SOAP 03/25/2016; 1 Kings 22:28

Today's reading: Joshua 21, 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10*

S) "²⁸ Micaiah said, 'If you indeed return safely the Lord has not spoken by me.' And he said, 'Listen, all you people.'"

1 Kings 22:28 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 22

O) This is one of my favorite stories, because this is probably the most sarcastic prophet. Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and Ahab king of Israel, had a peace treaty. During a state visit, Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to go to war with him. While Ahab had many prophets telling him what he wanted to hear (that victory was sure), Jehoshaphat asked if any of the prophets were from the LORD. Ahab laments this, because he says that Micaiah is a prophet of the LORD, but he only speaks evil against him (that is, harm against him - Ahab was an evil king). When he is brought, he is told by the other prophets to give a victorious pronouncement, but he tells them he must speak the truth that God gives him. When he came before the kings, they asked him for the word, but he initially lied. He told them to go to war and have victory, but Ahab knew better. So, he asked him again, and Micaiah tells them that Ahab will surely die and the army will suffer loss. Ahab tells the guards to take Micaiah to prison, to be fed and watered sparingly until Ahab returns victorious. Then, the above is Micaiah's response to his sentencing.

A) There are so, so many things to dig through when reading this story. There is the issue of why Jehoshaphat was ever allied with Ahab. There is the issue of how Ahab probably should have consulted with the LORD way before ever hitting the battle field (which I covered a little more on 06/18/2014, with the concurrent record in 2 Chronicles 18). There is also the deep topic of how Ahab knew that Micaiah was lying, what kind of precedent there must have been, and what it meant with all of the prophets of the false gods among them. Then, there is the difficult subject of God sending a deceiving spirit among those same prophets. But, the area where this speaks to me the most, is the area of God's nature that comes through this story.
God does not lie. When He tells us that something is going to happen, He is not guessing. He is not giving likelihoods or probabilities. It can be debated how much God dictates or ordains things to happen, but we certainly know that His omniscience is, in fact, prescient (see Isaiah 46:10). So, when Ahab dies by a stray arrow, despite the fact that he had disguised himself, no one should be surprised. God, in a sense, had already seen it happen when Micaiah told the people it would be so. When the doges licked the blood of the dead king, no one should be surprised, because Elijah already revealed what God already knew. So, when Micaiah said the words in the above verse, that reminds me that there is no uncertainty with what God has spoken. The test, is simply to watch it happen. I have heard people "prophesy" to me, things which made no sense and did not, in fact, come to pass. That wasn't God talking through them, then. On the other hand, Jesus prophesied about his death and resurrection, and about the destruction of the temple in 70 AD (and other things), all of them came to pass. So, when Jesus says faith in Him means I get to go to heaven, I know that the Father has spoken by Him. When Jesus says I must know the truth, and then the truth will set me free, I know that He has spoken by the Father (which is also, exactly what Jesus said He did). While the gift of prophecy can be debated (although I certainly believe God still speaks to and through people), there can be no doubt about the authenticity of the plain biblical prophecies. I have confidence in my own salvation, because I have seen God's work through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. I have confidence in my own salvation because I have seen God's work through my own life. I know what the New Testament says is true, because I know the evidence for its truthfulness, which is then the evidence for its trustworthiness.

P) Father, today is Good Friday. This is the day when my death sentence was, not reduced or removed, but it was displaced. I was sentenced to die justly, for guilt that rightly belonged to me. However, on this day, Jesus took my place on that cross. This was exactly as He said He would do. This is exactly as You said He would do. You have proven Your truthful character, Your trustworthiness, time and time again, and time everlasting. This is the basis for my faith. I am reminded that it is not faith alone that is needed, but it matters what is the basis for that faith. More to the point, it matters who is the basis for that faith. My faith is in You, God. My faith is because of Your faithfulness. This is all from Your grace upon me. Open my eyes and ears this weekend, especially. As I pay close, deliberate, special attention to the work of the cross, and the victory Jesus claimed over sin and death, increase my faith. Let me see clearly, every biblical prophecy. Give me wisdom and understanding. Let all of this be done, only ever according to Your will. You are good, and Your plan for me is good, and I only want Your will to happen in my life, because Your will is better than mine. You alone have a right for Your will to be done. Thank You, God. Be magnified, this weekend especially. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/24/2016; 1 Kings 21:25

