Wow, there are quite a few names here that I read with a different pronunciation than is normal in English. Hope it doesn't put too many of you off! Today's reading is one of the most dramatic in all of Scripture: The time the prophet Elijah confronted King Ahab. Remember that in the New Testament James uses this story to encourage us that we are no different than Elijah and that we should pray fervently like him.
Today we have the first of the Psalms of Ascent. The HCSB Study Bible says this about the Songs of Ascent:
These psalms were designed for pilgrimage processions to celebrate seasonal feasts in Jerusalem. The hymns contain numerous references to Jerusalem or Zion, the temple, Israel, peace, and adversity. The 15 songs, adapted from ancient hymns heralding the blessings and salvation of Zion, may have been sung on the 15 steps leading up to the temple.
Remember that in John 8 there was a tense stand off between Jesus and the religious leaders. The people took up stones to kill Jesus. John places this story here to again illustrate the opposition to Jesus.
Ever since I was in high school this has been my favorite chapter of the Bible. This dates from the time that I found a tract from the American Bible Society in the rack in the foyer of our church. So in Indonesia also, I have made this chapter into a little book containing our translation. I like giving this chapter out to people I meet. Why? It is not because it answers people’s questions. It is because this chapter makes people ask the most important questions.
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