The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Daily Devotion for Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Today please be in prayer for:
Harry Christian
Topeka: Asbury Mount Olive UMC Topeka District | 
Nancy Tomlinson
Papillion St Paul's UMC Missouri River District | 
Angela Washington
Omaha TRI Community UMC Missouri River District |
This Week's Lectionary 7th Sunday after Pentecost/in
Kingdomtide – Green
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Kingdomtide – Green
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 6:1 Again David summoned all the picked troops of Isra’el, 30,000 men. 2 Then David, taking along the entire force he had with him then, set out for Ba‘alei-Y’hudah to bring up from there the ark of God, which bears the Name, the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot enthroned above the k’ruvim. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Avinadav on the hill, with ‘Uzah and Achyo, the sons of Avinadav, driving the new cart. 4 They led it from the house of Avinadav on the hill, with the ark of God; Achyo walked in front of the ark. 5 David and the whole house of Isra’el celebrated in the presence of Adonai with all kinds of musical instruments made of cypress-wood, including lyres, lutes, tambourines, rattles and cymbals.
12 King David was told, “Adonai has blessed the house of ‘Oved-Edom and everyone who belongs to him, thanks to the ark of God.” So David went and joyously brought the ark of God up from the house of ‘Oved-Edom into the City of David. 13 When those bearing the ark of Adonai had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep. 14 Then David danced and spun around with abandon before Adonai, wearing a linen ritual vest. 15 So David and all the house of Isra’el brought up the ark of Adonai with shouting and the sound of the shofar. 16 As the ark of Adonai entered the City of David, Mikhal the daughter of Sha’ul, watching from the window, saw King David leaping and spinning before Adonai; and she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the ark of Adonai in and put it in its place inside the tent that David had set up for it. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Adonai. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot. 19 Then he distributed to all the people of Isra’el, to everyone there, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake, after which the people all left for their homes.
Psalm 24:(0) By David. A psalm:
(1) The earth is Adonai’s, with all that is in it,
the world and those who live there;
2 for he set its foundations on the seas
and established it on the rivers.
3 Who may go up to the mountain of Adonai?
Who can stand in his holy place?
4 Those with clean hands and pure hearts,
who don’t make vanities the purpose of their lives
or swear oaths just to deceive.
5 They will receive a blessing from Adonai
and justice from God, who saves them.
6 Such is the character of those who seek him,
of Ya‘akov, who seeks your face. (Selah)
7 Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
8 Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai, strong and mighty,
Adonai, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
10 Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai-Tzva’ot —
he is the glorious king. (Selah)
Ephesians 1:3 Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who in the Messiah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. 5 He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons — in keeping with his pleasure and purpose — 6 so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.
7 In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace 8 he has lavished on us. In all his wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us his secret plan, which by his own will he designed beforehand in connection with the Messiah 10 and will put into effect when the time is ripe — his plan to place everything in heaven and on earth under the Messiah’s headship.
11 Also in union with him we were given an inheritance, we who were picked in advance according to the purpose of the One who effects everything in keeping with the decision of his will, 12 so that we who earlier had put our hope in the Messiah would bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
13 Furthermore, you who heard the message of the truth, the Good News offering you deliverance, and put your trust in the Messiah were sealed by him with the promised Ruach HaKodesh, 14 who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
Mark 6:14 Meanwhile, King Herod heard about this, for Yeshua’s reputation had spread. Some were saying, “Yochanan the Immerser has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Eliyahu!” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the old prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard about it, he said, “Yochanan, whom I had beheaded, has been raised.”
17 For Herod had sent and had Yochanan arrested and chained in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her, 18 but Yochanan had told him, “It violates the Torah for you to marry your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted him put to death. But this she could not accomplish, 20 because Herod stood in awe of Yochanan and protected him, for he knew that he was a tzaddik, a holy man. Whenever he heard him, he became deeply disturbed; yet he liked to listen to him.
21 Finally, the opportunity came. Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his nobles and officers and the leading men of the Galil. 22 The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want; I will give it to you”; 23 and he made a vow to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She said, “The head of Yochanan the Immerser.” 25 At once the daughter hurried back to the king and announced her request: “I want you to give me right now on a platter the head of Yochanan the Immerser.” 26 Herod was appalled; but out of regard for the oaths he had sworn before his dinner guests, he did not want to break his word to her. 27 So the king immediately sent a soldier from his personal guard with orders to bring Yochanan’s head. The soldier went and beheaded Yochanan in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When Yochanan’s talmidim heard of it, they came and took the body and laid it in a grave.
2 Samuel 6:1 Again David summoned all the picked troops of Isra’el, 30,000 men. 2 Then David, taking along the entire force he had with him then, set out for Ba‘alei-Y’hudah to bring up from there the ark of God, which bears the Name, the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot enthroned above the k’ruvim. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Avinadav on the hill, with ‘Uzah and Achyo, the sons of Avinadav, driving the new cart. 4 They led it from the house of Avinadav on the hill, with the ark of God; Achyo walked in front of the ark. 5 David and the whole house of Isra’el celebrated in the presence of Adonai with all kinds of musical instruments made of cypress-wood, including lyres, lutes, tambourines, rattles and cymbals.
12 King David was told, “Adonai has blessed the house of ‘Oved-Edom and everyone who belongs to him, thanks to the ark of God.” So David went and joyously brought the ark of God up from the house of ‘Oved-Edom into the City of David. 13 When those bearing the ark of Adonai had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep. 14 Then David danced and spun around with abandon before Adonai, wearing a linen ritual vest. 15 So David and all the house of Isra’el brought up the ark of Adonai with shouting and the sound of the shofar. 16 As the ark of Adonai entered the City of David, Mikhal the daughter of Sha’ul, watching from the window, saw King David leaping and spinning before Adonai; and she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the ark of Adonai in and put it in its place inside the tent that David had set up for it. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Adonai. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot. 19 Then he distributed to all the people of Isra’el, to everyone there, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake, after which the people all left for their homes.
Psalm 24:(0) By David. A psalm:
(1) The earth is Adonai’s, with all that is in it,
the world and those who live there;
2 for he set its foundations on the seas
and established it on the rivers.
3 Who may go up to the mountain of Adonai?
Who can stand in his holy place?
4 Those with clean hands and pure hearts,
who don’t make vanities the purpose of their lives
or swear oaths just to deceive.
5 They will receive a blessing from Adonai
and justice from God, who saves them.
6 Such is the character of those who seek him,
of Ya‘akov, who seeks your face. (Selah)
7 Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
8 Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai, strong and mighty,
Adonai, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
10 Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai-Tzva’ot —
he is the glorious king. (Selah)
Ephesians 1:3 Praised be Adonai, Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, who in the Messiah has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence. 5 He determined in advance that through Yeshua the Messiah we would be his sons — in keeping with his pleasure and purpose — 6 so that we would bring him praise commensurate with the glory of the grace he gave us through the Beloved One.
7 In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace 8 he has lavished on us. In all his wisdom and insight 9 he has made known to us his secret plan, which by his own will he designed beforehand in connection with the Messiah 10 and will put into effect when the time is ripe — his plan to place everything in heaven and on earth under the Messiah’s headship.
11 Also in union with him we were given an inheritance, we who were picked in advance according to the purpose of the One who effects everything in keeping with the decision of his will, 12 so that we who earlier had put our hope in the Messiah would bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
13 Furthermore, you who heard the message of the truth, the Good News offering you deliverance, and put your trust in the Messiah were sealed by him with the promised Ruach HaKodesh, 14 who guarantees our inheritance until we come into possession of it and thus bring him praise commensurate with his glory.
Mark 6:14 Meanwhile, King Herod heard about this, for Yeshua’s reputation had spread. Some were saying, “Yochanan the Immerser has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Eliyahu!” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the old prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard about it, he said, “Yochanan, whom I had beheaded, has been raised.”
17 For Herod had sent and had Yochanan arrested and chained in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married her, 18 but Yochanan had told him, “It violates the Torah for you to marry your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted him put to death. But this she could not accomplish, 20 because Herod stood in awe of Yochanan and protected him, for he knew that he was a tzaddik, a holy man. Whenever he heard him, he became deeply disturbed; yet he liked to listen to him.
21 Finally, the opportunity came. Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his nobles and officers and the leading men of the Galil. 22 The daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want; I will give it to you”; 23 and he made a vow to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She said, “The head of Yochanan the Immerser.” 25 At once the daughter hurried back to the king and announced her request: “I want you to give me right now on a platter the head of Yochanan the Immerser.” 26 Herod was appalled; but out of regard for the oaths he had sworn before his dinner guests, he did not want to break his word to her. 27 So the king immediately sent a soldier from his personal guard with orders to bring Yochanan’s head. The soldier went and beheaded Yochanan in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When Yochanan’s talmidim heard of it, they came and took the body and laid it in a grave.