Today's reading: Joshua 18, 19, 20; 1 Corinthians 9*

S) "²⁵ Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, ^[j]because Jezebel his wife incited him."

1 Kings 21:25 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 21

O) There is a footnote that says the wording might be, "whom Jezebel his wife incited." Which, I think, is an important distinction. There can be no doubt that Jezebel acted wickedly in this story (and others); she is a notorious woman. Still, Ahab was certainly responsible and guilty. In the very next verse, his idolatry is pronounced abominable. Although no one should have murdered Naboth for his vineyard, the issue is rooted in the covetous heart of Ahab. This story rivals that of David, Uriah, and Bathsheba, as one of the most clear examples of the verses James 4:1-3.

A) Certainly, this has become a cautionary tale. However, this story, and especially this verse, remind me of the grace God has shown me. I have a wonderful wife. There is no rational way that anyone could define her behavior, speech, or attitude as inciting anyone, least of all her husband. However, I know that this is not something every husband can claim. In fact, I am all too aware that this tragic thing happens in marriages all too often - even when both people claim to be Christians. On the contrary, my wife is exceptional in her encouragement to my righteous behavior, habits, and attitude. Like every other person, she is not perfect. However, I can see clearly that I have it better than most. This verse reminds me of just how toxic, disruptive, and even deadly, a spouse can be (not just wives, but this can go both ways. I am a husband, and I write what I personally know). Cautionary stories are still good reminders to avoid foolishness, risk, or sin. At the same time, they are more than that when they remind me of the blessings I have.

P) Father, You are indescribably full of grace! I could write a thousand books and still not cover all of the ways You have blessed this servant of Yours, even just my own life. Your grace is incomprehensible, even if I had the words to speak it thoroughly. But, what I do know, is that my marriage has been my biggest occasion for joy and thanksgiving. I never want to take it for granted, and I want to keep working to make it better and better. Not only is that just good for me, but more importantly, it glorifies Your name. Strong marriages are the best reflection of the gospel, and I want my life to revolve around Your glorification. I want to honor You with a strong marriage, just like I want to honor You with the way I raise my children, perform at work, and minister to others. But, in many ways, I feel like You've given me a head-start in where my marriage began. Thank You, Lord, for blessing my marriage from the start. Thank You for answering my prayers as a teenager. Thank You for preserving us, even while we were rebelling against You. Thank You for continuing to bless us, graciously, while we try the best we can to represent the gospel through our marriage. Let Your will continue to be done, in our marriage and our world, just as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/23/2016; 1 Corinthians 8:9

Today's reading: Joshua 15, 16, 17; 1 Corinthians 8

S) "⁹ But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak."

1 Corinthians 8:9 (NASB)

O) There was some debate in the church of Corinth, regarding food sacrificed to idols. Paul asserted that, because idols are not real (i.e., real gods), then the foods sacrificed to them don't really mean anything. So, he said that the food we eat doesn't really impact our relationship with God (vv.4-8). This is reflective, in a way, to what Jesus said regarding clean and unclean food (see Mark 7:18-20). But, Paul goes on to remind us of the concept of sinning against conscience. Specifically, if someone feels a conviction about eating foods sacrificed to idols, we should be sensitive to their convictions. If they express their concern, and we dismiss that concern, it could damage their conscience and negatively affect how they see other convictions of conscience about things that would certainly be sin.

