Chronological Bible Blog

Daniel 2:1-3:30; Jeremiah 7-8:3
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Daniel chapter 2 verse 20 has a great start to a prayer from Daniel to God – ""Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he alone has all wisdom and power."  Check out the remainder of the verses in this chapter – this prayer.  This praise.  Do we pray to God in this manner?  Do we open up our prayers with praise for God?  Do we acknowledge that only God has all wisdom and power?  Can we learn something from Daniel’s prayer?

Today in Daniel chapter 2 we see Daniel conducting his affairs with Nebuchadnezzar with wonderful humility!  In verses 27 & 28 Daniel says: "There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can tell the king such things.  But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future."  Here we see that Daniel is giving God the glory for the dream about to be revealed.  Daniel was taking no credit for this.  Today, do you regularly give God the glory in your life?  Or do you try to take the credit yourself?  Below is an image of Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar:

The dream interpreted by Daniel is summed up in verses 44 & 45: "During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed; no one will ever conquer it. It will shatter all these kingdoms into nothingness, but it will stand forever. That is the meaning of the rock cut from the mountain by supernatural means, crushing to dust the statue of iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold." The dream & interpretation are prophesying the kingdom of Babylon (gold), followed by the Medo-Persian Kingdom (silver), then Greek kingdom (bronze), then the Roman empire with a mix of iron & clay – representing strong and weak states within the Roman empire.  These are all B.C. kingdoms, taking us up to the time of Jesus the Messiah, when the rock cut from the mountain comes and becomes the everlasting Kingdom of God.  Below is an image of the statue from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretations with dates:

Nebuchadnezzar is impressed with the dream interpretation and says to Daniel in verse 47: "Truly, your God is the God of gods, the Lord over kings, a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this secret."  Think Nebuchadnezzar is sincere about this?  Or, think he will be the next day?  Look how quickly he changes his mind in Chapter 3…   

In chapter 3 we read the incredible story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  In verses 16-18 we read:  “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.   But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."  Focus on the words in verse 18 – “But even if he does not”.  Do you have the faith of these three men in God?  Even if God does not show up in your life as you hope he might, will you still have faith?  Will you not serve other gods or worship false idols?  Back to verse 16 – Do you realize that you do not have to defend your faith to others?  Do you believe that God can rescue you from the direst of situations? Even a fiery furnace?

In verse 28 we hear Nebuchadnezzar giving praise to God again – similar to chapter 2 verse 47 above: "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."  Are we willing to die rather than serve or worship any other "god"?  (big question I realize… but a fair one. This is happening to Christians around the world today. Please remember to pray for the persecuted church around the world.)  Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who were willing to die for their faith in the True Living God rather than worship another little "g" fake god –

Worship God:  Today’s readings in Daniel reminded me of the song “Indescribable.” Here’s a great live version of this song sung by Avalon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMkvZx477w4

Do you know our Indescribable God? Click here for His description!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Jeremiah 19:1-20:18; Daniel 1:1-21
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I read Jeremiah chapter 19 today and am reminded again of how tough it can be to be a prophet! Wow. Can you imagine receiving these words from God to deliver to a nation? It’s tough duty – getting to the point of Jeremiah being whipped and put in stocks in chapter 20, verse 2.  Below is an image of Jeremiah prophesying the doom of Pashur from chapter 20 verse 6:

Jeremiah does get to complaining about his lifestyle as a prophet in chapter 20:7-18. In verse 9 he bursts out with: “And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones!”  I really like this! “His word burns in my heart like a fire”! Does God’s word burn in your heart like a fire?? Should it? Could it? Will you let it?

