Day 96-11

VI From the crossing into Canaan to the reign of Saul - 1422-1065 B.C. ~ cont.

C. Establishment of Judges ~ cont.

11. 11th Judge - Samson (served 20 years) - Judges 15:20

a. Warning to Eli - 1 Samuel 2:22-36

b. Ark taken, death of Eli (98 years) - 1 Samuel 4:1-22

c. Ark became a curse to Philistines, remains there seven months - 1 Samuel 5:1-12; 1 Samuel 6:1
d. Ark restored and brought to Bethshemesh - 1 Samuel 6:2-21, 1 Samuel 7:1
e. Ark rests at Kirjath-Jearim - 1 Samuel 7:2

{pages 422-427}

Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. (1 Samuel 2:22)

Why did he allow the behavior?  Why do I allow and/or tolerate behavior in my children or myself which is not pleasing to God?  Eli's sons were killed by the LORD for their rebellion.  O Lord, help me to confront whatever sin I am allowing to reign in my home or life and rout it out.  Cleanse me this day Father from an apathetic heart and mind.  Help me to be a bold contender for giving a proper estimate of You in all areas of my life.

And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.  (1 Samuel 4:3)

Did they ask?

How oft do we go about in our own thoughts, thinking to do that which is pleasing to the Lord,  but not seeking counsel from Him?  Lord, forgive me for the times when I do not seek You first, but plow ahead thinking that something is 'good' and 'right' and use my own thoughts to determine a course of action.

And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. (1 Samuel 4:7)

Were they referring to the ark?  Had it ever been taken into battle prior?  Hmmm...something to research.  :-)

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, then he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not his hand that smote us: it was a chance that happened to us.  (1 Samuel 6:9)

I made a note next to the verse above.  Would this be considered a fleece?  The Philistines were unsure, however, their thought that the plague(s) were from the Lord were substantiated when the cart, kine, offering, and ark went 'home.'

Lord guide the steps of Your people, give us an earnest desire to seek and know Your plans and purposes for us.  Help us not to be fearful or afraid of the changes and challenges You may allow in our lives as we continue this Pilgrim's journey to our Celestial City.

Day 344

(D) Book of Hebrews
1. Christ is better than the best of Judaism
a. Better than the prophets and angels - Hebrews 1:1-14; 2:1-18
b. Greater than Moses - Hebrews 3:1-19; 4:1-16
c. High priesthood of Christ eliminates daily sacrifices - Hebrews 5:1-14; 6:1-20; 7:1-28; 8:1-5

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. (Hebrews 2:1)

Therefore - what is the the therefore, there for?  :-D  That question has been asked by several teachers I have been privileged to sit under.  I am reminded as well, that the chapter and verse delineation in each book are of mans invention to assist in studying.  Sometimes there are unfortunate breaks which fragment the original thought of the inspired writer.

Therefore ~ earnest heed ~ heard ~ slip.  These were the words which captured my attention the most.  Therefore, what was spoken previously - :-D personally, I would say all of Chapter 1!

earnest heed - G4337 - From G4314 and G2192; (figuratively) to hold the mind (G3563 implied) towards, that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: - (give) attend (-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to, unto) have regard.

heard - G191 - A primary verb; to hear (in various senses): - give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), ([shall]) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.

slip - G3901 - From G3844 and the alternate of G4482; to flow by, that is, (figuratively) carelessly pass (miss): - let slip.

What would the recipients of Hebrews have heard?  1:1 references that they would have heard God speak at various times and in divers manners to the fathers by the prophets.  This does NOT mean that there is any other avenue of salvation other than by grace through faith.  Every season of humanity, regardless of who was tasked with authority (whether individual or national) has obtained the inheritance (or the promise thereof) by grace through faith.  There are not many avenues to the Celestial City, there are not many ways, paths, etc.  Christ Jesus has from the beginning always been the only way to reconciliation and adoption by Father.

The Hebrews, and those who were attentive to the Truth, would have heard, studied, lived that which was recorded by the prophets.  All that was contained in what is now labeled as the OT.  I fear for the Bride at large, that she has forgotten from whence she sprang.  The roots which give nourishment.  This is not a call to return to a keeping of the law or rituals of Judaism, but a reflection on how poorly the Bride knows her history.

Rom 11:17  And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 

Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 

Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 

We, as the Bride, ought not to be high minded, proud or puffed up against how poorly Israel received and kept the Truth.  The Bride is in tatters and not well prepared and/or ready for the return of her betrothed.  Father, You and You alone are the source and fountain of Truth, open the eyes of Your people to see how debauched we have become.  Lord, help us to repent and turn from seeking our own ways.  From desiring to please our temporary flesh in what is but a vapor of time and existence.  Help us to crave that heavenly abode, to stand before You not ashamed, having nothing to offer, nothing which will stand the test of Your fire.  O Father, how my heart weeps with the thought that I may stand before You and all that I have done this side of glory would be hay, wood and stubble.  O Father, call us to see beyond these temporal shores, to see the glimmer of light from that City, the eternal home of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.