2020 Bible Vision

Michelle Horn

4.7.2020

1 Kings 17-19

These chapters focus on Elijah and some of the things he did as the last prophet of God at the time. This section starts with Elijah thrusting God and going to Kerith Brook where he is instructed to eat only what the ravens bring him. God then tells Elijah to go live in the village of Zarephath and there he prays to God on behalf of a widow to bring her son back to life. After this Elijah  has his showdown with the prophets of Baal and Asherah to show who the true God was and still is. Elijah then goes to Mount Sinai to escape Jezebel’s anger and there has a conversation with God. This section ends with Elisha being called to replace Elijah as God’s prophet.

1 Kings 19: 11-12

“ Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

So much of the old testament is full of examples of God’s anger and discipline but God was not found in any of the events that would have gone along with that persona. God came to Elijah in the form of a gentle whisper. He created a safe space for His prophet to be open and honest with Him. This teaches me that I need to approach future conversations with other with love and humility. To create a safe space that allows each party to be heard. One of the biggest areas in which I need to work on this is with my kids. 

This example is about God the father but Jesus also lived his life by this same concept.  He humbled himself completely by living among the world fully human for us. He created a safe space for all who came to him for help and that is something I will strive to do as well.

Bradley Horn 

4.6.2020

1 Kings 12-16

Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility. – Sigmund Freud 

1 kings 12:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” 

Why?   The Israelites were seeking for a way out by looking for a king that would tell them what they want to hear. In the past readings the Israelites complained a lot about how they were ruled like in 1 sam 8:6 when they said to Samual, “Give us a king to lead us.”  Also another example is in Exodus 17:2 we remember from our reading that they quarreled w/ Moses about giving them water when they were stranded in the desert. The last example would be in Exod. 14:12 they would rather be held captive and enslaved with food and shelter rather than being free from the Egyptians. 

My vision changed after this read while I noticed that the other kings did not seek advise and counsel like Rehoboam did. After the Israelites asked for lighter work from Rehoboam. he told them to go away for three days. Then Rehoboam CONSULTED with the elders about what his response should be. Then after advice was given Rehoboam took the advice from younger individuals that grew up with him. Then after reading throughout the rest of the chapters, it was sad to see how sin can just wreck so much with so much responsibility given at hand and not being led by God himself. 

For this part of our reading it was really easy to dismiss how can this apply to myself. After reading through it, it wasn’t so hard and God made it clear how to make it applicable to my everyday life.   “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You cant blow an uncertain trumpet.” – Theodore M. Hesburgh 

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors. Proverbs 11:14  Seeing that Jeroboam and the other kings that followed did what was right in their eyes, but never sought counsel. They set up Asherah poles and shrines that took the place of God. 

I think to myself do I seek advice like I should or do I seek advice from those that my itching ear wants to hear. (2 Tim 4:3) Do I have shrines and Asherah poles in my life that can pull me away and my focus from God. things that I worship instead of the creator?

The next action step would be seeking more advice and getting more counsel on what’s going on in my life and big life altering decisions. 

I saw Jesus in the situation between the man of God being killed by the Lion. In a sense that it was trying to convey a strong message to Jeroboam to change his ways and to stop steering God people in the wrong direction. It was very strong point and notion.   

Eddy Gonzalez

4.3.2020

1 King 9-11

King Solomon in all his wisdom builds the temple with slaves but not any Jewish slaves. Builds a Navy, and continues to increase in wealth and wisdom. Is visited by the Queen of Sheba, having to answer tough questions about his relationship with the Lord. Solomon then disobeys God by taking on wives from other lands, he starts worshiping and building temples to other gods. God threatens to punish him through his son.

1 kings 10:1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions.

How does what you read change your vision of God? It taught me that obedience and humility go hand in hand.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? Showed me in order to gain humility I have to trust God through my obedience. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?) Let go of some of the sin in my life in obedience to God.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?) In the same way Solomon chose the Jewish nation to partner with him instead of making them slaves. Jesus has chosen us to partner with Him.