Today we start the book of Daniel, which is an incredible book!  The book of Daniel takes place in approximately 605 B.C. during the first captivity of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.  Daniel is exiled to Babylon to Jerusalem in 605 B.C. – whereas Ezekiel, the prophet of the previous book, was exiled in 597 B.C.   It is generally believed that Daniel himself wrote this entire book.  Though some say that Daniel couldn’t have written this book because his prophecies in the this book are spot-on.  Thus, some think someone else must have written the book in retrospect.  Let’s forge ahead with the belief that Daniel indeed wrote this book.  I do believe that God can indeed prophesy events through prophets like Daniel before they actually happen… Below is a painting of Daniel by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel –

~ Daniel ~
Author: Daniel
Date:  Sixth century B.C.
Content:  Daniel was carried off into captivity in Babylon as a young boy where, although he was a captive, he received an education and ultimately rose to a high position in Babylonian, and later, Persian government.  Because of his trust in God he was subjected to barbarous persecution, at one point being thrown to the lions.  Three of his compatriots were thrown into a furnace, but they too survived by the power of God.  The book deals with many historical events of Daniel’s day, but it also contains prophecies concerning the future.  Daniel saw the great world empires that were to come, but saw more than just that.  He also saw the power of God and the Messiah, Jesus, who was to come and undo the evil of this world, ultimately to establish a kingdom of righteousness that would never fade away. 
Theme: Daniel’s major theme is the sovereignty of God.  God rules over the affairs of men, directing the course of history toward his own ends, working in and through the acts of men.  The kingdoms of men rise and fall but God remains forever.  God’s will remains forever as well, and it is God’s determination to bring salvation to men by the Messiah whom he will send.  Ultimately evil will be overcome and good will triumph because God has willed it so.  (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 14-15) A wonderful commentary on the book of Daniel by Bob Deffinbaugh titled “Daring to Believe Daniel” is at this link – https://bible.org/seriespage/daring-believe-daniel  Below is an engraving of Daniel by Gustaf Dore –

Daniel chapter 1 verse 7 is worth diving into to show how Nebuchadnezzar was trying to change the religious alliances of these 4 young men from Jerusalem – “The chief official renamed them with these Babylonian names:  Daniel was called Belteshazzar.  Hananiah was called Shadrach.  Mishael was called Meshach.  Azariah was called Abednego.”  Daniel’s name in Hebrew means “God is my Judge” – his new name Belteshazzar meant “Bel, protect his life!”  Bel, or Marduk was the main Babylonian god.  (you can see where Nebuchadnezzar was going with this…)  Hananaih’s name in Hebrew is “the Lord shows grace” and Shadrach means “under the command of Aku” – the moon god….  Mishael’s name in Hebrew is “who is like God?” and his new name Meshach is “who is like Aku?”  And finally Azariah’s name in Hebrew is “the Lord helps” and his new name Abednego is “servant of Nego/Nebo” – the god of learning and writing.  Do you think that someone’s name can be reflective of who they are?  Are names important?

Verse 8 is worth exploring – “But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king.”  Why do you think this was?  Was Daniel just being picky?  Snooty?  Well, that was kind of my first thought.  Further study shows that the food the Babylonians were going to feed Daniel and the 3 others were sacrificed to idols.  Which is not a good thing in the Law…  And furthermore, the wine was poured out on pagan altars.  Again, not good.  So, Daniel is making a very wise move here.  Will we do things like this in our own lives?  Things that appear to be “harmless” on the surface, will we refuse, if we know they will actually be damaging to us or our relationship with God?  Even if our peers are pressuring us?  Will we not defile ourselves?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of the Chris Tomlin song “Our God is Greater:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6YCrWhUdDs

