March 2 JESUS LOVES ME Anna B. Warner, 1820–1915 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Luke 18:17) The story is told of a brilliant professor at Princeton Seminary who always left his graduation class with these words: “Gentlemen, there is still much in this world and in the Bible that I do not understand, but of one thing I am certain—‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so’—and gentlemen, that is sufficient!” Without doubt the song that has been sung more by children than any other hymn is this simply stated one by Anna Warner. Written in 1860, it is still one of the first hymns taught to new converts in other lands. Miss Warner wrote this text in collaboration with her sister Susan. It was part of their novel Say and Seal, one of the best selling books of that day. Today few individuals would know or remember the plot of that story, which once stirred the hearts of many readers. But the simple poem spoken by one of the characters, Mr. Linden, as he comforts Johnny Fax, a dying child, still remains the favorite hymn of countless children around the world. Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak but He is strong. Jesus loves me! loves me still, tho I’m very weak and ill, that I might from sin be free, bled and died upon the tree. Jesus loves me! He who died heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, let His little child come in. Jesus loves me! He will stay close beside me all the way. Thou hast bled and died for me; I will henceforth live for Thee. Chorus: Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. William Bradbury, the composer of the music, was one of the leading contributors to the development of early gospel music in America. He became recognized as one of the pioneers in children’s music both for the church and in the public schools. In 1861 Bradbury composed the music for Anna Warner’s text and personally added the chorus to her four stanzas. The hymn appeared the following year in Bradbury’s hymnal collection, The Golden Sower. It had an immediate response.
For Today: Genesis 33:5; Psalm 127:3; Matthew 11:25; Mark 10:16
“If there is anything that will endure the eye of God, because it still is pure, it is the spirit of a little child, fresh from His hand, and therefore undefiled.” Ask God to give you this kind of spirit.
“My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it” (1 Chron. 22:5).Trusting the promise that his son would construct the temple he had yearned to build, David dedicated his last years to making preparations for a structure he would never see. We too are wise to prepare for a future beyond the span of our years here on earth.
Definition of Key Terms
Levites.
The descendants of Levi were set aside during the Exodus to serve God. In that age their primary duty was to assist the priests and to take down, set up, and transport the tabernacle and its sacred objects. With a permanent temple about to be built, the Levites’ duties had to be rethought. David gave much time to planning the duties of the Levites and organizing the tribe for temple service.
Overview
David made preparations for the temple Solomon was to build (22:1–13). He assembled materials (vv. 14–19), organized tasks for the Levites (23:1–32; 24:20–31) and serving priests (vv. 1–19), trained musicians (25:1–31), assigned guards (“gatekeepers”) (26:1–19), and created other offices (vv. 20–32). David also reorganized the army (27:1–34). Near the end David charged Israel’s officials to accept Solomon as king, and presented Solomon with detailed plans for the temple (28:1–21). David and others gave generously to the temple project, and David dedicated the gifts (29:1–20). David placed Solomon on his throne (vv. 21–25) and died (vv. 26–30).
Understanding the Text
“Devote your heart and your soul to seeking the Lord your God” 1 Chron. 22:1–19. David reminded Solomon of the promises God made to him, and exhorted his son to build the temple. But David was most concerned about Solomon’s personal rather than public commitment to God. Solomon had to be devoted to the Lord and obedient, or his accomplishments would be meaningless. The splendor of the temple Solomon was to construct, the activity of the Levites and priests carrying out their duties there, would all be empty if not motivated by love for the Lord. “David separated them into divisions” 1 Chron. 24:1–19. Each division of priests served for two weeks at the temple, then returned to their home cities. This plan was in use in Jesus’ time (see Luke 1:8). “David . . . set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals” 1 Chron. 25:1–31. One of David’s important contributions was to formally establish the role of music in worship. The “prophesying, accompanied” most probably indicates psalms set to music for public worship. Many of the psalms have musical notations in their superscriptions. “The divisions of the gatekeepers” 1 Chron. 26:1–19. The “gatekeepers” were armed Levites who occupied guard posts on the temple grounds. They not only were to keep order but also to protect the vast wealth to be assembled in temple treasure rooms. A variety of musical instruments were used in David’s time. These were played at feasts and celebrations. They also made a vital contribution to public worship, which in Israel often was infused with a vibrant sense of joyous excitment. Harps, lyres, cymbals, and different kinds of horns provided accompaniment for recitation of many of the Bible’s psalms. “The army divisions” 1 Chron. 27:1–24. Israel, like other states, relied on citizen armies. Farmers and artisans became soldiers in time of national emergency, and then returned to their homes. David’s innovation was to divide the citizen army into a dozen divisions of 24,000 men, each of which was on duty 1 month and off duty 11. The training provided during the duty month would keep Israel militarily strong and ready. David’s innovation was effective, and illustrates the modern doctrine of “peace through strength.” Not once during Solomon’s 40-year reign did Israel have to go to war. The military was ready—and unused. “He has chosen” 1 Chron. 28:1–21. For a third time, the writer of Chronicles refers to the Davidic Covenant (cf. also 17:1–15; 22:1–19). God had chosen David and lifted him up to be king. God also chose Solomon to succeed David and to build His temple. All that had happened was rooted in God’s sovereign choice. But God’s sovereign will does not rule out the exercise of man’s free will. It is the responsibility of those God has chosen to acknowledge the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. David’s words to Solomon might well be addressed to you and me. God has chosen us in Christ, and through Christ granted us forgiveness and new life. So we are to acknowledge God “and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (v. 9). As David promised, if we seek God we will find Him. But if we reject God, we will never experience His blessing.
DEVOTIONAL
Our Personal Treasures (1 Chron. 28–29)
David’s vision saw well beyond his time. David devoted his last years to planning a temple he knew he would not live to see. Then David took yet another step. He reported to an assembly of government officials, “I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God” (29:3). David’s example moved others to give as freely and wholeheartedly. He offered a prayer of dedication (vv. 10–13), and then explained his philosophy of giving. That explanation, taken to heart, can make our own giving joyous and spontaneous. What, then, did David understand about giving? David realized that “everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” God is the greatest Giver of all. We take no risk in giving His own back to Him. David realized that “our days on earth are like a shadow.” The person who piles up treasures on earth is foolish. The only way to keep our personal treasures forever is to give them away, for then we will have reward in heaven. David knew that God tests the heart and is pleased with integrity. God does not value the amount we give, but our intention. David gave “willingly and with honest intent.” His giving was an expression of the reality of his love for the Lord. If you and I adopt David’s viewpoint on material wealth, it will make a difference in our giving. But most important of all, trust in God’s ability to provide for us, and a perspective that values eternity more than time, will free us to experience giving as a joy and a true expression of our love for the Lord.
Personal Application
Giving is not a duty but a privilege.
Quotable
“The accumulation of vast wealth while so many are languishing in misery is a grave transgression of God’s law, with the consequence that the greedy avaricious man is never at ease in his mind: he is in fact a most unhappy creature.”—Pope John XXIII
GOD’S PROMISE TO DAVID 1 Chronicles 17–21“I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you” (1 Chron. 17:10).God’s faithfulness to His promises to David provided a foundation of hope for the tiny, postexilic Judean community of 450B.C God’s promises remain the basis of hope for us today.
Background
The Davidic Covenant.
God made a series of promises to David through Nathan the prophet. David would defeat his enemies and bring Israel peace. An offspring of David would build the temple David dreamed of constructing. One day David’s Offspring would be “set over My house and My [God’s] kingdom forever; His throne will be established forever.” Some elements of the promises to David were fulfilled in his lifetime. David did defeat Israel’s enemies, expand her territory, and win a reputation as Israel’s greatest king. Other elements were fulfilled in Solomon, who succeeded David and built the Jerusalem temple. But those elements of the promise concerning an eternal kingdom relate to an “Offspring” to be born in the distant future. As New Testament genealogies show, this distant Offspring was Jesus Christ, who as the Son of God is destined to rule eternally. The writer of the Book of Chronicles, intent on offering hope to his generation, reported the divine promise and in the next chapters showed that God was indeed faithful to His commitments in David’s own lifetime. As the Chronicles continue, the author will show that the promised temple was built, and in 2 Chronicles will show that a descendant of David always sat on Judah’s throne. God has been faithful, the Chronicler argues, so we can expect God to be faithful. One day a Descendant of David will restore the glory of Israel. He will live an endless life, and He will rule forever and ever.
