Thursday, January 5, 2012 - The Lord's Covenant Promise to David

4:50 a.m. Prayer /Devotion
5:40 a.m. Cardio

May 26 Reading - One Year Bible

2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33

2 Samuel 7-8:18

New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Samuel 7

The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David

 ¹ When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, ² the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace,^[a] but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!” ³ Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”
 ⁴ But that same night the Lord said to Nathan,
 ⁵ “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? ⁶ I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling. ⁷ Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?”’
 ⁸ “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. ⁹ I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! ¹⁰ And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, ¹¹ starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies.
   “‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! ¹² For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. ¹³ He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. ¹⁴ I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. ¹⁵ But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will continue before me^[b] for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”
 ¹⁷ So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.

David’s Prayer of Thanks

 ¹⁸ Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,   “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? ¹⁹ And now, Sovereign Lord, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign Lord?^[c]
 20 “What more can I say to you? You know what your servant is really like, Sovereign Lord. ²¹ Because of your promise and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known to your servant.
 ²² “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! ²³ What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations and gods that stood in their way.^{[d] 24} You made Israel your very own people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God.
 ²⁵ “And now, O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. Confirm it as a promise that will last forever. ²⁶ And may your name be honored forever so that everyone will say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is God over Israel!’ And may the house of your servant David continue before you forever.
 ²⁷ “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, God of Israel, I have been bold enough to pray this prayer to you because you have revealed all this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings!’ ²⁸ For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. ²⁹ And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!”

2 Samuel 8

David’s Military Victories

 ¹ After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town.^{[e] 2} David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row, and he measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. ³ David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. ⁴ David captured 1,700 charioteers^[f] and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.
 ⁵ When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. ⁶ Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.
 ⁷ David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, ⁸ along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah^[g] and Berothai.
 ⁹ When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of Hadadezer, ¹⁰ he sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze.
 ¹¹ King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated—¹² from Edom,^[h] Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek—and from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
 ¹³ So David became very famous. After his return he destroyed 18,000 Edomites^[i] in the Valley of Salt. ¹⁴ He placed army garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.
 ¹⁵ So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. ¹⁶ Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. ¹⁷ Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah was the court secretary. ¹⁸ Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard.^[j] And David’s sons served as priestly leaders.^[k]

Footnotes:

1. 2 Samuel 7:2 Hebrew a house of cedar.
2. 2 Samuel 7:16 As in Greek version and some Hebrew manuscripts; Masoretic Text reads before you.
3. 2 Samuel 7:19 Or This is your instruction for all humanity, O Sovereign Lord.
4. 2 Samuel 7:23 As in Greek version (see also 1 Chr 17:21); Hebrew reads You made a great name for yourself and performed awesome miracles for your land. You did this in the sight of your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt, from nations and their gods.
5. 2 Samuel 8:1 Hebrew by conquering Metheg-ammah, a name that means “the bridle,” possibly referring to the size of the town or the tribute money taken from it. Compare 1 Chr 18:1.
6. 2 Samuel 8:4 Greek version reads 1,000 chariots and 7,000 charioteers; compare 1 Chr 18:4.
7. 2 Samuel 8:8 As in some Greek manuscripts (see also 1 Chr 18:8); Hebrew reads Betah.
8. 2 Samuel 8:12 As in a few Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions (see also 8:14; 1 Chr 18:11); most Hebrew manuscripts read Aram.
9. 2 Samuel 8:13 As in a few Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions (see also 8:14; 1 Chr 18:12); most Hebrew manuscripts read Arameans.
10. 2 Samuel 8:18 Hebrew of the Kerethites and Pelethites.
11. 2 Samuel 8:18 Hebrew David’s sons were priests; compare parallel text at 1 Chr 18:17.

John 14:15-31

New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

 ¹⁵ “If you love me, obey^[a] my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,^[b] who will never leave you. ¹⁷ He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.^{[c] 18} No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. ¹⁹ Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. ²⁰ When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹ Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” ²² Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”
 ²³ Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. ²⁴ Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. ²⁵ I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. ²⁶ But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
 ²⁷ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. ²⁸ Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. ²⁹ I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.
 ³⁰ “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, ³¹ but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Footnotes:

1. John 14:15 Other manuscripts read you will obey; still others read you should obey.
2. John 14:16 Or Comforter, or Encourager, or Counselor. Greek reads Paraclete; also in 14:26.
3. John 14:17 Some manuscripts read and is in you.

