The Story that Changes Everything: Recent Episodes
Dr. T. Scott Daniels
The Story that Changes Everything is a podcast hosted by pastor and professor Dr. Scott Daniels. The podcast serves as a guide for people who want to read through the Scripture in a year. Each day Dr. Daniels shares his reflections so that readers can get the most out of their journey. In addition to the daily podcasts, longer interviews will take place with various commentary writers for those who want to go even more in-depth into the beauty and truth of the Bible.
After a break of about 160 years, the voice of comfort breaks into exile and speaks words of hope and newness for God's people.
Hezekiah responds to the threats of Sennacherib by running to the temple and throwing himself down in prayer and in trust in God. God not only delivers him from Assyria but from illness as well.
The places that flourish with injustice will be devastated, and the places of desertion and barrenness will be renewed in God's great reversal. These texts also step back into history with the trash-talk of Assyria against Jerusalem and Judah's God.
The woes continue, but there is hope that God will bring about a new king who will be the source of God's sustained peace.
The question is one of security for Isaiah. Where do the leaders of God's people find their hope and strength? Isaiah is afraid their trust in Egypt is a sign of a lack of trust in God.
The Little Apocalypse of Isaiah concludes with laments, but also with the hope that God will conquer even death itself.
The oracles against the nations end with judgment upon the unjust economic systems of the world and then transition into the "Little Apocalypse" of Isaiah. No one is exempt from God's judgment.
The oracles against the nations continue with a word against Egypt. But the irony is that there is a hope that Egypt will repent and draw near to God. Like Israel, the prophetic hopes are that whatever wounding Egypt experiences would become the source of its healing.
The oracles against the nations continues with a lament over Moab and a word against Cush. In the midst of judgment is still the hope that the nations would stream to Jerusalem and come to know the ways of the LORD.
The book of Isaiah turns in this section to the Oracles Against the Nations. The oracles begin with one against Babylon, the empire that in the imagination of Israel is most problematic because of its great allure.
The visions of hope break forth. The stump will not have the last word, but a shoot will bring a new creation that invites the lion and lamb to lay down together.
Isaiah and Ahaz have a confrontation. Ahaz refuses to trust or even ask for a sign. But God will give him a sign anyway.
Isaiah experiences his call. He winds up in the holiest place but instead of being destroyed he is healed and sent with a message.
We've reached the halfway point through the Bible and enter the beautiful book of Isaiah. The prophet speaks words of both judgment and hope that Jerusalem can not only survive but become a light to the nations.
The Song of Songs ends as though the whole poem may have been words of expectation from a woman still too young to marry. The psalm for today also waits in expectation for God to come and make things new.
There is nothing more painful than young love separated. But nothing better than young love reunited. It is a reminder that we were created as desirers and we are what we love.
Love is in the air as we read the Song of Songs. Although there is not a lot to glean theologically from this book, there is much to be said about how God created us and the kinds of relationships God hopes for us to have to be found here.
The Teacher of Ecclesiastes laments how little folly it takes to overcome the good results of wisdom. He hopes for some kind of restitution or justice to happen after life is over.
The book of Ecclesiastes ends with the recognition that the Teacher was right. Life is hard to hold onto. We should receive the life we have as gift. And we should obey God and trust that God sees and will reward the righteous.
We begin the book of Ecclesiastes. Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless... Or is it?
Qoheleth continues on to wonder why we work so hard for things we cannot keep. Working solely for one's own benefit is like chasing the wind. Ultimately, life together with others is better than life alone.
Proverbs ends with both the embodiment of how to read wisdom but also how to live it. Agur embodies the person who reads the Scripture to gain wisdom and the virtuous woman of chapter 31 demonstrates who wisdom might be lived.
The proverbs from the time of Solomon continue with great words about friendship and the use of money.
These chapters end the advice of the sage to their son or apprentice. The fourth major section of Proverbs turns to all kinds of metaphors and analogies. Words spoken at the right time are like gold apples in a silver setting. Those who speak honestly are like those who kiss on the lips.
The second major section of the book concludes and a new section of sayings from the wise begin. The sage has some important wisdom for the young, aspiring leader.
The Proverbs begin to include the presence of God in their words of wisdom. There are also important proverbs for the leaders of God's people.
The Proverbs continue to encourage us to guard our speech and beware of fools. But it also reminds us that even though we plan our lives, God holds our futures.
What is the role of discipline in the wise life? Are our emotions good guides to wisdom? Those are the kinds of questions that the wisdom tradition wrestles with in these chapters.
The second long section of Proverbs offers contrast after contrast between the life of the righteous and the wicked. There is a lot of wisdom here about life at home, in the community, and how we use our words.
Lady Wisdom or Lady Folly? Which voice will you follow? Divine wisdom not only gives life, but is woven into the very fabric of creation.
There are two areas that often bring destruction and bondage rather than life: sexual temptation and financial ruin. The wisdom writer wants the young to learn to discipline their desires and their work.
Today we begin the journey through Proverbs. The question is not so much what do we know, but what do we love? Wisdom invites us to come and fall in love with her and receive a good life from her.
The book of Job comes to a conclusion with God showing Job the majesty and power of the hippo and the crocodile. Can Job make creatures like these or even understand the beauty and power of them? There are some things Job will never know, but he experiences God's presence in his suffering and the all-creative God can work in ways that don't allow evil to have the final word in human existence.
Finally God begins to answer Job's demands. However, God answers in ways that are unexpected. Rather than answering the problem of evil, God seems to point to what we might call the problem of good. How did all this potential for flourishing get here, Job? Can you create and sustain this life-giving universe?
Young Elihu continues on to demonstrate the sometimes lack of humility and wisdom of youth.