A) The current-culture example that comes most immediately to mind, is alcohol. There are a great many groups of Christians who believe that all Christians should refrain from drinking alcohol. Despite the fact that there are no scriptures in the New Testament that forbid it, many people feel a conviction of conscience about it. Whether it is alcohol, secular music, a kosher diet, keeping a Sabbath day, or any other concept that convicts the conscience of a brother or sister in Christ, I need to be sensitive to them. At the same time, the reverse is true. I cannot allow the opinions of others to shape my own convictions. More than ever, I must rely solely on the Bible to instruct me about right and wrong, and let the truth of Scriptures shape my conscience. I don't want to be a stumbling block, and I don't want to stumble, either.

 P) Father, You are perfect in Your judgment. I confess that often. Usually I think of that in terms of perfectly judging people as righteous through Christ, or unrighteous without Him. But, this whole passage reminds me that You are perfect in Your judgment of concepts. You have no opinions, only right judgments. You do not guess if something is good or bad, You declare it. You do not debate whether something is right or wrong, You determine it. No matter how complex the issue is, You know all of the factors and You know what the best outcome would be. In everything vital, everything critical to my righteousness, You made it plain in Scripture. Help me to hold fast to the Bible as the authority for understanding what You have already determined to be right and wrong, good and bad. Discipline me according to Your word, and keep me from forming my conscience around the opinions of other people. Let my conscience be shaped only from what You have declared. At the same time, let me be very careful not to damage the consciences of other people, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me view every encounter as an opportunity for love, compassion, and encouragement. Let me not be a stumbling block, in any way. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/22/2016; 1 Kings 19:11-13

Today's reading: Joshua 12, 13, 14; 1 Corinthians 7*

S) "¹¹ So He said, 'Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. ¹³ When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"

1 Kings 19:11-13 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 19

O) Elijah was told to go, told that he would have an encounter with God. Even so, there was patience and searching. He had to wait through gale force winds, an earthquake, and a fire. Through all of that storm, all of that scary, undeniable, dangerous force, Elijah stayed and waited. Finally, he heard the gentle blowing, the whisper, the still small voice. When he heard it, he gathered himself, preparing to go before his God.

A) There are plenty of metaphors to follow with this story. While the storms of life rage, it's easy to wonder with frustration, where God is. I certainly must be patient through those times, waiting upon my Lord. Still, there is a direct application, to remember that God reveals Himself as He wills to do so, not as I expect Him to do so. What is more important than me trying to figure out when or where God will reveal Himself, is that I must be ready to move when I do hear that gentle blowing. When God does reveal His will, when He is calling me, I must be prepared to move. His nature is sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle. Sometimes His will is obvious, sometimes it is unsearchable. His sovereignty over my life, however, is always the same. Jesus is my King, I am His subject. God is my Creator, I am His creation. He speaks, I obey. This is the nature of my relationship with Him, and how I understand His nature with me.

P) Father, Your power and might are beyond my comprehension. Even so, I confess that I have trouble fearing You as I ought. Whether You reveal Yourself gently or fiercely, with small quietness or great roaring, I want to choose reverence and submission to You at all times. Help me be patient in my prayers and requests, as I await Your move upon my life. Help me to seek You for who You are, and not only what You do. Lead me, speak to me, by the Holy Spirit upon me, and let me always defer to the authority and certainty of holy Scripture. Give me the discipline to bear all things for the sake of just a momentary encounter with Your presence, manifested to me. God, You are truly awesome, no matter how I am allowed to behold You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/21/2016; 1 Kings 17:24

Today's reading: Joshua 9, 10, 11; 1 Corinthians 6*

S) "²⁴ Then the woman said to Elijah, 'Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.'"

1 Kings 17:24 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 17

O) The quick version of this story, is that Elijah had come to this woman for water, because of the drought. She explained that she and her son were going to eat their last meal, the last of her flour and oil, then she expected that they would die. However, the LORD provided just as Elijah spoke it, and the flour and oil were not exhausted until the drought ended. Then, her son died from an illness. Even so, the LORD heard Elijah's prayers and the boy was resurrected. Finally, she spoke the words above. This story is strikingly similar to that of Lazarus in the day of Jesus. God preserved the life of the boy through the first miracle, but then allowed him to die, only to be raised again to life. Even so, the boy would certainly die eventually. So, what is the point of it all? The same as everything else, the point is to glorify God.

A) What is the most striking to me in this whole story, is this final comment from the mother. She was, perhaps, still unsure about the words of Elijah during the drought, but by the time her some was resurrected, she had no doubt. There is a sense of rest, of peace, when I read these words. It seems as though this woman had no more doubts about anything, since she knew the word of God was so close to her, from the mouth of Elijah. In my own life, I don't have to wonder where there is a man of God, and where I can find the word of God in truth. This is exactly what I have in the Bible. There will always be uncertainty about current events or the circumstances specific to my own life, but I will always find rest and peace, by reading the sure word of God through Scripture. That alone should cause me to glorify God.

P) Father, Your name is great and Your word is true. Open my eyes and ears, as I search Scripture to know You more. I trust that the Holy Spirit, whom You sent to comfort, lead, and teach me, will guide me in every way I need. I don't need to know the details about my future, or even my present, beyond what You will have me know. Let Your will be done this way, Lord. In everything else, let me patiently await You, finding peace and rest in the comfort of Your words and the Holy Spirit. Let me glorify You through every uncertainty, trial, drought, famine, or storm. As I cling to Your words, let me know the truth, and by it, be set free. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/20/2016; 1 Kings 15:33-34

Today's reading: Joshua 7, 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5*

S) "³³ In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah became king over all Israel at Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four years. ³⁴ He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel sin."

1 Kings 15:33-34 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 15

O) Before Jeroboam had first ascended the throne of Israel, he was told by a prophet it would be, because of the idolatry of Solomon. Immediately after his coronation, he deliberately led the kingdom of Israel into idolatry, so they would not return to the LORD at Jerusalem with Judah. Because of that, the same prophet came back to Jeroboam and gave him the sorry news that his throne would not be established as David's was, and that the kingdom would be stripped from his family. So, shortly after Jeroboam's son (Nadab) ascended the throne, Baasha took the throne by force. Even though all of the idolatry had wrecked havoc on the previous kings, the new regime was just like the old regime, doing evil in God's sight, walking in the way of Jeroboam, causing the nation to sin.

A) This is an election year in the U.S., and political campaigning is in full swing. I see people post things on social media, praising their favorite candidate or tearing down their most despised candidate. When I read this passage about the succession that took place in Israel, I was reminded of something definite: it really doesn't matter who is reigning, if the person is not fully submitted to Jesus Christ as Lord. Even in the most ideal circumstance, a candidate is still human and can only do so much in a republic full of more men like Baasha than like David. So, I'll still vote this Fall. I'll hope and pray that I can do well in this country, regardless of politics. I won't be swayed by the leadership of any man in office. I am determined to follow Jesus Christ myself, because He is my One and rightful King.

P) Father, You are great and mighty to be praised. You are holy and sovereign, righteous and mighty. Let Your will be done in my country as it is in heaven. I determine to put no hope in my government, because I know that it can never do what You will do. You are perfectly just, mighty to save, full of compassion and mercy, righteous in every way. Be glorified in my life, regardless of who leads my country. I am a citizen of Your kingdom first and above all else. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/19/2016; 1 Kings 14:5

Today's reading: Joshua 3, 4, 5, 6; 1 Corinthians 4*

S) "⁵ Now the LORD had said to Ahijah, 'Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. You shall say thus and thus to her, for it will be when she arrives that she will pretend to be another woman.'"

