May 10, 2022
JUDGES 12-13:
Yesterday, after hearing of three minor judges,
we heard of Jephthah. Jephthah was a man of very poor credentials,
but he turned out to be a surprisingly good leader. His story shows
clearly why it is better not to make rash vows to the Lord. Indeed,
the New Testament tells us to not make vows at all.
PSALM 84:
This
favorite psalm has inspired many worship songs. Note the theme of
joy!
GALATIANS 5:22-6:
Building on the concept of freedom from
requirements of the Law in chapter 4, Paul continued on that theme
in chapter 5. (Of course there were no chapter boundaries when he
wrote his letter!) The freedom Paul described is founded on the
idea that we are now controlled by the Holy Spirit. A second very
important concept is considering ourselves dead to sinful desires
and deeds which were enumerated at the end of chapter 5.
GNT Translation
notes:
13:18
The angel [said//asked], “Why do you want to know my name? It is a
name of wonder.”
19 So Manoah took a young goat
and some grain, and offered them on [a rock//the rock altar] to the
Lord [, and the Lord did an amazing thing://who works
wonders.]
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Ps.
84:2 How I want to be there! I long to be in [your Temple, O
Lord//the Lord's Temple]. With my whole being I sing for joy to the
living God.
3 Even the sparrows have built a
nest,
and the swallows
have their own home [in your Temple];
they keep their young near your
altars,
Lord Almighty, my
king and my God.
7 They
grow stronger as they go;
they will see [You,] the God of gods on
Zion.
10 One day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else; I would rather stand at the gate of [your house, O my God,//the house of my God] than live in the homes of the wicked.
11 [You, Lord are//The Lord is] our protector and glorious king, blessing us with kindness and honor. [You do//He does] not refuse any good thing to [us//those] who do what is right.
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Gal.
6:10 So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to
everyone, and especially to [our brothers and sisters who believe
the same things we have taught you.\\those who belong to our family
in the [same way of faith.
13 Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised [only] so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony.