pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: victory


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The Lord Gave…

Readings: 1st Chronicles 17, 1st Chronicles 18, 1st Chronicles 19, 1st Chronicles 20, 1st Chronicles 21, 1st Chronicles 22:1

1st Chronicles 18:14 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Patrick Schneider

As we continue in 1st Chronicles we read mostly familiar stories. They maintain the core content of what we read back in 2nd Samuel. But the chronicler also makes changes and he or she omits content, always for a purpose. In general, the chronicler elevates the good side of David while downplaying or even omitting content that portrays David’s sinful side.

We begin today’s readings with the story of David’s desire to build God a house. Instead, God says David’s house will be built into a dynasty. David’s son will build the temple and God will love him always. There is no mention of the human rod that God will use to discipline Solomon and other future disobedient kings.

Several wars and battles come next. Some are engagements that Israel initiated and others are defensive in nature. These battles secure David’s borders far in all directions. We often read this about the victories that the Lord gave David: “The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” God was with David in other ways too. The Lord gave him the desire and ability to lead well. In 18:14 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.” David is a good king. During this time of war, in 2nd Samuel we find the story of Bathsheba…

In chapter 21 a “heavenly adversary” tempts David into taking a census. This is a prideful act. Written 200 years after the exile, Judaism has developed a concept of the “satan.” This concept was not even a thought when 2nd Samuel was written – near the end of David’s life. God is justly offended by the census and offers David a choice of three punishments. David chooses the plague because God’s hand may show mercy. 70,000 die. As the plague nears Jerusalem, at Ornan’s threshing floor, God stays the messenger’s sword. David, not knowing this, offers up his own life for the lives of “these sheep.” David shows the same mercy God has shown. The Lord gave David a heart after God’s own heart. He is led to buy Ornan’s threshing floor and there sacrifices an offering upon the altar that he built. The messenger’s sword is sheathed. This place will be the site of the temple Solomon will build.

Prayer: Lord God, you generously gave to David – strength, guidance, wisdom, mercy, compassion. Lord, give us these same gifts as well so that we may honor you with the faithful living of our lives. Give us the desire to love you with our whole hearts. Amen.


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With and Without

Readings: 1st Kings 20, 1st Kings 21, 1st Kings 22

1st Kings 20:13 – “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”

Photo credit: Einar Storsul

Today’s readings center on war between Israel and Aram. Ben-hadad leads a huge army and makes demands of Ahab. After giving in to the first, Ahab refuses the next demand. God sends a prophet to Ahab, saying, “Do you see that great army? Today I am handing it over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” District officials lead Israel to victory this day. Ahab sees what walking with God looks like. Warfare resumes the next spring. Again, the prophet brings basically the same words of assurance. A great victory is won. But Ahab is merciful to Ben-hadad, being disobedient to God. Another prophet reveals that it will now be Ahab’s life for Ben-hadad’s life. Walking without God has its consequences.

Upset and irritated, Ahab goes home. He tries to get something new to feel better. Been there? But Naboth refuses to sell his family inheritance. Ahab pouts. Jezreel notices and takes matters into her own hands. Through a sham trial she arranges Naboth’s death. While inspecting his new vineyard, Ahab is visited by Elijah. God condemns Ahab and Jezreel. In response, though, Ahab mourns and fasts. Because of this, disaster will fall in the next king.

There is again war with Aram. Ahab invites Jehoshaphat to fight alongside him. Prophets are consulted. A false spirit gives bad information. Sensing something is wrong, Jehoshaphat asks for another prophet. In the end, Micaiah reveals that soon Israel will be like sheep without a shepherd. Then, in spite of disguising himself, a “random” arrow hits Ahab. He dies. Israel and Judah retreat.

Jehoshaphat continues to rule in Judah, walking with God. Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, rules in Israel, walking without God. This angers the Lord. His story concludes tomorrow as we turn to 2nd Kings.

Prayer: Lord God, what a profound difference we find when we choose to walk with you. Spirit of God, help us when we are weak and tempted. Guide us to God’s heart and to walking with God. Amen.


