Introduction:
God's deliverance is not merely a rescue from physical danger or adversity; it encompasses the victory He brings over all forms of oppression, sin, and despair. This theme is echoed throughout various scriptures, including Psalm 18:16-24, Matthew 22:15-42, and the dialogue between Job and his friends in Job 30-32. These passages show how God's deliverance is elaborately linked to our victory, offering hope, redemption, and restoration.
Wisdom Reading Psalm 18:16-24
1. Divine Intervention: David acknowledges that God reached down and rescued him from dire circumstances. This emphasizes the belief in divine intervention and the recognition that human efforts alone may not be sufficient to overcome challenges.
2. Rescue from Enemies: David describes how God rescued him from powerful enemies who were too strong for him. This illustrates the theme of God's protection and deliverance from external threats, emphasizing trust in God's sovereignty over human adversaries.
3. Divine Support: Despite facing disaster and opposition, David finds strength and support in the Lord. This underscores the belief in God as a source of refuge and sustenance during times of trouble, highlighting the importance of faith and reliance on God's provision.
4. Gracious Deliverance: David attributes his rescue to God's delight in him, emphasizing God's grace and favor towards those who remain faithful and obedient. This reflects the belief in God's unconditional love and mercy, regardless of one's shortcomings or past mistakes.
5. Righteousness and Obedience: David emphasizes his commitment to righteousness and obedience to God's laws, attributing God's favor and reward to his faithfulness. This highlights the importance of moral integrity and adherence to God's commandments in experiencing God's blessings and favor.
6. Divine Justice: David acknowledges that God rewards him according to his righteousness and the cleanliness of his hands. This underscores the belief in divine justice and the principle of reaping what one sows, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous and blameless life before God.
In summary, Psalm 18:16-24 teaches fundamental truths about divine intervention, protection, support, grace, righteousness, and justice. It encourages believers to trust in God's deliverance, remain obedient, and recognize God's sovereignty over their lives.
Matthew 22:15-46 (NIV) contains several teachings and interactions between Jesus and various groups, including the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees. Here's a breakdown of the passage along with related scriptures:
1. The Pharisees' Question About Paying Taxes (Matthew 22:15-22):
- The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus by asking whether paying taxes to Caesar was lawful.
- Jesus responds by asking whose image is on the coin, then famously says, "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Matthew 22:21).
- This teaching emphasizes the importance of honoring earthly authorities (Caesar) and God while subtly pointing to the higher allegiance believers owe God.
2. The Sadducees' Question About Marriage in the Resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33):
- The Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a hypothetical scenario about marriage and the afterlife.
- Jesus responds by explaining that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage but will be like angels in heaven.
- He supports his argument by referring to Scripture, specifically God's statement to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6), affirming the reality of the resurrection.
3. The Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40):
- A Pharisee asks Jesus about the greatest commandment in the Law.
- Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and with all your mind," and Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
- He summarizes the entire Law and prophets as resting on these two commandments, highlighting the importance of love for God and love for others.
4. Jesus' Question About David's Son (Matthew 22:41-46):
- Jesus asks the Pharisees about the identity of the Messiah, referencing Psalm 110:1, where David refers to the Messiah as his Lord.
- By doing so, Jesus challenges their understanding of the Messiah as merely David's son, pointing to the more profound truth of the Messiah's divine nature and authority.
These passages collectively teach about the importance of honoring earthly authorities and God, the reality of the resurrection, the centrality of love for God and others, and the identity and authority of the Messiah. They also illustrate Jesus' mastery of Scripture and his ability to navigate complex theological questions while challenging misconceptions and revealing more profound truths.
The Herodians were a political group or faction during the time of Jesus in first-century Judea. They were supporters of the ruling Herodian dynasty, which was founded by Herod the Great and continued through his descendants. The Herodians were known for their loyalty to Herod and his family and their willingness to collaborate with Roman authorities to maintain power and influence in the region.
In Matthew 22:15-22, the Herodians are mentioned alongside the Pharisees as those who came to Jesus to test him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. This indicates they were likely aligned with the Pharisees on this issue despite their differing political affiliations. The collaboration between the Pharisees and the Herodians in this passage illustrates Judea's political tension and intrigue during Jesus' time and their shared interest in undermining Jesus' authority or trapping him in his words.
Old Testament reading Job 30-32
Job chapters 30-32 in the New International Version (NIV) contain significant dialogue between Job and his friends and the introduction of a new character named Elihu. Here's a breakdown of the critical points and teachings found in these chapters:
1. Job's Lamentation (Chapter 30):
- Job continues to express his despair and suffering, contrasting his current state with his former honor and prosperity.
- He describes the mockery and contempt he now faces from those once beneath him, including younger men whose fathers he would have considered unworthy of his shepherd dogs.
- Job's suffering leads him to question God's justice and wonder why he is experiencing such hardship despite being righteous.
2. Elihu's Introduction (Chapter 32):
- Elihu is introduced as a young man listening to the conversation between Job and his friends.
- He becomes angry with Job's three friends because they cannot refute Job's arguments and condemn him.
- Despite his youth, Elihu feels compelled to speak up and offer insight into the situation.
3. Elihu's Speeches (Chapters 32-37):
- Elihu's speeches serve as a bridge between the dialogues of Job and his friends and the eventual appearance of God.
- He rebukes Job for justifying himself rather than God and for claiming to be more righteous than God.
- Elihu emphasizes the greatness and justice of God, arguing that God's ways are beyond human understanding.
- He encourages Job to trust God's wisdom and righteousness, even while suffering.
- Elihu's speeches pave the way for God's response to Job's questions and complaints.
4. Teachings and Lessons:
- Job's suffering and lamentation demonstrate the reality of human suffering and the struggle to understand God's ways.
- Elihu's introduction highlights the importance of listening and considering the perspectives of others, regardless of age or experience.
- Elihu's speeches emphasize the greatness and justice of God, challenging Job to trust in God's wisdom and righteousness even when circumstances seem unfair.
- These chapters contribute to the overall themes of the book of Job, including the problem of evil, the nature of suffering, and the sovereignty of God.
Overall, Job chapters 30-32 provide a rich exploration of human suffering, divine justice, and the limitations of human understanding, setting the stage for the eventual appearance of God and His response to Job's questions.
In Christ, love Jared W. Campbell
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