Job completes his summary, but before God shows up we are introduced to one last character - the young, brash, and arrogant Elihu.
There is a little break in the action for a celebration of wisdom, but then it is right back to Job laying out his life and his case against God.
Job's friends get their final words in. They may have wanted to be comforting, but their constant refrain that "everything happens for a reason" is not true and is not helpful for Job.
The friends start into their closing arguments with the final speech from Eliphaz. Job is not very interested in responding, he would just like the absence of God to end.
Job keeps responding to his friends. In this section we get Job's most hopeful response. Job knows that his redeemer lives, and that he will be vindicated by him.
Job sinks deeper into depression and Bildad tries to snap Job out of it. Unsurprisingly, Bildad is not helpful but a great cause of pain for Job.
Job is angry with God and would like to take God to court - if only God would show up. Eliphaz gives his second speech. It is not okay with him that Job is so angry with God. If Job isn't careful, Job may add more punishment to the life of suffering he is already enduring.
The speech of Bildad argues that if we could just see things from God's perspective, we'd understand how Job is guilty and how God's actions fit into a larger plan. The advice of Bildad, meant to turn Job's heart toward God, may instead turn Job away from such a seemingly ruthless and arbitrary God.
Job responds to Eliphaz and hears the first speech from Bildad. If only Job had a court and an impartial arbitrator that could judge between himself and God.
The dialogues between Job and his friends begin. Eliphaz fails to read the room. Job needs comfort but gets a speech on the morality of the wisdom tradition instead.
We begin our journey through the powerful book of Job. Job is the model of the righteous person who lives the wisdom tradition. Will he stay faithful, even if everything is taken away and his life becomes a source of suffering?
The story of Esther ends with the establishment of a festival so the people not only remember their story but re-live God's great reversal.
The great reversal comes to fruition as Haman's plans for glory and persecution rebound upon his own life.
Mordecai and the Jewish community fast and pray in the face of the deadly edict from Haman and Xerxes. But, who knows, perhaps God has elevated Esther to her position of influence for such a time as this.
Today we begin the journey through the beautiful and troubling story of Esther. Her outer beauty makes her queen, but her inner beauty sets her apart. Haman the Amalekite plots the elimination of Mordecai and the entire Jewish population in Persia.
The book of Nehemiah closes with both celebration and concern. The entire city is dedicated to God. But after a time of absence the people seem to fall right back into their old sinful habits. Nehemiah has to return and try to bring Judah back to faithfulness again.
Once again, the covenant between God and the people is renewed. A tenth of the people move back into Jerusalem as an offering to God and a sign of God's redemptive future.
With everything in place it is time to repopulate Jerusalem. The people are then reentered around the Law and its practice. They pray their entire history in order to discover the God who is leading them into the future.
Nehemiah and the people face challenges from without and within, but the resiliency of Nehemiah and the faithfulness of God result in completed walls.
The activity of Nehemiah begins with a broken heart and a devoted prayer. The Persian king commissions Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem and begin the rebuilding project. Great things can be accomplished when all the people work together.
The joy of the reconstitution of the Law hits a snag when Ezra discovers how many Judeans had married foreign wives. The people commit themselves wholeheartedly to God, even if if meant working out the difficulties of changing their family life.
The book of Ezra introduces us to its main character for the first time. In the providence of God, the Persian king sends Ezra to Jerusalem to instruct the people and to offer sacrifices to God.
The people of God also face various forms of opposition. Sometimes it feels like that opposition is winning, but at other times it is clear that God is at work (even in unexpected places) bringing about the divine purposes in the world.
Our readings for today open the book of Ezra. Through Cyrus the Persian, God gives the people of Judah a chance to begin again. They start by rebuilding the altar in Jerusalem and laying the foundation for a new temple.
The book of 2 Chronicles ends with the great reign of Josiah followed by the steep decline of the final four kings. The story of Judah and kingship ends in exile but also in hope that grace might make all things new again.
The story of Hezekiah comes to an end. The story of Manasseh does not start out well, but like many of our stories, the grace of God can bring about goodness where only evil existed before.
Everything falls apart with Ahaz, but his son Hezekiah becomes the third important reformer after David and Solomon. He reopens the temple and reunifies the nation in the celebration of the Passover.
Amaziah and Uzziah both start well, but end badly. One tries to mix the power of the gods with the power of Yahweh, the other tries to manipulate the power of Yahweh himself.
The line of David is broken for a brief time with Judah's only queen - Athaliah. But thanks to the faithful work of Jehosheba and Johaida, Joash is saved and the line of David is renewed. Unfortunately, Joash starts well but ends badly.
Jehoshaphat makes more reforms in Judah, only to have all of it go the other way and fall apart under the reign of his son Jehoram.
All three kings - Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Ahab - have to face the question of whether or not they trust in God alone.
The texts for today deal with the kingships of Abijah and Asa. Both found themselves outmatched and outnumbered. But when they cried out to God, God delivered them.
Today's chapters cover the reign of Rehoboam. Rather than acting wisely, Rehoboam listens to the wrong advice and the nation divides in two.
The dedication of the temple and the reign of Solomon come to an end, but not before the Queen of Sheba comes to witness the authority and wealth of Israel's great king and the highpoint of Israel's history.
The construction of the temple is complete and Solomon prays a prayer of dedication. The prayer is that through the temple the great needs of God's people (and the needs of those outside the community) would be met by God's great transforming power.
The narrative of Chronicles shifts from David to Solomon and he building of the temple. No expense is spared as Solomon builds the temple on the same mountain where Abraham offered Isaac up to God.
The baton is passed from David to Solomon. But before his death, David invites the people to give in gratitude and joy for the construction of the temple.
Lists and more lists today. Musicians, guardians, and various officers are assigned to care for the temple and the nation. David is a great king but he is not an island. These texts remind us of the long lists of people called to do various tasks to make the Body of Christ function well.
The legacy David wants to leave behind is the temple, but he won't get to complete it. The period he was called to lead in was a time of war, Solomon will lead in the time of peace and finish the temple project.
Again the Chronicler gives us familiar stories about the reign of David. But he leaves some things out - David and Bathsheba and Absalom's rebellion. But he also adds things in. In Chronicles it is Satan and not God that gives David the idea to take a census of the people.
The ark finally comes to Jerusalem, God covenants to build a house for David, and Israel finally goes on the offensive against their enemies. And the Psalm for today is the great Psalm 51. A prayer not just of confession for David but for exiled Judah as well.
David is establishing Jerusalem and he has a dozen different tasks and responsibilities to navigate. God keeps assisting him along the way.
The texts for today begin the narrative section of Chronicles. The attention is going to be on David. Notice that the Chronicler is going to focus on the good things and not the negative parts of David's reign. If Judah will have a future it will be in unity and courage.
The lists of the tribes come to an end with the Benjaminites and the Levites. The future of God's people post-exile will not just depend on kingship and renewed worship at the temple, but the renewal of right worship. The Levites and the gatekeepers will serve an important role.
More lists in the chapters for today. But the significant lists are the tribe of Judah and the continuation of the priesthood. The people after exile will need leadership and renewed worship. The reversing prayer of Jabez is also included along the way.
We begin our journey through 1 - 2 Chronicles with chapters 1-3. Almost one-sixth of the book of Chronicles are lists of names. They may not be very exciting, but they are a reminder to those who have lived through the exile that they are part of an ongoing story that began with Adam and is carrying on through them.
The story of Judah's kings comes to an unceremonious end, despite the many reforms of King Josiah. The nation and its leaders are swallowed up into exile in Babylon. But maybe, just maybe, the story isn't quite over yet.
The texts for today describe the polarities of Judah's kings. Manasseh is the embodiment of the evil king, taking Judah away from fidelity to God. But on the other hand is the young Josiah, who despite his age is able to bring a wave of reform to the nation in response to the rediscovery of the Law.
We finally get the story of a good king - Hezekiah. Though constantly threatened by Assyria and King Sennacherib, Hezekiah's faith and trust in God and in the words of the prophet Isaiah will help keep Judah at peace during his reign.
The stories of the kings continue on. But they face a new threat, the Assyrian superpower. In today's texts, the northern tribes of Israel or Ephraim are finally overcome by Assyria and the land of Samaria repopulated with exiles from other nations.
These chapters bounce back and forth between the kings of Judah and Israel. The narrator of Kings evaluates the kings based not on their length of reign, their economic prosperity, or their military might but on their faithfulness to God and the moral quality of their leadership.
Purges, revolutions, and violent overthrows fill the texts for today. On the one hand the wicked house of Ahab comes to an end, but on the other hand the patterns of violence weave themselves into the politics and life of Israel and Judah.
The texts for today recount more of Elisha's miraculous life and deeds. The nations may roar and the kingdoms exist in turmoil, but God keeps writing his story through common people and prophetic voices on the margins.
God's grace and transformation at work in Elisha extends far beyond the boundaries of Israel and brings healing and transformation to outsiders.
The kingship of Israel is briefly passed from Ahab to Ahaziah, but the mantle of prophetic authority is passed from Elijah to Elisha.
Elijah experiences God in the silence. God is a warrior not just in the mountains but also on the plains. And Jezebel has no problem taking what she wants, no matter who it hurts.
Here come's Elijah: proclaiming a drought, raising the dead, and doing battle with the Prophets of Baal. Not only is God's power at work in him but his words invite God's people to stop hobbling between two options. Serve the LORD in faithfulness.
The texts for today narrate the first few kings of the divided nation - Ephraim and Judah. There aren't many good things, besides Asa's reformation movement in Judah to be excited about. Good kings and bad kings, with just a few theological crumbs thrown along the path.
The extended peace of the house of David comes to an end with the death of Solomon. Jeroboam in the north (Ephraim) and Rehoboam in the south (Judah) will now lead a divided people.
The temple is completed and Solomon prays and amazing prayer of dedication. The house of God would be a house of prayer for all nations. Everything seems great, until Solomon starts acting less like a shepherd and more like a new Pharaoh.
The texts for today celebrate the pinnacle of Solomon's reign where there was peace on all sides. With the sustained time of prosperity, Solomon decides it is time to take on the project of building the LORD a temple.
David is dying but he has blessings to give and scores for Solomon to settle. It takes some scheming but Solomon becomes David's successor at his death. When God appears to Solomon and asks him what he wants, Solomon gets the right answer, he desires a discerning heart.
The texts for today bring 2 Samuel to a close. There is a psalm from David. David gives a final oracle to the people. The narrator reminds us of the "three" and "the thirty" who helped David during his reign. And David takes a census that lets readers know how powerful Israel has become, but also leads to a plague among the people.
David is so sad that he's making everyone discouraged. Eventually the people are ready to meet him at the Jordan and usher him back, as king, into Jerusalem. There is still some unrest in the land and strife to overcome, but God keeps giving David victories.
Absalom's beauty and anger eventually become his undoing. David survives Absalom's attempted coup, but not without the painful lament of a broken parent.
The texts for today tell the horrible story of the rape of Tamar by Amnon which sets up not only the anger of Absalom but his rebellion and attempt to overthrow his father David as well.
The texts for today tell about David's moral low point: his misuse of Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. The prophet Nathan bravely speaks truth to power.
