READING FOR APRIL 23, 2025: 1 CHRONICLES 4, 1 CORINTHIANS 14, PSALM 34:11-22 1 CHRONICLES 4 This chapter continued the genealogy of Judah sons, particularly Carmi, Hur, and Shobal as well the descendants of Simeon. Verses 9-10 include one of the most famous prayers in the Bible: “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez, saying, ‘Because I gave birth to him in pain.’ Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that You would greatly bless me and extend my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm so that it would not hurt me!’ And God brought about what he requested.”
This prayer of Jabez was developed into a best-selling book by Bruce Wilkerson. Wilkerson advised the following: “I challenge you to make the Jabez prayer for blessing part of the daily fabric of your life. To do that, I encourage you to follow unwaveringly the plan outlined here for the next thirty days. By the end of that time, you'll be noticing significant changes in your life, and the prayer will be on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit.” The book created an intense backlash because it was seen by some as supporting a “prosperity gospel” that God will grant us wealth and health if we just ask Him. Having not read the book, this writer hesitates to comment. God alone knows Jabez’s circumstances and what he meant by the phrase, “enlarge my territory.”
Jesus has given us an excellent model for prayer, though. We know we can approach God as our Father who has ultimate authority and is totally holy. We know we should pray that His Kingdom come and His will (as clearly stated in His word) be done on earth. We should ask for our daily needs and forgiveness from our sins in the manner that we forgive others. And we should pray to be delivered from evil. Since we know that this is God’s will (Jesus told us), we know that, as He did for Jabaz, God will bring about what we request. “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).
1 CORINTHIANS 14 This chapter returns to a discussion about Spiritual Gifts. Paul’s concern here is the use of them in corporate worship. For Paul, there is a simple answer. Corporate worship should only include those things that increase the faith of everyone in attendance. For Paul, prophecy is critical. Speaking in tongues should only be allowed if there is someone who can interpret what is being said.
This identifies the importance of hospitality in worship. Do our guests have everything they need to fully participate in worship? Are there any “rituals” that we do that require “insider information”? How can we better include all who gather in worship? Verses 33b – 36 – This is a difficult passage of scripture. Paul is telling the people of Corinth to not let women speak in worship. If they do, it is a disgrace. If this is a universal prohibition of women speaking, then there is a potential internal disagreement within the letter. In 11:5, Paul states: “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”
READINGS FOR APRIL 23, 2025: 1 CORINTHIANS 14, PSALM 34:11-22 If Paul feels that women are not allowed to speak in the church, then why did he not state so when talking about head coverings? The fact that Paul states that they must have their head covered when they participate in these activities, is it not possible that Paul believes them to be acceptable behaviors? So, how do we struggle with the contradiction? Some scholars believe that an editor inserted these verses into the letter to bring it in line with later Pauline letters (see 1 Timothy 2:13-14). There are old manuscripts that have these verses coming after verse 40. While there are no manuscripts where these verses are absent, the fact that there are differences can allow questions about it being in the original letter.
Some scholars believe that Paul was addressing a particular situation in the church. These verses come after Paul tells those speaking in tongues that if there is not an interpreter, they should remain silent (verses 28-29). Also, if a prophet who is sitting has something to share, then the speaker should sit and allow the person to share (verse 30). Based on verse 35, it is possible that there were undereducated women who were disrupting the worship service by asking questions about what was being presented. They should ask their husbands later. None of these answers give us an acceptable answer.
Interestingly, John Wesley accepted this guidance from Paul as normative: “Let your women be silent in the churches - Unless they are under an extraordinary impulse of the Spirit. For, in other cases, it is not permitted them to speak - By way of teaching in public assemblies. But to be in subjection - To the man whose proper office it is to lead and to instruct the congregation. Gen 3:16., And even if they desire to learn anything - Still they are not to speak in public, but to ask their own husbands at home - That is the place, and those the persons to inquire of” (from John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible).
PSALM 34:11-22 The reading for today is the last 12 verses of Psalm 34 which is an alphabetic acrostic. These verses continue with instruction for the people. This section can be broken down into three sections, verses (8-10) 11-14, 15-18, and 19-22. Verses 8-10 from yesterday’s reading are included with verses 11-14 in one section. These are like the type of teachings that might be found in proverbs. However, they are included in the longer psalm. Verses (8-10) 11-14 – David uses the traditional language of the wisdom teachers when he calls “my children” to listen. The way to worship God is to turn away from evil. It is to act in accordance with God’s plans. It is to seek and embrace wholeness and completeness in life. The call for us to keep our tongues from evil is found several places in the Bible. In the book of James, the writer cautions us about the power of the tongue (James 3:5-10). James warns us: Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (James 3:10, NIV) We need to watch the words that come out of our mouths. Verses 15-18 – David assures us that God is paying attention to those who are righteous. God will defeat those who do evil to the point that they will be forgot- ten. God will deliver the righteous. Verses 19-22 – This section begins by stating that we will have troubles. Everyone on this earth will have times when things do not go our way. Temptations, struggles, and frustrations are a part of life. God protects those who have faith. God will rescue those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus. Noone who finds shelter under God’s wings will be condemned.
