Notes from my Bible Study for January 30, 2010

Today's Reading: Psalm 29, Genesis 27:1‐40, 2 Chronicles 3, Luke 19:47‐20:44

Psalm 29 - This has to be the favorite psalm of Christian meteorologists. David wants us to catch a glimpse of just how glorious our God is. He is the God who sits enthroned above all others. He is the God who controls the weather. He is the God whose power is displayed throughout the world. I love the way that David describes God's voice breaking the strongest cedar trees of Lebanon. I love how he talks about God's voice being over the waters, thundering over many waters. Our God is powerful and majestic. We need to ascribe to the Lord, the glory due His name, as David so aptly put it in verse 2.

Genesis 27:1-40 - The sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau reach new lows in this chapter as Jacob steals the blessing that so belonged to Esau.

When the birthright was taken from Esau, it was because of Esau's own stupidity and desire for food. The blessing was taken out of pure deceit on the part of Jacob and Rebekah.

God had a plan to work through Jacob, despite Jacob's wickedness. Isaac had quite a blessing for Esau, but the blessing would be Jacob's.

This chapter reminds me that God's ways are not our ways.

2 Chronicles 3 - What is recorded as such simple words at the beginning of 2 Chronicles 3, "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. . ." was probably the most exciting moment in the life of Solomon up to that moment in time.

Men love projects. We love to give ourselves over to a great task. There would be no greater task in Solomon's kingdom than the task of building the temple of the LORD. When we have big tasks before us, may we never forget the greatest responsibilities that God has given us.

We will read later of the tragedy of Solomon's family. Had Solomon expended an equal amount of energy in reaching out to his children, his life would have been even better.

Luke 19:47-20:44 - I am always moved when I read the parable of the wicked tenants. Here, the owner of the vineyard sent his servants to the vineyard they were mistreated. Then he sent his son, and his son was killed.

Jesus asked the crowd what they thought the owner would do to those tenants. Then he said, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

Jesus would be put to death by many in that very crowd. We need to recognize our culpability in the death of Christ. Our sin put Christ on the cross. But, His grace offers forgiveness and life everlasting.