Chapters 7-9 are in many ways the high point of David's kingship. God promises David that even though David won't build a house for God, God will build an enteral household for David. God gives David victory after victory against Israel's enemies. And David in response shows grace to Mephibosheth.
Things begin to change with David as king. The nation is unified. The Philistines are pushed back. Jerusalem becomes the center of authority and worship. And the unique presence of God - at the ark - is brought into the center of life.
The transition in leadership from the house of Saul to the house of David is not smooth but filled with all kinds of intrigue between David and Saul's son Ish-Bosheth. The narrator tries to keep David above all the political wrangling, but David's righthand men - like Joab - keep making things difficult.
The chapters for today bring the reign of Saul and the book of 1 Samuel to an end. What a blessing it is when transitions of leadership go smoothly among God's people. But what a tragedy it is when the leadership of faith is broken as it moves from generation to generation.
The foolish and broken characters of Nabal and Saul are leading to destruction while the virtuous natures of David and Abigail are leading to greater blessing and influence.
Saul's actions keep getting worse and more paranoid, while David's character - especially when he had an opportunity to kill Saul - keeps being revealed us upright even under stress.
In Saul's pursuit of David he not only is fighting against his family's love of David, he is also fighting against God. David flees and will have to learn to trust, delight, commit and wait on the LORD.
The texts for today are the OT narratives at their best. Samuel anoints the runt of the litter, David. David takes on Goliath. No matter what Saul does, David's popularity with the people and even with his own family only increases.
The character of Saul is revealed not in all our rebellion against God, but in the subtle choices that reveal his lack of wholehearted obedience. To obey is better than sacrifice.
Israel wants a king and Saul will be the first one. There are good things and bad things not only about having a king but about Saul's leadership. Even as his anointing and selection take place there are echoes of Israel's ominous history of sin at work in the story.
Samuel is a great final judge for God's people, but even he gets old. The texts for today include one of the most important turning points in the Bible - the people's request for a king. Is it a good thing or bad thing for Israel to have a king? Yes... The ambiguity of kingship will be embodied well in Israel's first king - Saul.
The three chapters for today make up The Ark Narrative. The Philistines may have captured the ark, but they did not capture Yahweh.
Today we start the amazing books of 1 and 2 Samuel. The period of the Judges comes to an end with a barren woman giving birth to a dedicated son who will not only renew the priesthood of Israel but will prophetically carry it forward to the time of the kings,
The texts for today end the beautiful book of Ruth. The texts are risky, a little bit sensual, but filled with God's loving kindness. The book of Judges told horrible stories about how acts of unfaithfulness by the people led all of Israel into greater and greater degradation. Ruth is again a sweet and lovely reminder that acts of faithfulness lead to greater and great restoration not just for those individuals, but in the mystery of God’s redemptive work, for the whole nation – and ultimately for the whole world – as well.
The texts for today shift the tone of the story to the beauty of steadfast love and faithfulness. In the midst of the worst of circumstances, Ruth makes a pledge of faithfulness to Naomi that reflects the covenant of faithfulness God makes to us.
Today we conclude the book of Judges with the horrific stories of the Levite and his concubine, the civil war between the eleven tribes and Benjamin, and the ugly resolution to keep the tribe from disappearing. There is no king in Israel and everyone does what was right in their own eyes.
The texts for today - Judges 16-18 - finish the tragic story of Samson. The downward spiral of Israel's leadership continues, and yet the Spirit of God is not absent from even the life of someone as morally broken and Samson. The chapters end with a strange story of the wandering tribe of Dan taking on a rogue Levite and a sketchy place of worship.
Today's texts begin the story of Samson. Samson is far from exemplary and yet God continues to work in the midst of his covenant breaking and cycles of revenge.
The texts for today deal with the tragic story of Jephthah and the sacrifice of his daughter. It is sad when the people don't know or understand the true nature of God, but it's tragic when the leaders fail to discern what God wants and what God does not want.
The texts for today celebrate God's unique victory over the Midianites. Gideon starts with an army of 32,000 and ends with 300 dogs. Gideon's life and leadership turns out to be a mixed bag of God-glorifying and self-centered. His son Abimelech enacts a violent coup that ends with his own demise - like Sisera - at the hands of a woman.
The texts for today tell the story of Deborah, Barak, Jael, and Sisera in both narrative and poetry. Jael was called up to lead the battle, but the glory went to Deborah and the unique act of faith from Jael. Barak struggled with the courage to go, but Gideon will need at least four signs from God to go up agains the Midianites.
The texts for today begin our journey through Judges. After the death of Joshua the people end up in a cycle of unfaithfulness. The people fall into idolatry, God allows a nation to oppress Israel, the people cry out, God hears them and raises up a judge to deliver them establishing a time of peace. The period of the judges begins with Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar.
The book of Joshua ends by settling one last dispute and two speeches from Joshua. The people find unity in worship, Joshua expresses his concern for the ways they might blend the worship of Yahweh with other gods, and the covenant with them. They must choose this day whom they will serve.
These chapters complete the apportioning of the promised land to the tribes of Israel. It's not complete without setting up refuge cities and the care of the Levites. They haven't fully entered the land yet, but God is good to keep his promises.
The texts for today deal with more land designations. The daughters of Zelophehad finally get their land. The tribes of Joseph aren't super happy about where they ended up. And it appears that God has to redraw the boundary lines for the remaining seven tribes.
In the texts for today, Joshua begins dividing up the Promised Land. Joshua has the vision to see it and the strategic ability to make it start happening. However, his old friend Caleb - and his daughter Achsah - will be the models of faith and persistence that can keep at it until the dream becomes a reality.
The texts for today describe God's victories fought for Israel warding off coalitions of kings coming to attack them. God is faithful to extend the territory of Israel in Canaan and give them a time of peace.
Today's texts move from the easy victory over Jericho to the failure against Ai. Something went wrong. The sin of Achan is discovered and dealt with. The people defeat Ai and renew their covenant with God. Now nations will be coming for them, but the first one - the Gibeonites - trick them into assuring their survival.
Everything is going great for the Israelites. They pass through the Jordan and build a memorial. The reaffirm their covenant relationship, celebrate Passover, and encounter the leader of Yahweh's heavenly forces. Then they march around the walls of Jericho until they fall and God gives the city to them in victory - sparing Rahab and her family along the way. So far, so good.
We begin our journey through the Book of Joshua. In these opening chapters Joshua commands the people to get ready, he sends spies out into the land who encounter and are protected by Rahab, and they start crossing the Jordan on dry ground.
We finish the Torah today with chapters 32-34 of Deuteronomy. Moses' final act is to bless the 12 tribes individually. And then Moses dies. As significant as Moses was as a leader, he is just an episode in the story of God. The story continues in Joshua and the generation moving into the Promised Land.
The texts for today are part of Moses' final speech to the people. It is a hopeful call that this life to which they are called is not impossible but can happen because the Word of God has come near and because God will circumcise not just their bodies but their heart.
The texts for today - Deuteronomy 26-28 - close out the list of codes and laws with an invitation to be filled with gratitude. Moses then turns to the seriousness of obedience by describing for the people the blessings that come with faithfulness to God's ways and the curses that come with disobedience.
Today's texts are filled with more seemingly random law codes. However, at their heart they have to do with caring for people in vulnerable situations. The Amalekites receive God's wrath for misusing the Israelites when they were weak and vulnerable. God's people are commanded to act in ways of care that reflect the concern of God.
Today's texts expand on two of the Ten Commandments: Thou shall not kill and Thou shalt not commit adultery. They are several diverse codes and issues addressed, but several of them not only limit the damage those with authority can do to others but occasionally they are radically re-imaginative and reveal important aspects of the character of God. A few of today's codes also show up in the life of Jesus.
The texts for today - Deuteronomy 18-20 - expand the commands to honor authority and to not kill. Priests and prophets will be important influences in guiding the people. And God wants a people who find ways to value life as much as possible in the complexities of a violent world.
Today's texts deal with liberation, holy days, and how we use power. God's people are called to conserve all that is good about God and God's purposes while also working to liberate people from the structures that keep them oppressed.
The texts for day 57 are Deuteronomy chapters 12-14. These chapters launch us into the Deuteronomic Codes. Israel must worship rightly, listen to the right voices, and shape their appetites to reflect the holy people God is forming them to be.
The texts for today - Deuteronomy chapters 9-11 - are like a final letter of care and concern from Moses to the new generation entering into the land. Moses (and God) want them to have the kind of hearts that will want to always choose God's good paths for them and find life. The great psalm for today, Psalm 23, affirms that the LORD is our Shepherd and leads us into the paths of life and goodness.
The texts for today - Deuteronomy 6-8 - are some of my favorite chapters in the Torah. We get the great Shema text, warnings about external threats in the Promised Land, and internal warnings about prosperity in the Land. It is from these texts also that Jesus resists the temptations in the wilderness and defines his Kingdom not as "bread alone" but dependent upon every Word that comes from the mouth of God.
Today's readings - Deuteronomy chapters 4-5 - give a long introduction to the reason why the people must keep the Law. It is clear to see that the texts are shaped in such a way that Moses is not just speaking to the "new generation" of his day but also to a "new generation" coming out of exile in Babylon several centuries later. It's good for them and for us to listen again to the Ten Commandments so that we don't forget who we are called to be.
We start into the fifth book of the Torah today with Deuteronomy chapters 1-3 and Psalm 22. Moses his giving his final words to the generations that will enter the Promised Land. The stories are familiar but told with an emphasis on the need this generation will have to continue to trust in God. Moses won't get to go with them, but the One who began this good work will be faithful to carry it to completion.
The texts for day 52 finish off the book of Numbers - chapters 34-36. It's time to divide up the land equally. The Levites are granted some property and are given cities of refuge for those needing protection. The five daughters of Zelophehad finish the book embodying the boldness and faith of the new generation ready to enter into Canaan.
The texts for today - Numbers 31-33 and Psalm 21 - deal with war and violence as a call to purity. They are difficult texts but there are hints here of a holy life that will move beyond exclusion of others. The new generation is ready to enter the Land, but some tribes want to stay behind. It's been a long journey - 42 stops in all - but it is nearing an end.
The texts for today - Numbers 28-30 - shape the new generation of Israel in the practices that will form their faith and shape the oaths and commitments that they will make to God. The people will learn to be faithful to the God who is faithful to them.
The texts for today deal with the threats of assimilation, counting up the new generation, and handing the reins of leadership onto the next leaders. The people must move forward into the promise, and these texts guide us through those transitions.
The texts for today tell the complete story of King Balak of Moab, Balaam the seer turned prophet, and Balaam's talking donkey. Hoping for curses to be called down upon God's people, king Balak ends up having blessings called down upon them through Balaam instead. Crazy things taking place up on the mountains, and the Israelites have no knowledge of all the ways God is protecting them.
The texts for today deal with several conflicts. How do the people move on from death to life? What makes Moses so angry and why does it forfeit his entrance into the Promised Land? How will Israel deal with all these warring clans that block their passage into Canaan? And what's up with all these snakes and how do we get rid of them?
The readings for today - Numbers 16-18 and Psalm 19 - reveal God's deep passion for unity. Moses and Aaron are faced with an attempted insurrection that God wards off by having the earth swallow up the usurpers. The staff of the Levites and of Aaron blossoms and their leadership and role within the community is affirmed. How appropriate that the Psalmist prays that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts would be acceptable to the LORD.