Sophia Schmidt

4.3.2020

1 Kings 5-8

Summary: In chapters 5-7, Solomon is building a temple for the Lord because He has blessed the land with rest.  What follows in an incredibly in depth description of the magnificent temple Solomon is designing and building to glorify God.  Chapter 8 begins with Solomon gathering the elders and blessing the temple and making sacrifices in the temple for the Lord. What follows is a prayer in which Solomon asks that God forgive his people when they sin, if they repent and pray for forgiveness.

Key verse: 1 Kings 8:30

“And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Following this verse, Solomon describes different scenarios in which people can sin against God and then ask for forgiveness.  In every scenario, God is asked to forgive his people because He can truly see their hearts. God gives us so much hope and mercy because He always forgives us for our sins and transgressions, even when we don’t think we deserve it.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

My vision of myself and others is changed simply by reminding myself that it is not my job to judge others based on past OR current sin.  Knowing in my heart that God will forgive me for my sins means that He will forgive others for their sins because only God knows our hearts so deeply.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Acknowledge my own sin, pray for indefinite change, and repent.  Repenting is a big and important step but the ultimate goal is to change our behavior and have less of a need for repentance.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus died for us.  Boom. Ultimate forgiveness of sin.  Without His death, we would not have the unending grace we have now.

Kyle Mathas

4.2.2020

1 Kings 1-4

Summary:

To begin the reading, Adonijah, one of David’s sons, sets himself up as king and receives the support of Joab and Abiathar, the priest. Bathsheba remembers the promise that David gave her about making Solomon king so Bathsheba and Nathaniel the prophet go up to David and David, being very old and weak, makes Solomon king.

After that, David dies after reigning over Israel for forty years. Solomon then goes on to establish the kingdom by striking down and killing Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, the man who cursed David when he was in Mahanaim. Solomon also establishes the kingdom by removing Abiathar from the priesthood of the Lord. 

Later, Solomon speaks to God in a dream and asks for wisdom, which God is very pleased of. He gets tested in the story of the two prostitutes where he rules which one is the mother of the baby who is still alive. He threatens to cut the live baby in half to give to both women but the real mother tells him not to. He then gives the baby to her because she was the real mother. 

To end the reading, it lists the officials and governors of Solomon and talks about his great wisdom. 

1 Kings 3:9-13

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This passage helps me realize that God will give us wisdom if we ask for it. We can pray for wealth but Solomon prayed for wisdom and God was pleased with Solomon. God values the character of a wise man more than a man of great wealth which is almost non existent in our society today which shows why he is such a great God. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself and others?

Sometimes we can be so anxious in what we pray about but we don’t sit back enough and pray for God to give us wisdom in an area of our life that we could be struggling with and need help with. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I want to be able to ask God to provide me with wisdom in the areas of my life where I struggle the most so that I can be helped and so that I can help and give advice to people who are struggling in that area as well.  

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think of Jesus?)

These chapters reminded me of how wise Jesus was in his teachings. In these readings, it talks about how people from all nations came to listen to Solomon’s teachings and that reminded me of how people came from far and wide to hear Jesus’ teachings as well. 

LaShaunte Mitchell

4.1.2020

2 Samuel 21-24

Summary:

Ch 21 David aided in writing a wrong of Saul with the Gibionites by handing over 7 of Saul’s male descendants while maintaining his promise to Jonathan.  Then there were a series of battles.

Ch 22 contains David’s song of praise to the Lord.

Ch 23 contains David’s last words and various conquests of some of David’s mightiest warriors whose victories were attributed to God.

Ch 24 God incited David to take a census but afterwards David realizes he sinned and asks for forgiveness.  He had options and chose plagues for 3 days which killed 70,000 people. David asks the Lord to kill him instead and he built an altar to the Lord.

2 Samuel 24:1

Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”

I picked this scripture because God incited David and the actions followed resulted in so many casualties.  It is hard for me to see God in this way. God’s anger resulted in harm, which happens often in the Bible, and it makes me fear the Lord even though fear of the Lord is a good thing it helps me to know who God is and his power.  

How does what you read change your vision of yourself and others?

