Today’s Bible Reading

August 3

Old Testament I
1 Samuel 8:1 - 9:14
1 Samuel 8:1-22

In this passage, the elders of Israel come to Samuel and request that he appoint a king to rule over them, as they desire to be like the other nations. Samuel warns them of the consequences of having a king, such as taxation and military conscription, but the people insist on having one. God instructs Samuel to grant their request, but warns him to make it clear to the people what they are getting themselves into.

1 Samuel 9:1-14

This passage introduces us to Saul, who is from the tribe of Benjamin and is described as handsome and tall. Saul's father sends him and a servant to search for some lost donkeys, and they end up in the land of Zuph where they meet Samuel. God had already revealed to Samuel that Saul was the one who would become the first king of Israel, so he invites Saul to stay and dine with him. The next day, Samuel anoints Saul as king in private, but does not yet reveal it to the people.

Old Testament II
Isaiah 49
Isaiah 49 is a chapter in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, which contains prophetic messages from God to the Israelites. The chapter begins with a message from God to the prophet Isaiah, saying that he has been called to be a servant and a light to the nations.

The chapter then focuses on the Servant of the Lord, who is identified as Israel. The Servant is called to restore the people of Israel and to bring salvation to the world. God promises to protect and strengthen the Servant, and to use him to bring light to the Gentiles.

The chapter goes on to describe the mission of the Servant in more detail. The Servant will gather the exiles of Israel and bring them back to their homeland. He will also be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.

The chapter concludes with a message of hope and promise. God assures the people of Israel that he has not forgotten them, and that he will restore them and make them a blessing to the world. He promises to provide for them and protect them, and to bring them peace and prosperity.

Overall, Isaiah 49 is a message of hope and restoration for the people of Israel, as well as a call to faithfulness and obedience to God. It speaks to the idea that God has a plan and purpose for each of us, and that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, he is working to bring about his purposes and to bring hope and redemption to the world.

New Testament
2 Corinthians 10
2 Corinthians 10 is a chapter in which the apostle Paul addresses criticism and opposition he has faced from some in the Corinthian church who have questioned his authority and credentials as an apostle. He defends his authority and ministry, and in doing so, he provides insights into the nature of Christian leadership and spiritual warfare.

Paul begins by acknowledging that some in the church have accused him of being "bold" and "courageous" only in his letters, but weak and unimpressive in person (10:1-2). He responds by saying that he is confident in his authority and ministry, but he does not rely on worldly methods of persuasion or manipulation. Instead, he relies on the power of God to bring down strongholds and arguments that are raised against the knowledge of God (10:3-6).

Paul then addresses the criticism that he is not a legitimate apostle, saying that he was appointed by God and has the authority to discipline and correct the church when necessary (10:7-11). He urges the Corinthians to look beyond outward appearances and recognize that true authority and authenticity come from God.

In the latter part of the chapter, Paul turns his attention to those who are promoting false teachings and claiming to have greater authority than he does. He warns that their boasting is not based on true spiritual authority, but on human arrogance and deceit (10:12-18). He urges the Corinthians to focus on the message of the gospel and not be distracted by those who seek to deceive them.

Overall, 2 Corinthians 10 emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power and authority in Christian leadership and spiritual warfare, and warns against those who seek to undermine or distort the true message of the gospel.