SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:8-15 OBSERVATION: It is not clear who the “synagogue of freedmen” were, but this account describes how opposition began against the early Christ-followers. Like Jesus, they were accused of being against the temple and the law (see Mark 14:57-64). Stephen is described as full of God’s grace and power, performing miracles (not bad for a…
Author: Norm
July 1 — Acts 6:1-7
SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:1-7 OBSERVATION: Here we see leadership in action, addressing a concern with an innovative solution. This passage is generally see as the origin of the “deacon” (ie servants), assistants to the apostles/elders, making sure that the details of community life were not neglected. “Wait on tables” does not suggest that this is a lesser…
June 30 — Jude 1:17-25
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:17-25 OBSERVATION: Jude reminds these Christ-followers that there will always be “wolves in sheep’s clothing” among them, and that the best defense is establishing themselves in the their faith, in the Holy Spirit, in God’s love and mercy. And he urges them to show mercy to those who doubt, as well as the trouble-makers…
June 29 — Jude 1:11-16
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:11-16 OBSERVATION: Cain killed his brother out of pride and jealousy (Genesis 4). Balaam seduced God’s people to turn to idols (Numbers 31:15-18, a scary reading). Korah rebelled against God’s authority (Numbers 26:9-11). Jude levels a harsh rebuke against these dangerous “Christians” who will one day experience the “blackest darkness”. Jude quotes from a non-biblical text (First…
June 28 — Jude 1:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1:1-10 OBSERVATION: Jude addresses a serious concern in this church: unconverted “Christians”, wolves in sheep’s clothing, who twist the message to justify their own greed and immorality. Jude shows that such people have plagued God’s people through the ages, and that the outcome is the same for all of them – God will separate…
June 27 — Psalm 134
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 134 OBSERVATION: The songs of ascents have followed the pilgrims journey up the hills of Jerusalem, into the courts of the temple, and now into the sanctuary, where the temple servants do their work. This psalm encourages the “leaders” and “workers” in the Lord’s service to keep up their good work. Despite the challenges…
June 26 — Psalm 133
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133 OBSERVATION: David knew both the blessing of harmony and the pain of division. His own family was not living in unity (2 Samuel 13:1,14-15,21-22). David recalls the ordination oil dripping down gently over the 12 stones of the priestly breastplate as a symbol of the Spirit bathing God’s people in love and unity. Or the gentle…
June 25 — Psalm 132
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 132 OBSERVATION: As the pilgrims arrive at the temple, they cannot help but compare it to its former glory. The Psalmist here reminds himself and God of David’s original intent with the temple, and God’s promise to maintain His rule (throne) from Jerusalem. In light of its weakness and Israel’s status as a subjected…
June 24 — Psalm 131
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 131 OBSERVATION: David the Psalmist alludes to the many big questions that believers struggle with (why do the innocent suffer, where is God when bad things happen, how can a good God tolerate so much evil, why do the wicked prosper, where did God come from?), but then reminds himself that he is but…
June 23 — Psalm 130
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 130 OBSERVATION: As the Psalmist approaches the temple (God), he becomes more aware of His guilt, and experiences godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-13). Even though he knows he is not worthy of God’s acceptance, he refuses to let go of God’s mercy, and “waits” deep in his soul for God’s pardon and acceptance. God is to…