Pastor Bob DuPar
May 30, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11.

Observation

Today’s OT reading was a little weird, especially the part about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines in order to humiliate his father; and, that somehow this sinful act would strengthen his followers. Furthermore, the text says in 2 Samuel 16:23 that both David and Absalom regarded Ahithophel’s counsel the same as inquiring of the Lord. Well, the prophecy was certainly fulfilled that David’s family would put him to shame in broad daylight.

I love it when Jesus says to Pilate, “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11) This obviously affected Pilate because from this statement on Pilate tried to set Jesus free; and he was unwilling to change what he had written on the sign which hung above Jesus’ head on the cross. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and that perhaps He was important, but he abdicated his power in the end to do anything to help Jesus.

Application

Often I am like Pilate in that I have a sense of what is right but I fail to act and follow-through. James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” It doesn’t do any good to wash our hands of something and pass the blame on others if we have failed to uphold justice while we had the power to do so.

Prayer

“God, my prayer is the same as Psalm 119:125, ‘I am Your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”