Overview
David was not allowed to build a temple. But God promised to build David’s “house” (17:1–15), stunning Israel’s humble king (vv. 16–27). God’s faithfulness to the promise is shown by David’s victories (18:1–20:8). God used David’s sin to lead him to the site of the future temple (21:1–30).
Understanding the Text
“I will raise up your offspring to succeed you” 1 Chron. 17:1–15. God does not ask us to do great things for Him. Instead He seeks to do great things for and through us. The Lord refused David permission to build Him a temple. Instead God told David what He would do. What God intended to do for David was to make his name great and subdue all his enemies. David would have great success as a ruler (vv. 7–8, 10). What God intended to do through David was to make His people secure (v. 9), and from David’s family line raise up a Person who would rule God’s kingdom forever (vv. 11–14). This later prediction follows the “law of double fulfillment” which often governs interpretation of prophecy. The prophecy is fulfilled immediately, but that immediate fulfillment is a type of an ultimate fulfillment also intended. God did establish David’s son Solomon as king, gave him a peaceful rule, and permitted him to build God’s house. Yet in the distant future a far greater Offspring of David than Solomon would be born. That future Offspring will bring peace to the universe itself, and rule God’s entire kingdom, not just for a few years but forever. One of the lessons we learn from David is to submit to God so He can act for us. Only when we open our lives to the Lord and let Him act for us will God do great things through us. “The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went” 1 Chron. 18:1–20:8. When David became king, Israel was a small nation surrounded by powerful enemies. These chapters recount the military victories which enabled David to expand his kingdom and control adjacent lands. One incident reported in these chapters reveals David’s conviction that his victories could be won only with the help of the Lord. Deuteronomy 17:16 commanded that no king of Israel should obtain horses. This meant that Israel would have no cavalry and no chariot army, both important components of ancient armed forces. Chariots particularly were decisive weapons in many battles in the Middle East. Yet 2 Samuel 8:4 tells us that when David captured a thousand chariots from Hadadezer, he hamstrung all but a hundred chariot horses! This act, cutting the tendon in the horses’ forelegs, lamed the animals and made them unfit for warfare. David chose to obey God and rely completely on Him. He was not tempted to turn to the “super weapons” of the ancient world, for he knew that without God’s help they would be useless—and with God’s help chariots would be unnecessary. What a lesson for us today. We need not rely on the weapons of this world. Without God’s help, they are useless. And with God’s help, we do not need them. “A census of Israel” 1 Chron. 21:1–7. The Hebrew shatan means “adversary.” It is possible that it should be rendered this way in 21:1. In that case, Satan was not involved but it was the appearance of adversaries preparing for war against Israel that prompted David to take a military census. For some reason taking the census was wrong. Perhaps God had spoken against it. Perhaps it reflected a lack of trust in God. Whatever the reason, the act was sin, and God announced that He would punish David and Israel. We are not only to act in harmony with God’s Word, but also must examine our own motives. Romans reminds us, “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). “Tell David to go up and build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah” 1 Chron. 21:8–30. David selected his penalty, but when he saw the death of so many, David begged the Lord to punish him personally. Instead God told David to build an altar on Araunah’s threshing floor. This height just across from the present City of David was in fact the place where Abraham had come to offer up his son Isaac (Gen. 22). This was also the place which God had chosen for construction of the temple. The incident is prophetic, in that where David built an altar and offered a prayer that turned away divine judgment, Solomon would build a temple that symbolized God’s gracious presence with His people. There in the centuries to come Israel and Judah would also appeal to God. It was sin that brought David to the threshing floor to build an altar. Often sin would bring Judah to the temple built on that same threshing floor to seek forgiveness.
DEVOTIONAL
Claiming God’s Promises (1 Chron. 17)
I suppose, “Claim God’s promises” is one of the most frequent exhortations that Christians hear from the pulpit. Yet like much of religious jargon, that phrase may be puzzling to many. What does it mean to “claim God’s promises”? And how does a person go about doing it? David’s response to the wonderful promises the Lord made to him is one of Scripture’s clearest examples of claiming God’s promises. David shows us how we too are to respond to promises from God, to claim His promises for ourselves. (1) David expressed wonder at God’s goodness to him (vv. 16–19). (2) David praised God for His past acts on behalf of His people (vv. 20–22). (3) Finally David expressed confidence that God would “do as You promised.” David says, “You, O Lord, have blessed it, and it will be blessed forever” (vv. 23–27). How do we follow David’s pattern? When we find a promise in God’s Word, we are first to express our wonder at God’s goodness to us. We should then praise God, thinking of all He has done for us in Christ, and in our lives to date. Then we need to express our confidence that God will keep the promise He has made—and then live obediently in the conviction that God will do all He has said. If you and I claim God’s promises by finding them, thanking God for them, believing them, and then acting on them—we will find out how completely faithful the Lord is to His Word.