Knowing this scripture, I am fearful and confused about how God uses his power.  I am wondering if he uses it in this same way today for his own agenda whether that is to humble or to strengthen or to refresh or to renew or to bring our focus back to him.  Those that endure this in the Bible never seem to enjoy the outcome and I wouldn’t want to be that person in those moments, however; David’s confidence in God is admirable.

How will you go with God because of this reading?  (What is an action step)

This makes me just want to please God and to glorify him in everything I do.  To not disobey or cause him anger. To love him by learning to know his will and show him proper respect.  I may not have a prophet here to go to but I can pray to see him more clearly or seek him in his word.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?

When David built the altar, Araunah offered him oxen to use for the burnt offering but David wanted to pay for them.  David’s heart was to make sure the offering was a sacrifice for himself. He wanted to feel the cost of his sin. This reminded me of when Jesus did not take the gall so that he could feel everything and the burden of it all while he was on the cross.  David also paid more for the oxen than what Judas paid to betray Jesus. Even that makes me think how much greater a betrayal that was, Jesus wasn’t even traded for more than an ox.

Gabriel Cross

3.31.2020

2 Samuel 19-20

David is the king of Israel.  His son, Absalom rebelled against him and aimed for the throne.  So, David’s troops killed Absalom. After all, Absalom had become an enemy of Israel.  When David heard the news of Absalom’s death he wept and mourned. All of his troops were disheartened, for they had just won the battle.  They went from victory to a feeling of shame, even though they put their lives on the line to protect the king. Joel, a trusted soldier and ally, rebuked David for that.  He told him that David would be left alone with no followers if he didn’t clean up his act and be their king properly. David cleaned up his act. Then, there was more division with the people of Israel from Saul’s reign and the people from Judah.  So Sheba, a Benjamite, convinced all of the men of Israel to abandon the kingdom and David. Sheba hid in the city Abel Beth Maakah while David’s men were preparing for the battle. They marched to the city but a wise woman asked what they wanted to protect her city.  Once she heard that they just wanted Sheba’s head she talked to her people and cooperated. Sheba was no more.

2 Samuel 19:5-8 “Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men.”” 

This was amazing to me because David was missing something very important.  No, mourning one’s son isn’t bad, but David had an entire people to honor and encourage.  What Joab said was harsh but it might have just saved David and God’s people.

This elevates my vision of God by reminding me that God will help me through a tough situation by putting something rough in my path.  He may present something to me that I don’t want to hear or deal with, but is absolutely for my sake and for the people close to me. God always has a plan and we just have to trust in it.

This affects my vision for others because it reminds me to not be prideful to people and their words, even kids.  I should listen to what people say, especially if they are disciples, for they have the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

Going onward from here, to actually make a change in my life I will 1. cherish the important and good situations in my life, and 2. listen.  Just listen. It seems easy to me but it, in fact, is very easy for me to do the opposite.

This reminded me of Luke 9:60 when Jesus had told a man that wanted to follow him to let the dead bury the dead in response to the man wanting to bury his father first.  It makes me think of the idea of putting God and His plan above everything in my life. It’s very tough, but very beautiful.

Jennifer Gonzalez

3.30.2020

2 Samuel 15-18

In Chapters 15-18, Absalom begins to petition and plot to overthrow this father King David, the hurt, anger, and the sin of unforgiveness has blinded him to the love he truly has for his Father. 2 Samual 15:2 “And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.” Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.”  After 4 years he has a huge following and is ready to overthrow and kill his father, King David. A war is waged and ultimately King David’s men take the life of Absalom.  

2 Samuel 18:5   “And the king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders about Absalom.

How does what you read change your vision of God? This impacted me because the sinful lack of forgiveness destroyed their relationship, and ultimately lead to Absalom’s death. I think of how we can hold grudges and hurt that not only damage our relationship with the people we care about but also damage our relationship with God.  We feel justified in our anger, (sin) and therefore justified in how ever we chose to react.  

How will you Go With God because of this reading? To keep communication open, to talk and share my feelings, hurts, and to be open about my sin. To let God in, and let His servants, (my brothers and sisters in Christ) help me and for me to help them as well. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)  I see Jesus in David’s unconditional love for his son, wanting his life spared, he forgave his son, just as Jesus forgave his betrayers.