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Faithful to God

Readings: 2nd Samuel 8, 2nd Samuel 9, 2nd Samuel 10

2nd Samuel 8:15 – “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

Photo credit: Emma Gossett

Turning to chapters 8-10, David continues to solidify his kingdom. He defeats the Philistines, Moabites, and Zobah. They bring him tribute. A king from Hamath sends his son with silver, gold, and bronze – a form of tribute. God gives David “victory wherever he went.” In return, in verse 8:15 we read, “David ruled over all Israel and maintained justice and righteousness for all his people.”

In chapter 9 we see the tender side of David. In a way, this is an expression of his grief over Jonathan. David locates Mephibosheth, the only surviving son of Jonathan. For most new kings, eliminating the former king’s offspring was a priority. But in this case, David brings him to the palace, buys back all the family land, tasks Ziba with working the land, and makes Mephibosheth like his own son. He will eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life.

In the next chapter Nahash dies. He is the king who took in a fleeing David, giving him Ziklag as a place to live. David sends messengers with condolences, but Hanun, the son, doubts David’s sincerity. He humiliates the messengers and sends them back home. War is on. Joab and his brother Abishai lead Israel against the Ammonites and Arameans. Trusting that God is with them, Israel wins two great victories. God is with David in all that he does. David has been faithful to God. It is as it should be.

Prayer: Lord God, in our daily lives, lead and guide us to follow you and to honor you in all that we do. Guide us to seek justice and to be righteous. Lead us to care well for those in need. Keep us faithful to you alone. Amen.


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Truly Grateful

Readings: 2nd Samuel 5, 2nd Samuel 6, 2nd Samuel 7

2nd Samuel 7:16 – “Your dynasty and your kingdom will be secured forever before me. Your throne will be established forever.”

The rest of Israel comes to David at Hebron and makes the king of Judah the king over all Israel. They recognize that God has declared David to be the one to “shepherd my people.” David makes a covenant with them and they anoint him king. In his first move as king, David captures Jerusalem. In an action that works like a treaty or peace offering, the king of Tyre sends supplies and laborers to build a palace for David.

The Philistines gather and God gives them into David’s hands. They regather and come against David again. And again God has a plan, which David follows exactly, and victory belongs to Israel. David then decides to bring the chest of the Lord to Jerusalem. Along the way Uzzah touches the chest and dies on the spot. This scares David and the chest is left there in Obed-edom’s house. His house is blessed by the presence of the chest. After three months the journey resumes. The chest enters Jerusalem with great celebration. Michal is displeased with how David danced before the Lord with all his might. He says to her, “I may humiliate myself even more” before the Lord.

David, sitting in his palace, realizes that God’s chest is still dwelling in a tent. He thinks God needs a house. But, through Nathan, he learns that his son will build the temple. God then turns the tables, telling David that God will build him a house – a dynasty. Through Nathan, God tells David, “Your dynasty and your kingdom will be secured forever before me. Your throne will be established forever.” Our reading closes with a beautiful prayer to God. David is truly grateful for all that God has done and for all that God promises to do. May it be so for us as well!

Prayer: Lord God, your plans are always good. You lead and guide us when we are obedient and faithful to you. Guide our steps too, blessing us with your presence every day. Amen.


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Saul’s Warning Signs

Readings: 1st Samuel 8, 1st Samuel 9, 1st Samuel 10, 1st Samuel 11, 1st Samuel 12, 1st Samuel 13

1st Samuel 8:7 – “Comply with the people’s request… because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them.”

Photo credit: Falaq Lazuardi

Today we transition with Israel from judges to kings. Samuel is the last judge and Saul is the first king. Problems with leadership continues to derail things. Samuel’s sons are just as evil as Eli’s were. The people see this as the writing on the wall and they ask Samuel to appoint them a king. Although Samuel knows it is a bad idea, here is God’s response: “Comply with the people’s request… because they haven’t rejected you. No, they’ve rejected me as king over them.” Samuel then explains how a king will exploit them and they still want a king – “so that we can be like all the other nations.”

