Day 142 One Year Bible Read Along

1 Chronicles 16-18

In these chapters of 1 Chronicles, we see King David's efforts in establishing proper worship and further consolidating his kingdom.

Chapter 16 describes the joyful celebrations that followed the Ark of the Covenant's arrival in Jerusalem. David arranges for Levites to continually minister before the Ark, signifying the resumption of regular worship. A major highlight is David's song of thanksgiving to God, expressing gratitude and acknowledgment of God's power and faithfulness.

In Chapter 17, David expresses a desire to build a temple for the Lord. However, the prophet Nathan receives a message from God that David will not build the temple, but his descendant will. This divine covenant, known as the Davidic Covenant, promises that David's lineage will always have a man on the throne of Israel, foreshadowing the future Messiah from David's lineage.

Chapter 18 narrates David's military victories over surrounding nations, showing the expansion of his kingdom. David establishes justice and righteousness in the land, underscoring his capable leadership under God's favor.

Key People/Places/Events: David, Ark of the Covenant, Levites, Nathan, Davidic Covenant, surrounding nations.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does David's song of thanksgiving reveal about his understanding of God and His acts in Israel's history?
2. How does the Davidic Covenant shape the future of Israel and its expectation of the Messiah?
3. How do David's military victories contribute to the establishment of his reign and Israel's standing among the nations?
4. How does the focus on worship in these chapters reflect the central role of religious practices in Israel's national identity?

John 7:28-53

In this section of John's Gospel, Jesus continues his teachings during the Feast of Tabernacles, leading to increased controversy surrounding his identity.

Jesus further asserts his divine origin, asserting that he was sent by the one who is true (God), but the people do not know God. His statement increases the tension among the crowd, leading to unsuccessful attempts to seize him.

On the last day of the Feast, Jesus speaks about the "living water" he can provide, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. His words cause divisions among the crowd, some believing in him as the Prophet or the Messiah, while others doubting because they know his earthly origins.

The religious leaders and Pharisees attempt to arrest Jesus but are unsuccessful. The guards, touched by Jesus' words, do not detain him, causing a heated debate among the religious leaders. Nicodemus, a Pharisee who earlier visited Jesus, defends him by pointing out their law's requirement to hear a person before judging them. The chapter ends with each person going home, leaving the controversy unresolved.

Key People/Places/Events: Jesus, the crowd, the Pharisees, Nicodemus, Feast of Tabernacles.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does Jesus's claim about the "living water" reveal about his role and the coming of the Holy Spirit?
2. Why do the guards decide not to arrest Jesus, and what does this indicate about the impact of Jesus's words?
3. How does the debate among the Pharisees showcase the various perspectives and responses to Jesus's teachings and claims?
4. Why does Nicodemus defend Jesus, and what does this suggest about his understanding or curiosity about Jesus?
5. How does the crowd's confusion and division over Jesus's identity reflect the complex nature of Jesus's mission and message?