Read Genesis 17:15-22
Context: When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him to confirm their covenant. He changed Abram's name to Abraham, and He told Abraham about the land his many descendants would receive. God told Abraham to circumcise all males in his household and all those to come.
Text:
15 God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her."
17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" 18 And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"
19 Then God said, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. [a] I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year." 22 When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Genesis 17:19 Isaac means he laughs .
taken from www.biblegateway.com
If you know the story of Ishmael, Abraham's first son by Sarai's maidservant Hagar, you know that he and his mother had a really rough time. Sarai had told Abraham to sleep with Hagar so that he could have a son, then when Hagar got pregnant Sarai abused her. Many years later, when Ishmael was about 17, Sarai insisted that Abraham send both Ishmael and Hagar away.
Regardless of what Sarai thought, though, Ishmael was still Abraham's firstborn. We don't see too many instances of father/son bonding, but I'm sure Abraham taught Ishmael many 'boy' things like fishing and skipping rocks. When God told Abraham he would have a son by Sarai that would be blessed of God, the first thing Abraham requests is that Ishmael be blessed to.
God is so good to us. He has His plan, but He also cares about our heart's desires. Think back to a time when God provided something just because you wanted it, not because it was a need. Thank Him for His blessing!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Jan 30 - Abram is a Blessing to Lot
Read Genesis 13:5-18
Context: After yesterday's text where God blessed Abram, Abram left as the Lord had told him and his nephew, Lot, went with him. Abram was 75. They traveled to Shechem, Bethel, and Egypt. After a time in Egypt they returned to the area around Bethel.
Text:
5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.
8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."
10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.
14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring [a] forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you."
18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Genesis 13:15 Or seed ; also in verse 16
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It seems that Abram can't out-bless God! He does an amazingly selfless thing by allowing Lot to choose the land he wants; and of course Lot chose the area that was green and well watered, leaving Abram the scrubbier, desert-like area.
Yet God immediately told Abram that he would be given all the land he could see in every direction. He was reminded that his offspring would so numerous they couldn't be counted.
Abram continued to be a blessing to Lot over the next few years. Lot and his family were captured as prisoners of war, and Abram recovered all the goods and brought back Lot, his possessions, the women and the others who were captured with him. Several years later (maybe as many as 20), Abraham (with his new name) pleaded with God to save Sodom if only ten men were faithful, and God allowed Lot and his family to leave before the city was destroyed. He was a good uncle to have!
Context: After yesterday's text where God blessed Abram, Abram left as the Lord had told him and his nephew, Lot, went with him. Abram was 75. They traveled to Shechem, Bethel, and Egypt. After a time in Egypt they returned to the area around Bethel.
Text:
5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. 7 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.
8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."
10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.
14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring [a] forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you."
18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Genesis 13:15 Or seed ; also in verse 16
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It seems that Abram can't out-bless God! He does an amazingly selfless thing by allowing Lot to choose the land he wants; and of course Lot chose the area that was green and well watered, leaving Abram the scrubbier, desert-like area.
Yet God immediately told Abram that he would be given all the land he could see in every direction. He was reminded that his offspring would so numerous they couldn't be counted.
Abram continued to be a blessing to Lot over the next few years. Lot and his family were captured as prisoners of war, and Abram recovered all the goods and brought back Lot, his possessions, the women and the others who were captured with him. Several years later (maybe as many as 20), Abraham (with his new name) pleaded with God to save Sodom if only ten men were faithful, and God allowed Lot and his family to leave before the city was destroyed. He was a good uncle to have!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Jan 29 - The Call of Abram
Read Genesis 11:27 - 12:3
Context: It is approximately 300 years after the great flood. People were living much longer at that time, and actually Shem, son of Noah, is actually still alive (he lived to be 500). Men have tried to build a tower to the heavens, but God confused their language and scattered them all over the earth. Genesis 11:10-26 is a genealogy that takes us from Shem to Terah.
Text:
27 This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. 28 While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. 29 Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milcah and Iscah. 30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no children.
31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there.
32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I love the story of Abram and Sarai. They appear to be 'normal' people, and they seem to make mistakes more often than they do things right. They give us a picture of faithfulness and righteousness that we can aspire to while at the same time they show that God doesn't expect us to be perfect.
Why did God choose Abram? Was he an especially devout child as he grew? Or was it that God knew what Abram could become given the right opportunities? Did God go to others first who ignored His blessing and challenge? God asks us all to step out of our comfort zones, and often there isn't any particular earthly reason why we seem to be selected. What is God calling you to do today?
Context: It is approximately 300 years after the great flood. People were living much longer at that time, and actually Shem, son of Noah, is actually still alive (he lived to be 500). Men have tried to build a tower to the heavens, but God confused their language and scattered them all over the earth. Genesis 11:10-26 is a genealogy that takes us from Shem to Terah.
Text:
27 This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. 28 While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans, in the land of his birth. 29 Abram and Nahor both married. The name of Abram's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's wife was Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, the father of both Milcah and Iscah. 30 Now Sarai was barren; she had no children.
31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there.
32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I love the story of Abram and Sarai. They appear to be 'normal' people, and they seem to make mistakes more often than they do things right. They give us a picture of faithfulness and righteousness that we can aspire to while at the same time they show that God doesn't expect us to be perfect.
Why did God choose Abram? Was he an especially devout child as he grew? Or was it that God knew what Abram could become given the right opportunities? Did God go to others first who ignored His blessing and challenge? God asks us all to step out of our comfort zones, and often there isn't any particular earthly reason why we seem to be selected. What is God calling you to do today?
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Jan 28 - I Have Come As Light
Read John 12:44-50
Context: Jesus has done many miraculous things, but still people won't believe in Him. Yet many, even some of the leaders, did believe but were too afraid to say so out of their concern for what others though.
Text:
44Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Context: Jesus has done many miraculous things, but still people won't believe in Him. Yet many, even some of the leaders, did believe but were too afraid to say so out of their concern for what others though.
Text:
44Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. 49For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Jan 27 - Jesus is the World's Light
Read John 8:12-20
Context: Jesus was at the temple courts, and he has just let the woman accused of adultery go frree after none of the Pharisees was 'without sin' enough to accuse her.
Text:
12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
13The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
14Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
19Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"
"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Context: Jesus was at the temple courts, and he has just let the woman accused of adultery go frree after none of the Pharisees was 'without sin' enough to accuse her.
Text:
12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
13The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
14Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
19Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"
"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Friday, January 26, 2007
Jan 26 - Knowing God's Will
Read Ephesians 5:15-21
Context: Ephesians was written by Paul to explain the dimensions of God's eternal purpose and grace (NIV Study Bible). He has spent most of chapter 5 giving specific examples about how to live a godly life.
Text:
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.(NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
In the first verse, the word 'wise' is the Greek word 'sophos'. It means wise in the sense of learning life's lessons over a long course of time, but it also means to be skilled, cultivate knowledge, be intelligent and prudent. It is both a learned and an experienced wisdom Paul calls us to use as we choose the paths of our lives. The word 'unwise', or 'asophos' is the opposite of wise, and actually means 'fool'.
I like the way The Message version of the Bible puts these first three verses:
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
Paul could have written these words today!
Context: Ephesians was written by Paul to explain the dimensions of God's eternal purpose and grace (NIV Study Bible). He has spent most of chapter 5 giving specific examples about how to live a godly life.
Text:
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.(NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
In the first verse, the word 'wise' is the Greek word 'sophos'. It means wise in the sense of learning life's lessons over a long course of time, but it also means to be skilled, cultivate knowledge, be intelligent and prudent. It is both a learned and an experienced wisdom Paul calls us to use as we choose the paths of our lives. The word 'unwise', or 'asophos' is the opposite of wise, and actually means 'fool'.
I like the way The Message version of the Bible puts these first three verses:
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.
Paul could have written these words today!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Jan 25 - Who Is Jesus?
Read John 9:35-41
Context: Today's reading is essentially the end of yesterday's story. After the blind man was able to see, the Pharisees hounded him to find out more information. The man was very excited and continued to praise Jesus, and the Pharisees threw him out of the room.
Text:
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"
41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It is easy for me to judge the Pharisees -- and to say that they were so caught up in their own little dynasty that they never would have admitted that Jesus was the Christ...many never did. But then I think back to the time when I wasn't a Christian. I wasn't caught up in religion for its own sake, but I argued just as vehemently that my way was right and those "Christians" were just deceived. I am so thankful that God opened my eyes to the real truth.
Context: Today's reading is essentially the end of yesterday's story. After the blind man was able to see, the Pharisees hounded him to find out more information. The man was very excited and continued to praise Jesus, and the Pharisees threw him out of the room.
Text:
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."
40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"
41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It is easy for me to judge the Pharisees -- and to say that they were so caught up in their own little dynasty that they never would have admitted that Jesus was the Christ...many never did. But then I think back to the time when I wasn't a Christian. I wasn't caught up in religion for its own sake, but I argued just as vehemently that my way was right and those "Christians" were just deceived. I am so thankful that God opened my eyes to the real truth.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Jan 24 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man
Read John 9:1-11
Context: Jesus has been discussing God with some who professed to be believers, and He actually admitted that He was the "I am." They picked up stones to stone Him, but He hid Himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Text:
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."
10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.
11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
This man had been blind from birth, and both he and his family were the subject of judgmental glances -- surely either he or his parents had sinned for this disability to have occurred. Yet God had been preparing the blind man for this healing moment since he was knitted in his mother's womb.
It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves or others because of the difficulties we face. But what if God is preparing to use those to bring Himself glory?
I also find it interesting that this is one of the few miracles of Jesus that required effort on both His part and the part of the blind man. Jesus made and applied mud to the man's eyes, and he had to go wash in a particular pool. God doesn't always act in the most expeditious ways (after all, he'd healed many with just a word), and He often asks for our participation and belief as He works His plan. I wonder how many times I've not believed enough to act upon His instructions and I've missed out on miracles that would have removed my blindness?
Context: Jesus has been discussing God with some who professed to be believers, and He actually admitted that He was the "I am." They picked up stones to stone Him, but He hid Himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Text:
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, "Isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself insisted, "I am the man."
10"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.
11He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
This man had been blind from birth, and both he and his family were the subject of judgmental glances -- surely either he or his parents had sinned for this disability to have occurred. Yet God had been preparing the blind man for this healing moment since he was knitted in his mother's womb.
It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves or others because of the difficulties we face. But what if God is preparing to use those to bring Himself glory?
I also find it interesting that this is one of the few miracles of Jesus that required effort on both His part and the part of the blind man. Jesus made and applied mud to the man's eyes, and he had to go wash in a particular pool. God doesn't always act in the most expeditious ways (after all, he'd healed many with just a word), and He often asks for our participation and belief as He works His plan. I wonder how many times I've not believed enough to act upon His instructions and I've missed out on miracles that would have removed my blindness?
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Jan 23 - Jesus Brings Light
Read Matthew 4:12-17
Context: This is the very beginning of Jesus' ministry -- immediately after He's fasted in the desert for 40 days and been tempted by Satan.
Text:
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."[a]
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 4:16 Isaiah 9:1,2
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The land of Zebulun was that given to the offspring of Jacob's tenth son, the last son of Leah. It is a fertile land that includes part of the mountainous area of lower Galilee. Napthali was the sixth son of Jacob, borne by Rachel's maidservant Bilhah. The land given to his descendants was immediately north and east of Zebulun. It was mountainous and fertile.
Capernaum became the center of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. It is believed that Peter lived here near the synagogue, and that Jesus stayed at his home for most of His time in Capernaum. At this point in Christ's ministry, however, Peter had not yet been named. (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
Context: This is the very beginning of Jesus' ministry -- immediately after He's fasted in the desert for 40 days and been tempted by Satan.
Text:
12When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."[a]
17From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 4:16 Isaiah 9:1,2
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The land of Zebulun was that given to the offspring of Jacob's tenth son, the last son of Leah. It is a fertile land that includes part of the mountainous area of lower Galilee. Napthali was the sixth son of Jacob, borne by Rachel's maidservant Bilhah. The land given to his descendants was immediately north and east of Zebulun. It was mountainous and fertile.
Capernaum became the center of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. It is believed that Peter lived here near the synagogue, and that Jesus stayed at his home for most of His time in Capernaum. At this point in Christ's ministry, however, Peter had not yet been named. (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary).
Monday, January 22, 2007
Jan 22 - Promises for God's People
Read Isaiah 35:3-10
Context: Chapters 34-35 of Isaiah concludes a long prophecy (starting in chapter 28) where God gives the news of terrible times for Israel. Each major section starts with "woe to" and then goes on to list a specific group and tell of the disasters to overcome them. The last "woe," however, goes to the destroyer, and God tells of the redemption to come after the disaster. Today's reading comes under the heading "Joy of the Redeemed."
Text:
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. [a]
9 No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there,
10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Isaiah 35:8 Or / the simple will not stray from it
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Can you imagine being told in very graphic terms that an unimaginable disaster would befall you? In current culture, this would be the same as saying that we would be taken away to a third world country with no power, no cars or public transportation, no stores, no running water, and no control over our lives. Yes, that even means no Super Bowl!
God has given the Israelites a view of their future and He's also been specific about why this tragedy will befall them. Yet He continues to have compassion on His people. He tells them the end of the story, when they will be redeemed and will return to 'most favored nation' status. I don't know about you, but it makes difficult times much easier to bear if I know that they will end and there will be rejoicing on the other side. He has given them hope...that can help people make it through the worst of days.
Context: Chapters 34-35 of Isaiah concludes a long prophecy (starting in chapter 28) where God gives the news of terrible times for Israel. Each major section starts with "woe to" and then goes on to list a specific group and tell of the disasters to overcome them. The last "woe," however, goes to the destroyer, and God tells of the redemption to come after the disaster. Today's reading comes under the heading "Joy of the Redeemed."
Text:
3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
7 The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.
8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. [a]
9 No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there,
10 and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Isaiah 35:8 Or / the simple will not stray from it
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Can you imagine being told in very graphic terms that an unimaginable disaster would befall you? In current culture, this would be the same as saying that we would be taken away to a third world country with no power, no cars or public transportation, no stores, no running water, and no control over our lives. Yes, that even means no Super Bowl!
God has given the Israelites a view of their future and He's also been specific about why this tragedy will befall them. Yet He continues to have compassion on His people. He tells them the end of the story, when they will be redeemed and will return to 'most favored nation' status. I don't know about you, but it makes difficult times much easier to bear if I know that they will end and there will be rejoicing on the other side. He has given them hope...that can help people make it through the worst of days.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Jan 21 - Jesus is the Living Water
Read: John 7:37-39
Context: Shortly after yesterday's reading Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. At this point the Pharisees were planning to take His life. He began teaching publicly in the temple courts and the people were amazed.
Text: 37On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as[c] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Context: Shortly after yesterday's reading Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. At this point the Pharisees were planning to take His life. He began teaching publicly in the temple courts and the people were amazed.
Text: 37On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as[c] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Jan 20 - Jesus is the Bread of Life
Read: John 6:33-51
Context: Jesus has just fed the 5000 and then he walked on water to the boat where his disciples were. They continued the trip to the shore of Capernaum. The next morning the crowds followed Him and asked Him to give them a sign that He was the Christ. He responded that God gives the true bread from Heaven.
Text:
33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
41At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"
43"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. 44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.'[a] Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 6:45 Isaiah 54:13
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Context: Jesus has just fed the 5000 and then he walked on water to the boat where his disciples were. They continued the trip to the shore of Capernaum. The next morning the crowds followed Him and asked Him to give them a sign that He was the Christ. He responded that God gives the true bread from Heaven.
Text:
33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
41At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"
43"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. 44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.'[a] Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 6:45 Isaiah 54:13
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Friday, January 19, 2007
Jan 19 - Bread of Friendship
Read Luke 11:5-10
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness[a] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 11:8 Or persistence
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Yesterday Jesus told us that we are to ask for our daily bread, a staple that could mean the difference between life and death. In this passage he goes on to show how critical bread was to the culture. The Jewish people were known for their hospitality. It was considered a major slap to a guest if you didn't offer them food and a place to sleep. A good friend would know this and would go out of his way to be helpful to a neighbor in need.
This week we are learning that Jesus is the bread of life. We, too, should be willing to share our 'bread' with others in need! When is the last time someone hinted (or flat out mentioned) their need for what Jesus can offer. How did you respond? I'm haunted by the times I said no, often the opportunity to witness doesn't come as easily the next time.
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness[a] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 11:8 Or persistence
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Yesterday Jesus told us that we are to ask for our daily bread, a staple that could mean the difference between life and death. In this passage he goes on to show how critical bread was to the culture. The Jewish people were known for their hospitality. It was considered a major slap to a guest if you didn't offer them food and a place to sleep. A good friend would know this and would go out of his way to be helpful to a neighbor in need.
This week we are learning that Jesus is the bread of life. We, too, should be willing to share our 'bread' with others in need! When is the last time someone hinted (or flat out mentioned) their need for what Jesus can offer. How did you respond? I'm haunted by the times I said no, often the opportunity to witness doesn't come as easily the next time.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Jan 18 - Our Daily Bread
Read: Luke 11:1-4
Context: The passage that precedes this one is the account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha, when Mary sat at his feet listening and Martha was upset because Mary didn't help her in the kitchen.
Text:
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father,[a] hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.[b] 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[c] And lead us not into temptation.[d]' " (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts Our Father in heaven
Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Luke 11:4 Greek everyone who is indebted to us
Luke 11:4 Some manuscripts temptation but deliver us from the evil one
taken from www.biblegateway.com
While some diets today say bread is the enemy, in Biblical times it was the primary staple in their diets. Throughout the Word we see it -- Passover bread, manna in the wilderness, sustaining life of a widow, her son, and Elijah. In the New Testament it is even used to tempt Jesus in the desert -- Satan asked Him to turn a stone into bread when He was very hungry.
Today, whenever you eat a piece of bread, thank God for meeting your daily needs (and if you are on a low carb diet...thank Him when you think of bread!).
Context: The passage that precedes this one is the account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha, when Mary sat at his feet listening and Martha was upset because Mary didn't help her in the kitchen.
Text:
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father,[a] hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.[b] 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[c] And lead us not into temptation.[d]' " (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts Our Father in heaven
Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Luke 11:4 Greek everyone who is indebted to us
Luke 11:4 Some manuscripts temptation but deliver us from the evil one
taken from www.biblegateway.com
While some diets today say bread is the enemy, in Biblical times it was the primary staple in their diets. Throughout the Word we see it -- Passover bread, manna in the wilderness, sustaining life of a widow, her son, and Elijah. In the New Testament it is even used to tempt Jesus in the desert -- Satan asked Him to turn a stone into bread when He was very hungry.
Today, whenever you eat a piece of bread, thank God for meeting your daily needs (and if you are on a low carb diet...thank Him when you think of bread!).
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Jan 17 - Jesus Walks on Water
Read Mt 14:22-32
Context: Today's text occurs right after Jesus has fed the 5000.
Text:
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 14:24 Greek many stadia
taken from www.biblegateway.com
At this point, how could the disciples NOT know that Jesus was God? They have seen Him heal people for quite a while, and they just witnessed his miraculous feeding of 5000 hungry men (not to mention the women and children who were present). In fact, I imagine that there were baskets full of bread and fish, leftovers, on the boat with them! Now they see that not only can Jesus walk on water, but he can allow others to do it, too.
Why DO we doubt?
Context: Today's text occurs right after Jesus has fed the 5000.
Text:
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 14:24 Greek many stadia
taken from www.biblegateway.com
At this point, how could the disciples NOT know that Jesus was God? They have seen Him heal people for quite a while, and they just witnessed his miraculous feeding of 5000 hungry men (not to mention the women and children who were present). In fact, I imagine that there were baskets full of bread and fish, leftovers, on the boat with them! Now they see that not only can Jesus walk on water, but he can allow others to do it, too.
Why DO we doubt?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Jan 16 - Jesus Provides
Read Mark 6:35-44
Context: Mark, the author of this book, was not one of the 12 apostles, but there is evidence that he spent a lot of time around them. Some believe that he was very close to Peter, and that this book is actually Marks account of Peter's recollections. At the time our text begins, Jesus has spent all day teaching to a large crowd of people.
Text:
35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. 36Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."
37But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages[a]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"
38"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."
39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketful's of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Footnotes:
Mark 6:37 Greek take two hundred denarii
I love this story -- it not only shows how Jesus will provide for our basic needs and desires, but that he frequently uses the least of us to show his glory. I wonder how this story would have been different today if the boy had a typical snack of potato chips and Pepsi!
Context: Mark, the author of this book, was not one of the 12 apostles, but there is evidence that he spent a lot of time around them. Some believe that he was very close to Peter, and that this book is actually Marks account of Peter's recollections. At the time our text begins, Jesus has spent all day teaching to a large crowd of people.
Text:
35By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late. 36Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."
37But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages[a]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"
38"How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."
39Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42They all ate and were satisfied, 43and the disciples picked up twelve basketful's of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Footnotes:
Mark 6:37 Greek take two hundred denarii
I love this story -- it not only shows how Jesus will provide for our basic needs and desires, but that he frequently uses the least of us to show his glory. I wonder how this story would have been different today if the boy had a typical snack of potato chips and Pepsi!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Jan 15 - One in Christ Jesus
Read Galatians 3:22-29
Context: Paul has been explaining the difficult concept of slavery to sin and how that relates to the Law. He then described the difference between what is gained by following the Law versus having faith in Jesus.
Text:
22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ[h] that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I can't help but think about Martin Luther King's dream on this day that honors him (and actually, on many other days, too). Why is it so difficult for people to treat others the way they would like to be treated, despite age, race, religion, gender, or handicap? Yet from the beginning of history, when Cain killed Abel, we have had different groups, different cultures, and with that came fear, envy, and the need to feel superior to others who have different ideas or backgrounds.
It is so encouraging to me to know that God doesn't look at ANY of those things...He doesn't see our exterior 'trappings.' He looks at our soul and He is the only one qualified to make judgments about our actions and our heart. Regardless of our background, our sins, or our worldly form, God loves us for who we are and He rejoices when we embrace each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Each of us has a particular 'type' of person we shy away from...it may be related to race, religion, or gender, or it may be more subtle, like those who have been prisoners, addicts, or extremely poor. It may even be the teenager with lots of body piercings or the biker with all the tattoos. I want to try to see past those things into the place where we are all the same, and we all need God.
Context: Paul has been explaining the difficult concept of slavery to sin and how that relates to the Law. He then described the difference between what is gained by following the Law versus having faith in Jesus.
Text:
22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ[h] that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I can't help but think about Martin Luther King's dream on this day that honors him (and actually, on many other days, too). Why is it so difficult for people to treat others the way they would like to be treated, despite age, race, religion, gender, or handicap? Yet from the beginning of history, when Cain killed Abel, we have had different groups, different cultures, and with that came fear, envy, and the need to feel superior to others who have different ideas or backgrounds.
It is so encouraging to me to know that God doesn't look at ANY of those things...He doesn't see our exterior 'trappings.' He looks at our soul and He is the only one qualified to make judgments about our actions and our heart. Regardless of our background, our sins, or our worldly form, God loves us for who we are and He rejoices when we embrace each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Each of us has a particular 'type' of person we shy away from...it may be related to race, religion, or gender, or it may be more subtle, like those who have been prisoners, addicts, or extremely poor. It may even be the teenager with lots of body piercings or the biker with all the tattoos. I want to try to see past those things into the place where we are all the same, and we all need God.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Jan 14: Jesus Speaks of Judgement
Read John 5:24-30
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
24"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
28"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
24"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
28"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Jan 13 - Honor the Son
Read John 5:19-23
Text:
19Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. 21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
Text:
19Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. 21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Jan 12: Christ Will Judge
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Context: Paul has just written about Godlessness in the last days and how to hold firm to Christs' teachings. The verse that precedes today's text is "All Scripture is God-breathed..."
Text:
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I wonder if there has ever been a time when men DID put up with sound doctrine -- 'men' being the masses. It seems that when there is widespread popular (or mandatory) religion in a country, that religion isn't very sound. And even in Christian denominations, we are so concerned about the doctrine OUR church chooses, that different churches don't even socialize with each other. They often put each other down, even from the pulpit, in an attempt to build themselves up.
I appreciate that our church leaders are so faithful to preach the Word. And still, each of us has the responsibility to validate that teaching with our Bible reading. There are many verses that aren't spoken of from the pulpit (for lots of reason...too hard to make a sermon from them, not key to pertinent current issues, too hard to understand) that we need to be sure to read so that the rest of our learning is complete in context. Keep up your reading!
Context: Paul has just written about Godlessness in the last days and how to hold firm to Christs' teachings. The verse that precedes today's text is "All Scripture is God-breathed..."
Text:
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I wonder if there has ever been a time when men DID put up with sound doctrine -- 'men' being the masses. It seems that when there is widespread popular (or mandatory) religion in a country, that religion isn't very sound. And even in Christian denominations, we are so concerned about the doctrine OUR church chooses, that different churches don't even socialize with each other. They often put each other down, even from the pulpit, in an attempt to build themselves up.
I appreciate that our church leaders are so faithful to preach the Word. And still, each of us has the responsibility to validate that teaching with our Bible reading. There are many verses that aren't spoken of from the pulpit (for lots of reason...too hard to make a sermon from them, not key to pertinent current issues, too hard to understand) that we need to be sure to read so that the rest of our learning is complete in context. Keep up your reading!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Jan 11: Jesus Taught With Authority
Read Matthew 7:24-29
Context:This is the tail end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Text:
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
Throughout His life people were amazed at Jesus. When he was born, the shepherds spread the word and all who heard it were amazed. At the temple when He was eight days old, Simeon and Anna recognized who He really was and they were amazed. When he was twelve and went to the temple instead of heading home with his parents, "Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers."
So many heard and were amazed, yet they still didn't have enough faith to trust what he said. Do you?
Context:This is the tail end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Text:
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
Throughout His life people were amazed at Jesus. When he was born, the shepherds spread the word and all who heard it were amazed. At the temple when He was eight days old, Simeon and Anna recognized who He really was and they were amazed. When he was twelve and went to the temple instead of heading home with his parents, "Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers."
So many heard and were amazed, yet they still didn't have enough faith to trust what he said. Do you?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Jan 10: I Am The Christ
Read John 4:19-26
Context: Jesus had been in Judea (where Jerusalem is), and he was heading back to Galilee to deal with the Pharisee's concerns about the number of baptisms that were taking place under His watch. This trip was about 60 miles, and he had to pass through Samaria or go way out of his way. This is where he met the Samaritan woman at the well. He's just had the conversation with her about not having a husband, but having had five husbands.
Text:
19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
This is one of the few times Jesus refers directly to himself as the Messiah. If you are familiar with the story of the Samaritan woman, you know that this is an attempt on her part to change the subject and 'lower the heat' about her private life and true spiritual matters. Jesus expertly answers her question and makes it clear that where you worship is not important -- it's how you worship that makes the difference. The word interpreted as 'spirit' in v23 and 24 is the same word all three times, 'pneuma'. It actually means breath, breathe, spirit, and wind, and it is used to reference both the Holy Spirit and human spirit.
I guess it could be interpreted that we should worship with every breath!
Context: Jesus had been in Judea (where Jerusalem is), and he was heading back to Galilee to deal with the Pharisee's concerns about the number of baptisms that were taking place under His watch. This trip was about 60 miles, and he had to pass through Samaria or go way out of his way. This is where he met the Samaritan woman at the well. He's just had the conversation with her about not having a husband, but having had five husbands.
Text:
19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
This is one of the few times Jesus refers directly to himself as the Messiah. If you are familiar with the story of the Samaritan woman, you know that this is an attempt on her part to change the subject and 'lower the heat' about her private life and true spiritual matters. Jesus expertly answers her question and makes it clear that where you worship is not important -- it's how you worship that makes the difference. The word interpreted as 'spirit' in v23 and 24 is the same word all three times, 'pneuma'. It actually means breath, breathe, spirit, and wind, and it is used to reference both the Holy Spirit and human spirit.
I guess it could be interpreted that we should worship with every breath!
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Jan 9: Whom God Has Sent
Read John 3:31-36
Context: Before John the Baptist was put in prison, an argument broke out between his followers. They were concerned that Jesus was baptizing people, too, and more people were going to him. John testified that Jesus was the bridegroom, and that he (John) was pleased to become lesser as Christ became greater. In today's reading, John is speaking.
Text:
31"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God[a] gives the Spirit without limit. 35The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."[b] (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 3:34 Greek he
John 3:36 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 30.
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It's just a little word, but did you notice the word 'has' in the last sentence above? It doesn't say that we will receive eternal life, but that we already have it! It's easy to long for the days in Heaven when there will be no more weeping and we will see our Savior, but our eternal life has already started! Let's rejoice now and live with the joy only Jesus can give!
Context: Before John the Baptist was put in prison, an argument broke out between his followers. They were concerned that Jesus was baptizing people, too, and more people were going to him. John testified that Jesus was the bridegroom, and that he (John) was pleased to become lesser as Christ became greater. In today's reading, John is speaking.
Text:
31"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God[a] gives the Spirit without limit. 35The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."[b] (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 3:34 Greek he
John 3:36 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 30.
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It's just a little word, but did you notice the word 'has' in the last sentence above? It doesn't say that we will receive eternal life, but that we already have it! It's easy to long for the days in Heaven when there will be no more weeping and we will see our Savior, but our eternal life has already started! Let's rejoice now and live with the joy only Jesus can give!
Monday, January 8, 2007
Jan 8: Jesus Heals a Lame Man
Read John 5:1-9
Context: Today's reading comes within a short time after Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well and after he healed a royal official's son without going near the child.
Text:
1Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.[b] 5One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethzatha; other manuscripts Bethsaida
John 5:3 Some less important manuscripts paralyzed—and they waited for the moving of the waters. 4 From time to time an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the waters. The first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured of whatever disease he had.
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
Why did Jesus chose this man to heal? It tells us that there were a great number of disabled people, and there is no record of this man (or any other, for that matter) asking Him for healing. Can you imagine being the one laying next to this man and wondering why he was healed and not you?
Had he been especially faithful and patient in his prayers for healing? Had he been polite and greeted Jesus? Did Jesus take pity on him because he was unable to get to the pool on time? Or did he just happen to be the one in the right place at the right time so Jesus was able to make a significant point about the legalistic society (since work was forbidden on the Sabbath)?
Why do things happen to us today? Do we have any real clue why one is stricken and another is healed? Yet, regardless of our physical state, God can use us just as we are to further His plan. Do you want to be used?
Context: Today's reading comes within a short time after Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well and after he healed a royal official's son without going near the child.
Text:
1Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.[b] 5One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
7"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 5:2 Some manuscripts Bethzatha; other manuscripts Bethsaida
John 5:3 Some less important manuscripts paralyzed—and they waited for the moving of the waters. 4 From time to time an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the waters. The first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured of whatever disease he had.
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
Why did Jesus chose this man to heal? It tells us that there were a great number of disabled people, and there is no record of this man (or any other, for that matter) asking Him for healing. Can you imagine being the one laying next to this man and wondering why he was healed and not you?
Had he been especially faithful and patient in his prayers for healing? Had he been polite and greeted Jesus? Did Jesus take pity on him because he was unable to get to the pool on time? Or did he just happen to be the one in the right place at the right time so Jesus was able to make a significant point about the legalistic society (since work was forbidden on the Sabbath)?
Why do things happen to us today? Do we have any real clue why one is stricken and another is healed? Yet, regardless of our physical state, God can use us just as we are to further His plan. Do you want to be used?
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Jan 7 - Jesus Speaks of Eternal Life
Read: John 8:48-59
Context: In between yesterday's text and today's, Jesus tells people that if God were their father, they would listen to Him (Jesus). But since they don't, they must be sons of the devil, wanting to carry out his desires. He ends with "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
Text:
48The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?"
49"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
52At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. 53Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
54Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Context: In between yesterday's text and today's, Jesus tells people that if God were their father, they would listen to Him (Jesus). But since they don't, they must be sons of the devil, wanting to carry out his desires. He ends with "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
Text:
48The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?"
49"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
52At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. 53Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
54Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Jan 6 - Jesus Promises Freedom
Read: John 8:31-38
Context: Jesus has been speaking to the people about who He is. The Pharisees challenged Him for appearing as His own witness, saying that His testimony wasn't valid. Many who listened put their faith in Him
Text:
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[a] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.[b]" (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 8:33 Greek seed; also in verse 37
John 8:38 Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.
Context: Jesus has been speaking to the people about who He is. The Pharisees challenged Him for appearing as His own witness, saying that His testimony wasn't valid. Many who listened put their faith in Him
Text:
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants[a] and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
34Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.[b]" (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 8:33 Greek seed; also in verse 37
John 8:38 Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Jan 5 - Jesus Is the Christ
Read Matthew 11:2-6
Context: Jesus just sent the twelve out in pairs to minister to the masses. He went on to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
Text:
2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 11:5 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Didn't John the Baptist see the dove coming down when Jesus was baptized? Didn't he hear God's voice say "This is my son"? And now he's questioning Christ's authenticity? If someone saw and heard that evidence and is still questioning, it's no wonder that we have questions about Christ, too.
Yet Jesus himself says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed," in a conversation with Thomas after His resurrection (John 20:29). We are saved by our faith (Lk 7:50, Eph 2:8), and faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). If we can help others make the leap between visible evidence and faith, we can help them find God!
Context: Jesus just sent the twelve out in pairs to minister to the masses. He went on to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
Text:
2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 11:5 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Didn't John the Baptist see the dove coming down when Jesus was baptized? Didn't he hear God's voice say "This is my son"? And now he's questioning Christ's authenticity? If someone saw and heard that evidence and is still questioning, it's no wonder that we have questions about Christ, too.
Yet Jesus himself says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed," in a conversation with Thomas after His resurrection (John 20:29). We are saved by our faith (Lk 7:50, Eph 2:8), and faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). If we can help others make the leap between visible evidence and faith, we can help them find God!
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Jan 4 - Jesus Gives Peace
Read John 14:23-31
Context: Jesus is at his final Passover meal. He has washed everyones' feet and Judas Iscariot has left the party. He has predicted Peter's denial and has answered several questions about his upcoming departure. Judas (not Judas Iscariot) has just asked, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
Text:
23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
As they move on to the garden, Jesus talks about being the true vine, while his Father is the gardener. May His peace be with you!
Context: Jesus is at his final Passover meal. He has washed everyones' feet and Judas Iscariot has left the party. He has predicted Peter's denial and has answered several questions about his upcoming departure. Judas (not Judas Iscariot) has just asked, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
Text:
23Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
As they move on to the garden, Jesus talks about being the true vine, while his Father is the gardener. May His peace be with you!
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Jan 3 - Promises Fulfilled
Read Matthew 13:10-17
Context: Jesus has had a long day. He has argued truth with Pharisees, healed many who were sick, handicapped, and demon-possessed. He left the house where he had been speaking (probably Peter's home), and went to sit by the lake. So many people gathered around that he had to get into a boat on the lake to speak to them. At the point of our passage today, he has just finished telling the parable of the sower (where seed falls on many different kinds of ground). He explains this passage immediately after today's reading.
Text:
10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"
11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 13:15 Isaiah 6:9,10
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Sometimes I think there are so many things for us to listen to that we often don't listen to anything effectively. Have you ever been watching TV and had been unable to tell someone what is going on in the show because you were zoned out? Have your kids ever asked for something, you said 'yes' and then wondered what you had approved? Do you forget what your spouse said, or even that something was said?
Our heads are so full of worry, news, trivia, and to-do lists that we seldom really notice what is going on around us. Today I challenge you to look for God's voice in your surroundings, and to really stop and listen to what others are saying, too.
Context: Jesus has had a long day. He has argued truth with Pharisees, healed many who were sick, handicapped, and demon-possessed. He left the house where he had been speaking (probably Peter's home), and went to sit by the lake. So many people gathered around that he had to get into a boat on the lake to speak to them. At the point of our passage today, he has just finished telling the parable of the sower (where seed falls on many different kinds of ground). He explains this passage immediately after today's reading.
Text:
10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"
11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Matthew 13:15 Isaiah 6:9,10
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Sometimes I think there are so many things for us to listen to that we often don't listen to anything effectively. Have you ever been watching TV and had been unable to tell someone what is going on in the show because you were zoned out? Have your kids ever asked for something, you said 'yes' and then wondered what you had approved? Do you forget what your spouse said, or even that something was said?
Our heads are so full of worry, news, trivia, and to-do lists that we seldom really notice what is going on around us. Today I challenge you to look for God's voice in your surroundings, and to really stop and listen to what others are saying, too.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Jan 2 - Jesus is the Lamb of God
Read John 1:29-34
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It's interesting that John didn't know Jesus until God told him. Did the cousins ever see each other? Maybe they knew each other personally, but John didn't know that Jesus was the Christ...I imagine Mary and Joseph kept that pretty quiet.
Context: Continuation from yesterday
Text:
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." (NIV)
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
It's interesting that John didn't know Jesus until God told him. Did the cousins ever see each other? Maybe they knew each other personally, but John didn't know that Jesus was the Christ...I imagine Mary and Joseph kept that pretty quiet.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Jan 1 - A Voice In the Wilderness
Read John 1:19-34
Context: John (the apostle) has given a brief overview explaining that Jesus was with God from the beginning, and that he came to the world to give those who believe the right to become children of God. John (the apostle) has introduced John the Baptist as an eyewitness to this truth.
Text:
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ.[a]"
21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."
22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"
23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "[b]
24Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
26"I baptize with[c] water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."
28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Jesus the Lamb of God
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 1:20 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 25.
John 1:23 Isaiah 40:3
John 1:26 Or in; also in verses 31 and 33
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
I wish we had more information about John the Baptist and how he grew up. Based on the revelation his father received, he knew that he would bring many of the people of Israel back to their Lord and that he would "go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous -- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Lk 1:17) He was never to drink wine or other fermented drinks, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from birth.
John the Baptist clearly knew his role in life, and at least as an adult he fulfilled it. How clearly can we know our roles today? Where do you think you stand in fulfilling the role God has given you?
Context: John (the apostle) has given a brief overview explaining that Jesus was with God from the beginning, and that he came to the world to give those who believe the right to become children of God. John (the apostle) has introduced John the Baptist as an eyewitness to this truth.
Text:
19Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ.[a]"
21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No."
22Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"
23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' "[b]
24Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
26"I baptize with[c] water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."
28This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Jesus the Lamb of God
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." (NIV)
Footnotes:
John 1:20 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 25.
John 1:23 Isaiah 40:3
John 1:26 Or in; also in verses 31 and 33
taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/
I wish we had more information about John the Baptist and how he grew up. Based on the revelation his father received, he knew that he would bring many of the people of Israel back to their Lord and that he would "go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous -- to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Lk 1:17) He was never to drink wine or other fermented drinks, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from birth.
John the Baptist clearly knew his role in life, and at least as an adult he fulfilled it. How clearly can we know our roles today? Where do you think you stand in fulfilling the role God has given you?
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