Today´s reading:
OT: Judges 17-18
NT: John 3:1-21
Ps: Psalm 104
Pr: Proverbs 14:20-21
Gospel Thread - OT:
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Judges 17:6 (NIV)
The phrase "Israel had no king" is used four times in these closing chapters of Judges. The phrase always jumps out at me each time it is used, because it coincides with the continual downward spiral of a nation moving farther and farther away from their call as God's chosen people. If only Israel had pursued God, and walked in His ways, they never would have needed an earthly king. Eventually, even the earthly kings God would establish over Israel would themselves lead the nation further into depravity. This outcome served to prove that Israel - and the rest of the world - did not need earthly kings, but rather a spiritual one: God Himself, through Jesus Christ, our eternal prophet, high priest, and king.
Gospel Thread - NT:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 3:16-18 (NIV)
I believe these words of Jesus are self-explanatory.
Gospel Thread - Psalms/Proverbs:
No direct gospel reference in today's Psalms/Proverbs reading.
The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.
