Day 144 One Year Bible Read Along

1 Chronicles 22-24

These chapters of 1 Chronicles underscore the transition from King David's reign to Solomon's future kingship and the preparations for the construction of the temple.

Chapter 22 begins with David consecrating the site for the future temple – the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite that he purchased earlier. He also gathers vast quantities of materials for the temple's construction. Acknowledging that his son Solomon is young and inexperienced, David charges him with the responsibility of building a temple for the Lord and encourages him to seek God wholeheartedly.

In Chapter 23, David makes Solomon king, marking the official transition of power. David also organizes the Levites, assigning them duties for the temple service. This change reflects the shift from the Levites' traditional role as bearers of the Ark to a range of religious, judicial, and administrative duties, indicating the evolution of Israel's religious institutions.

Chapter 24 narrates the organization of the priests into twenty-four divisions, who are to serve at the temple in rotation. David also organizes the other Levitical orders. All these arrangements prepare the nation for a smooth transition to temple worship.

Key People/Places/Events: David, Solomon, Ornan the Jebusite, future temple, Levites, Israel.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is David so invested in preparing for the construction of the temple despite knowing that he would not build it?
2. What advice does David give to Solomon, and what does it reveal about his hopes for Solomon and for Israel's future?
3. How do the reorganization and new assignments of the Levites reflect the changing religious practices of Israel?
4. How does David's meticulous planning for the temple and the organization of the priests demonstrate his commitment to God's worship?

John 8:28-59

This passage in John's Gospel continues the discourse between Jesus and the Pharisees, delving deeper into Jesus's identity and mission.

Jesus reasserts his divine origin and destiny, claiming that when he is lifted up (an allusion to his coming crucifixion), people will realize that he is who he claims to be. He insists that he does nothing on his own authority but speaks and acts in accordance with his Father.

In a charged conversation about spiritual lineage, Jesus confronts the Jews who claim Abraham as their father. Jesus states that if they were truly Abraham's children, they would follow Abraham's example and believe in him. He further declares that before Abraham was, "I am," a statement of timeless existence aligning him with God's self-identification to Moses in Exodus.

The discourse ends with the crowd attempting to stone Jesus for what they perceive as blasphemy, but he eludes them, showcasing the growing hostility towards Jesus and his teachings.

Key People/Places/Events: Jesus, the Pharisees, Abraham.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does Jesus's claim of being "lifted up" foreshadow his crucifixion, and what does it reveal about his divine mission?
2. Why does Jesus challenge the Jews' claim of Abraham as their father? How does this conversation illuminate the differences in their understanding of spiritual lineage and righteousness?
3. What is the significance of Jesus's statement, "before Abraham was, I am"? How does it assert his divinity?
4. How does this ongoing discourse with the Pharisees highlight the escalating conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities? How does this conflict reflect the broader theme of misunderstanding and unbelief?