1 Kings 14:5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 14

O) Jeroboam's son was sick, and despite all the idols he had erected, when things got real he knew to consult the only real God. However, because of his treachery and betrayal, he also had enough understanding to know his own guilt. He knew that he had forfeited his right to consult the prophet, probably right about the same time he had alienated all of God's priests. Nevertheless, God cannot be fooled, and Ahijah is warned and then given a word of Jeroboam's certain doom.

A) More than anything, this verse is a comfort to me. My Lord cannot be fooled by our opponents. Every trouble that could ever come my way, is not o lay known to Him, but there are plans for it. I trust God is good, and I trust His will is for my good, to bless me, even in painful, teachable, discipline moments. Because I trust Him with my future, I want to seek His plans. I want to speak with Him, and ask Him to warn me of trouble. This is the importance of following the lead of the Holy Spirit. Maybe God never gives me specific warnings, or maybe He gives me great detail. In either case, I know that He is always ready, never caught off guard, and has a good plan.

P) Father, You are mighty and wise. You are holy and good. You have made Your name great among the nations. You have proven Yourself in my life. The grace at work in my life, in my own history, is enough to make me praise You all my days. Lord, I want to honor You and glorify You as best I can. My future is unknown to me, but not to You. I don't ask for insight into the details of my future, except that it may glorify You. So let Your will be done, even as te Holy Spirit leads me and speaks to my heart. If You will, then warn me and guide me, against deceptive enemies who would try to fool me. Let the truth of Your Word edify me. Give me clear discernment to know the traps and schemes of my enemies. All of this to Your glory alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/18/2016; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

Today's reading: Joshua 1, 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3

S) "¹² Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴ If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NASB)

O) Through the first four chapters of this letter, Paul is breaking down the difference between spiritual and physical, mature and child-like, wisdom and basic, etc. The Corinthian church was not wise, not mature, not very spiritual. Consequently, he had only taught them the basics of the gospel, not delving into more difficult "solid food" (see v.2). So, because Paul only gave them the basics, over the course of time other teachers had given them more. Consequently, there began to be divisions in their church, as some were claiming a discipleship or allegiance to their different teachers (see v.4). In the above passage, Paul uses the metaphor of a building to remind them that there is only one foundation, who is Christ. There may be different builders on that foundation, but if Christ isn't the foundation (being the plain gospel of Jesus' life, burial, resurrection, and ascension) then the building won't stand. Beyond that foundation of the basic presentation of the gospel, though, there are deeper things that are built on that. In the verses above, Paul is warning them that bad teaching will have consequences, although a person will still be saved if their foundation is Christ. He is reassuring them that good teaching will be rewarded, too, if the quality of the work passes the test of fire. This idea of a fiery test is echoed the Peter, telling the church not to be surprised by fiery trials, or ordeals, that come. God allows tests into our lives, fiery tests meant to refine us.

A) This is relevant to ministry, and most directly applicable with my family. I lead my wife, and in spiritual things I should be building her up. In my children, certainly, I have a role as a teacher. I need to be building upon the foundation of Jesus, teaching them the ways of God, becoming more and more refined in things like theology, eschatology, morality, and exegesis. This verse is a reminder that, as long as they have Christ, they are saved, but more than just barely making it, I want them built up to withstand any challenge, any fiery test. This passage warns me that if I am not building them up well, they may still suffer harm. But on the other hand, this is a promise to me, to also pursue excellence for them, because God will also reward me.

P) Father, You are so good, and precious, and lovely, and beautiful, and worth knowing in every way possible; I want my wife and kids to know You as much as possible. I want to be faithful as I build them up. However, I also know that I can only teach what I have learned. Please open our eyes, God, that we will behold wonderful things from Your law. Speak to us, giving us open ears, to hear Your voice and obey Your command, and follow Your lead: Help me to build well, precious and beautiful things, upon the foundation they each have in Christ Jesus. Be glorified by what is built in them. Please show me grace, by being merciful to them if anything I teach does not pass the fiery tests they face. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.