For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
2 Cor. 10
How did Paul use his authority? Who can you build up today, rather than tear down? Paul did not live and work for any worldly kingdom. He lived and worked for God’s upside-down kingdom. When he exercised authority over the Corinthian and other churches, he did it not to control them or subject them to his way but to build them up and encourage them toward God’s way. And when he lifted them up, he did so not as his own work but as the work of God executed through Him as God’s ambassador. Paul understood that it wasn’t about him. He was merely an instrument in the hands of the Master. The same is true for each of us, regardless of what position we fill in Christ’s body. Our goal is God’s glory, manifested in the fruitful lives of those to whom we minister.
1 Sam. 7-8
What was different about this battle with the Philistines from that of ch. 4? How has God helped you in your battles? Why did Israel want a king? Who were they rejecting? What was Samuel’s warning? When Israel asked for a king, their reasoning seemed sound on the surface. Samuel’s sons, who were taking his place as Israel’s judges, essentially their leaders, were corrupt. It was good that they didn’t want corrupt leadership. But there was a flaw in their motives. They wanted to be like the other nations.
Part of God’s purpose in setting the Jews aside as His people, was for them to show the world a different way. They were to demonstrate to the world who God is by serving Him alone. God was to be their king. When Israel turned back to God in chapter 7, Samuel told them to “commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only” (1 Sam. 7:3b). He was encouraging them away from their idols with this statement, but I believe the thought was applicable to their desire for a king as well.
This makes me think about what it really means to serve God. I think it goes far beyond what we typically think from the word “serve”. If I want to know who or what I serve, I need to ask myself some questions. Where do I place my trust? Who or what do I rely on? Where do I run when I need help or answers? What makes me feel safe? If I am not careful to keep God as the answer to all of these question (and maybe more), then I will no doubt fall into the same trap as the Israelites and start seeking other ‘kings’ to serve.