Psalm 119:33-48

New Living Translation (NLT)

He

 ³³ Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
      I will keep them to the end.
 ³⁴ Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
      I will put them into practice with all my heart.
 ³⁵ Make me walk along the path of your commands,
      for that is where my happiness is found.
 ³⁶ Give me an eagerness for your laws
      rather than a love for money!
 ³⁷ Turn my eyes from worthless things,
      and give me life through your word.^[a]
 38 Reassure me of your promise,
      made to those who fear you.
 ³⁹ Help me abandon my shameful ways;
      for your regulations are good.
 ⁴⁰ I long to obey your commandments!
      Renew my life with your goodness.

Waw

 ⁴¹ Lord, give me your unfailing love,
      the salvation that you promised me.
 ⁴² Then I can answer those who taunt me,
      for I trust in your word.
 ⁴³ Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
      for your regulations are my only hope.
 ⁴⁴ I will keep on obeying your instructions
      forever and ever.
 ⁴⁵ I will walk in freedom,
      for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
 ⁴⁶ I will speak to kings about your laws,
      and I will not be ashamed.
 ⁴⁷ How I delight in your commands!
      How I love them!
 ⁴⁸ I honor and love your commands.
      I meditate on your decrees.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 119:37 Some manuscripts read in your ways.

Proverbs 15:33

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ³³ Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
      humility precedes honor.

Wednesday, Nov 4, 2012 - If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

7:30 a.m. Prayer /Devotion

Lunch: Weights (Total Body)

May 24 Reading "One Year Bible"

2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32

Things I learned:

David was 30 years old when he reign as King

He reign a total of 40 years (Judah and Hebron - 7 years & 6 months)

Then from Jerusalem - he reign over all of Israel and Judah for 33 years

2 Samuel 5

David celebrated and danced before the Lord

His wife Michal (Saul's daughter, Jonathan's sister) was disgusted with him about it.

David told Michal he dance before the Lord because the Lord chose him about her father

and her family! The Lord appointed David as the leader of Israel, so he is willing to act like a fool in order to show his joy in the Lord.

** I thought that was interesting

Also reading 1 and 2 Samuel..David throughout these chapters always ask the Lord, do you want me to fight this enemy, will you give me the victory? etc  I like the fact that he consult with God before acting out in his own will!

Proverbs 15:31-32

 ³¹ If you listen to constructive criticism,
      you will be at home among the wise.
 ³² If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
      but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

2 Samuel 4-6:23

New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Samuel 4

The Murder of Ishbosheth

 ¹ When Ishbosheth,^[a] Saul’s son, heard about Abner’s death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and all Israel became paralyzed with fear. ² Now there were two brothers, Baanah and Recab, who were captains of Ishbosheth’s raiding parties. They were sons of Rimmon, a member of the tribe of Benjamin who lived in Beeroth. The town of Beeroth is now part of Benjamin’s territory ³ because the original people of Beeroth fled to Gittaim, where they still live as foreigners. ⁴ (Saul’s son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth,^[b] who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled.)
 ⁵ One day Recab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon from Beeroth, went to Ishbosheth’s house around noon as he was taking his midday rest. ⁶ The doorkeeper, who had been sifting wheat, became drowsy and fell asleep. So Recab and Baanah slipped past her.^{[c] 7} They went into the house and found Ishbosheth sleeping on his bed. They struck and killed him and cut off his head. Then, taking his head with them, they fled across the Jordan Valley^[d] through the night. ⁸ When they arrived at Hebron, they presented Ishbosheth’s head to David. “Look!” they exclaimed to the king. “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of your enemy Saul who tried to kill you. Today the Lord has given my lord the king revenge on Saul and his entire family!”
 ⁹ But David said to Recab and Baanah, “The Lord, who saves me from all my enemies, is my witness. ¹⁰ Someone once told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ thinking he was bringing me good news. But I seized him and killed him at Ziklag. That’s the reward I gave him for his news! ¹¹ How much more should I reward evil men who have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed? Shouldn’t I hold you responsible for his blood and rid the earth of you?”
 ¹² So David ordered his young men to kill them, and they did. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies beside the pool in Hebron. Then they took Ishbosheth’s head and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.

