[NOTE: For those who are continuing the 1-year Bible reading plan we started on April 1, 2018, just go to the end of this entry and you will find the Day 362 – Revelation 5-8; Luke 21 summary!]
In 2 Samuel 19 Joab rebukes David for mourning so forcefully for Absalom. David realizes he must affirm the troops, or lose them. When David returns to Jerusalem, he shows his character once again, by pardoning those who spoke against him when he left the city. He also reinstates Mephibosheth, who Ziba had deceived and left in the city. Because David couldn’t tell for sure whether it was Ziba or Mephibosheth who was telling the truth, he divided Mephibosheth’s property between them. Even so, Mephibosheth was grateful that his relationship with David was reestablished, because that meant more to him than the property. David also appointed Amasa as his commander over the army, because Joab had killed Absalom.
In 2 Samuel 20, Sheba, an Israelite (as opposed to a citizen from Judah) rebelled against David. When David sent his troops out against Sheba under Amasa’s command, Joab once again showed his treachery by murdering Amasa. Joab and Abishai then led Judah’s troops to victory and reestablished David’s leadership over all of Israel.
2 Samuel 21 records God’s judgment against the Israelites, because Saul had broken their pledge with the Gibeonites and killed some of them during his reign. The judgment came in the form of three years of famine. When David realized what was happening, he went to the Gibeonites and asked what could be done to satisfy this wrong. They didn’t ask for money, but for seven sons of Saul to be hanged. While the request seems so inhumane from our perspective, when David provided the men, and they were hanged the famine stopped. In addition, to this account, the chapter tells us about a couple of additional battles with the Philistines. David was nearly killed during the first battle, and his commanders told him he must no longer go into battle. We see David is aging, and literally his reign is going downhill at this point. In all of our lives, we grow and mature, and at some point, while our mental and spiritual abilities may continue to grow, our physical capacity diminishes. When that happens, we are wise to do as David did and realize our limitations.
As we return to Mark 13, we read Jesus’ record of what will take place in the future at the time of the end. Many signs and evidences of the end are noted, but Jesus made it clear no one would know the exact time of His return. He made one point extremely clear: Be ready. While many folks in our day spend their time attempting to determine when Jesus will come back, we must invest our time attempting to help as many people as possible to know Him as Savior and Lord. That way when He returns, we will be found ready!
Day 362 – Revelation 5-8; Luke 21
Revelation 5 continues the scene from the throne room in heaven. In it a scroll is presented, but no one can open it. After some time, a “Lamb” that looked as if it had been slain, came and opened the scroll. The “Lamb” is Jesus. The description of the Lamb must be metaphorical, given that Jesus is a person. The elders and angels worshiped the Lamb and sang Him their praise. Take a good look at this chapter, because one day, we will be among those who are singing our praises to Jesus as well–so long as we belong to Him, because He is our Savior and Lord!
In Revelation 6, the Lamb removes six of the seven seals on the scroll, one at a time. With the removal of each seal comes a significant event. The first four seals being removed releases what has often been referred to as “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” They will be given power to devastate the earth. The fifth seal revealed martyrs who had died for their faith and are waiting for their full reinstatement in the time of Jesus’ victorious establishment of His eternal kingdom. The sixth seal released natural disasters on the earth. The impact will be felt throughout the planet. The question always asked is: When will this happen? The short answer is: Even Jesus didn’t know when He was on the earth, so our efforts ought to be put forth in seeking to help people come to know Jesus before they take place!
Revelation 7 reveals an event debated, discussed, and that has even brought about a cult that focuses on the “144,000 virgin men” from the various tribes of Israel. The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim only 144,000 people will be in heaven. Once their numbers surpassed 144,000 people, they adjusted their views to say those 144,000 will be in heaven, while the others who believe and are faithful will be on the new earth. In reading the rest of the chapter we see, the number of folks in heaven cannot be counted! That is much more than 144,000. We see they will come from every people, tribe, tongue and nation. So much for those who think heaven will be populated only with people like them. This amazing scene in heaven will include people from everywhere on earth.
Revelation 8 tells us when the seventh seal was opened there was silence in heaven for half an hour. Talk about a dramatic pause…. Then seven angels came before God and they were given seven trumpets. Remember the number seven symbolizes God, perfection, and fulfillment. So far, we’ve seen seven seals, now seven trumpets. We will experience more sevens before we’re done. We’re told another angel came before the throne with a bowl of incense. The “incense” was actually the prayers of the saints. Consider that picture. Our prayers go up to the Lord in the same manner as incense used to go up from the Temple in Jerusalem. In the remainder of the chapter, the seven angels start to blow their trumpets, each in succession. As it was with the seven seals, the seven trumpets release disaster on the earth. Some of the disasters are similar to the plagues poured out on Egypt. We read of four of the trumpets’ disasters as the chapter closes, and a voice warns us the next three will be even worse.
As we return to Luke 21, Jesus affirms a widow who gave her last two pennies into the Temple offering. This is the only time Jesus affirmed someone for faithfulness in giving. He pointed out the amount wasn’t what made it special, but the sacrifice involved–it was all she had. The remainder of the chapter is devoted to Jesus telling us some of the signs of the end of the age. This fits well with the reading from the Book of Revelation. While Jesus and the Book of Revelation are detailed in telling us what will happen as the end approaches, they don’t tell us when it will happen. When isn’t ours to worry about, that leaves us with plenty of time to think about how we can help others to trust Jesus, while there is still time!