Other comments on this day's readings can be found here.
Reading 1 - 2Sa 10
In 2Sa 8 and 10, David's victories over the seven surrounding
kingdoms (Zobah, Philistia, Moab, Syria, Edom, Ammon, Amalek) secure his own
kingdom. In this they may be compared to the seven thunders of the Apocalypse --
in which Christ's kingdom subjugates the whole earth (Rev 10:3):
David first cleared Zion of enemies;
then he brought "ark" to Zion (in Last Days
terms, this may signify the glorified saints being established in Jerusalem);
and
finally, the seven campaigns extend and
secure the kingdom.
Reading 2 - Jer 14
"Jer 14 records events probably occurring in Jehoahaz's time,
or early in Jehoiakim's reign. The prophet spoke of drought in the reign of
Josiah (Jer 12:4). He here predicts it will reach serious proportions.
Deuteronomy predicts drought followed by captivity (Deu 28:23-25). Jeremiah
warns of the fulfilment despite the opposition of the false prophets (v 13) for
the people had broken the divine covenant (Jer 11).
"Jer 14; 15 concerns the drastic drought being experienced,
and outlines:
(1) Conditions in the Land: vv 1-6.
(2) Jeremiah's prayer for relief: vv 7-9.
(3) Yahweh's Answer: Pray not for them: vv 10-12.
(4) Dire punishment for the false prophets: vv 13-16.
(5) A graphic description of coming judgment: vv 17,18.
(6) Further pleading with Jeremiah: vv 19-22.
"Shocked by the picture thus presented the prophet attempts to
intercede for the people pleading with Yahweh for a way of escape. Sadly, the
conditions of drought are evidenced today. Not a drought from water, but from
the word of Yahweh. For this reason we are on the eve of the greatest moment in
history: the appearance of the Monarch who will restore the glory of Eden" (GE
Mansfield).
Reading 3 - Mat 25:6
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come
out to meet him' " (Mat 25:6).
"Hark! a cry is made, what means that sound I hear?
Quickly again 'tis echoed upon my listening ear:
'The Bridegroom comes!' Oh Joyful! Is he come at
last?
Is the morning truly here? Is the night for ever
past?
Shall we now be ever with him? Shall he raise us to his
throne?
Shall he change these mortal bodies: Make them like unto his
own?
Shall we see his glorious presence? Hear his greatly
longed-for voice?
Oh, quickly spread the tidings! Let all his saints
rejoice!
Yes, the groaning of his people he hath heard from ev'ry
land,
And now he comes to free them, in power to make them
stand.
They that with him have borne his cross, shall share with him
his crown.
For now he'll reign whose right it is, the ancient thrones
cast down.
The Bridegroom near approaches; he's even at the
door:
Haste, let your glad hosannahs our glorious Head
adore.
The time long promised has arrived, when earth again shall
bloom,
Again shall yield her richest fruits: again for joy make
room.
Lo! art thou he we long have loved, though ne'er till now have
seen?
Thy love to us, most wonderful, the source of ours has
been.
How gloriously fair thou art! Thy beauty all divine!
Can it be so, that such as we, made like to thee, shall
shine?
Oh, had we known but half thy worth, but half thy beauty
seen,
The treasures of thy love and power had oftener been our
theme,
Whilst travelling through the wilderness: thou say'st we've
borne for thee;
Ah! thou did'st suffer for us, even death upon the
tree.
We've sojourned long as strangers within a foreign
land;
The world around disowned us, by thee we took our
stand.
They know not thee, they knew not us and no abiding
place
We knew, but this we knew, that soon we'd see thee face to
face.
And now thou art come to us, how greatly we rejoice!
Like those of old, we now can say, we hear the Bridegroom's
voice.
Throughout the world the cry shall run, with gladness all
shall fill:
'Glory to God! and peace on earth, towards mankind goodwill!'
"