Do you know true greatness? Click here to meet our Great God!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Jeremiah 25:15-38; Jeremiah 36:1-32; Jeremiah 45:1-46:28
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Jeremiah Chapter 25 is the bit of a tough read at first.  I would certainly like to study more of the theology on the “cup of the Lord’s anger.”  The best I can tell is that the land was so full of sin & rejection of God, that the cup of anger and the coming judgment was the only option for God.  My thought is that God showed graciousness time and time and time again – and was ignored, and things got worse. So, keep in mind that God didn’t just go ballistic here in Chapter 25 – it was a long time coming and I think a lot of grace & mercy & compassion was shown for a long time – but eventually this had to happen.  Actually, this does remind me of a sermon I heard actually last year.  The pastor was preaching from the “feast of the wedding banquet” in Matthew where a king (God) invites his townsfolk to attend the wedding feast for his son (Jesus).  But people refuse the invitation – saying they have to work / they are too busy, etc.  The 2nd time the king extends the invitation, the people even beat up his servants!  Well, the pastor’s point in preaching was that God does continue to show us grace and pursue us, but at some point we have to accept the invitation from God!  We have to accept the invitation of faith in his son Jesus.  We have to accept the invitation to repent of our sins.  We have to accept the invitation…  While God will extend his grace and the invitation time and time and time again – he won’t do so forever for us if we keep rejecting him.  Israel, leading up to chapter 25, did not accept the invitation from God to repent.  In your life today, are you accepting the invitation from God to repent through faith in his son Jesus?  Do you believe that you have been invited?  Have you accepted the invitation?

Jeremiah 36 is a great chapter. It is awesome to read about the writing down of God’s words to Jeremiah on a scroll by Baruch!  Unfortunately, that first scroll gets burned. Pretty crazy to think about King Jehoiakim listening to God’s words in the scroll and then burning it as he listens…  I love how today’s readings end in verse 32:  “Then Jeremiah took another scroll and dictated again to his secretary Baruch. He wrote everything that had been on the scroll King Jehoiakim had burned in the fire. Only this time, he added much more!” You better believe God had Jeremiah add much more to the 2nd scroll after King Jehoiakim cut up and burned the first scroll!

Jeremiah 45 is a short chapter. Baruch is the person who has basically written this book of Jeremiah. He was Jeremiah’s secretary and wrote down everything. However, apparently being secretary for a prophet is a high stress job too. Baruch is sounding a bit burdened in this chapter… To which God gives him words of comfort, along with a brief warning in verse 5 – “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it!”  Are we seeking great things for ourselves? Should we do it…. ? Whom should we be seeking great things for?  Why do we seek great things for our own selves?  Why do we sometimes even walk over others to try to prove our “greatness”…. ?  Think God likes to see this type of behavior from us?

Jeremiah chapter 46 starts about 6 chapters of prophecies against various nations. Starting with Egypt in 46 and Philistine in 47 today. In chapter 46 verses 3 through 5 today we read: “”Buckle on your armor and advance into battle! Harness the horses, and prepare to mount them. Put on your helmets, sharpen your spears, and prepare your armor. But look! The Egyptian army flees in terror. The bravest of its fighting men run without a backward glance. They are terrorized at every turn, says the LORD.”

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminds me of the Jeremy Camp song, “The Answer:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQHXJi1EhDM

Do you know the Answer? Click here to meet Jesus, the Answer!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Chronicles 36:1-4; 2 Kings 23:31-37; 2 Chronicles 36:5; Jeremiah 22:1-23; Jeremiah 26:1-24; 2 Kings 24:1-4; Jeremiah 25:1-14
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today in Jeremiah 26 we are reminded again how tough it is to be a prophet – the people of Judah want to kill him!  It is an interesting series of events with the courts and priests. It reminds me of some ways of Jesus and his last hours. Except that Jeremiah of course gets reprieved. However, at the end of the chapter we hear about the prophet Uriah and he was not so fortunate. He was chased into Egypt (interesting escape into Egypt parallel w/ Christ’s early life), captured and killed. The lesson for us in this chapter 26 may be this – when we are confronted with a call to repent from sins, do we?  Or do we rage back and accuse the accuser of sins?  Do we repent or do we deny?  Do we return to the Lord?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of Josiah Queen’s song “Dusty Bibles:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM2nMeXvor0

Is your Bible dusty? Click here for a cleaning!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Zephaniah 2:8-3:20; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Kings 23:29-30; Jeremiah 47-48:47
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Zephaniah chapter 3 verse 5 stood out to me in today’s readings: “But the LORD is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day his justice is more evident, but no one takes notice–the wicked know no shame.”  As you read the 4 preceding verses, you’ll note that God is calling the people and leaders of Jerusalem to the carpet for their sinful ways.  And in the midst of all this, comes this beautiful verse 5.  God is still there in the city.  In the midst of all the chaos and shame.  And even through all of this, God’s justice actually becomes more and more evident.  I think this verse really jumped out at me today because I read a horribly depressing story in the paper recently about just some awful things that were done to children in a nearby city.  And this story reminded me that we indeed live in a fallen world.  There is evil in our world that invades the hearts of men and women.  And yet, even in the midst of all of this chaos and shame in our world today, “The LORD is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day his justice is more evident, but no one takes notice–the wicked know no shame.”  Do you take notice of God in our world today?  Even in the midst of everything else going on that may attempt to distract you from God?  Is God’s justice (and love and compassion and mercy and call to holiness) becoming more and more evident to you each day of your life?  This very evening, do you believe that God is still there in the city?  Will you take notice?

Chapter 3 verses 11 & 12 also stood out to me in today’s readings: “I will remove all the proud and arrogant people from among you. There will be no pride on my holy mountain. Those who are left will be the lowly and the humble, for it is they who trust in the name of the LORD.” We of course continue to see the sin of pride coming up over and over again in the Old Testament.  Here God reminds us that pride and arrogance are not attributes of those who love him.  It is indeed the lowly and the humble that better reflect the attributes of those who love and trust God.  Is pride something that you struggle with?  Do you realize that pride can be a hindrance to a fully loving and obedient relationship with God?  Will you lay down your pride and seek humility?  Will you seek to place your trust in God rather than your own abilities?  When was the last time you bowed low before God?

Jeremiah chapter 48 is not a very happy chapter… at first glance it’s tough to figure out what is going on in this chapter. Why is God so angry at Moab? I think verses 28 – 30 let us in on why: "You people of Moab, flee from your cities and towns! Live in the caves like doves that nest in the clefts of the rocks. We have heard of the pride of Moab, for it is very great. We know of her loftiness, her arrogance, and her haughty heart. I know about her insolence," says the LORD, "but her boasts are false; they accomplish nothing." It sounds like pride and boasting was a major factor here obviously. Along with idol worship as we see in verse 13: "At last Moab will be ashamed of her idol Chemosh, as Israel was ashamed of her gold calf at Bethel."  I do think we see sadness from God in this judgment upon Moab in verse 31: "Yes, I wail for Moab; my heart is broken for the men of Kir-hareseth." And ultimate redemption comes in the last verse, 47, of this chapter: "But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Moab," says the LORD."  This chapter may give us the opportunity to pause and reflect on if there are areas in our life where we are boasting? Boasting in prideful ways? Are we arrogant, lofty, displaying a haughty heart toward others?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Zephaniah remind me of the Bluetree song (made famous by Chris Tomlin) called “God of this City.”  Bluetree are from Belfast, Northern Ireland, so you’ll pick up the great Irish accent in this live acoustic version of the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1YECQwk1_g

Do you know the God of your city? Click here and meet your God!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Zephaniah 1:1-2:7
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Habakkuk!  This is a great book & there is a lot going on in it.  In some ways it reminded me of the end of the book of Job, with the conversation going on between Habakkuk and God.  Habakkuk was a prophet from Judah who prophesied between the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. and Babylon’s invasion of Judah in 588 B.C.    Assyria fell in 612-605 B.C. and Babylon was becoming the world’s dominant nation.  In the first 2 chapters of this book Habakkuk argues with God about God’s ways, and then in the 3rd chapter Habakkuk responds with an incredible prayer to God.  In the first 2 chapters the big questions are – 1.  Why does evil seem to go unpunished?  and 2.  Why does God not seem to respond to prayers?  Reminds me of the Psalms!  🙂 A good overview of the book of Habakkuk is online at bible.org at this link.  Below is an image of Habakkuk denouncing the Chaldaeans from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

