Today’s Reading

II Samuel 21-22; Luke 22:1-30

Selected Verses

Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year. And David sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” II Samuel 21:1

For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed! Luke 22:22

Reflections

A famine came upon Israel. David understood that it was not due to bad luck or some unfortunate coincidence. He knew that God ruled over the harvest whether it be light or heavy. David turned to the Lord for answers and guidance. The Lord revealed to Him the reason for the famine. It had to do with the guilt incurred by Saul over the breaking of a treaty with the Gibeonites and the attempt to annihilate them. Though the treaty itself was foolish and based on deception, God held Israel responsible to maintain their integrity and honor the treaty perpetually (Joshua 9). Seven of Saul’s descendants were executed to satisfy the demand for justice. The famine ended.

In Jesus' final days before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion we are allowed to see all the forces at work to bring Him down. The chief priests and scribes were plotting to kill Him. Satan was entering into Judas. The disciples were preparing for the Passover and arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus was serving and teaching them the meaning of His death.

In a matter of a few hours all these protagonists would converge in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the final act would begin on Jesus’ earthly ministry. Was it a coincidence? No, not at all. It was by God’s decree that all this would come about at that precise moment for the salvation of the nations.

Think about it

Are the random incidents in your life really random or are they carefully sent by God according to His plan? Do you ask "why this?" or "why now?" How would it change your attitude to have a clearer conviction about the providence of God? Yes, God does schedule things--all things. We may not always understand God's actions and timing, but we can always be sure it is Him who is doing it. Furthermore, He has a purpose and plan for our good and His glory.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission