January 18, 2024
January 18, 2024
Read Genesis 18, Psalm 18, John 18
Genesis 18 opens with the statement, “The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day” v. 1. The next verse tells us that three men had come to visit with Abraham. Their identity would slowly be made known as you read the next two chapters. Abraham quickly offers these three a typical biblical show of hospitality. He offers them water and a fresh meal prepared just for them. This will be a stark contrast to the way the 2 angels are treated when they enter the town of Sodom in the next chapter. Abraham entertained these men without really knowing who they were, but he showed them kindness. We may not find ourselves entertaining angels, but entertaining people that have a need that we can meet. An act of kindness shown may bless them and it may come back as a blessing to us. The Lord blesses Abraham and Sarah, despite Sarah who “laughed to herself” v. 12 about the prospect of having a child in the next year. Sarah may have long given up on the promise that God made to them, and with 25 years having passed she scoffed at the idea taking place now. Have we forgotten who the Lord is and what kind of miracle working Savior He is?
The Lord reveals to Abraham what he is about to do with Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities of the plain. Abraham bargains with him, “What if only 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, and 10 righteous can be found there?” vv. 26-32. Abraham is concerned for his nephew Lot and his family. He doesn’t want the Lord to sweep away the righteous with the wicked. God is a just God and will not punish the righteous for the sake of the wicked.
Psalm 18 is a psalm of David where he celebrates the Lord’s hand in delivering him from King Saul and the enemies he faced on the run. “He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me” v. 17. David recognized it wasn’t his own wit or strength that gave him the victory, it was the Lord. David also states that it wasn’t because of who David was that God provided the rescue, it was his righteous acts that gave him the help from God. “The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me” v. 20. Too many times Christians can fall in the trap of thinking these same two thing. It was our own wisdom or strength that secured our victory. Many Christians think they can do no wrong because they are “Christians” and they stop focusing on their righteous living like they once did.
In John 18 we read of Jesus trail before the Jewish Sanhedrin and before Pilate. The trials and questioning is not about anything Jesus did. His miracles, he healed, preformed demon exorcisms, or his teaching. His trail was grounded on who Jesus claimed to be. He had given hints all through the Gospels and made people wonder if He indeed was the Christ. Now the religious leaders demanded an answer. Powerless to execute capital punishment, the Jews are forced to take Jesus to Pilate for the results they want. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” v. 33. Jesus admits it so and Pilate finds no reason to charge him with a crime and desires to let Him go, but the Jews insist that he not. Who do you say that Jesus is to you? Some call Him a teacher, a prophet, a wise sage, but Jesus tells us in the Word that He is much more. Jesus is the promised Messiah, and Savior of the World.
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Write you thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 17, 2024
January 16, 2024
Read Genesis 16, Psalm 16, John 16
H.G. Wells wrote the Novel “The Invisible Man.” Harry Potter has his cloak of invisibility. And many sci-fi shows like to brandish the power to cloak their spacecrafts to make them invisible. As cool as this might sound, do you ever feel that you are invisible? Maybe you just wish someone would see you. Recognizing you or giving you a little attention. We all might have times in our lives when we feel that way. The good news is that there is a God who sees you.
In Genesis 16, We see an impatient Sarai who has waited 10 years since the time God had promised a son. Sarai hatches the idea that maybe Abram should take her maidservant Hagar and try a child through her. Oh course, Abram quickly agrees. “He slept with Hagar, and she conceived” v. 4. Naturally, Sarai becomes jealous and starts mistreating Hagar because her own plan worked. Sarai causes Hagar to run away and she runs to the desert where an angel appears to her with a message. “The angel of the LORD also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery” v. 11. Ishmael means God hears. Verse 13 says, “She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” It should be comforting that in times when we feel invisible or are facing something that we didn’t even stir up, there is a God who sees us.
Psalm 16 is a psalm of David with a similar theme to Hagar’s plight in Genesis. David cries out to the Lord to keep him safe. Verses 9-11 seem to show us that David knows despite his circumstances and situation God sees Him. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” May the promise of Scripture give you hope and aid you in trusting in the Lord in times like David faced.
In John 16 Jesus continues His Olivette discourse. He continues teaching on the Holy Spirit and tells the disciples what they might not wait to hear, times will get tough before they get better. Jesus even tells them that some of them will be put to death and it will be seen as a service to God. Jesus tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, will convict the world in three areas. Sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirt will teach us what is wrong and sinful, the Holy Spirit will teach us what is also right in the absence of Jesus, and finally the Spirit will act in judgment because Satan will be condemned for his actions.
As Jesus explains in detail about his soon coming absence and then appearance. The disciples probe Jesus with more questions. When they final understand the disciples respond with “Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God” v.30. The grief and confusion the disciples faced now became confidence and joy knowing that Jesus was a God that saw them and all things. Don’t let us forget that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, sees us and He knows what will take place in our future even though we do not.
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 15, 2024
January 15, 2024
Read Genesis 15, Psalm 15, John 15
What things do we rush through in life? What do we try and speed through to get them done? What things do we enjoy and desire to spend time on? Chances are if you are making a list in your mind right now, the things we want to dwell on are the things that we love and find enjoyment. How does our walk with God fit into these two categories? Do we long to rush through our time with God in order so that we can dwell on other things in our life? Or, do we long to spend time with God and in His word more than other things?
God again comes to Abram in Genesis 15 and tells Him, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” v. 1. Abram speaks up and asks what type of reward he may receive, Abram longs for a son. Earlier God promised Abram that he would have many descendants, but it hasn’t happened yet. Abram is getting impatient. If you know the story, it will take 25 years for Abram and Sarai to have the promised child. God wanted Abram to dwell in his promise and to be obedient to God. Abram had to trust God would reward Him in God’s proper timing. Our world is probably even more impatient now. The use of technology makes us pace the kitchen floor waiting 2 minutes for our popcorn, or the few seconds it takes for our phone and apps to connect on a video call on the other side of the world.
God again comes to Abram in a deep sleep and reminds Abram that it will a while before all the things God spoke to him about will come to pass. “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and ill-treated four hundred years. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterwards they will come out with great possessions” vv. 13-14. Then God tells Him “In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here” v. 16. Many will explain the fourth generation as through ha typical life span of a human, 100 years and that would match the 400 or 430 years in Egypt as slaves.
In Psalm 15 David asks, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?” v. 1. The rest of the psalm answers that. It is those who fear the Lord, those who do right, and live a just life in relationship with their neighbors and others. One day we will dwell with God, not in the sanctuary or temple, but with God in Heaven.
In John 15 we see a similar theme of dwelling. Jesus calls his true disciples to “remain in me” v.4. I love the King James word “abide.” Jesus tells us three times to remain or abide. First, “remain in me” v. 4, second, “my words remain in you” v. 7, and finally “remain in my love” v. 9. This aspect of dwelling all has to do with our relationship with God. Yes, the Bible does not speak much about our need for a “relationship” with God, that is a more modern phrase, but the Bible does speak much about our “walk with God.” When two people go for a walk together they can communicate, both talk and listen, they can interact with one another, learn from each other. All this is true of our walk with God. The last part of the chapter Jesus reminds his disciples that when we remain in Him the world will hate us. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” vv. 18-19. We have a choice, we can either remain in God’s love or the world’s love. Where will we choose to dwell?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes pop out at you? Write your thoughts and observations below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 14, 2024
January 14, 2024
Read Genesis 14, Psalm 14, John 14
What things in your life trouble you most? Is it a circumstance you face, a relationship, financial or material needs, a physical illness or perhaps something new you are facing with an unknown future? What takes your peace away from you? One thing that can make these difficult circumstances better is knowing that we do not face them alone. If we are blessed to have family, friends, a church to lean on can make these times more bearable. There is greater comfort knowing that whatever we face as disciples of Jesus that the Lord is with us, and that God can rescue us from anything we face.
In Genesis 14 we find the story of Abram who rescues Lot from a battle where he is caught in between some rival kings. Abram rounds up 318 “trained men born in his household” v. 14. Abram goes all out to rescue His nephew Lot from trouble and the Lord gave him success in his efforts. In almost 30 years of ministry, working in a church, I have seen many people in need. One common theme is that bridges often have been burned in families and there is no help available for those in need. Be thankful for the family that you do have. If you do not have a family that you feel you can call a blessing, why not turn it around and be a blessing to them or create that type of family going forward.
