READING FOR APRIL 24, 2025:  1 CHRONICLES 5, 1 CORINTHIANS 15, PSALM 35:1-14                1 CHRONICLES 5 This chapter reminds us of the extremely long-term consequences of actions, both good and bad, taken by the sons of Jacob and their descendants. It should warn us of how our lives might impact our descendants. Are we walking with the Lord now or not? The fate of many generations of our children might be impacted by our answer to that question.  When Jacob gathered his sons together before he died, he prophesized about their futures based upon their behavior. “Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Uncontrollable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it—he went up to my couch.” (Gen. 49:2-4). Thus, we read in 1 Chronicles 5: “His [Reuben’s]birthright was given to the sons of Joseph [Manasseh and Ephraim].”  This meant instead of Reuben receiving a double portion as the firstborn, Joseph was given the two portions to divide up between his two sons. 

Reuben (5:1–10): As you can see Reuben’s territory was south and east of the Dead Sea. They along with Gad and Manasseh requested to remain east of the Jordan because of the good grazing land. Reuben’s line ended quickly when Beerah, their leader, was taken into exile by the Assyrians. Gad (5:11–22): Gad was given the central region east of the Jordan, which included the area of Gilead (famous for its balm). They, along with the other eastern tribes, were successful in a battle against a coalition of opponents because “they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him... because the war was of God” This appears to be a good biblical principle: If we are in conflict that is clearly supporting God’s kingdom, and if we cry out and trust God, then He will answer our prayers. We need to be certain we meet these conditions, though. Eastern Manasseh (5:23-26): Here we learn that, despite God’s past blessings, the eastern tribes eventually worship- ped the false gods of their neighbors. Hence, God raised up the king of Assyria to take them into exile, away from the promise land. Once again God uses a pagan country. Can it be any clearer that despite all that God has done for us, especi- ally at the cross, our biggest danger is following the cultural beliefs and practices around us rather than what God has revealed to us in His word? Our culture is so pervasive that we can’t see the danger. 

 1 CORINTHIANS 15 This chapter deals with matters surrounding the resurrection. It can be broken down to three distinct (but related) units: the resurrection of Christ (verses 1-11), the    resurrection of the dead (verses 12-34), and the resurrection of the body (verses 35-58).        Verses 1-11 – The Resurrection of Christ – This section begins by reviewing the gospel mes- sage that Paul preached to the people of Corinth. The sacrifice Christ made by which Christians are saved. The path is 1) Christ died for our sins; 2) Christ was buried; 3) Christ rose from the dead on the third day; 4) The risen Christ appeared to the disciples (including Paul). Paul uses

READINGS FOR APRIL 25, 2025 CONTINUTED: 1 CORINTHIANS 15, PSALM 35:1-14                  his own life as an example of the power of God’s forgiving grace. Paul was known for his persecution of the Church (see Acts 8). And yet, through God’s grace Paul has become an apostle and entrusted with sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, often at the risk of his life. Verses 12-34 – The Resurrection of the Dead – Paul then takes on the question as to whether there will be the resurrection of the dead. Paul states that because Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead that as his brothers and sisters we too shall experience the resurrection. In verses 22-23, Paul uses a comparison between our relationships to Adam and Christ. Through Adam and original sin, we are destined to die. Through Christ, we are destined for everlasting life. As to the time of the resurrection, Paul states that the fullness of God’s work in the world must come first. We must wait until Satan is defeated once and for all.                        Verses 35-58 – The Resurrection of the Body – The last section of this chapter deals with what body will be resurrected. Almost every Christian funeral quotes from this section to emphasize that after death our mortal bodies (perishable) will make way for our immortal ones (imperish- ability). Paul quotes from Isaiah 25:6 and Hosea 13:14 to emphasize his point. Do you have faith in the risen Christ? Do you believe that you are going to participate in the resurrection? What questions might you have?                                                                                                   PSALM 35:1-14 This psalm is an appeal to God to come to defend God’s servant David. It seems David is be- ing attacked by people that he has treated as dear friends. David appeals to God as an innocent victim being attacked during a time when already under distress. We will discuss the psalm based upon its structure.  Verses 1-3 – The psalm begins by David calling on God as a warrior to come to his defense. David calls on God to put on his armor and to come to his assistance. David needs God to save him from this situation. Through- out the Bible (especially the Psalms), God is metaphorically called our shield (Psalm 3:3, 7:10, 18:2,30 to name a few). The shield in Biblical times was the first line of defense in battle. They were large (four feet tall and two and a half feet wide) and could deflect swords and absorb the impact of arrows.                                                               Verses 4-6 – David asks God to frustrate the efforts of David’s attackers. David asks that the attackers be disgraced and driven away. David is asking God to stop the attack and to scatter those who are at fault.                    Verses 7-10 – David wants God to match the power of his salvation to the strength of his attackers. David is asking God to use the attackers own cunning against them. The “net” and “pit” his attackers planned to use on David, may the tables be turned and the attackers become entangled.                                                                        Verses 9-10 suggest a difficulty. It is implied that David will only praise God “if” he is saved from this situation. If his attackers are “disgraced” then will David praise God. Placing this within the context of the entire psalter, it does not mean “only if” God does this. It means “when” God does this, David will praise God.                         Verses 11-14 (15-16) – This section of the psalm has been split in our readings. This section details the reasons why David is seeking God’s assistance. The attackers repaid David’s friendship with slander and attacks. David prayed for his attackers when they were ill. David fasted and prayed for their healing. Even though he did these things, his attackers waited for an opportunity to betray him. Sometimes when we are friendly to people, they do not reciprocate. Sometimes when we are loving, we get hatred in return. As Christians, we are called to love regardless of our neighbor’s response.