READING FOR MAY 15, 2025: 1 CHRONICLES 17, MARK 1, PSALM 42 1 CHRONICLES 17 For those of us who read yesterday’s Old Testament reading of 2 Samuel 7, we aren’t hallucinating if we think 1 Chronicles 17 is a rerun. Both chapters describe the same event in much the same way. (If anyone hasn’t read the reading guide for May 14, skim though it.) Rather than make the same points again, this writer has consulted the helpful Bible Hub site for an analysis of the minor differences between the chapters. Below are their thoughts:
“In 2 Samuel 7, the language hovers around David’s wish to build God a ‘house’ and God’s promise to build David a ‘house’ in return (symbolizing dynasty). In 1 Chronicles 17, there is a stronger accent on the future temple work and the continuity of David’s line within Israel’s worshipful identity. These [differences] emphases reflect distinct editorial focuses: one securing Israel’s monarchy and the other uplifting worship within the covenant community.”
“Some phrases appear more prominently in Chronicles, while 2 Samuel omits certain elaborations (and vice versa). 1 Chronicles 17 contains language about God’s ongoing support of David’s kingdom, while 2 Samuel 7 spotlights the immediate relationship between God, David, and David’s direct heir. These variations are typical of ancient Hebrew narrative, where authors shape retellings to apply timeless truths to new circumstances (e.g., emphasizing temple worship to a community reestablishing itself in the land).”
“In 2 Samuel 7:18-29, David’s prayer of gratitude accentuates God’s unfolding plan for Israel’s monarchy. In 1 Chronicles 17:16-27, David’s prayer is similarly presented, yet it includes language elevating the people as worshipers. Neither text contradicts the other; both demonstrate David’s humility, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.”
MARK 1 According to Mark, the beginning of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus starts with John the Baptist. That’s significant. First, we learn something about the nature of prophecy. We learn that Isaiah’s words were flexible enough for God to pour into it a specific fulfillment that would have been impossible for natural man to predict accurately. This should give us pause about predicting the end times in detail. As Isaiah said, God’s messenger did cry out in the wilderness and did prepare for Jesus’s arrival. However, what was this message that prepared for Jesus? REPENT. We must know we are lost before we can be saved. This might seem unloving. Yet, it is far more unloving to give a false impression that we are in good shape as we are. Let’s not fall for this trick of Satan and lead others away from eternal life.
READING FOR MAY 15, 2025 CONTINUED: MARK 1, PSALM 42 John was a great man like Paul in that he knew his purpose in life and did not deviate from it. He understood he was speaking truth in the wilderness, never to be embraced in places of worldly power. He understood his message and ministry were only the first steps of the Gospel (good news) and did not go outside his lane. He admitted that the coming One would be far greater than he, just as the baptism of the Holy Spirit would be far more wonderful than his baptism of water. Can we be as bold, focused, and humble as John the Baptist?
Why was Jesus baptized? Only the Gospel of Matthew gives any explanation: “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). We do see in Mark, though, that after the baptism Jesus received the Holy Spirit and verbal commendation from the Father. Immediately the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan and served by angels. The boundary between the physical and spiritual world is not as solid as we think. Building on John’s message, Jesus’s began preaching the Kingdom of God, repentance, and believing the Gospel. He called His first disciples right off their jobs as fishmen, two pairs of brothers. Jesus always seems to call those who can work hard. They immediately answered Jesus’s call. Brothers and Sisters, Jesus says the time is now. Let’s follow Him immediately.
When Jesus reached Capernaum, he began a healing and teaching ministry. He healed many diseases and cast out demons. One wonders if demons use sneakier techniques today than the vivid manifestations Jesus defeated? Jesus’s teaching was considered new and authoritative. The teachers of that day taught from scripture or traditions from the Pharisees. This could be thought of as derived authority. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated, “You have heard it said...but I say to you...” Being God the Son, Jesus spoke on His own authority.
PSALM 42 The Psalmist had a thirst for God, a desire to appear before HIm. Do we long for God or at least long for that kind of longing. This wonderful desire seemed to be heightened by challenges: by those who mocked faith and by memories of less troubled worship. Do our trials and memories of a more vibrant faith community stimulate greater passion for God? That might be good. The Psalmist talks with his own soul. His cognitive self asked his spiritual self, “Why are you sad?” As a believer in Jesus, we know intellectually we have no reason to be depressed, but we are. Focus on God’s goodness surrounding us by day, if we have eyes to see. His songs serenade us by night, if we have ears to hear. Yes, life is not easy, but question your soul, wait for God, and make concrete plans to praise God for His presence.