In the texts for today, God has Moses send 12 spies into the Promised Land. They are more than excited about the land! However, 10 of the spies are shaped by fears and adamantly resist any attempt to enter the land. Two others, Joshua and Caleb, have a "different spirit." They are sure that with God on their side, they can enter the land. Because of their lack of faith, all of the original generation - with the exception of Caleb and Joshua - will perish in the wilderness.
The texts for today are Numbers 10-12 and the last half of Psalm 18 (verses 25-51). Israel's trumpets will be the primary signal for the Israelites to rejoice, fight, and pick up and move. They haven't gone very far from Sinai and the complaints begin. God gives them so much meat it comes out of their nostrils. Complaints even arise within the immediate family of Moses, but as his siblings learn quickly Moses and the Law have a special relationship with and to God so don't try to replace them in the moment or any time in the future.
The texts for today - Numbers chapters 7-9 - continue the preparation for the journey from Sinai to the Promised Land. All of the tribes give equal gifts to make the journey possible, the priests and Levites are purified again, the people observe their first Passover in the wilderness, and the pillar of cloud and lightning will be their guide.
In today's texts, the LORD hears David from the temple, the Levites learn how to move the tabernacle without dying, the people work hard to keep the wandering caravan holy, Nazarites make some serious commitments, and we are given one of the Scripture's most beautiful blessings.
Today we launch into the book of Numbers by reading chapters 1-3. The people take a census, figure out how many fighting men they have, and get ready to journey through the wilderness away from Sinai. The Levites are set apart to help Aaron and the priests with all of the work, care, protection, and transport of the tabernacle. The people obey and do exactly what Moses had commanded. The trip is off to a good start. What could go wrong?
The texts for today - Leviticus 25-27 close out the book. One of the most beautiful and important laws in the Torah is given here - the Year of Jubilee. The LORD speaks blessings on those who obey the law but curses and alienation on those who disobey. And the book ends with a handbook on what to do with special gifts given to the LORD. Congratulations! You made it through Leviticus.
Welcome to the fourth special bonus episode for The Story that Changes Everything. In addition to the daily guides, we want to add special conversations now and then along the journey with biblical scholars who have studied and written on these sections of the Scripture.
Especially for those who want to dig deeper into the study of God’s Word we want to highlight and encourage you to get connected to The New Beacon Bible Commentary published by The Foundry Press. If you would like to order this helpful new commentary series, you can find it at thefoundrypublishing.com.
The fourth volume of the commentary series is devoted to the entire book of Leviticus and is really well written by Dr. Thomas King. Tom is an alum of Northwest Christian College. He then went on to seminary at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. He then completed a Ph.D. in Old Testament Biblical Studies at the Graduate Theological Union at UC Berkeley. Dr. King has been teaching OT at Nazarene Bible College for almost 25 years.
I want to state again what an amazing work Tom has done on the Leviticus volume for the NBBC. It was so helpful and accessible for me in preparing for this podcast and in feeling like I understand this challenging book in new and significant ways. I also loved our conversation and know that you’ll glean a lot from it as well. Thanks for joining me on this continuing journey through The Story That Changes Everything. Here’s bonus episode #4 a conversation on Leviticus with Dr. Thomas King.
The texts for Day 39 - Leviticus 22-24 and Psalm 17 - end the instructions for the priests and begin the final section on rituals. The priests must be careful how they treat holy things. The liturgical rhythm of the year for Israel will be shaped by Sabbath, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks (or Pentecost), the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths. The theology of Israel will not just be in their heads but also learned through their bodies.
At the center of the message for Leviticus is the call in 19:2, "Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy." It is clear in Leviticus that living into the holiness God requires takes a new way of behaving (saying "no" to destructive decisions, and "yes" to actions that give life), participating in the worship led by the priesthood, and receiving in the rituals the grace of God that both forgives and transforms us.
Chapter 16 is the high mark moment in Leviticus. The Day of Atonement represents not only the costliness of grace but the removal of our guilt and shame. Chapters 17-18 begin the Holiness Code that will finish off the book. The people must sacrifice in a way that reminds them that all things come from God. And they must live out their relationships in ways that remain within the grain of the universe and glorify God with their bodies.
Today's texts are the final chapters in the first section of purity codes. These chapters are concerned about skin diseases and bodily discharges. They are strange and foreign texts to us in some ways, but like us they are trying to find ways of treating challenging situations with grace and reconciliation while also trying to maintain both the holiness and safety of the community of faith.
The texts for today tell the tragic story of Nadab and Abihu. These chapters also shift into the purity laws related to clean and unclean food and childbirth. What to do with these texts isn't always clear. But what is clear is that no area of life is exempt from the call to be holy.
In the chapters for today - Leviticus 7-9 - the final instructions for offerings or sacrifices are given. The ribbon-cutting of the tabernacle can now happen as Aaron and his sons are anointed for service. When all is ready, the fire of God fills the holy of holiness and the flame will now be kindled and kept burning.
The texts for today - Leviticus chapters 4-6 - deal with the offerings for unintentional sin and also begin to give the priests instructions on how to offer these gifts rightly. It is clear in these texts that grace is not cheap and that God cares deeply for how we live in holiness and in community with one another.
Welcome to the third special bonus episode for The Story that Changes Everything. In addition to the daily guides, we want to add special conversations now and then along the journey with biblical scholars who have studied and written on these sections of the Scripture.
Especially for those who want to dig deeper into the study of God’s Word we want to highlight and encourage you to get connected to The New Beacon Bible Commentary published by The Foundry Press. If you would like to order this helpful new commentary series, you can find it at thefoundrypublishing.com.
