Jul 1, 2022
1KINGS 13-14:
Solomon was the wisest of men. So how could he
make such stupid choices?! Part of the answer is the corruption
caused when one has too much power. And there is something truly
sticky about sexual sin. The Lord’s judgment is evident in what
happened with the division of the country, and what happened in the
northern kingdom. Note also how the people Judah followed all the
bad parts of Solomon’s example, which again will lead to
judgment.
PSALM 119:145-160:
I
like the last three verses of yesterday’s reading:
Ps. 119:142 GNT Your
righteousness will last forever,
and your law is always
true.
143 I am filled
with trouble and anxiety,
but your commandments bring me
joy.
144 Your
instructions are always just;
give me understanding, and I shall
live.
JOHN 8a:
The
temple guards were ordered to arrest Jesus, but when they came back
empty handed they simply said, “We have never heard anyone speak
like this.”
There is a fascinating little detail I just saw in John 7:37-38 as translated by GNT. Jesus said,
7:37 GNT “Whoever is thirsty should come to me, and
38 whoever believes in me should drink. As the scripture says, ‘Streams of life-giving water will pour out from the _his_ side.’”
First I want you to know that the word translated ‘side’ can be translated as belly or intestines. But since that word was also used as the seat of emotions, it can also be translated into English as ‘heart’— which is the word we used for the seat of emotions. But for now, let’s keep the word ‘side’. Streams of life-giving water will pour out from ‘his side’. Whose side is Jesus meaning?! Here’s one of those double meanings I mentioned as a feature of this Gospel. As most often understood and translated, streams of living water will flow from the believer’s inner being. But when Jesus was stabbed by the spear in chapter 19, John made a big deal that he saw both water and blood flow out. The ‘his side’ that Jesus could be meaning in this OT quote could be his own side! Jesus could have meant either, or He could have intentionally given one of the most precious double meanings of all! In either case, the water is a sign for the Holy Spirit.
GNT Translation notes:
11 “No one, sir,” she answered.
“Well, then,” Jesus said, “I do not condemn you either. Go, but do
not sin again.”]