READING FOR APRIL 9, 2025: 1 SAMUEL 29, 1 CORINTHIANS 4, PSALM 29 1 SAMUEL 29 In the last chapter we saw Saul hit rock bottom by reaching out to a medium. By seeking to fight for the Philistines, now it’s David’s turn to act disgustingly. If Saul and David could do this, as anointed by God to lead His chosen people, what about us? The church today is littered with sad stories of Christian leaders who disobeyed God and brought discredit to the church. Is there any hope for us? That is such a good question that it deserves this extended answer from Paul: “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore, let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:11-13).
God, in his creative grace, saved David from fighting for the Philistines and against Israel by the Philistine commanders’ rejection of him. This was the “way of escape” Paul promises God will provide. Although both King Achish and David were deeply disappointed at the time, imagine how difficult it would have been for David to be accepted later on as King of Israel had he been allowed to fight for the Philistines. Likely God has saved many of us from taking the wrong path in ways that may have looked like rejection but were really rescue. This writer (being slow to learn) has experienced God’s rescue through man’s rejection many times. Let’s thank God for these blessed rejections in life!
1 CORINTHIANS 4 This chapter begins by talking about the trials of being a follower of Jesus Christ. In addition, those who are called to leadership (apostles) are in for more tough days. In the early church, the followers of Christ were subject to persecution. They faced being outcasts in their society and even death. The call to follow Jesus can be a rough ride. We are fortunate to live in a country where we do not face persecution. There are places in the world where being a Christian is illegal. Other places where every time a church gathers for worship, they face the potential of persecution (being beaten or killed for following Jesus).
Paul is warning the people of Corinth about having the right mindset in following Christ. He is calling them to turn away from being arrogant. Calling them to faithful adherence to following Jesus Christ. The chapter ends by Paul issuing a warning: “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Cor. 4:21). Paul wants to spend time with the people of Corinth. He hopes and prays that they will listen to his words in this letter and strengthen their faith. Paul is sending his “son,” Timothy to instruct the people of Corinth in Paul’s absence. If they had not improved the fruits of their faith, Paul’s teaching in their presence would have been much stronger.
READING FOR APRIL 9, 2025 CONTINUED: PSLAM 29 PSALM 29 Psalm 29 may be one of the oldest psalms in the Bible due to the way it is constructed in the original Hebrew. This hymn is a song of praise to the God of creation. Yahweh, the name of God, is used eighteen times. It is used to emphasize the exclusive claims being made. It is a call to worship the Creator of the universe and to give God praise. The psalm begins by asking the hearer to assign or give credit to God for the attributes of glory, strength, and might. It is a call to worship and praise God for who he is and not necessarily what he has done.
The middle seven verses are a theophany. This is a visible appearance by God to humankind. This appearance by God in a thunderstorm is used to underscore the call to worship God. The theophany emphasizes the attributes of glory and strength. We are told of a storm brewing over the Mediterranean Sea. It moves east through the region of Lebanon, over Mt. Heron, and onward. Each verse in this section begins with God speaking (or thundering). It is an image of the power that God, our Creator, is capable of harnessing. This psalm ties into the imagery of the passage of Job. Both use the imagery of the storm to talk about the power and majesty of God.
The psalm ends by reminding the reader that God is the King of all. God is enthroned over all of Creation. God provides strength and power to those who trust in him.