Saul has a “chance” encounter with Samuel. Here we first see Saul’s insecurity – “smallest tribe… smallest family.” Samuel anoints him in private and prophesies three encounters. All come true. Next Samuel calls all of Israel together at Mizpah. Saul is selected by lot. Except he is hiding. Saul is presented as a king but some people question the choice. Saul then leads Israel to victory over the Ammonites. The naysayers are remembered and the people want to kill them. Saul chooses mercy instead. It is a day of victory. The next day all of Israel gathers to make Saul their king.

Samuel then warns the people. Obey the Lord and it will go well with you. Disobey and feel the Lord’s hand against you. He encourages them to fear the Lord and to serve God faithfully. Our passage closes with a story of impatience. Saul has Jonathan attack the Philistines, who respond in force. Fear leads to soldiers deserting and Saul takes matters into his own hands, sacrificing the well-being offering himself. Samuel arrives just then and asks, “What have you done?” Saul’s days are now numbered. God will seek a new king – “a man following the Lord’s own heart.”

Prayer: Lord God, what familiar foes – insecurity, doubt, fear, impatience. Saul is not alone in these battles. It’s in the hearts of Israel, it is in our hearts. Grant us an abiding faith, a resolute heart, a trusting spirit. Lord, teach us your ways, instill in us your heart. Amen.


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Finding God

Readings: 1st Samuel 4, 1st Samuel 5, 1st Samuel 6, 1st Samuel 7

1st Samuel 5:11 – “Send the chest of Israel’s God away! Let it go back to its own home so it doesn’t kill us and our people.”

Have you ever been around someone who has said something like, “I feel like we should say a prayer or something?” This thought reminds me of Israel at this point in their story. They have a vague notion of God but have no clue about how to really connect to the Lord. As the battle with the Philistines goes badly, they wonder why God would let this happen. But instead of praying or doing anything else that might connect them to God, they decide to bring the ark of the covenant to the next battle. This battle turns out worse. 30,000 die, the ark is captured, and Hophni and Phinehas die. This news causes Eli to fall over dead.

The ark brings nothing but trouble to the Philistines. They put it in their temple and their god Dagon falls over. They set it aright and the next morning it’s toppled again, this time missing its head and hands. The hand of God brings tumors on the people. Finally the Philistines say, “Send the chest of Israel’s God away! Let it go back to its own home so it doesn’t kill us and our people.” The Philistines even include an offering to honor God. At this point they know God better than the Israelites know God. The ark is received back. Time passes and Israel begins to long for God. Something is beginning to stir in their hearts.

Samuel calls the people back to God. He tells them to get rid of their idols and foreign gods. They gather with Samuel at Mizpah. Samuel draws and pours out water. They fast and confess their sins. And the Philistines gather an army. Israel is afraid. They look to Samuel. He prays to God and makes an offering. God brings Israel the victory. Samuel sets up an Ebenezer – a stone of remembering. There is peace. Samuel rules as a judge. All seems well…

Prayer: Lord God, today I’m reminded of how life seems to go when we go it on our own versus walking with you. When I’m tempted to sort of seek you, call me out. Remind me that it is my whole heart, soul, and mind that you seek. Pour those temptations out like water and draw me to the rock of faith that is a sure foundation. Amen.


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Power, Revenge, and Other Evils

Readings: Judges 9, Judges 10, Judges 11, Judges 12

Judges 10:13-14 – “You have gone away from me and served other gods, so I won’t rescue you anymore! Go cry out to the gods you’ve chosen.”

In chapters 9-12 we find the stories of two rulers – Abimelech and Jephthah – who rely on self for the most part, who wheel and deal to get what they want, who leave Israel worse off than before they reigned. We also read about five minor judges who rule on either side of Jephthah.

Abimelech is one of Gideon’s 70 sons. He convinces Shechem that one ruler is better than 70. To consolidate power he then kills all of his brothers except Jotham. Jotham proclaims a fable that decrees monarchy and predicts that fire will destroy the unfaithful. Shechem rebels and Abimelech reacts violently, ultimately killing everyone and leveling the city. Fire is used to kill those hiding in the tower of Shechem. Abimelech then moves on to capture Thebez. At their tower a woman drops a millstone on Abimelech’s head, leading to his death. His lust for power and revenge leads to his downfall.

