Bible as a hate...

1 Samuel 24:4–5 (ESV) And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’ ” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward, David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Saul is exposed to David's sword for the first time. He has gone into a cave to relieve himself unknowingly where David's men are hiding out. As soon as they see Saul, David's men offer their well-intentioned advice - take the shot God has given you, kill Saul and assume the throne. What a temptation for David. His life has been destroyed by this man. He has to hide where he's hiding because of Saul's petulant attitude and self-absorbed behaviors. Who wouldn't want to strike back? On top of this, David has the blessing of his followers. Any leader in this situation would be quick to follow thro...

1 Samuel 23:2 (ESV) Therefore David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" And the LORD said to David, "Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah." David is going to enter the training of the Lord. How so? He’s going to be betrayed by the very people he is sent to save. The training will begin even before he gets to them. For after David inquires of God here about attacking the Philistines and saving Keilah his own men are afraid. 1 Samuel 23:3 (ESV) But David's men said to him, "Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" Remember these are that rag-tag group of rejects from the kingdom of Saul who haven’t go much strength or experience with victory. But when they show fear David prays again... 1 Samuel 23:4-5 (ESV) Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, "Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistine...