1KINGS 17-18:We've arrived at the narrative of the different kings of Judah (which now includes the smaller tribe of Benjamin) and the kings of Israel (consisting of the 10 other tribes, sometimes called the Northern Kingdom). The kings on Israel's side changed more rapidly and were 100% bad, while there was a mixed record among the kings of Judah. It will help your understanding to observe the section headings (which I normally do not read), and to try to remember which kingdom is being talked about. Note in yesterday's reading how prophecy was fulfilled again and again. And although Baasha fulfilled the murderous prophecy against the house of Jeroboam, in chapter 16 verse 7, in God's view the murders he committed were still counted against Baasha as sin. God's sovereignty and omniscience does not conflict with our own personal responsibility for sin.

PSALM 120:Psalm 120 is the first of the Songs 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.

JOHN 9: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.

NLT Translation notes:John 9:22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from [all] the synagogue[s].23 That's why they said, "He is old enough. Ask him."26 "But what did he do [to you]?" they asked. "How did he heal you?"28 Then they [hurled insults at//cursed] him and said, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses!33 If this man were not from God, he couldn't [do anything like this!//have done it.]"34 "You were born a total sinner!" they answered. "[And now you think you are smart enough to teach us!//Are you trying to teach us?]" And they threw him out of the synagogue.37 "You have seen him," Jesus said, "and he is speaking to you [now]!"39 Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment— [to cause the blind to see, and to cause those who think that they can see to become blind."//to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."][The word 'show' is not in the Greek, and I do not agree with adding it. Unfortunately, on earth at least, only a percentage are shown that they are spiritually blind. The blind often take their blindness to the grave. That is the danger that Jesus is warning the Pharisees about.]40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and [replied/asked], "Are you saying we're blind?"41 "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.