2 Samuel 5

David Becomes King of All Israel

 ¹ Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. ² In the past,^[e] when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’” ³ So there at Hebron, King David made a covenant before the Lord with all the elders of Israel. And they anointed him king of Israel.
 ⁴ David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. ⁵ He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years and six months, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

David Captures Jerusalem

 ⁶ David then led his men to Jerusalem to fight against the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of the land who were living there. The Jebusites taunted David, saying, “You’ll never get in here! Even the blind and lame could keep you out!” For the Jebusites thought they were safe. ⁷ But David captured the fortress of Zion, which is now called the City of David. ⁸ On the day of the attack, David said to his troops, “I hate those ‘lame’ and ‘blind’ Jebusites.^[f] Whoever attacks them should strike by going into the city through the water tunnel.^[g]” That is the origin of the saying, “The blind and the lame may not enter the house.”^[h]
 9 So David made the fortress his home, and he called it the City of David. He extended the city, starting at the supporting terraces^[i] and working inward. ¹⁰ And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies was with him.
 ¹¹ Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built David a palace. ¹² And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
 ¹³ After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David married more concubines and wives, and they had more sons and daughters. ¹⁴ These are the names of David’s sons who were born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, ¹⁵ Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, ¹⁶ Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

David Conquers the Philistines

 ¹⁷ When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. ¹⁸ The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. ¹⁹ So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”   The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
 ²⁰ So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). ²¹ The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them.
 ²² But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. ²³ And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar^[j] trees. ²⁴ When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” ²⁵ So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon^[k] to Gezer.

2 Samuel 6

Moving the Ark to Jerusalem

 ¹ Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. ² He led them to Baalah of Judah^[l] to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,^[m] who is enthroned between the cherubim. ³ They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart as it left the house, ⁴ carrying the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. ⁵ David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs^[n] and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. ⁶ But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. ⁷ Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this.^[o] So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.
 ⁸ David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today.
 ⁹ David was now afraid of the Lord, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” ¹⁰ So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. ¹¹ The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.
 ¹² Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. ¹³ After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. ¹⁴ And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.^{[p] 15} So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.

Michal’s Contempt for David

 ¹⁶ But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him. ¹⁷ They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. ¹⁸ When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. ¹⁹ Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates,^[q] and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
 ²⁰ When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
 ²¹ David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. ²² Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” ²³ So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.

Footnotes:

1. 2 Samuel 4:1 Ishbosheth is another name for Esh-baal.
2. 2 Samuel 4:4 Mephibosheth is another name for Merib-baal.
3. 2 Samuel 4:6 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads So they went into the house pretending to fetch wheat, but they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Recab and Baanah escaped.
4. 2 Samuel 4:7 Hebrew the Arabah.
5. 2 Samuel 5:2 Or For some time.
6. 2 Samuel 5:8 Or Those ‘lame’ and ‘blind’ Jebusites hate me.
7. 2 Samuel 5:8 Or with scaling hooks. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
8. 2 Samuel 5:8 The meaning of this saying is uncertain.
9. 2 Samuel 5:9 Hebrew the millo. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
10. 2 Samuel 5:23 Or aspen, or balsam; also in 5:24. The exact identification of this tree is uncertain.
11. 2 Samuel 5:25 As in Greek version (see also 1 Chr 14:16); Hebrew reads Geba.
12. 2 Samuel 6:2 Baalah of Judah is another name for Kiriath-jearim; compare 1 Chr 13:6.
13. 2 Samuel 6:2 Or the Ark of God where the Name is proclaimed—the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
14. 2 Samuel 6:5 As in Greek version (see also 1 Chr 13:8); Hebrew reads before the Lord with all manner of cypress trees.
15. 2 Samuel 6:7 As in Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text reads because of his irreverence.
16. 2 Samuel 6:14 Hebrew a linen ephod.
17. 2 Samuel 6:19 Or a portion of meat. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

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John 13:31-14:14

New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

 ³¹ As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man^[a] to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. ³² And since God receives glory because of the Son,^[b] he will soon give glory to the Son. ³³ Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. ³⁴ So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. ³⁵ Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ³⁶ Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
   And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
 ³⁷ “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
 ³⁸ Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

John 14

Jesus, the Way to the Father

   “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. ² There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.^[c] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?^{[d] 3} When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.” ⁵ “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
 ⁶ Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.^[e] From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
 ⁸ Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
 ⁹ Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. ¹¹ Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
 ¹² “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. ¹³ You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. ¹⁴ Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

Footnotes:

1. John 13:31 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
2. John 13:32 Some manuscripts omit And since God receives glory because of the Son.
3. John 14:2 Or There are many rooms in my Father’s house.
4. John 14:2 Or If this were not so, I would have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you. Some manuscripts read If this were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.
5. John 14:7 Some manuscripts read If you have really known me, you will know who my Father is.

Psalm 119:17-32

New Living Translation (NLT)

Gimel

 ¹⁷ Be good to your servant,
      that I may live and obey your word.
 ¹⁸ Open my eyes to see
      the wonderful truths in your instructions.
 ¹⁹ I am only a foreigner in the land.
      Don’t hide your commands from me!
 ²⁰ I am always overwhelmed
      with a desire for your regulations.
 ²¹ You rebuke the arrogant;
      those who wander from your commands are cursed.
 ²² Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
      for I have obeyed your laws.
 ²³ Even princes sit and speak against me,
      but I will meditate on your decrees.
 ²⁴ Your laws please me;
      they give me wise advice.

Daleth

 ²⁵ I lie in the dust;
      revive me by your word.
 ²⁶ I told you my plans, and you answered.
      Now teach me your decrees.
 ²⁷ Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
      and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
 ²⁸ I weep with sorrow;
      encourage me by your word.
 ²⁹ Keep me from lying to myself;
      give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.
 ³⁰ I have chosen to be faithful;
      I have determined to live by your regulations.
 ³¹ I cling to your laws.
      Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
 ³² I will pursue your commands,
      for you expand my understanding.

Tuesday, January 3, 2011 - War between Israel and Judah

8:00 am. Prayer/Devotion

Lunch : Cardio

May 23 Reading "One Year Bible"
2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39

New Living Translation (NLT)

War between Israel and Judah

 ¹² One day Abner led Ishbosheth’s troops from Mahanaim to Gibeon. ¹³ About the same time, Joab son of Zeruiah led David’s troops out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. The two groups sat down there, facing each other from opposite sides of the pool. ¹⁴ Then Abner suggested to Joab, “Let’s have a few of our warriors fight hand to hand here in front of us.”
   “All right,” Joab agreed. ¹⁵ So twelve men were chosen to fight from each side—twelve men of Benjamin representing Ishbosheth son of Saul, and twelve representing David. ¹⁶ Each one grabbed his opponent by the hair and thrust his sword into the other’s side so that all of them died. So this place at Gibeon has been known ever since as the Field of Swords.^[a]
 17 A fierce battle followed that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the forces of David.

The Death of Asahel

 ¹⁸ Joab, Abishai, and Asahel—the three sons of Zeruiah—were among David’s forces that day. Asahel could run like a gazelle, ¹⁹ and he began chasing Abner. He pursued him relentlessly, not stopping for anything. ²⁰ When Abner looked back and saw him coming, he called out, “Is that you, Asahel?”   “Yes, it is,” he replied.
 ²¹ “Go fight someone else!” Abner warned. “Take on one of the younger men, and strip him of his weapons.” But Asahel kept right on chasing Abner.
 ²² Again Abner shouted to him, “Get away from here! I don’t want to kill you. How could I ever face your brother Joab again?”
 ²³ But Asahel refused to turn back, so Abner thrust the butt end of his spear through Asahel’s stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He stumbled to the ground and died there. And everyone who came by that spot stopped and stood still when they saw Asahel lying there.
 ²⁴ When Joab and Abishai found out what had happened, they set out after Abner. The sun was just going down as they arrived at the hill of Ammah near Giah, along the road to the wilderness of Gibeon. ²⁵ Abner’s troops from the tribe of Benjamin regrouped there at the top of the hill to take a stand.
 ²⁶ Abner shouted down to Joab, “Must we always be killing each other? Don’t you realize that bitterness is the only result? When will you call off your men from chasing their Israelite brothers?”
 ²⁷ Then Joab said, “God only knows what would have happened if you hadn’t spoken, for we would have chased you all night if necessary.” ²⁸ So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and his men stopped chasing the troops of Israel.
 ²⁹ All that night Abner and his men retreated through the Jordan Valley.^[b] They crossed the Jordan River, traveling all through the morning,^[c] and didn’t stop until they arrived at Mahanaim.
 ³⁰ Meanwhile, Joab and his men also returned home. When Joab counted his casualties, he discovered that only 19 men were missing in addition to Asahel. ³¹ But 360 of Abner’s men had been killed, all from the tribe of Benjamin. ³² Joab and his men took Asahel’s body to Bethlehem and buried him there in his father’s tomb. Then they traveled all night and reached Hebron at daybreak.

