July 18

Judges 1
Jeremiah 14
Matthew 28
Acts 5

Daily Readings:

Judges 1

1 ¶  Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

2  And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

3  And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

4  And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

5  And they found Adonibezek in Bezek: and they fought against him, and they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites.

6  But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

7  And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

8  Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

9 ¶  And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley.

10  And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

11  And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher:

12  And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

13  And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

14  And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?

15  And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

16  And the children of the Kenite, Moses’ father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

17  And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

18  Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.

19  And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

20  And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

21 ¶  And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

22  And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.

23  And the house of Joseph sent to descry Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

24  And the spies saw a man come forth out of the city, and they said unto him, Shew us, we pray thee, the entrance into the city, and we will shew thee mercy.

25  And when he shewed them the entrance into the city, they smote the city with the edge of the sword; but they let go the man and all his family.

26  And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day.

27  Neither did Manasseh drive out the inhabitants of Bethshean and her towns, nor Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns: but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

28  And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out.

29  Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them.

30  Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries.

31  Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

32  But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.

33  Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.

34  And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley:

35  But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.

36  And the coast of the Amorites was from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Jeremiah 14

1 ¶  The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth.

2  Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are black unto the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.

3  And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.

4  Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.

5  Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook it, because there was no grass.

6  And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because there was no grass.

7  O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

8  O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land, and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for a night?

9  Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

10 ¶  Thus saith the LORD unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the LORD doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.

11  Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.

12  When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

13  Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

14  Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

15  Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

16  And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

17 ¶  Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

18  If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

19  Hast thou utterly rejected Judah? hath thy soul lothed Zion? why hast thou smitten us, and there is no healing for us? we looked for peace, and there is no good; and for the time of healing, and behold trouble!

20  We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

21  Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.

22  Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O LORD our God? therefore we will wait upon thee: for thou hast made all these things.

Matthew 28

1 ¶  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

5  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

9  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

11 ¶  Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

12  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

13  Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

14  And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

15  So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

16 ¶  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 5

1 ¶  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6  And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9  Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10  Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

12 ¶  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

13  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

14  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

17 ¶  Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18  And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19  But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

20  Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

21  And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22  But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

23  Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24  Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

25  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26 ¶  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35  And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38  And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39  But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Mediation of the Day: from Charles J Rolls’ book, ‘Time’s Noblest Name’

O3-O01 The Offspring of David1 O3-O02 The Offspring of David2 O3-O03 The Offspring of David3 O3-O04 The Offspring of David4

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