Personal Application
When you find a promise in Scripture, claim it as your own.
Quotable
“Faith makes all evil good to us, and all good better; unbelief makes all good evil, and all evil worse. Faith laughs at the shaking of the spear; unbelief trembles at the shaking of a leaf; unbelief starves the soul; faith finds food in famine, and a table in the wilderness. In the greatest danger, faith says, ‘I have a great God.’ When outward strength is broken, faith rests on the promises. In the midst of sorrow, faith draws the sting out of every trouble, and takes out the bitterness from every affliction.”—Robert Cecil
“You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will become their ruler” (1 Chronicles 11:2).Our greatest accomplishments may not be those noted by historians. Here the Chronicler reminds us of things which are important to the Lord.
Background
The Chronicler left out three elements of David’s story found in 1 Kings: the seven-year gap between David’s rule in Judah and over all Israel, David’s sin with Bathsheba, and the events surrounding Absalom’s rebellion. The writer did not intend to gloss over David’s faults but to focus on David’s achievements, and reveal what was most important in David to the Lord.
Overview
As king of Israel, David established a new capital (11:1–9). Notable are David’s ability to inspire loyalty (v. 10–12:40), to reawaken faith (13:1–14; 15:1–29), to make Israel secure (14:1–17), and to lead God’s people in worship of the Lord (16:1–43).
Understanding the Text
“It was called the City of David” 1 Chron. 11:1–9. When David was recognized as king by the entire nation, he selected a capital that lay on the border of the northern and southern sections, yet was part of neither’s territory. A person who seeks to unite a people must be careful not to show favoritism to any one faction. Parents should remember this principle. Because each child is unique, and because of age differences, we can’t treat all our children alike. Yet we must guard against showing favoritism, and let each child know he or she is loved as an individual. “Warriors who helped him in battle” 1 Chron. 12:1–40. David was notably successful in recruiting a committed fighting force, and in inspiring their loyalty. One incident is particularly interesting. When David expressed a longing for water from a spring near his home in Bethlehem, three of his followers broke through the lines of Philistines garrisoned there to get it for him. David refused to drink the water, but poured it out “before the Lord” (i.e., as an offering to God). David’s act was not rejection of the gift, but instead an expression of the value he placed on the lives of his men. It was right for men to risk their lives for the Lord, but not right to risk their lives to satisfy a longing of their leader. David’s concern for his men was one of the things which made him a great leader, and inspired loyalty in his followers. “Do it in the prescribed way” 1 Chron. 13:1–14; 15:1–29. David’s first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem failed because he loaded it on a cart rather than have it carried by Levites, as the Law prescribed. When David learned of this regulation, he understood why God had struck Uzzah, despite that individual’s good intentions in trying to steady the ark. Israel, and David, were reminded that God is truly holy, and that all His commandments must be obeyed. As David launched his rule of a united Israel, God’s Word alone could provide a foundation on which king and nation might stand. This gold-covered box was the most holy object in Israel’s religion. It contained memorials of the Exodus journey—the stone tablets of the Law, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. Most important, once a year on the Day of Atonement, the high priest poured sacrificial blood on its cover, to make an atonement for all the sins God’s people had committed. In bringing the ark to Jerusalem, David made that city Israel’s religious as well as political capital. “Shall I go and attack the Philistines?” 1 Chron. 14:1–17 The extent of Philistine domination is suggested in 11:18, which notes that they had established a garrison in Bethlehem. Bethlehem lies about seven miles east of Jerusalem. The Philistines, with their monopoly on iron weapons, had outposts deep in Israel’s central highlands! When David was made king, and given international recognition (cf. 14:1–2), the Philistines decided to invade in force. If they could kill or discredit David their domination of Israel would continue. But why is this story found here, interrupting the story of David’s effort to bring the ark to Jerusalem? Very likely to show how well David had learned the lesson taught in Uzzah’s death. In military affairs as in religion, it was vital to seek God’s guidance. So, the text tells us, David “inquired of God” and, following the Lord’s directions, defeated the Philistines. David was able to make his people secure because he sought and did the will of God. “He blessed the people in the name of the Lord” 1 Chron. 16:1–43. One of David’s most important contributions to the life of Israel was his renewed emphasis on worship. This theme, developed later, is introduced here with the celebration held when the ark entered Jerusalem, and the psalm of thanks David wrote and gave to Asaph for use in public services. As in all true worship, David’s psalm celebrates the Lord, and honors Him for His many marvelous qualities. If you or I ever feel uncertain about how to come to God in prayer, meditation on this or another of David’s worship psalms can tune our hearts to sing God’s praise.