After two minor judges rule, Israel becomes unfaithful, abandoning God in favor of many local gods. The Philistines and Ammonites “bully and beat up” Israel for 18 years. The people cry out to God but God says, “You have gone away from me and served other gods, so I won’t rescue you anymore! Go cry out to the gods you’ve chosen.” The people change, putting away their foreign gods, turning back to God. God is moved to rescue Israel. Jephthah is eventually made ruler of Gilead. He who was spurned is brought back. After a little history lesson for the Ammonite king Jephthah basically says, “Let’s let God decide.” The Spirit of God comes upon him. He then makes a solemn promise to God. Even though God is clearly with him, the wheeler and dealer can’t resist. This promise costs him his only daughter. Jephthah wins an “exceptionally great” victory.

Ephraim feels left out and threatens Jephthah. Civil war follows. 42,000 from Ephraim die. A lust for power and an unwillingness to seek forgiveness leads to this tragedy. Jephthah dies and three minor judges rule next. God is not even mentioned in any of these three accounts. Evil is not far away.

Prayer: Lord God, you call us all to lead in one way or another. In our moments of leadership remind us that you are the one true God, the only one in control. Empower us to keep that perspective when temptation rises up within us. Quell the desires for status, power, control… Guide us to lead well as we follow closely in your footsteps. Amen.


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Again and Again

Readings: Joshua 3:7-31, Joshua 4, Joshua 5

Joshua 3:15 – “Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD. So the LORD raised up a deliverer for them.”

Photo credit: Sophie Walker

Today’s readings establish the cycle that we find in Judges: Israel sins, God’s anger leads to foreign oppression, Israel cries out, God raises up a judge, Israel wins the battle, peace returns. As today’s reading begins the people worship other gods. Eight years of oppression comes. The people cry out and God raises up Othniel. God is with him and he leads Israel to victory. There is then 40 years of peace – until Othniel dies.

Sin and then oppression return. After 18 years Israel cries out. God sends Ehud. He assassinates Moab’s king and then leads Israel to victory. There is peace for 80 years. During this time Shamgar rescues Israel from the Philistines. Ehud dies and sin returns. Oppression lasts 20 years. Sisera and his 900 iron chariots cruelly oppress Israel. They cry out and God raises up Deborah, one of only four female prophets in all of the Old Testament. She sends word to Barak, who has apparently heard God’s call but won’t act. He agrees to lead the army – if Deborah comes along. She agreed but foretells the honor of victory going to a woman.

Barak leads 10,000 soldiers drawn from Zebulun and Naphtali, the main areas of oppression. God gives them the victory. Sisera flees on foot and finds refuge in Jael’s tent. He falls asleep, exhausted, and Jael kills Sisera, driving a tent stake through his head. The enemy commander dead, Israel wins a complete victory.

In chapter 5 we read “Deborah’s Song.” It is really a duet with Barak. The song recalls the troubles and the victories. The tribes that did not help are questioned – where were you? God is credited for the victory – along with Jael. Sisera’s mother longs for his return. There will be peace for another 40 years.

As I consider the cycle that we see today and will see again and again, I acknowledge that this is a cycle I am familiar with personally. I am grateful for the grace that Israel also experienced over and over.

Prayer: Lord God, at first I think, how can Israel go there again and again? And then I realize I do too. That pride, that desire for control, just to name a couple O God, they keep coming round. God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, guide me past these sins that entrap me over and over. God, I need you in this battle. Amen.


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Don’t Be Afraid

Readings: Joshua 7, Joshua 8, Joshua 9, Joshua 10, Joshua 11

Joshua 10:8 – “Don’t be afraid of them. I have given them into your power. Not a single one of them can stand up against you.”