John Wesley's Notes-commentary for 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Verse 2
[2] And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
On which, … — That is, by, or before which, they were to present their prayers to God for counsel and succour upon all occasions. And this is mentioned here as the reason why David put himself and his people to so great trouble and charge, because it was to fetch up the choicest treasure which they had.
Verse 3
[3] And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
They set, … — Being taught, and encouraged to do so, by the example of the Philistines, who did so without any token of God's displeasure upon them for so doing. But they did not sufficiently consider, that God might wink at the Philistines, because they were ignorant of God's laws; and yet be angry with them for the same thing, because they knew, or might have known the law of God, which commanded the priests to bear it upon their shoulders. But their present transports of joy of the happy change of their affairs, and their greedy desire of having the ark of God removed, made them inconsiderate.
In Gibeah — Or, on the hill, as 1 Samuel 7:1.
Verse 5
[5] And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
Played before the Lord — Public joy should always be as before the Lord, with an eye to him, and terminating in him. Otherwise it is no better than public madness, and the source of all manner of wickedness.
Verse 14
[14] And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
Danced — To express his thankfulness to God by his outward carriage, according to the manner of those times.
Linen ephod — The usual habit of the priests and Levites, in their sacred ministrations yet sometimes worn by others, as it was by the young child Samuel; and so David, who laid by his royal robes, and put on this robe to declare, that although he was king of Israel, yet he willingly owned himself to be the Lord's minister and servant.
Verse 16
[16] And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
Despised — As one of a base and mean spirit, that knew not how to carry himself with that majesty which became his place.
Verse 17
[17] And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
David had pitched — For Moses tabernacle was still at Gibeon, 1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3, which David left there, because he designed to build a temple at Jerusalem with all speed.
Verse 18
[18] And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
He blessed — That is, he heartily and solemnly prayed to God for his blessing upon them: which he did both as a prophet, and as their king, to whom by office it belongs, by all means, to seek his people's welfare.
Psalm 24
Verse 2
[2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Seas — The whole collection of waters, as well as the sea and the rivers running into it, as that great abyss of waters which is contained in the bowels of the earth.
Verse 3
[3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
The hill — Zion or Moriah, the place of God's sanctuary and special presence. Having asserted God's dominion over all mankind, he now proposes an important question, by whom God will be served, and his blessing enjoyed? Stand - To minister before him. Standing is the posture of ministers or servants. Who shall serve God, with God's acceptation.
Holy place — In the place which he hath sanctified for his service.
Verse 4
[4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He — Whose actions and conversation are holy and unblameable.
Pure heart — Careful to approve itself to God, as well as to men; ordering a man's very thoughts and affections according to God's word.
Vanity — Who doth not value or desire the vain things of this life, such as honours, riches, pleasures; but makes God his portion.
Verse 5
[5] He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
The blessing — Grace and glory, and all other good things.
Verse 6
[6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. /*Selah*/.
The generation — The true progeny which God regards.
Face — His grace and favour, which is often called God's face.
Verse 7
[7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — He speaks here of the gates and doors of the temple, which by faith and the spirit of prophecy, he beheld as already built, whose doors he calls Everlasting, not so much because they were made of strong and durable materials, as in opposition to those of the tabernacle, which were removed from place to place. These gates he bids lift up their heads, or tops, by allusion to those gates which have a portcullis, which may be let down or taken up. And as the temple was a type of Christ, and of his church, and of heaven itself; so this place may also contain a representation, either of Christ's entrance into his church, or into the hearts of his faithful people, who are here commanded to set open their hearts and souls for his reception: or of his ascension into heaven, where the saints or angels are poetically introduced as preparing the way, and opening the heavenly gates to receive their Lord and king, returning to his royal habitation with triumph and glory.
The king — The Messiah, the king of Israel, and of his church, called the King, or Lord of glory, 1 Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1, both for that glory which is inherent in him, and that which is purchased by him for his members.
Verse 8
[8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
The Lord — He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many proofs of his almightiness, who hath subdued all his enemies, and is now returned in triumph.
Verse 9
[9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — The same verse is repeated again, to awaken the dulness of mankind, who are so hardly brought to a serious preparation for such solemnities; and to signify the great importance of the matter, contained under these expressions.
Verse 10
[10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. /*Selah*/.
Of hosts — Under whose command are all the hosts of heaven and earth, angels and men, and all other creatures.
Ephesians 1:3-14
Verse 3
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us — God's blessing us is his bestowing all spiritual and heavenly blessings upon us. Our blessing God is the paying him our solemn and grateful acknowledgments, both on account of his own essential blessedness, and of the blessings which he bestows upon us. He is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, as man and Mediator: he is his Father, primarily, with respect to his divine nature, as his only begotten Son; and, secondarily, with respect to his human nature, as that is personally united to the divine.
With all spiritual blessings in heavenly things — With all manner of spiritual blessings, which are heavenly in their nature, original, and tendency, and shall be completed in heaven: far different from the external privileges of the Jews, and the earthly blessings they expected from the Messiah.
Verse 4
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
As he hath chosen us — Both Jews and gentiles, whom he foreknew as believing in Christ, 1 Peter 1:2.
Verse 5
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Having predestinated us to the adoption of sons — Having foreordained that all who afterwards believed should enjoy the dignity of being sons of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
According to the good pleasure of his will — According to his free, fixed, unalterable purpose to confer this blessing on all those who should believe in Christ, and those only.
Verse 6
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
To the praise of the glory of his grace — His glorious, free love without any desert on our part.
Verse 7
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
By whom we — Who believe.
Have — From the moment we believe.
Redemption — From the guilt and power of sin.
Through his blood — Through what he hath done and suffered for us.
According to the riches of his grace — According to the abundant overflowings of his free mercy and favour.
Verse 8
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
In all wisdom — Manifested by God in the whole scheme of our salvation.
And prudence — Which be hath wrought in us, that we may know and do all his acceptable and perfect will.
Verse 9
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Having made known to us — By his word and by his Spirit.
The mystery of his will — The gracious scheme of salvation by faith, which depends on his own sovereign will alone. This was but darkly discovered under the law; is now totally hid from unbelievers; and has heights and depths which surpass all the knowledge even of true believers.
Verse 10
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
That in the dispensation of the fullness of the times — In this last administration of God's fullest grace, which took place when the time appointed was fully come.
He might gather together into one in Christ — Might recapitulate, re-unite, and place in order again under Christ, their common Head.
All things which are in heaven, and on earth — All angels and men, whether living or dead, in the Lord.
Verse 11
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Through whom we — Jews.
Also have obtained an inheritance — The glorious inheritance of the heavenly Canaan, to which, when believers, we were predestinated according to the purpose of him that worketh all things after the counsel of his own will - The unalterable decree, "He that believeth shall be delivered;" which will is not an arbitrary will, but flowing from the rectitude of his nature, else, what security would there be that it would be his will to keep his word even with the elect?
Verse 12
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
That we — Jews.
Who first believed — Before the gentiles. So did some of them in every place. Here is another branch of the true gospel predestination: he that believes is not only elected to salvation, (if he endures to the end,) but is fore-appointed of God to walk in holiness, to the praise of his glory.
Verse 13
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
In whom ye — Gentiles.
Likewise believed, after ye had heard the gospel — Which God made the means of your salvation; in whom after ye had believed - Probably some time after their first believing.
Ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise — Holy both in his nature and in his operations, and promised to all the children of God. The sealing seems to imply, 1. A full impression of the image of God on their souls. 2. A full assurance of receiving all the promises, whether relating to time or eternity.
Verse 14
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Who, thus sealing us, is an earnest - Both a pledge and a foretaste of our inheritance.
Till the redemption of the purchased possession — Till the church, which he has purchased with his own blood, shall be fully delivered from all sin and sorrow, and advanced to everlasting glory.
To the praise of his glory — Of his glorious wisdom, power, and mercy.
Mark 6:14-29
Verse 14
[14] And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
Matthew 14:1; Luke 9:7.
Verse 15
[15] Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
A prophet, as one of the prophets — Not inferior to one of the ancient prophets.
Verse 16
[16] But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
But Herod hearing thereof — Of their various judgments concerning him, still said, It is John.
Verse 20
[20] For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
And preserved him — Against all the malice and contrivances of Herodias.
And when he heard him — Probably sending for him, at times, during his imprisonment, which continued a year and a half.
He heard him gladly — Delusive joy! While Herodias lay in his bosom.
Verse 21
[21] And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
A convenient day — Convenient for her purpose.
His lords, captains, and principal men of Galilee — The great men of the court, the army, and the province.
Verse 23
[23] And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
To the half of my kingdom — A proverbial expression.
Verse 26
[26] And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
Yet for his oath's sake, and for the sake of his guests — Herod's honour was like the conscience of the chief priests, Matthew 27:6. To shed innocent blood wounded neither one nor the other.
Verse 2
[2] And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.
On which, … — That is, by, or before which, they were to present their prayers to God for counsel and succour upon all occasions. And this is mentioned here as the reason why David put himself and his people to so great trouble and charge, because it was to fetch up the choicest treasure which they had.
Verse 3
[3] And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
They set, … — Being taught, and encouraged to do so, by the example of the Philistines, who did so without any token of God's displeasure upon them for so doing. But they did not sufficiently consider, that God might wink at the Philistines, because they were ignorant of God's laws; and yet be angry with them for the same thing, because they knew, or might have known the law of God, which commanded the priests to bear it upon their shoulders. But their present transports of joy of the happy change of their affairs, and their greedy desire of having the ark of God removed, made them inconsiderate.
In Gibeah — Or, on the hill, as 1 Samuel 7:1.
Verse 5
[5] And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
Played before the Lord — Public joy should always be as before the Lord, with an eye to him, and terminating in him. Otherwise it is no better than public madness, and the source of all manner of wickedness.
Verse 14
[14] And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
Danced — To express his thankfulness to God by his outward carriage, according to the manner of those times.
Linen ephod — The usual habit of the priests and Levites, in their sacred ministrations yet sometimes worn by others, as it was by the young child Samuel; and so David, who laid by his royal robes, and put on this robe to declare, that although he was king of Israel, yet he willingly owned himself to be the Lord's minister and servant.
Verse 16
[16] And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
Despised — As one of a base and mean spirit, that knew not how to carry himself with that majesty which became his place.
Verse 17
[17] And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
David had pitched — For Moses tabernacle was still at Gibeon, 1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3, which David left there, because he designed to build a temple at Jerusalem with all speed.
Verse 18
[18] And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
He blessed — That is, he heartily and solemnly prayed to God for his blessing upon them: which he did both as a prophet, and as their king, to whom by office it belongs, by all means, to seek his people's welfare.
Psalm 24
Verse 2
[2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Seas — The whole collection of waters, as well as the sea and the rivers running into it, as that great abyss of waters which is contained in the bowels of the earth.
Verse 3
[3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
The hill — Zion or Moriah, the place of God's sanctuary and special presence. Having asserted God's dominion over all mankind, he now proposes an important question, by whom God will be served, and his blessing enjoyed? Stand - To minister before him. Standing is the posture of ministers or servants. Who shall serve God, with God's acceptation.
Holy place — In the place which he hath sanctified for his service.
Verse 4
[4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He — Whose actions and conversation are holy and unblameable.
Pure heart — Careful to approve itself to God, as well as to men; ordering a man's very thoughts and affections according to God's word.
Vanity — Who doth not value or desire the vain things of this life, such as honours, riches, pleasures; but makes God his portion.
Verse 5
[5] He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
The blessing — Grace and glory, and all other good things.
Verse 6
[6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. /*Selah*/.
The generation — The true progeny which God regards.
Face — His grace and favour, which is often called God's face.
Verse 7
[7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — He speaks here of the gates and doors of the temple, which by faith and the spirit of prophecy, he beheld as already built, whose doors he calls Everlasting, not so much because they were made of strong and durable materials, as in opposition to those of the tabernacle, which were removed from place to place. These gates he bids lift up their heads, or tops, by allusion to those gates which have a portcullis, which may be let down or taken up. And as the temple was a type of Christ, and of his church, and of heaven itself; so this place may also contain a representation, either of Christ's entrance into his church, or into the hearts of his faithful people, who are here commanded to set open their hearts and souls for his reception: or of his ascension into heaven, where the saints or angels are poetically introduced as preparing the way, and opening the heavenly gates to receive their Lord and king, returning to his royal habitation with triumph and glory.
The king — The Messiah, the king of Israel, and of his church, called the King, or Lord of glory, 1 Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1, both for that glory which is inherent in him, and that which is purchased by him for his members.
Verse 8
[8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
The Lord — He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many proofs of his almightiness, who hath subdued all his enemies, and is now returned in triumph.
Verse 9
[9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — The same verse is repeated again, to awaken the dulness of mankind, who are so hardly brought to a serious preparation for such solemnities; and to signify the great importance of the matter, contained under these expressions.
Verse 10
[10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. /*Selah*/.
Of hosts — Under whose command are all the hosts of heaven and earth, angels and men, and all other creatures.
Ephesians 1:3-14
Verse 3
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us — God's blessing us is his bestowing all spiritual and heavenly blessings upon us. Our blessing God is the paying him our solemn and grateful acknowledgments, both on account of his own essential blessedness, and of the blessings which he bestows upon us. He is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, as man and Mediator: he is his Father, primarily, with respect to his divine nature, as his only begotten Son; and, secondarily, with respect to his human nature, as that is personally united to the divine.
With all spiritual blessings in heavenly things — With all manner of spiritual blessings, which are heavenly in their nature, original, and tendency, and shall be completed in heaven: far different from the external privileges of the Jews, and the earthly blessings they expected from the Messiah.
Verse 4
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
As he hath chosen us — Both Jews and gentiles, whom he foreknew as believing in Christ, 1 Peter 1:2.
Verse 5
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Having predestinated us to the adoption of sons — Having foreordained that all who afterwards believed should enjoy the dignity of being sons of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
According to the good pleasure of his will — According to his free, fixed, unalterable purpose to confer this blessing on all those who should believe in Christ, and those only.
Verse 6
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
To the praise of the glory of his grace — His glorious, free love without any desert on our part.
Verse 7
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
By whom we — Who believe.
Have — From the moment we believe.
Redemption — From the guilt and power of sin.
Through his blood — Through what he hath done and suffered for us.
According to the riches of his grace — According to the abundant overflowings of his free mercy and favour.
Verse 8
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
In all wisdom — Manifested by God in the whole scheme of our salvation.
And prudence — Which be hath wrought in us, that we may know and do all his acceptable and perfect will.
Verse 9
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
Having made known to us — By his word and by his Spirit.
The mystery of his will — The gracious scheme of salvation by faith, which depends on his own sovereign will alone. This was but darkly discovered under the law; is now totally hid from unbelievers; and has heights and depths which surpass all the knowledge even of true believers.
Verse 10
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
That in the dispensation of the fullness of the times — In this last administration of God's fullest grace, which took place when the time appointed was fully come.
He might gather together into one in Christ — Might recapitulate, re-unite, and place in order again under Christ, their common Head.
All things which are in heaven, and on earth — All angels and men, whether living or dead, in the Lord.
Verse 11
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Through whom we — Jews.
Also have obtained an inheritance — The glorious inheritance of the heavenly Canaan, to which, when believers, we were predestinated according to the purpose of him that worketh all things after the counsel of his own will - The unalterable decree, "He that believeth shall be delivered;" which will is not an arbitrary will, but flowing from the rectitude of his nature, else, what security would there be that it would be his will to keep his word even with the elect?
Verse 12
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
That we — Jews.
Who first believed — Before the gentiles. So did some of them in every place. Here is another branch of the true gospel predestination: he that believes is not only elected to salvation, (if he endures to the end,) but is fore-appointed of God to walk in holiness, to the praise of his glory.
Verse 13
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
In whom ye — Gentiles.
Likewise believed, after ye had heard the gospel — Which God made the means of your salvation; in whom after ye had believed - Probably some time after their first believing.
Ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise — Holy both in his nature and in his operations, and promised to all the children of God. The sealing seems to imply, 1. A full impression of the image of God on their souls. 2. A full assurance of receiving all the promises, whether relating to time or eternity.
Verse 14
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Who, thus sealing us, is an earnest - Both a pledge and a foretaste of our inheritance.
Till the redemption of the purchased possession — Till the church, which he has purchased with his own blood, shall be fully delivered from all sin and sorrow, and advanced to everlasting glory.
To the praise of his glory — Of his glorious wisdom, power, and mercy.
Mark 6:14-29
Verse 14
[14] And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
Matthew 14:1; Luke 9:7.
Verse 15
[15] Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
A prophet, as one of the prophets — Not inferior to one of the ancient prophets.
Verse 16
[16] But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
But Herod hearing thereof — Of their various judgments concerning him, still said, It is John.
Verse 20
[20] For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
And preserved him — Against all the malice and contrivances of Herodias.
And when he heard him — Probably sending for him, at times, during his imprisonment, which continued a year and a half.
He heard him gladly — Delusive joy! While Herodias lay in his bosom.
Verse 21
[21] And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
A convenient day — Convenient for her purpose.
His lords, captains, and principal men of Galilee — The great men of the court, the army, and the province.
Verse 23
[23] And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
To the half of my kingdom — A proverbial expression.
Verse 26
[26] And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
Yet for his oath's sake, and for the sake of his guests — Herod's honour was like the conscience of the chief priests, Matthew 27:6. To shed innocent blood wounded neither one nor the other.