2 Samuel 3

 ¹ That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.

David’s Sons Born in Hebron

 ² These are the sons who were born to David in Hebron:   The oldest was Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel.
 ³ The second was Daniel,^[d] whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel.
   The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur.
 ⁴ The fourth was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
   The fifth was Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital.
 ⁵ The sixth was Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, David’s wife.
   These sons were all born to David in Hebron.

Abner Joins Forces with David

 ⁶ As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David went on, Abner became a powerful leader among those loyal to Saul. ⁷ One day Ishbosheth,^[e] Saul’s son, accused Abner of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines, a woman named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. ⁸ Abner was furious. “Am I some Judean dog to be kicked around like this?” he shouted. “After all I have done for your father, Saul, and his family and friends by not handing you over to David, is this my reward—that you find fault with me about this woman? ⁹ May God strike me and even kill me if I don’t do everything I can to help David get what the Lord has promised him! ¹⁰ I’m going to take Saul’s kingdom and give it to David. I will establish the throne of David over Israel as well as Judah, all the way from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south.” ¹¹ Ishbosheth didn’t dare say another word because he was afraid of what Abner might do.
 ¹² Then Abner sent messengers to David, saying, “Doesn’t the entire land belong to you? Make a solemn pact with me, and I will help turn over all of Israel to you.”
 ¹³ “All right,” David replied, “but I will not negotiate with you unless you bring back my wife Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come.”
 ¹⁴ David then sent this message to Ishbosheth, Saul’s son: “Give me back my wife Michal, for I bought her with the lives^[f] of 100 Philistines.”
 ¹⁵ So Ishbosheth took Michal away from her husband, Palti^[g] son of Laish. ¹⁶ Palti followed along behind her as far as Bahurim, weeping as he went. Then Abner told him, “Go back home!” So Palti returned.
 ¹⁷ Meanwhile, Abner had consulted with the elders of Israel. “For some time now,” he told them, “you have wanted to make David your king. ¹⁸ Now is the time! For the Lord has said, ‘I have chosen David to save my people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and from all their other enemies.’” ¹⁹ Abner also spoke with the men of Benjamin. Then he went to Hebron to tell David that all the people of Israel and Benjamin had agreed to support him.
 ²⁰ When Abner and twenty of his men came to Hebron, David entertained them with a great feast. ²¹ Then Abner said to David, “Let me go and call an assembly of all Israel to support my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you to make you their king, and you will rule over everything your heart desires.” So David sent Abner safely on his way.

Joab Murders Abner

 ²² But just after David had sent Abner away in safety, Joab and some of David’s troops returned from a raid, bringing much plunder with them. ²³ When Joab arrived, he was told that Abner had just been there visiting the king and had been sent away in safety. ²⁴ Joab rushed to the king and demanded, “What have you done? What do you mean by letting Abner get away? ²⁵ You know perfectly well that he came to spy on you and find out everything you’re doing!”
 ²⁶ Joab then left David and sent messengers to catch up with Abner, asking him to return. They found him at the well of Sirah and brought him back, though David knew nothing about it. ²⁷ When Abner arrived back at Hebron, Joab took him aside at the gateway as if to speak with him privately. But then he stabbed Abner in the stomach and killed him in revenge for killing his brother Asahel.
 ²⁸ When David heard about it, he declared, “I vow by the Lord that I and my kingdom are forever innocent of this crime against Abner son of Ner. ²⁹ Joab and his family are the guilty ones. May the family of Joab be cursed in every generation with a man who has open sores or leprosy^[h] or who walks on crutches^[i] or dies by the sword or begs for food!”
 ³⁰ So Joab and his brother Abishai killed Abner because Abner had killed their brother Asahel at the battle of Gibeon.