In today’s readings we see the results of obedience and of disobedience. In chapter 7 the sin of one affects the many. But Achan’s is not the only disobedience. Israel goes up against Ai without consulting God. Because of a resounding defeat, Israel’s hearts “melted.” Joshua and the elders turn to God. God says, “Get up!” Following God’s guidance, Achan is found out and punished. God then directs the battle against Ai, leading to victory. In verse 24 we read what will become a familiar refrain: “without mercy.” Joshua and Israel then bring offerings. The commandments are written in the large stones and then recited to the people.

In chapter 9 the Gibeonites trick Israel into a treaty. Again God is not consulted. This leaves Israel stuck: break their oath or break a command of God? An alliance of five kings (or was it God?) provides a solution. They attack the Gibeonites, trying to recapture a strategic location. God tells Joshua, “Don’t be afraid of them. I have given them into your power. Not a single one of them can stand up against you.” Israel is victorious. Again and again we read “wiped out”… “no survivors” in the battle accounts.

Joshua then turns his attention to the north. In chapter 11 the northern kings join together against Israel. Their army is “as numerous as the sands in the seashore.” Again God says to Joshua, “Don’t be afraid…” And again Israel wins victory after victory. Lastly the Anakim are removed from the Promised Land. At the end of chapter 11, after what was really a lengthy military campaign, we read, “Then the land had a rest from war.”

As we read these words that speak again and again of violence, we need to keep in mind that these words are not 100% literal. Canaanites remain in the land. Their military power is broken but their power of influence is far from “wiped out.” The Canaanites will continue to dwell amongst Israel, leading to intermarriage, idolatry, and future conflicts.

Prayer: Lord God, we see today how obedience leads to good. Disobedience does not end well. We see both on the personal and communal levels. We will see how the influences of the world, if allowed to dwell in our hearts, will lead to disobedience. As people and as communities of faith, draw us to obedience and to relationship with you. Amen.


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Faithfully (?) Forward

Readings: Numbers 19, Numbers 20, Numbers 21

Numbers 21:34 – “Don’t be afraid of him, for I have handed over all his people and his land.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

As we continue into Numbers 19-21 we begin to see the people learning some of the rules of the road. There are still times when the step forward is followed by a step back. Yet they are finally beginning to move forward and to better understand what God requires and expects of them as a holy nation.

Chapter 19 contains more instructions. It begins with instructions on how to make the waters of purification. A flawless, unworked red bull is slaughtered… Its ashes are mixed with water, creating a holy water that can be used to purify uncleanliness. Next comes an application of said water. This water will be used to purify people and things that come into contact with a dead body, making them unclean for 7 days. On days 3 and 7 all that is unclean is sprinkled by the water. On day 7 unclean people bathe and wash their clothing, allowing them to return to community life.

At the start of chapter 20 Miriam dies and is buried. There is no water there. Complaints arise. God tells Moses and Aaron to gather the people and to tell the rock to provide water. God’s glory will be revealed. Instead, Moses strikes the rock, in essence claiming that he and Aaron brought forth water. God then declares that Moses will not enter the Promised Land because of his disobedience. Moving on the Israelites ask for safe passage through Edom. The king refuses and comes out in force to prevent their passing through. They begin the long trek around Edom. Aaron dies along the way on Mount Hor. Leadership as high priest is passed on to his son Eleazar. Israel mourns 30 days for Aaron.

In chapter 21 the Israelites are attacked and they seek God’s help. God gives them the victory! And they follow this up with more complaints about another lack of water. God responds by sending poisonous snakes into the camp. This serves as a wakeup call. The people repent, Moses prays, God saves. After marching for a bit, the Israelites offered up songs of praise and thanksgiving. This is followed up by a crushing defeat of the king of Sihon. As the next battle draws near, God says, “Don’t be afraid of him, for I have handed over all his people and his land.” Victory over Og follows. Israel now possesses all of the lands east of the Jordan – the natural barrier into the Promised Land. The journey is nearing its close.

Prayer: Lord God, while all is not perfect and is, in many ways still far from it, we are beginning to see signs of faith and trust poking out here and there. Israel is yet a work in progress here. So too are we, O God. Guide and lead our journeys of faith too. Build up our faith and trust in you as we learn to live faithfully and obediently. Amen.