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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Worshipping God" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 12 July 2015 with Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1 Again David summoned all the picked troops of Isra’el, 30,000 men. 2 Then David, taking along the entire force he had with him then, set out for Ba‘alei-Y’hudah to bring up from there the ark of God, which bears the Name, the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot enthroned above the k’ruvim. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Avinadav on the hill, with ‘Uzah and Achyo, the sons of Avinadav, driving the new cart. 4 They led it from the house of Avinadav on the hill, with the ark of God; Achyo walked in front of the ark. 5 David and the whole house of Isra’el celebrated in the presence of Adonai with all kinds of musical instruments made of cypress-wood, including lyres, lutes, tambourines, rattles and cymbals.
12 King David was told, “Adonai has blessed the house of ‘Oved-Edom and everyone who belongs to him, thanks to the ark of God.” So David went and joyously brought the ark of God up from the house of ‘Oved-Edom into the City of David. 13 When those bearing the ark of Adonai had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep. 14 Then David danced and spun around with abandon before Adonai, wearing a linen ritual vest. 15 So David and all the house of Isra’el brought up the ark of Adonai with shouting and the sound of the shofar. 16 As the ark of Adonai entered the City of David, Mikhal the daughter of Sha’ul, watching from the window, saw King David leaping and spinning before Adonai; and she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the ark of Adonai in and put it in its place inside the tent that David had set up for it. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Adonai. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot. 19 Then he distributed to all the people of Isra’el, to everyone there, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake, after which the people all left for their homes.
We come to realize that King David is gathering his troops together to go on an expedition. but wait, they are are not going to fight a war. They are going to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jeursalem, but this happens in two parts because of a tragedy in the first part. The tragedy was that one of the people who was carrying the Ark of the Covenant touch the Ark to steady it even though he was not a sanctified priest to touch it. King David was king of angry and afraid of God so he left the Ark of the Covenant in a family's house, but later he found out that God blessed the family because of the Ark and King David continued to bring it to Jeursalem where he had a Tabernacle made for it so he left the Tabernacle that was made under Moses leadership back where it was. This time King David was more cautious where he sacrifed an offering to God every so often as they carried it back to Jerusalem. King David worshipped and danced to the Lord God in an utter abandonedment, whereas, he wife, who was King Saul's daughter, saw David from her window and was quick to criticize the way David was acting. When they arrived back in Jeursalem and set up the Ark of the Covenant, he sacrifed many peace offerings in worship to God while continue to worship God with His whole being. After they were done sacrificing to God, King David blessed the people and gave them some food to go back to their homes. What characters in this story do you relate to or not relate to? How do you understand King David's dancing in worship to God the way he did? How do you worship God in church with your whole being? as for today, there are many people who worship God with their whole being that may embarrass some other people even the people who are differently abled with loudness, groanings and yelling, and noise not normally heard in the church. Lord God, we need to repent of our action because other people may worship God differently than we may, but God is faithful to bless each of us in our worshipping Him with our whole being. We come to the time where we seek God's guidance in more inclusiveness as we take and eat the body of Jesus than drink His blood through the participation in the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive God's further grace singing the Hymn: "Dance Again" by Life Worship
Praise Him, when your heart is breaking
When your strength is almost gone
Sing out your song and praise Him, in the fire and fury
In the dark night of your soul, your God is in control
Your tears will dry, your heart will mend,
Your scars will heal and you will dance again
Praise Him, tell your neighbours all about Him
Let the whole earth sing and shout it, our God is faithful
Praise Him, for His love and mercy
Praise Him, for His grace and favour
Praise Him, our God is faithful
Praise Him, He is strong and mighty
Praise Him, He is holy, holy
Praise Him, He is always in control
His love has conquered all, His love has conquered all
Your tears will dry, your heart will mend
Your scars will heal and you will dance again
And of His kingdom there will be no end, for Christ our King is coming back again
12 King David was told, “Adonai has blessed the house of ‘Oved-Edom and everyone who belongs to him, thanks to the ark of God.” So David went and joyously brought the ark of God up from the house of ‘Oved-Edom into the City of David. 13 When those bearing the ark of Adonai had gone only six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened sheep. 14 Then David danced and spun around with abandon before Adonai, wearing a linen ritual vest. 15 So David and all the house of Isra’el brought up the ark of Adonai with shouting and the sound of the shofar. 16 As the ark of Adonai entered the City of David, Mikhal the daughter of Sha’ul, watching from the window, saw King David leaping and spinning before Adonai; and she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the ark of Adonai in and put it in its place inside the tent that David had set up for it. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Adonai. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Adonai-Tzva’ot. 19 Then he distributed to all the people of Isra’el, to everyone there, both men and women, a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake, after which the people all left for their homes.
