https://esv.literalword.com/?q=1+chron+8%3B+revelation+9
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 13 December 2022:
1 Chronicles 8:7-8 – Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera, that is, Heglam, who fathered Uzza and Ahihud. And Shaharaim fathered sons in the country of Moab after he had sent away Hushim and Baara his wives.
“These words illustrate the family history of primarily the tribe of Benjamin. These are the chosen people, yet full of defects just like you and me. For example, we see that a descendant of Benjamin brought forward children by another wife after he had “put away” a couple of others (1 Chron. 8:7,8.). Despite this, YHWH uses them and the chapter concludes with the sons of Ulam being declared mighty men and archers. They end up being prospered, despite their imperfections. This is good news.
There is also a flip side. Later in the narrative, we see a group who calls themselves ‘the children of Abraham’ being rebuked by the Messiah stating that ‘if you were [truly] Abraham’s children, you would do the works/actions of Abraham’ (John 8:39). The Messiah doesn’t declare his lineage as his reason for being right with God and His Laws/Ways. He simply states, ‘Follow me’ (Matt 4:19). Follow my example. He doesn’t say ‘Go ahead while I wait here’ as many leaders do. He says ‘follow me’ or, in other words, ‘do as I do.’
Leadership is not about position; it is about character. Are you a leader for God?” (Nicholas Arroyave Howling-Crane
Literature Evangelist, Beaufort, South Carolina USA)
Revelation 9:4, 5 – They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone.
Only God’s seal protects a person during the final tribulation.
In His mercy and grace, God places limits on the satanic tormentors.
Revelation 9:11 – They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.
“Abaddon” and “Apollyn” mean “Destruction” or “Destroyer.”
Revelation 9:21 – … nor did they repent of their murders… or their sexual immorality.
The Bible considers sexual immorality to be as destructive as murder. Do you?
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 13 December 2022: Today, lead by example by following Jesus in obedience to His word. Don’t deceive yourself by studying God’s word but not actually doing it.
- James 1:22 — But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
- Luke 11:28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 