David Mourns Abner’s Death

 ³¹ Then David said to Joab and all those who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on burlap. Mourn for Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the procession to the grave. ³² They buried Abner in Hebron, and the king and all the people wept at his graveside. ³³ Then the king sang this funeral song for Abner:   “Should Abner have died as fools die?
 ³⁴ Your hands were not bound;
      your feet were not chained.
   No, you were murdered—
      the victim of a wicked plot.”
   All the people wept again for Abner. ³⁵ David had refused to eat anything on the day of the funeral, and now everyone begged him to eat. But David had made a vow, saying, “May God strike me and even kill me if I eat anything before sundown.”
 ³⁶ This pleased the people very much. In fact, everything the king did pleased them! ³⁷ So everyone in Judah and all Israel understood that David was not responsible for Abner’s murder.
 ³⁸ Then King David said to his officials, “Don’t you realize that a great commander has fallen today in Israel? ³⁹ And even though I am the anointed king, these two sons of Zeruiah—Joab and Abishai—are too strong for me to control. So may the Lord repay these evil men for their evil deeds.”

Footnotes:

1. 2 Samuel 2:16 Hebrew Helkath-hazzurim.
2. 2 Samuel 2:29 Hebrew the Arabah.
3. 2 Samuel 2:29 Or continued on through the Bithron. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
4. 2 Samuel 3:3 As in parallel text at 1 Chr 3:1 (see also Greek version, which reads Daluia, and Dead Sea Scrolls, which read Dan[iel]); Hebrew reads Kileab.
5. 2 Samuel 3:7 Ishbosheth is another name for Esh-baal.
6. 2 Samuel 3:14 Hebrew the foreskins.
7. 2 Samuel 3:15 As in 1 Sam 25:44; Hebrew reads Paltiel, a variant spelling of Palti.
8. 2 Samuel 3:29 Or or a contagious skin disease. The Hebrew word used here can describe various skin diseases.
9. 2 Samuel 3:29 Or who is effeminate; Hebrew reads who handles a spindle.

John 13:1-30

New Living Translation (NLT)

John 13

Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

 ¹ Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end.^{[a] 2} It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas,^[b] son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. ⁴ So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, ⁵ and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. ⁶ When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
 ⁷ Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
 ⁸ “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!”
   Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
 ⁹ Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”
 ¹⁰ Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet,^[c] to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
 ¹² After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? ¹³ You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. ¹⁴ And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. ¹⁵ I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. ¹⁶ I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. ¹⁷ Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

 ¹⁸ “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’^{[d] 19} I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I Am the Messiah.^{[e] 20} I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me.” ²¹ Now Jesus was deeply troubled,^[f] and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!”
 ²² The disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he could mean. ²³ The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table.^{[g] 24} Simon Peter motioned to him to ask, “Who’s he talking about?” ²⁵ So that disciple leaned over to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?”
 ²⁶ Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. ²⁷ When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” ²⁸ None of the others at the table knew what Jesus meant. ²⁹ Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor. ³⁰ So Judas left at once, going out into the night.

Footnotes:

1. John 13:1 Or he showed them the full extent of his love.
2. John 13:2 Or the devil had already intended for Judas.
3. John 13:10 Some manuscripts do not include except for the feet.
4. John 13:18 Ps 41:9.
5. John 13:19 Or that the ‘I Am’ has come; or that I am the Lord; Greek reads that I am. See Exod 3:14.
6. John 13:21 Greek was troubled in his spirit.
7. John 13:23 Greek was reclining on Jesus’ bosom. The “disciple Jesus loved” was probably John.

Psalm 119:1-16

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 119

Aleph^[a]

 ¹ Joyful are people of integrity,
      who follow the instructions of the Lord.
 ² Joyful are those who obey his laws
      and search for him with all their hearts.
 ³ They do not compromise with evil,
      and they walk only in his paths.
 ⁴ You have charged us
      to keep your commandments carefully.
 ⁵ Oh, that my actions would consistently
      reflect your decrees!
 ⁶ Then I will not be ashamed
      when I compare my life with your commands.
 ⁷ As I learn your righteous regulations,
      I will thank you by living as I should!
 ⁸ I will obey your decrees.
      Please don’t give up on me!

Beth

 ⁹ How can a young person stay pure?
      By obeying your word.
 ¹⁰ I have tried hard to find you—
      don’t let me wander from your commands.
 ¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart,
      that I might not sin against you.
 ¹² I praise you, O Lord;
      teach me your decrees.
 ¹³ I have recited aloud
      all the regulations you have given us.
 ¹⁴ I have rejoiced in your laws
      as much as in riches.
 ¹⁵ I will study your commandments
      and reflect on your ways.
 ¹⁶ I will delight in your decrees
      and not forget your word.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 119:1 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading.

Proverbs 15:29-30

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,
      but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
 ³⁰ A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
      good news makes for good health.

Monday, January 2, 2011 - Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Still reading through "One Year Bible" - May 23 Reading

1:00 pm Devotion/Prayer

4:00 pm Life Time - Cardio /Weights

2 Samuel 1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

2 Samuel 1-2:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

2 Samuel 1

David Learns of Saul’s Death

 ¹ After the death of Saul, David returned from his victory over the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag. ² On the third day a man arrived from Saul’s army camp. He had torn his clothes and put dirt on his head to show that he was in mourning. He fell to the ground before David in deep respect. ³ “Where have you come from?” David asked.
   “I escaped from the Israelite camp,” the man replied.
 ⁴ “What happened?” David demanded. “Tell me how the battle went.”
   The man replied, “Our entire army fled from the battle. Many of the men are dead, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.”
 ⁵ “How do you know Saul and Jonathan are dead?” David demanded of the young man.
 ⁶ The man answered, “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa, and there was Saul leaning on his spear with the enemy chariots and charioteers closing in on him. ⁷ When he turned and saw me, he cried out for me to come to him. ‘How can I help?’ I asked him.
 ⁸ “He responded, ‘Who are you?’
   “‘I am an Amalekite,’ I told him.
 ⁹ “Then he begged me, ‘Come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’
 ¹⁰ “So I killed him,” the Amalekite told David, “for I knew he couldn’t live. Then I took his crown and his armband, and I have brought them here to you, my lord.”
 ¹¹ David and his men tore their clothes in sorrow when they heard the news. ¹² They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the Lord’s army and the nation of Israel, because they had died by the sword that day.
 ¹³ Then David said to the young man who had brought the news, “Where are you from?”
   And he replied, “I am a foreigner, an Amalekite, who lives in your land.”
 ¹⁴ “Why were you not afraid to kill the Lord’s anointed one?” David asked.
 ¹⁵ Then David said to one of his men, “Kill him!” So the man thrust his sword into the Amalekite and killed him. ¹⁶ “You have condemned yourself,” David said, “for you yourself confessed that you killed the Lord’s anointed one.”

David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan

 ¹⁷ Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan, ¹⁸ and he commanded that it be taught to the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow, and it is recorded in The Book of Jashar.^[a] 19 Your pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills!
      Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen!
 ²⁰ Don’t announce the news in Gath,
      don’t proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon,
   or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice
      and the pagans will laugh in triumph.
 ²¹ O mountains of Gilboa,
      let there be no dew or rain upon you,
      nor fruitful fields producing offerings of grain.^[b]
   For there the shield of the mighty heroes was defiled;
      the shield of Saul will no longer be anointed with oil.
 ²² The bow of Jonathan was powerful,
      and the sword of Saul did its mighty work.
   They shed the blood of their enemies
      and pierced the bodies of mighty heroes.
 ²³ How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan!
      They were together in life and in death.
   They were swifter than eagles,
      stronger than lions.
 ²⁴ O women of Israel, weep for Saul,
   for he dressed you in luxurious scarlet clothing,
      in garments decorated with gold.
 ²⁵ Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen in battle!
      Jonathan lies dead on the hills.
 ²⁶ How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan!
      Oh, how much I loved you!
   And your love for me was deep,
      deeper than the love of women!
 ²⁷ Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen!
      Stripped of their weapons, they lie dead.

2 Samuel 2

David Anointed King of Judah

 ¹ After this, David asked the Lord, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?”   “Yes,” the Lord replied.
   Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?”
   “To Hebron,” the Lord answered.
 ² David’s two wives were Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel. So David and his wives ³ and his men and their families all moved to Judah, and they settled in the villages near Hebron. ⁴ Then the men of Judah came to David and crowned him king over the people of Judah.
   When David heard that the men of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul, ⁵ he sent them this message: “May the Lord bless you for being so loyal to your master Saul and giving him a decent burial. ⁶ May the Lord be loyal to you in return and reward you with his unfailing love! And I, too, will reward you for what you have done. ⁷ Now that Saul is dead, I ask you to be my strong and loyal subjects like the people of Judah, who have anointed me as their new king.”

Ishbosheth Crowned King of Israel

 ⁸ But Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’ army, had already gone to Mahanaim with Saul’s son Ishbosheth.^{[c] 9} There he proclaimed Ishbosheth king over Gilead, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, the land of the Ashurites, and all the rest of Israel. ¹⁰ Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he became king, and he ruled from Mahanaim for two years. Meanwhile, the people of Judah remained loyal to David. ¹¹ David made Hebron his capital, and he ruled as king of Judah for seven and a half years.

Footnotes:

1. 2 Samuel 1:18 Or The Book of the Upright.
2. 2 Samuel 1:21 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
3. 2 Samuel 2:8 Ishbosheth is another name for Esh-baal.

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John 12:20-50

New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Predicts His Death

 ²⁰ Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration ²¹ paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” ²² Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. ²³ Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man^[a] to enter into his glory. ²⁴ I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. ²⁵ Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. ²⁶ Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
 ²⁷ “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! ²⁸ Father, bring glory to your name.”
   Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” ²⁹ When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
 ³⁰ Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. ³¹ The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. ³² And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” ³³ He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
 ³⁴ The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture^[b] that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
 ³⁵ Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. ³⁶ Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
   After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.

The Unbelief of the People

 ³⁷ But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. ³⁸ This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:    “Lord, who has believed our message?
      To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”^[c]
 39 But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,
 ⁴⁰ “The Lord has blinded their eyes
      and hardened their hearts—
   so that their eyes cannot see,
      and their hearts cannot understand,
   and they cannot turn to me
      and have me heal them.”^[d]
 41 Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. ⁴² Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. ⁴³ For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
 ⁴⁴ Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. ⁴⁵ For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. ⁴⁶ I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. ⁴⁷ I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. ⁴⁸ But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. ⁴⁹ I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. ⁵⁰ And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

Footnotes:

1. John 12:23 “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
2. John 12:34 Greek from the law.
3. John 12:38 Isa 53:1.
4. John 12:40 Isa 6:10.

Show Commentary

New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

John 12:20-50X

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Psalm 118:19-29

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ¹⁹ Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
      and I will go in and thank the Lord.
 ²⁰ These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
      and the godly enter there.
 ²¹ I thank you for answering my prayer
      and giving me victory!
 ²² The stone that the builders rejected
      has now become the cornerstone.
 ²³ This is the Lord’s doing,
      and it is wonderful to see.
 ²⁴ This is the day the Lord has made.
      We will rejoice and be glad in it.
 ²⁵ Please, Lord, please save us.
      Please, Lord, please give us success.
 ²⁶ Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
      We bless you from the house of the Lord.
 ²⁷ The Lord is God, shining upon us.
      Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.
 ²⁸ You are my God, and I will praise you!
      You are my God, and I will exalt you!
 ²⁹ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
      His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 118:19-29X

Proverbs 15:27-28

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ²⁷ Greed brings grief to the whole family,
      but those who hate bribes will live.
 ²⁸ The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
      the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.