We come to realize that King David is gathering his troops together to go on an expedition. but wait, they are are not going to fight a war. They are going to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jeursalem, but this happens in two parts because of a tragedy in the first part. The tragedy was that one of the people who was carrying the Ark of the Covenant touch the Ark to steady it even though he was not a sanctified priest to touch it. King David was king of angry and afraid of God so he left the Ark of the Covenant in a family's house, but later he found out that God blessed the family because of the Ark and King David continued to bring it to Jeursalem where he had a Tabernacle made for it so he left the Tabernacle that was made under Moses leadership back where it was. This time King David was more cautious where he sacrifed an offering to God every so often as they carried it back to Jerusalem. King David worshipped and danced to the Lord God in an utter abandonedment, whereas, he wife, who was King Saul's daughter, saw David from her window and was quick to criticize the way David was acting. When they arrived back in Jeursalem and set up the Ark of the Covenant, he sacrifed many peace offerings in worship to God while continue to worship God with His whole being. After they were done sacrificing to God, King David blessed the people and gave them some food to go back to their homes. What characters in this story do you relate to or not relate to? How do you understand King David's dancing in worship to God the way he did? How do you worship God in church with your whole being? as for today, there are many people who worship God with their whole being that may embarrass some other people even the people who are differently abled with loudness, groanings and yelling, and noise not normally heard in the church. Lord God, we need to repent of our action because other people may worship God differently than we may, but God is faithful to bless each of us in our worshipping Him with our whole being. We come to the time where we seek God's guidance in more inclusiveness as we take and eat the body of Jesus than drink His blood through the participation in the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive God's further grace singing the Hymn: "Dance Again" by Life Worship
Praise Him, when your heart is breaking
When your strength is almost gone
Sing out your song and praise Him, in the fire and fury
In the dark night of your soul, your God is in control
Your tears will dry, your heart will mend,
Your scars will heal and you will dance again
Praise Him, tell your neighbours all about Him
Let the whole earth sing and shout it, our God is faithful
Praise Him, for His love and mercy
Praise Him, for His grace and favour
Praise Him, our God is faithful
Praise Him, He is strong and mighty
Praise Him, He is holy, holy
Praise Him, He is always in control
His love has conquered all, His love has conquered all
Your tears will dry, your heart will mend
Your scars will heal and you will dance again
And of His kingdom there will be no end, for Christ our King is coming back again
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Man in the Tower" for Wednesday, 15 July 2015 - Scripture: Proverbs 2:1 My son, if you will receive my words
and store my commands inside you,
2 paying attention to wisdom
inclining your mind toward understanding —
3 yes, if you will call for insight
and raise your voice for discernment,
4 if you seek it as you would silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure —
5 then you will understand the fear of Adonai
and find knowledge of God.
6 For Adonai gives wisdom;
from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up common sense for the upright,
is a shield to those whose conduct is blameless,
8 in order to guard the courses of justice
and preserve the way of those faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
fairness and every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
knowledge will be enjoyable for you,
11 discretion will watch over you,
and discernment will guard you.
In all your ways submit to [the Lord], and he will make your paths straight.[Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)]
When my children were younger, they looked forward to the challenge of a large corn maze at a local farm. Each year, the design of the maze was different. One year we took much longer than usual in finding the exit, repeatedly encountering dead ends. My son began to worry that we were not going to be able to get out. A short time later, he pointed to a tall wooden tower at the top of which stood a young man with binoculars. “Let’s ask him!” exclaimed my son.
Our lives are not unlike a large maze, requiring us to make many choices and decisions. We may begin our life’s journey with a false sense of confidence in our own ability to navigate — only to discover the dead ends of failed relationships, unforeseen career changes, betrayal, or illness. Times like these require us to retrace our steps and turn to Christ who can heal our pain and renew our strength to press on toward joyful living. When we are lost, we can look to Jesus, the “man in the tower” always at watch, and say, “Show me the way!”
The Author: Robert C. Miller (Pennsylvania, USA)
Thought for the Day: When our life comes to a dead end, Jesus shows us the way out.
Prayer: Gracious God, when the road we walk seems dark, confusing and hopeless, grant us the courage to press on toward the eternal reward you promise for each of us. Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE FACED WITH A DIFFICULT LIFE DECISION
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Wichita KS 67207
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