Today’s Bible Reading

September 1

Old Testament I
2 Samuel 16, 17
2 Samuel 16:

In this chapter, David is on the run from his son Absalom, who has rebelled against him and taken over the city of Jerusalem. As David and his followers flee, they encounter a man named Shimei, who curses and throws stones at David, blaming him for the troubles that have befallen Israel. David's loyal followers offer to kill Shimei, but David forbids it, saying that perhaps God has sent Shimei to curse him. As they continue on their journey, they meet a man named Ziba, who brings them supplies and claims that he has come to help David. Later, David's trusted advisor Ahithophel joins Absalom's side, and David prays for God's guidance.

2 Samuel 17:

This chapter continues the story of Absalom's rebellion against his father David. Absalom seeks advice from two of his advisors, Ahithophel and Hushai, about how to defeat David's army. Ahithophel advises Absalom to pursue and kill David immediately, while Hushai suggests a more cautious approach that will give David time to regroup his forces. Absalom ultimately follows Hushai's advice, and David and his men are able to escape and regroup. Meanwhile, Ahithophel becomes disillusioned with Absalom's cause and commits suicide. David's forces are able to defeat Absalom's army in battle, and Absalom himself is killed by David's soldiers. Despite David's victory, he is deeply saddened by the loss of his son.

Old Testament II
Jeremiah 1
Jeremiah 1 begins with an introduction to the prophet Jeremiah, who is called by God to be a prophet to the nations. God speaks to Jeremiah, telling him that before he was even born, God knew him and had a plan for his life. Jeremiah is told that he will be a prophet to the nations, and that he must speak God's words fearlessly, even in the face of opposition.

God then shows Jeremiah a vision of an almond tree, and tells him that just as the almond tree is the first tree to bloom in the spring, so too will God's word be fulfilled quickly. Jeremiah is then shown a vision of a boiling pot, which represents the judgment that is coming upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Jeremiah is told to gird up his loins and prepare himself for the work of prophesying. God promises to be with him and to deliver him from his enemies. Jeremiah is also given a message of judgment against Judah, warning of the destruction that will come upon the nation if they do not turn back to God.

Despite his reluctance and fear, Jeremiah accepts God's call to be a prophet and begins his ministry, preaching God's word to the people of Judah.

New Testament
Galatians 3:15-29
In Galatians 3:15-29, Paul addresses the issue of the role of the law in the life of the believer. He argues that the law was given as a temporary measure until Christ came, and now that Christ has come, believers are no longer under the law but are instead under grace.

Paul begins by making the point that even human covenants, once established, cannot be altered or nullified. He then applies this principle to the covenant that God made with Abraham and his offspring, which promised that all nations would be blessed through his seed. Paul argues that this promise was fulfilled through Christ, who is the true seed of Abraham. Therefore, the law that was given 430 years after the promise to Abraham cannot nullify or add to that promise.

Paul then goes on to explain the purpose of the law. He argues that the law was given because of transgressions, to make them known and to lead people to Christ. He says that the law was like a tutor that led people to Christ, but now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Paul then argues that all who are baptized into Christ have put on Christ and are therefore heirs according to the promise made to Abraham. He says that there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Christ. He concludes by saying that if we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham's offspring and heirs according to the promise.