May 31- Wise Counsel

May 31, 2011

Scripture Readings:
2 Samuel 17; John 19:23-42;
Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 12-13

Where no counsel is, the people will fail; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. 
~Proverbs 11:14

2 Samuel 17

In the United States government in the executive branch, the President of the United States has a cabinet of advisers who meet with him regularly to give their opinions on every decision he or she will make as president.  Acting as counselors on a variety of subjects, they can give their opinion before the president proposes national legislation, budgets, or plans for war. This protects the president from unwise decisions that may impact millions of people. Today, David has wisely placed his good friend, Hushai, as a counselor to his rebellious son, Absalom.


Hushai's advice, which contradicts Ahithophel's advice to take a small band of warriors and surprise attack David, is followed to form a large army to go against David using men from all across Israel.  This strategy gives Hushai time to warn David to flee across the Jordan River and prepare. Because he was publicly disgraced, Ahithophel commits suicide.  Wise counselors can make all of the difference in the outcome of a country's destiny.

Do you seek wise counsel for large decisions in your life?  Scripture encourages us to seek advice from other's that we trust.


John 19:23-42

John lets us know that Scripture was fulfilled as Jesus suffered and died on the cross. John points out that Psalm 22:18 was fulfilled when the Roman soldiers divided Jesus' clothes among themselves and rolled dice for his robe. It was also a fulfillment of Scripture when Jesus declared from the cross that he was thirsty. This was predicted in Psalm 22:15 and Psalm 69:21. John confirms that, as he was suffering, Jesus appointed John to become the caregiver for his mother, Mary.  Jesus had other siblings, but he knew that John would be the longest living disciple of them all.  He, alone, would live long enough to care for Mary in her old age.

What a beautiful picture of honoring his mother, even as he was dying.  One of Jesus' last acts on earth was to honor his mother. Once Jesus declared that It is Finished, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.  Because he died fairly quickly, Jesus' legs were not broken and he was speared in the side, resulting in both water and blood flowing forth from his body. These actions fulfilled multiple Old Testament prophecies found in  Numbers 9:12, Exodus 12:46, Psalm 34:20 and Zechariah 12:10.

Joseph of Arimathea provided a never used tomb for Jesus' burial.  John tells us that it was not far from the crucifixion site.

John's account of Jesus' death is somewhat factual and without emotion. John is portraying Jesus as God who controlled his own destiny and gave up his life willingly and in accordance with God's Word as given by the prophets of old. Jesus fulfilled his purpose on earth.

Do you honor your parents?  If so, how?  Do you know God's purpose in your life?

Psalm 119:129-152

I still like to picture Jesus saying the words of this psalm.  It is his voice and his truth.

Proverbs 16:12-13

A king likes righteous people.  They are a blessing to him.  Have you claimed righteousness through Jesus' death so that you are a blessing to Jesus, our King.

What did you see today?  Will you share?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011

P.S.  Yesterday I thanked God for my son's marriage to a beautiful girl.  Today, I thank God for giving me 25 years of marriage to a wonderful man.  Twenty-five years ago today, I married my best friend.  God has blessed me with a caring husband who has provided me with two beautiful children, a life of steadfast love, and the joy of knowing that a trustworthy and faithful partner is a blessing beyond words.  Thank you, God, for how you have given me so many years of sharing life with this amazing man.