Sunday, June 15, 2008
1 & 2 Kings
I recognized some of the names of the kings from Matthew 1; the geneology. It amazed me how many of the kings were "bad." I'm reminded of Samuel's warnings against a monarchy. The books of Kings continue the rollercoaster of Israel's history, only it seems like there are more downs than ups. I'm continuing to seet he depravity of human nature and the necessity of a savior. If I didn't know how the story ended, I don't think I'd have much hope.
1 & 2 Samuel
These books were originally on one scroll so I've decided to make them one blog post. I'll do the same with Kings and Chronicles.
I think one of the best things about reading through the Bible in a summer is that I read more than one chapter a day, so there's a greater chunk of Israel's history to remember at a time. What I mean is, I can see the story Israel unfold better because I'm reading big chunks instead of small bites. I can see the rollercoaster ride that is the history of God's chosen people. I always know it was there, or at least I was told it was there, but now I can experience it myself in a way I haven't before.
I can see what led them to want a king for example.
I've decided that I want to read through the Bible every summer, which will be good for me I think. When I watch a movie, the more I watch it, the more I understand it. How much more true could this be fore the Bible? Not that I will ever understand the Bible fully, but not understanding due to lack of reading will not be an excuse for me.
It's been interesting to see the dysfunction in the royal family. You always hear about David being a man after God's own heart but I don't think I ever knew that his son tried to overthrow him. I did know (though I learned it not too long ago) about the incest/rape that occured in David's family though. And, of course, the story of David and Bathseeba is the story to remind us that David is human. But both books of Samuel have emphasized the phrase I've heard a few times. "There are no heros in the Bible." There are no role model, only examples of God's grace and mercy and redemption.
I think one of the best things about reading through the Bible in a summer is that I read more than one chapter a day, so there's a greater chunk of Israel's history to remember at a time. What I mean is, I can see the story Israel unfold better because I'm reading big chunks instead of small bites. I can see the rollercoaster ride that is the history of God's chosen people. I always know it was there, or at least I was told it was there, but now I can experience it myself in a way I haven't before.
I can see what led them to want a king for example.
I've decided that I want to read through the Bible every summer, which will be good for me I think. When I watch a movie, the more I watch it, the more I understand it. How much more true could this be fore the Bible? Not that I will ever understand the Bible fully, but not understanding due to lack of reading will not be an excuse for me.
It's been interesting to see the dysfunction in the royal family. You always hear about David being a man after God's own heart but I don't think I ever knew that his son tried to overthrow him. I did know (though I learned it not too long ago) about the incest/rape that occured in David's family though. And, of course, the story of David and Bathseeba is the story to remind us that David is human. But both books of Samuel have emphasized the phrase I've heard a few times. "There are no heros in the Bible." There are no role model, only examples of God's grace and mercy and redemption.
Ruth
Ruth is a story of God's redemption shown through real people. The last verses of the book are extrodinary when considering that Ruth is a Moabite; a non-Israelite. Ruth's great-grandson is David...who we know as king. For Christians, this is even more significant because, as Matthew points out, Ruth the Moabite is in the lineage of Jesus of Nazareth.
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