Today’s Bible Reading

July 11

Old Testament I
Judges 4
Judges 4 tells the story of Deborah, a prophetess and judge who leads Israel during a time of oppression by the Canaanites. The chapter begins by describing the Israelites' disobedience and how they were handed over to King Jabin of Canaan, who oppressed them for twenty years.

Deborah, who sat under a palm tree between Ramah and Bethel, sent for Barak, the son of Abinoam, to deliver a message from God. She told him that God had commanded him to gather ten thousand men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun and go to Mount Tabor, where God would deliver King Jabin and his army into their hands.

Barak hesitated and insisted that Deborah accompany him into battle, to which she agreed but prophesied that the honor of defeating Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, would not be his but would belong to a woman.

Barak and his army marched to Mount Tabor, and God caused a torrential rain to flood the Kishon River, which prevented Sisera's army from fleeing. Barak's forces attacked and routed the Canaanites, and Sisera fled on foot to the tent of a woman named Jael, who gave him milk to drink and then killed him by driving a tent peg through his temple while he slept.

After the victory, Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise to God, acknowledging his power and sovereignty over their enemies. The chapter concludes with a description of peace and prosperity in the land for forty years.

Old Testament II
Isaiah 25
Isaiah 25 is a chapter of the Bible that focuses on the future hope and salvation of God's people. Here is a brief summary of the chapter:

Verse 1-5: The chapter begins with a hymn of praise to God for His judgment against the enemies of His people, particularly those who have oppressed them in the past. The prophet Isaiah declares that God has destroyed the city of the oppressors and made it a heap of ruins. He praises God for His faithfulness to His people, and for the strength and protection that He provides.

Verse 6-8: The prophet then describes a future feast that God will prepare for His people on Mount Zion. He promises that this will be a time of great joy and celebration, and that God will remove the shroud that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations. In other words, God will remove the spiritual blindness that has prevented people from seeing Him and understanding His ways.

Verse 9-12: The prophet then shifts his focus to the destruction of the enemies of God's people. He declares that the hand of the Lord will be upon these enemies, and that they will be brought down and trampled underfoot. He also declares that God's people will sing praises to Him, and that they will acknowledge His great deeds.

Verse 13-14: The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's power and might. The prophet declares that God is the one who has done great things, and that His name will be exalted above all others. He also declares that God will bring down the pride of His enemies, and that He will show mercy to His people.

In summary, Isaiah 25 is a chapter that focuses on God's future salvation of His people. It describes a time of great celebration and joy on Mount Zion, and promises the destruction of the enemies of God's people. The chapter concludes with a declaration of God's power and might, and a call to exalt His name above all others.

New Testament
1 Corinthians 4
1 Corinthians 4 begins with Paul explaining that he and the other apostles are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. They are accountable to God for their actions and should not be judged by others, as only God can truly judge them.
Paul goes on to address the Corinthians, who have been dividing themselves into factions and boasting about their spiritual gifts. He reminds them that everything they have comes from God and that they should not be arrogant or boastful. He also reminds them that the kingdom of God is not about talk, but about power, and that they should focus on living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul then contrasts the lives of the apostles, who suffer for the sake of the gospel, with the lives of the Corinthians, who are living in comfort and ease. He urges them to imitate the apostles and to be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel, just as Christ suffered for them.

Finally, Paul warns the Corinthians that he will be coming to them soon and that he will not be gentle with those who are causing divisions and strife. He reminds them that he has the authority of Christ and that they should obey him.

Overall, 1 Corinthians 4 emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience, and suffering for the sake of the gospel. It reminds us that we are all accountable to God and that we should not judge others, but instead focus on living in the power of the Holy Spirit and following the example of Christ and the apostles.