Chapter 1 Verse 5 stands out in today’s readings: “The LORD replied, “Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.”  A wonderful thing about this verse is that the apostle Paul utilizes this same verse in concluding a sermon in Antioch in Acts chapter 13 verses 38-41: ““Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” Below is a sculpture of Habakkuk with an angel by the Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, from the year 1655:

Chapter 3 verses 18 & 19 are powerful verses for us to consider in our own lives in the midst of challenging times: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.”   Do you rejoice in God?  Are you joyful in God as your salvation?  Even in the midst of challenging times in your life?  Do you trust that God will bring you to safety?  Below is an icon of Habukkuk:

Today we also start the book of the prophet Zephaniah!  Zephaniah was different from some of the recent prophets that we have read in that he came from royal lineage.  He was the descendent of King Hezekiah.  Thus, Zephaniah writes about the upper class, courts, and priests with quite a bit of authority and clarity. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah.  He prophesied in approximately 640-620 B.C.  The purpose of his prophecies were to announce God’s coming judgment against Judah.  But, as we see with the other prophets, Zephaniah also writes about God saving a remnant of people who love and honor God with their lives – thus preserving and carrying on the covenant promise to Abraham.  A good overview of the book of Zephaniah is at bible.org at this link.  The link includes a funny opening line: “The Book of Zephaniah is probably best known for being the least known book of the entire Bible.”  🙂  Below is an image of the prophet Zephaniah preaching to King Josiah –

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Habbakuk remind me of the Sidewalk Prophets song “The Words I Would Say:”

Are you strong in the Lord? Click here for Strength!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Look at the nations and watch — and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5 (NIV)

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Kings 23:1-20; 2 Chronicles 34:29-33; 2 Kings 23:21-28; 2 Chronicles 35:1-19; Nahum 1:1-3:19
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today we start and finish the book of the prophet Nahum!  Nahum prophesied against Nineveh, about 100 years after Jonah prophesied against Nineveh.  Nahum was prophesying between 663 and 612 B.C., when Nineveh was at the height of its power.  Nineveh was capital of the Assyrian empire and it had control of the Fertile Crescent area.  Assyria had recently conquered Israel, the northern kingdom, and was threatening and causing much suffering to Judah.  Nineveh was eventually conquered by Babylon in 612 B.C., as Nahum prophesied.  A good overview of the book of Nahum is at bible.org at this link.  Below is an image of Nahum being called by God from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

Chapter 1 verse 7 stood out to me in today’s reading: “The LORD is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.”  This is a comforting verse.  Do you seek God when trouble comes?  Do you realize that he is a strong refuge – if you will seek him and let him be a strong refuge for you?  Do you know that God is good?  Do you trust in him?

Chapter 3 verse 18 jumped out at me for some reason today: “O Assyrian king, your princes lie dead in the dust. Your people are scattered across the mountains. There is no longer a shepherd to gather them together.” For some reason this verse made me very thankful that we do indeed have a shepherd to gather us together today.  The shepherd whose birth we will be celebrating each Christmas.  A shepherd who was born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem.  Will you allow Jesus be your shepherd this next Christmas season?  Will you allow Jesus to gather you together with others to celebrate his birth?

Worship Video:  Today readings reminded me of the NewWorldSon song “There is a Way:”

Do you know the Way? Click here for the Way, Truth & Life!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Jeremiah 5:20-6:30; 2 Kings 22:3-20; 2 Chronicles 34:8-28
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

It is very interesting to see the rise of Babylon in history and how God foretold Israel that Babylon was coming.  God gave Israel so many chances to repent, but Israel wouldn’t.  Jeremiah in chapter 6 verses 10 & 11 today tells us – “To whom can I give warning? Who will listen when I speak? Their ears are closed, and they cannot hear. They scorn the word of the LORD. They don’t want to listen at all. So now I am filled with the LORD’s fury. Yes, I am weary of holding it in!”  What about us today – do we listen when God speaks?  It is amazing that Israel would not listen to words like these from God in verses 6 through 8 (though… maybe not so amazing… perhaps we can do a good job of ignoring God’s words & warnings in our lives today as well…?)  – “This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Cut down the trees for battering rams. Build ramps against the walls of Jerusalem. This is the city to be punished, for she is wicked through and through. She spouts evil like a fountain! Her streets echo with the sounds of violence and destruction. Her sickness and sores are ever before me. This is your last warning, Jerusalem! If you do not listen, I will empty the land.”