DEVOTIONAL
Inspiring Loyalty (1 Chron. 11–12)
One definition of a leader is, “He’s a person who figures out where everyone is going, and gets out in front!” A better definition is, “A leader is someone who knows where he or she is going, and inspires others to come along.” The ability to inspire loyalty in others was one of David’s greatest gifts. If you or I are to have a significant impact in our church or community, we need to follow David’s lead and inspire loyalty in others. What does this extended passage on David’s “mighty men” and his army teach us about inspiring loyalty? Note first the quality of the men who joined David (11:1–47). The Hebrew word gibborim, frequently translated “mighty men,” might be rendered “war heroes.” Each of these men was an ancient “Rambo.” But each, rather than run off on his own, joined David and served under him. To inspire loyalty, we need to appreciate others and give them opportunities to use their abilities. We shouldn’t be threatened if we work or minister with people who excel. David was generous in his appreciation for his war heroes, and gave them a significant role in his army. When we help others achieve, we earn their loyalty. Note the steady increase of loyal men as “day after day men came to help David” (12:19–22). The men who came to join David did so not only because of his reputation, but to help David “against raiding bands” (v. 21). Even before David was made king, he fought against the enemies of God’s people. To inspire loyalty we need to have a cause that motivates others to join us. Note that literally thousands of Israelites finally “volunteered to serve in the ranks” of David’s army, and to make him king (vv. 23–40). David’s reputation, earned over many years of struggle, won over the whole nation. If we want others to be loyal to us, we must first be committed to a cause. David had remained steadfast in his purpose, and won the respect of all people.
Personal Application
When God calls you to lead, seek others with ability, give them significant tasks, and be committed to your cause.
Quotable
“A great leader never sets himself above his followers except in carrying responsibilities.”—Jules Ormont
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth – Before the earth brought forth or produced the mountains. In the description of the creation it would be natural to represent the mountains as the first objects that appeared, as emerging from the waters; and, therefore, as the “first” or “most ancient” of created objects. The phrase, therefore, is equivalent to saying, Before the earth was created. The literal meaning of the expression, “were brought forth,” is, in the Hebrew, “were born.” The mountains are mentioned as the most ancient things in creation, in Deuteronomy 33:15. Compare Genesis 49:26; Habakkuk 3:6.
Or ever thou hadst formed – literally, “hadst brought forth.” Compare Job 39:1.
The earth and the world – The word “earth” here is used to denote the world as distinguished either from heaven Genesis 1:1, or from the sea Genesis 1:10. The term “world” in the original is commonly employed to denote the earth considered as “inhabited,” or as capable of being inhabited – a dwelling place for living beings.
Even from everlasting to everlasting – From duration stretching backward without limit to duration stretching forward without limit; that is, from eternal ages to eternal ages; or, forever.
Thou art God – Or, “Thou, O God.” The idea is, that he was always, and ever will be, God: the God; the true God; the only God; the unchangeable God. At any period in the past, during the existence of the earth, or the heavens, or before either was formed, he existed, with all the attributes essential to Deity; at any period in the future – during the existence of the earth and the heavens, or beyond – far as the mind can reach into the future, and even beyond that – he will still exist unchanged, with all the attributes of Deity. The creation of the universe made no change in him; its destruction would not vary the mode of his existence, or make him in any respect a different being. There could not be a more absolute and unambiguous declaration, as there could not be one more sublime, of the eternity of God. The mind cannot take in a grander thought than that there is one eternal and immutable Being.
This is my personal collection of thoughts and writings, mainly from much smarter people than I, which challenge me in my discipleship walk. Don't rush by these thoughts, but ponder them.
Milo 