Author: Dave Dishman (Page 206 of 474)

A group of determined men, furious at Paul over his teachings about Jesus, decided to silence him permanently—they formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. These amateur assassins planned to ambush Paul on his way to a meeting with the chief priests.

But they talked too much. Paul’s nephew heard of the intrigue, told Paul and then the Roman commander of Jerusalem. The centurion placed Paul under heavy guard and sent him north, foiling the plot. I wonder how long before the thirsty conspirators took a drink?

Paul owed his life to his sharp-eared nephew. Hearing the word on the street, this young man slipped quietly away with his information. Smart and brave and loyal to Paul, he proved the right person in a tight spot.

Paul got loads of help in tight spots. He obviously respected people, showed kindness to his family, and engendered feelings of concern and loyalty. Multiple people traveled with Paul, and many more helped meet Paul’s needs. He built friendships wherever he roamed. It’s a good practice for me to remember as I make my way through life.

In this instance we see one dramatic payback for Paul’s investment in people—his care for others reciprocated by his clever nephew.

Acts 23 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Viktor Talashuk

In the American Civil War, flags gave direction in the chaos of battle. If fighters kept their unit’s flag in sight, they knew where to go. But if the flag went down, or even worse fell into the hands of the enemy, soldiers might find themselves lost in the midst of raging hostility.

Gratefully, the Lord raises a flag for us in our most difficult situations. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

In this psalm of lament God moves as a Divine Warrior. At times we stagger under the ceaseless demands and tragedies of life. Yet those who respect and follow the ways of the Lord find safety under his flag.

With so much blaming flying around these days, questions arise about prosperity. Is it ok to seek prosperity in a world where others lack basic needs? How much is enough, and should I share more of what I have?

David revealed his perspective as he prayed for Jerusalem:

May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

David sought peace and security and prosperity not for his benefit alone, but for the sake of his family and friends, and for the sake of the house of the Lord.

Peace and security are not a given—impossible to experience in many places in our world. I must remember that a quiet Saturday morning is a gift from the Lord, evidence of his blessings of peace, security and prosperity.

Seek prosperity? Absolutely, but do so in order to bless others and expand the flourishing of God’s ways among us.

You and I both know the world needs it.

Psalm 122 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Randy Fath

Men of ability flocked to David, especially when the elders of Israel anointed him king. Who would not want to throw in with such a leader? One group included David’s mighty warriors, who gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised.

One of the mightiest was Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a leader among the most powerful warriors. Ishmaiah grew up in the town of Gibeon, in the territory of Benjamin.

Do you remember when the Gibeonites deceived Joshua? They disguised themselves as weary travelers from a far land and made a binding covenant with Israel. Cunning people, yet possessing a certain faith in the Lord as they knew with certainty God would follow through on his promises to Moses.

Joshua let the Gibeonites live, but forced them serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the alter of the Lord. Then one descendent developed into a warrior and leader of renown—Ishmaiah.

We don’t actually know if Ishmaiah descended from the Gibeonites who fooled Joshua, or just grew up in the city of their name. However, as the Gibeonites assimilated into the society around them and faithfully served the alter, nothing kept them from joining David in this time of national upheaval.

It wouldn’t surprise me to know the Lord elevated the son of servers to a leadership position in a powerful military. David was the least among his brothers, and Ishmaiah from the least of communities. In the Lord’s economy, starting out among the least doesn’t matter. It’s who you throw in with along the way that makes the difference.

I Chronicles 12 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Simone Pellegrini