Cassie Bryant

3.28.2020

2 Samuel 11-14

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

David seduces his general Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and then when he finds out she is pregnant he urges Uriah to sleep with her so he will think it is his. Since Uriah would not, David arranges for Uriah to die in battle. God and the prophet Nathan help set him right, but the child David conceives with Bathsheba (now his wife) dies as punishment, despite David’s attempts to fast and repent. God allows David to have more sons. David suffers his greatest tribulations when his son Absalom revolts. Absalom had originally murdered his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar—though he’s forgiven for this unauthorized act of vengeance, he ends up leading a popular rebellion. Against David’s orders, his top general, Joab, kills Absalom on the field of fight, causing David to lock himself in his room, weeping. Joan tried to get a woman to trick/convince David to forgive Absalom and let him return home. 

What is one key verse?

“Joab your servant has done this to address the issue indirectly, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the Angel of God, knowing everything on earth.””

‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭14:20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

How does what you read change your vision of God?

God is very patient, loving, and forgiving. His people were crazy. If God calls David, a man who committed adultery and then kills the husband amongst other sin, a man after his own heart then there is hope for the rest of us sinners as well!

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

This shows me the importance of taking a step back and reflecting on the choices I want to make instead of acting out of fear or emotions. There was so much trickery and deceit when people felt ashamed of their choices. Instead we should confront our sin directly and be humble to admit our wrong doing. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Acknowledge my sin and confess it regularly. See sin for what it is and get rid of it instead of covering it up. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus confronted our sin directly as he died on the cross. He didn’t phone in a friend but personally acknowledges how sinful we are and that we need his sacrifice to be made holy. 

Alex Bryant

3.27.2020

2 Samuel 8-10

Summary:

There are a lot of great lessons in these chapters!  It all begins with a summary of some of David’s victories, over the Philistines, Moabites, Hadadezer king of Zobah, Syria, and the Edomites.

After that, David extends kindness to the house of Saul for the sake of his friendship with Jonathan by creating a permanent seat at the king’s table for one of Saul’s few surviving descendents, Mephibosheth, who was Jonathan’s son.

Later, David sends messengers to console the new King of Ammon after his father dies, but his message is misinterpreted as spying and the servants are humiliated by the Ammonites.  This obviously does not sit well with David, and the Ammonites realize they might be in trouble, so they appeal to the Syrians to help them, and muster an army.  David hears about it and sends his own army to make war with them, which they do, and the Israelites win, causing Syria to think twice before coming to Ammon’s defense again.

2 Samuel 9:1

“And David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?'” 

This verse stuck out to me because Saul had just spent the last several years pursuing David out of jealousy, because he knew that God had taken the kingdom away from him and given it to David. Saul’s spite caused David to have to flee his home nation and live on the run for a long time, even while David meant no harm to Saul, content to patiently wait until the Lord decided it was his time to reign.

It is clear from this section that David is setting up a new kind of kingdom.  One not based on power and self-glorification, but on justice, equity, and righteousness.

He overlooks the offenses of Saul and extends an invitation to a remaining member of his household due to his friendship and loyalty to Jonathan.  Rather than repaying evil for evil and wiping out Saul’s line, he breaks that cycle with kindness and ensures that it will live on through Mephibosheth.

How does what you read change your vision of God?

This passage is a really good indication of what God saw in David’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and why David is often remembered, even despite his mistakes (and there were many) as a righteous man and the greatest king of Israel.  God values the character that it takes to overlook offenses and quickly extend kindness and forgiveness rather than one who pursues revenge.

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

Sometimes I find myself unable to let go of minor offenses and I allow them to drive a wedge in my relationship with the person.  This passage helped me realize that this isn’t a quality that God values in me.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I want to be better at overlooking offenses, and to be quick to forgive and be intentional in finding ways to show kindness to people, especially people I may struggle with.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Jesus exemplified this perfectly, both in his teaching and in his life.  Forgive 70×7 times, and of course he backed up his talk by dying on the cross, even for those who betrayed, falsely accused, mocked, and abused him.