Today in Jeremiah chapter 6 verse 16 we read – “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” I love these verses!  It reminds me that on a daily basis each of us is standing at a crossroads.  A crossroads of where the world would have us go and where God would have us go. Too often I am afraid we take the worldly path and not the ancient path. “Ask where the good way is” – Do you do this in your life?  How often? I think we can best do this through prayer. “Ask, and you shall receive” we have learned from Jesus. Do we ask Jesus in prayer where the good way is?  Then, do we walk in it?  And the reward for walking in it is – “you will find rest for your souls.”  I like this a lot!  Who doesn’t want rest for our souls?  Is your soul at rest today?  Why or why not?  If your soul is not at rest, is it possible that you are walking along the wrong path?  The worldly path?  Will you seek instead the ancient paths?  The good Way?  Will you find rest for your soul?

Wow… I thought today’s readings in Second Kings Chapter 22 are some of the best readings we’ve had in a while!  King Josiah cleaned up house for God!  He went to town on all the idols, pagan altars and high places.  Unfortunately, as we’ll see in tomorrow’s readings, the southern kingdom of Judah is about to meet a similar fate as the northern kingdom of Israel did in recent days readings.  But King Josiah goes down with a fight for the Lord in today’s readings!  I wonder about this in our lives today – are we willing to fight for the Lord and his values in the way that Josiah did today?  Or, perhaps “fight” isn’t quite the right word, as Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek….  but, then, considering this, should we simply be meek and mild and not fight for things of the Lord?  I don’t think Jesus modeled this entirely either.  Jesus turned over some tables in the Temple and turned over some ideas about God during His life…  What can we learn about a zeal for God from Josiah and Jesus’ lives? Please post up your thoughts in the Comments section below.  Below is an image of King Josiah and his men destroying a pagan altar from today’s readings:

2 Kings 22 verse 8 reminds me of the old adage – “Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives…”  🙂 – “Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the LORD’s Temple!” Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it.”  That is amazing to think about – that finding the Book of the Law in the Lord’s Temple was a big find!  Most commentaries suggest that the scroll was either the entire Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) or possibly just Deuteronomy. Imagine if you will that the Bible was “forgotten” about for generations and then finally discovered today!

King Josiah’s words in verse 13 are wonderful repentful words – “Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah. Ask him about the words written in this scroll that has been found. The LORD’s anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do.”  Have you ever had ah-ha experiences like this in your life?  Where you realize finally what God wants you to do – and you realize that you have not been doing it?  Well, fortunately God is a God that Psalm 145 verse 8 tells us, “is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”  There is room for repentance with God!  When you have these ah-ha moments like King Josiah did, will you turn in repentance and humble yourself before God?

YouTube:  Today readings reminded me of the Chris Tomlin song “King of Glory:”

Do you know the King of Glory? Click here to meet Him!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Jeremiah 2:23-5:19
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Today in Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 26 we read this sad statement – "Like a thief, Israel feels shame only when she gets caught. Kings, officials, priests, and prophets–all are alike in this."  How about us in our lives today?  Do we only feel shame when we get caught?  Do we realize that God knows exactly what we are doing even if we think we might be doing something in "secret"?  Do you realize there are absolutely no secrets with God?

We read some harsh words today from God to Israel in Jeremiah chapters 2 & 3 – calling the nation a prostitute and an adulteress.  These are not words a person wants to hear from God – much less an entire nation hearing these words!  Jeremiah wrote this book during the last 40 years of Judah’s existence, which is not surprising to consider when we read this in chapter 3 verses 8 through 10 – “But now Judah, too, has left me and given herself to prostitution. Israel treated it all so lightly–she thought nothing of committing adultery by worshiping idols made of wood and stone. So now the land has been greatly defiled. But in spite of all this, her faithless sister Judah has never sincerely returned to me. She has only pretended to be sorry,” says the LORD.”  Again, not words you want to hear from God.  Can you imagine a much worse insult from God?  A prostitute?  An adulteress?  As harsh as these words are – I almost hesitate to ask this – But I think I should – Today, are we ourselves ever a “prostitute” or an “adulteress” to God?  Do we give ourselves over to sins and lusts and false loves that break God’s heart because of his love for us?  Well, when we act in such a bad way, we are fortunate that God says things like he did in verse 1 of chapter 3 of Jeremiah today – “But you have prostituted yourself with many lovers, says the LORD. Yet I am still calling you to come back to me.”  Even though we may sin gravely against God, he still calls us to come back to Him!  Through Jesus today we can come back to Him!  Do you need to come back to Him in any way in your life?  Will you?  Will you leave behind any and all “adulteress” or “prostitute” behaviors, and return to Him simply as the child of God that you were always made to be?

Today in Jeremiah chapter 5 verses 14 through 17 we read God’s words to Israel about the coming of the armies of Babylon! “Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty says: “Because the people are talking like this, I will give you messages that will burn them up as if they were kindling wood. O Israel, I will bring a distant nation against you,” says the LORD. “It is a mighty nation, an ancient nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you cannot understand. Their weapons are deadly; their warriors are mighty. They will eat your harvests and your children’s bread, your flocks of sheep and your herds of cattle. Yes, they will eat your grapes and figs. And they will destroy your fortified cities, which you think are so safe.”

Per Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion today – “Babylon was indeed an ancient nation.  The old Babylonian empire had lasted from about 1900 B.C. to 1550 B.C., and earlier kingdoms had been on her soil as early as 3000 B.C.  Babylon in Jeremiah’s day would shortly rebel against Assyrian domination, form its own army, conquer Assyria, and become the next dominant world power.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Jeremiah reminded me of the David Crowder song on the radio called “How He Loves.” Here’s an artist named Jared Anderson covering this song live. Beautiful song!

Do you know how He loves us? Click here for Love!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

2 Kings 21:1-9; 2 Chronicles 33:1-9; 2 Kings 21:10-17; 2 Chronicles 33:10-19; 2 Kings 21:18; 2 Chronicles 33:20; 2 Kings 21:19-26; 2 Chronicles 33:21-25; 2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-7; Jeremiah 1-2:22
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture on The ESV Bible ~

Today we begin the book of the prophet Jeremiah!  Below is a painting from the year 1630 titled "Jeremiah Laments the Devastation of Jerusalem" by the artist Rembrandt.  This painting can be viewed today in Amsterdam at the Rijksmuseum.

~ Jeremiah ~
Author: Jeremiah
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Jeremiah’s life covered the last forty years of Judah’s existence. The burden of his message was for God’s people to accept the judgment of God so that a new beginning could be made. He lived through the invasions by the Babylonian armies, the deportations of his people by the enemy, the slaughter of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple of God. He warned the people concerning these events, pleading with them to turn from their sins, but to no avail. He received only scorn and persecution. Jeremiah’s life is described in some detail, thus making him the best known of the Old Testament prophets.
Theme: In the crisis days during which Jeremiah lived, he had but one message for the people: Repent and turn to God. All false hopes must be abandoned and God must be given his rightful place in the nation. Nothing can save the people – neither their wealth, their armies, their diplomats, nor even their religion – only God can save. The destruction of Jerusalem stands as a memorial for all time that when a nation rejects God, the inevitable result will be ruin. Jeremiah also has a message of hope. Although Judah had abandoned God, God had not abandoned them and would once again show himself mightily on their behalf. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 13)  A great commentary on the book of Jeremiah by Donald Curtis is at this link. 

Worship God:  Today’s readings reminded me of Christian Paul’s song “Yes I am:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t7T5Bz78Jc

Are you born again? Click here to be born again!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Chronological Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!