December 15th One Year Bible Readings
Micah 1:1-4:13 ~ Revelation 6:1-17 ~ Psalm 134:1-3 ~ Proverbs 30:1-4
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Old Testament - Today we start the book of the prophet Micah! Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and prophesied in approximately 730 - 700 B.C., primarily to the southern kingdom of Judah. Micah's name means
"Who is like the Lord?"
This following quote is from bible.org's Hampton Keathley IV , Th.M. on the book of Micah: "Micah prophesied during a period of upheaval and crisis. The reign of Ahaz brought spiritual lethargy, apostasy and hypocrisy. The people still worshipped Yahweh, but it was ritual without life-changing reality. Their treatment of fellow Israelites violated the basic tenants of the Mosaic covenant as they failed to practice justice, or covenant loyalty-love and their pursuit of idolatry revealed their failure to walk humbly before Yahweh." This quote and much more on the book of Micah is at this link. Below is an engraving of Micah preaching by Gustaf Dore:
In Micah chapter 1, verse 8 stood out to me:
"Because of all this, I will mourn and lament."
Micah was obviously saddened by the sins of those around him and the harm they were causing to themselves and to others. Do we mourn and lament for the sins of others in our world today? Do we mourn and lament over our own sins? Do we pray for healing and repentance in the lives of others - and ourselves? Is it okay to grieve for others and ourselves because of sin? What should we then do with this grief?
Today in Micah chapter 2 verse 11 we read this powerful verse to consider:
"Suppose a prophet full of lies were to say to you, "I'll preach to you the joys of wine and drink!" That's just the kind of prophet you would like!"
At times in our lives, do we pick and choose the "prophets" we will listen to? Do we pick and choose the pastors or teachers we will listen to? Do we look for people that will tell us basically what we want to hear? Instead, is it maybe okay for a pastor or teacher to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted"?
Is it maybe okay if we get uncomfortable with some things we read in the Bible - at first read. But, then, do we start to reflect on and study what the challenging passages of the Bible really are saying and mean? Are we seeking Truth more than seeking being “comfortable” in our religion and our lives? Or are we just seeking comfort above all else...
Chapter 4 verse 1 stood out to me:
"In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship."
What are the most important places on earth today for most people? Could it be the movies, sporting events, work, vacations, etc. What are the most important places in your life? Should church (be it a cathedral or a house church) and coming together with others to worship God perhaps be the most important place on earth? Is it?
New Testament - Revelation chapter 6 begins the first of 3 seven-part judgments with the opening of the seals on the scroll! The seven trumpets in chapters 8 & 9 and the seven bowls in chapter 16 are the remaining two. The unsealing of the seals on the scroll by Jesus in this chapter sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history.
Verse 12 today tells us:
"I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood."
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
The imagery of the four horsemen in this chapter comes from Zechariah chapter 1 verses 8-17 and chapter 6 verse 1-6.
In chapter 1 of Zechariah verses 8-10 we read:
"During the night I had a vision-and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. I asked, "What are these, my lord?" The angel who was talking with me answered, "I will show you what they are." Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, "They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.""
This is a good example of how John is utilizing a lot of imagery for the book of Revelation from the Old Testament. And of course it is a great example of how the Old Testament is fulfilled by the New Testament.
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
A portion of verse 8 should be noted about the 4 horsemen:
"They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth."
Some commentaries have noted that this demonstrates that even in the end of days, God is continuing to show compassion. He only allows the four horsemen to do their work over 1/4th of the earth, giving everyone in the other 3/4ths of the earth an opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus.
Below is another incredible piece of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith for Revelation chapter 6 verses 9 through 11!
"When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them."
Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, copyright 1992.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Psalms - Psalm 134 is a great little Psalm! This Psalm is basically taking place as worshippers are leaving the Temple in Jerusalem for the night - and in the first two verses the Worshippers are speaking to the Levites (priests) in the temple - giving blessings to the Levites and asking them to bless God overnight. Then, in the third verse the Levites give a departing blessing to the worshippers as they leave the temple:
"May the LORD, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem."
And that is certainly my prayer for each of you reading this - May God bless you!
Proverbs - Today in Proverbs chapter 30 verses 1 & 3 we read:
"I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One."
This might be an appropriate thought for us in this busy holiday season - "I am weary God. I am weary and tired." If this is you, will you seek true rest? Rest that can be found only in a relationship with God? Will you seek the Holy One and seek true wisdom from God? As the late artist Rich Mullins sings, this holiday season is the “stuff of earth competing for the allegiance you owe only to the Giver of all good things?” Will you turn your heart and mind toward the Manger and leave the world behind? Will you allow the Holy One of Israel to be born into your heart once again this Christmas?
Worship God - Today's readings in Micah and Revelation remind me of the Matt Maher song "Alive Again." This is currently my favorite song on K-LOVE these days! Here's a great live performance from Matt:
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (TNIV)
Comments from you: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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