For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
1 Cor. 9
What were Paul’s rights? Why did he choose to forego them? Where might you forgo a right for the good of others? Ahhh….personal rights – now there’s a topic that can cause some flare ups! And I think that was precisely Paul’s point. To Paul, the important thing wasn’t what he did or did not deserve. The important thing was that he preached the message of God’s grace with his whole life. There was no sacrifice too great if it opened the door for somebody to enter into that grace. While it would have been perfectly acceptable for Paul to live on the support of those he served and to live according to his own personal convictions and preferences, he opted to give his life and work as a gift so he would know that he was doing everything he possibly could to avoid those potential flare ups.
Josh. 21-22
What is the major thought of the author as he looks back over the allotment of the land? How has God demonstrated His faithfulness to you? “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Josh. 21:45). I see a double purpose in this statement, made after God gave His people rest in the Promised Land. For one, it emphasizes God’s faithfulness. He promised good things; He gave good things, as promised. That is the stated message. But there is also an inferred message. If God was faithful to fulfill every one of His good promises to His people, would He not likewise be faithful to fulfill the other side of that coin?
There were both blessings and curses in God’s promises. It was up to the Israelites which they sought out. If they chose to follow God, He had proven Himself faithful to bless them. If, however, they chose to turn to other gods, they could be just as certain of the curses that would be waiting for them down that path. Why should we expect to receive only the good from God? Should we not know with certainty that there is no blessing apart from Him?
Ps. 45
This is a wedding song from the king’s wedding. Compare it with Hebrews 1, where it is quoted about Jesus. What does it tell you about Him? “Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord.” (Ps. 45:10-11). This verse is both part of a wedding song and prophecy. As such, verses 6-7 identify Christ, as noted in Hebrews 1. And these verses identify the Church, Christ’s bride. They are something of a restatement of Genesis 2:24. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
Paul quoted this verse from Genesis in his letter to the Ephesians, relating it to Christ and the church. This is because Adam and Eve are a representation of Christ and the church. God opened up Adam’s side to make a suitable helper for him from him. Likewise, Christ’s side was pierced so that we could be made suitable for Him through Him. Thus, as we “forget [our] people and [our] father’s house”, we leave our old selves behind to become something new as we are made one flesh with Christ. God’s word is truly one cohesive story of His plan for us – isn’t it amazing?