The third volume of the commentary series is devoted to the entire book of Exodus and is well done and beautiful written by one of my former colleagues at Azusa Pacific University - Dr. Junia Pokrifka.
I asked another one of my former colleagues, Dr. Marty Michelson to sit down and have a conversation with me about Exodus. Marty is a minister, counselor, and professor. He has a PhD in Old Testament from Nazarene Theological College at the University of Manchester. Marty and I were colleagues for six years at Southern Nazarene University, where Marty taught Old Testament for over twenty years. He’s one of my favorite Old Testament thinkers, and my long conversations with him about OT theology is one of the reasons I became so deeply interested in studying and preaching from the OT. I know one of his specialties is on the book of Exodus and so I not only wanted to catch up with and old friend, but also share some of his great insights with you. I know you will thoroughly enjoy this conversation.
Thanks for joining me on this continuing journey through The Story That Changes Everything. Here’s bonus episode #3 a conversation on Exodus with Dr. Marty Michelson.
It's day 32 and we move into the interesting book of Leviticus. Our texts for today are chapters 1-3 and Psalm 14. God calls Moses into the tent of meeting and begins to give him instructions about entirely burn offerings, grain offerings, and offerings of wellbeing. These texts remind us that gifts are given not just for the forgiveness of sin but also as expressions of worship and gratitude.
The final chapters of Exodus - chapters 38-40 - narrate the completion of the tabernacle and the anointing of the priests. However, the tabernacle would just be a fancy tent if the unique presence of the Lord doesn't descend and fill it with the divine presence. As Exodus ends, God dwells in the midst of the people and now lead them into their redeemed future.
With today's texts the tabernacle building project finally gets underway. The generosity of the people is greater than the need, and Moses has to cut off the giving. The text is a bit detailed, but it is also filled with unity and joy.
Everything goes wrong in the texts today beginning with the building of the golden calf. Nevertheless, the God full of steadfast love and mercy refuses to let Israel's unfaithfulness have the last word. Moses intercedes and God relents from punishing. The people get a new beginning and Moses gets a glimpse of God's glory.
The readings for today - Exodus 30-31 and Psalm 12 - describe the daily routine of offering incense and prayers to God and offerings be given to keep the life of the tabernacle going. Great artists are also commissioned and blessed by God to make the tabernacle a place of beauty and holy imagination. The chapters close with God giving Moses the tablets. The Law has been given; now it's time to live it out. We'll have to see how that goes...
Details, details, details. Exodus chapters 27-29 remind us that every detail matters in the construction of the tabernacle, and the vestments and ordination of the priests. Worship matters.
in the chapters for today, Moses and the people ratify the Torah covenant with God on the mountain and then receive the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle where God will dwell in their midst.
The texts for today - Exodus 21-23 - open up the case laws for Israel. How will Israel's day-to-day life make sure that everyone is treated fairly and that's God's passion for justice is embodied in the community and is guaranteed for everyone?
The chapters for today - Exodus 18-20 - get us into the Law. First, Moses reunites with his family and gets some good advice from his father-in-law. Then the people finally make it to Mt Sinai and begin receiving the Law. Chapter 20 gives us the first account of the Decalogue or the Ten Commandments that create and important center to the Torah.
In Exodus chapters 15-17, the story of the Red Sea ends in worship - the songs of both Moses and Miriam. But the celebration is short-lived as the joy of freedom meets the realities of the wilderness. God will supply their daily needs but in ways that teach them the liturgy of abundance rather than the myth of scarcity. Psalm 10 sometimes wonders if the LORD is even paying attention, but as the psalmist declares, the LORD does see and takes care of even those who are often overlooked by others.
The Exodus reaches its climax in chapters 12-14 for today. These texts don't just tell us the stories of the Passover and the passing through the Red Sea, they are liturgies that invite us to not just hear these stories but also relive them.
Justice is the theme in the text for today. Exodus 10-11 takes us through the eighth and ninth plagues - Locust and Darkness. Pharaoh the oppressor faces the anti-creation consequences of his actions. Even the Psalm for today praises God for not allowing sin to go unanswered.
Let's get ready to rumble. The sovereign God of holy justice v. the hardhearted exploiter Pharaoh. Today's texts, Exodus 7-9, take just through the first seven rounds of this cosmic match between these two forces, blood, frogs, gnats, flies, dead animals, boils, and hail will begin to determine who is the real creative power and who is just an idolatrous imposter.
Liberation doesn't come easily. That's where the readings take us today. Exodus 4-6 conclude Moses' conversation with God at the burning bush, give Moses signs of God's power, and at first only make things much harder for the life of the Israelites.
We jump into the great book of Exodus today with chapters 1-3 and Psalm 8. These texts explore the fears of Pharaoh, the civil disobedience of Shiphrah and Puah, the miraculous upbringing of Moses, his deep sense of justice, his calling by God, the revelation of the mysterious divine name, and the promise of deliverance.
As the Psalmist ponders today, what are humans that God is mindful of them? These texts celebrate that the LORD's name is majestic over all the earth, but God's ear is attuned to the cries of his people.
Today we close the book on Genesis with chapters 49-50. These chapters describe Jacob's final blessing upon his sons, the burial of Jacob in the Promised Land, Joseph's final forgiveness of his brothers, and the death of Joseph as well.
Welcome to the second special bonus episode for The Story that Changes Everything. In addition to the daily guides, we want to add special conversations now and then along the journey with biblical scholars who have studied and written on these sections of the Scripture.
Especially for those who want to dig deeper into the study of God’s Word we want to highlight and encourage you to get connected to the New Beacon Bible Commentary published by The Foundry Press. If you would like to order this helpful new commentary series, you can find it at thefoundrypublishing.com.
The second volume of the commentary series is devoted to Genesis 12-50, the co-authors of that volume are Dr. Alex Varughese and Professor Christina Bohn.
I had the privilege of sitting down recently to have a conversation with Dr. Varughese about Genesis 12-50 and its great meaning and significance for our faith. Dr. Varughese is professor emeritus of biblical literature at Mount Vernon Nazarene University – where he taught for 32 years. He has several degrees, including a Master of Philosophy and a PhD from Drew University. In addition to writing for this volume, Alex served as the general editor for this significant series. Dr. Varughese has some incredible insights into the theological significance of Genesis, and I know you will thoroughly enjoy this conversation.
Thanks for joining me on this journey through The Story That Changes Everything. Here’s my bonus episode conversation with Dr. Alex Varughese.
Day 15 covers Genesis 46-48. In them the entire family of Jacob makes the transition to Egypt, Joseph helps Pharaoh get everyone's wealth and everyones labor, and Jacob blesses his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, making them the final two tribes of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The texts for today - Genesis 43-45 - explore the beautiful story of reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph imagines a world where rather than settling old scores, grace may abound all the more.
Today's text are Genesis 40-42 and Psalm 6. In the texts for today Joseph lives as a faithful presence interpreting dreams in prison, interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, rising to authority in Egypt, and encountering his guilt ridden brothers for the first time.
Today's text are the troubling chapters 37-39 in Genesis. Come wrestle with Joseph being sold into slavery, the provocative story of Judah and Tamar, and the racy narrative of Joseph in Potiphar's house. Plenty of drama to go around today!
Episode or Day 12 covers the readings for today - Genesis 34-36. In today's text Dinah is raped, Simeon and Levi get their revenge, Jacob returns to Bethel, Rachel dies in childbirth with Benjamin, Esau and Jacob bury Isaac, and the tribes of Esau expand.
The texts for today are Genesis 31-33 and Psalm 5. Jacob and Laban part, Rachel hides her father's household gods, Jacob wrestles with God and gets a new name (Israel), Esau and Jacob reconcile, and Jacob settles down in peace.
Today's texts - Genesis 28-30 - explore the vision of Jacob's ladder, Laban cheating Jacob in order to get 14 years of work out of him, the growth of Jacob's lineage, and his ultimate division from the house of Laban.
The texts for today - Genesis 25-28 and Psalm 4 - deal with the death of Abraham, Jacob cheating Esau out of his birthright, Isaac almost giving Rebekah away, and Jacob tricking Isaac in order to receive Esau's blessing as well. Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our ancestors.
Episode 8 of The Story that Changes Everything reflects on the binding of Isaac, the death of Sarah, and uniting of Isaac and Rebekah.
Genesis 19-21 explores the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the fate of Lot and his daughters, Abraham giving Sarah away (again), and finally the birth of Isaac.
Today's texts - Genesis 16-18 - explore the use or misuse of Hagar, the creation of circumcision as the sign of the covenant, and Abraham's hospitality to strangers.
Today the texts explore the division between Abram and Lot, the encounter with Melchizedek, and God's covenant with Abram.
Bonus Episode 1 - Dr. Brad Kelle - Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Point Loma Nazarene University and Author of Telling the Old Testament Story: God's Mission and God's People (Abingdon Press) on the beauty and significance of Genesis 1-11.
Welcome to day 4 of The Story that Changes Everything. Today we explore Genesis 10-12, the strange pride of Babel and God's judgment upon them. The story takes a dramatic shift at chapter 12 with the separation, filling, and blessing of Abram and Sarai. Psalm 2 reminds us that though the nations make scheme, God not only laughs at our arrogance, but calls a people to embody his purposes.
Welcome to day 3 of The Story that Changes Everything. Today we explore the incredible flood story involving Noah and his family and God's destruction and recreation of the world. We'll explore its theological significance and what it says to us today. And what's with that crazy drunk and naked ending?
Welcome to day 2 of The Story that Changes Everything. The reading for today is Genesis chapters 4-6 and Psalm1. Dr. Scott Daniels introduces the violence of Cain, his retributive ancestor Lamech, the new hope through Seth, and the opening of the story of Noah.
Welcome to day 1 of The Story that Changes Everything. The reading for today is Genesis chapters 1-3. Dr. Scott Daniels gets your journey started with thoughts on the amazing opening chapters of the Bible.
Welcome to a new podcast – The Story that Changes Everything. This podcast was created to help you take a guided tour through the Bible in a year.
My name is Dr. Scott Daniels. For the last 30 years I’ve been both a pastor and professor. One of my great joys is helping people discover The Story that Changes Everything as it is given to us in both the Old and New Testaments. I know it’s a big commitment to read the Scripture in its entirety, but I believe God will honor that commitment and your life will be changed in the process. Our goal in this podcast is to make your reading and study as meaningful as possible.
I’ll be guiding you through approximately three chapters a day. The journey begins with the first three chapters of the first book in the Bible: Genesis. There are many translations of Bible available. I will be using a translation called the Common English Bible. Use whichever translation is available to you, the more readable the better.
This podcast is being launched October 1, 2022, and I know several people will join us then. However, you may start this journey any time. And between you and me, if you don’t quite complete the journey in a year, that’s not a problem. Go at your own pace. I don’t believe God is interested in you going fast as much as God desires to be known in fullness by you.
If you would like to find a complete month-by-month reading guide, it is available at our Facebook Page – The Story that Changes Everything. I am excited for how this journey through the Bible will change me, and I’m delighted that you are coming along.
Grab your Bible. Turn to the first three chapters, and lets discover The Story that Changes Everything.