After the battle is over Abram is greeted by The King of Sodom and the King of Salem, named Melchizedek. These two kings can be contrasted against one another. Melchizedek is an interesting person which we know little about from Genesis 14, but psalm 110 and Hebrews chapter 5 and 7 speak more about. Melchizedek is said to be priest of El Elyon “God Most High.” Abram strangely gives him a tenth of the spoils he collected in the rescue. This is the first time we see the use of a tenth given in the Bible. The King of Sodom asks for the people back but tells Abram he can keep the goods. The King of Sodom comes out next and asks for the people back that he rescued but tells Abram he may keep all the goods. Abram informs the King of Sodom of his oath – “have taken an oath” v. 22 “I will accept nothing belonging to you” v. 23 Not even the smallest items? – “a thread or the thong of a sandal” v. 23 Abram wants only to have others know God was the source of Abram’s blessings and possessions and no one else. – “you will never be able to say ‘I made Abram rich’” v. 23. Many believe, including myself, that Melchizedek is a theophany of the preincarnate Christ whom Abram pays a tenth to. You can dig into that deeper in Hebrews if you wish.
Psalm 14 starts off with an often-quoted verse by many Christians who want to take a swipe at atheists. David writes “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” v. 1. I’m not sure the best way to win the ear of an atheist or for them to hear the gospel is to start with name calling. Also, this misunderstands the meaning of the word “fool” in the biblical sense. Most often a fool was a morally deficient person. If a person does not believe that God exists, there is no higher authority in their lives than themselves. They will say and do what they want to, which is what the word fool in Scripture describes. The next few verses David reminds us all with some “hard truth” (as our student pastor recently said) that we are all sinners, “there is no-one who does good” v. 2, and not many people seek the Lord “The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” v. 2. David resolves the psalm again with a reminder that God will bring salvation and restore the fortunes of his people. “Let Jacob rejoice and be glad” v. 7.
In John 14 we have the beginning of a long discourse of teaching from Jesus on the Holy Spirit. The chapter begins with Jesus telling the disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” v. 1. The disciples were trouble because what Jesus had revealed to them in the previous chapter. He was going to be with them only for a little while longer. Even worse, those who claimed to never leave Jesus would deny Him three times before the cock crows. Jesus uses a beautiful wedding analogy in verses 2-3. Jesus was going away to prepare a room in his father’s house. In the first century Jewish culture the betrothal of an engaged couple would be a typically longer period. The groom would go and build a home or a room in his parents’ home and prepare it for he and his soon coming bride. After the wedding ceremony the groom would take his bride back to the home that he had prepared for her. The disciples ask questions and try to understand what Jesus was referring to. Thomas questions Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” vv. 5-6. This exclusive statement by Jesus has no doubt caused many relativists to push back and reject Christianity then and now.
In Jesus teaching about the Holy Spirit in this chapter we first learn that the Holy Spirit will act as a “Counselor” v. 26, not like a mental health professional, but a defense attorney who will defend us in times of need. Second the Holy Spirit will “teach and remind you of everything I have said to you” v. 26 when they teach and write the Gospels and Epistles. Third, and most importantly the Spirit will bring peace to them. “Peace 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” v. 27. This is not an absence of war or conflict, but rather an inner peace that Christ’s followers will have despite the trouble they will face (John 16:33).
What else do you see in these verses as you read them? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you? Write your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 13, 2024
January 13, 2024
Read Genesis 13, Psalm 13, John 13
In Genesis 13 we find a choice of right or left. The Scripture says that Abram had become very wealthy. His herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen started to argue, likely over who was occupying which pastureland for their own livestock. Being the eldest, Lot had the right to select which area he wanted but in a show of kindness allows his nephew Lot to pick first. Lot looked around and the Scripture says, “Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD” v. 10. This must have allured his eye to choose this side over the other. The Scripture hints at what will come in the next chapter by mentioning Sodom and that “the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD” v. 13. Is this not the perfect illustration of sin. It looks appealing to the eye at first, at a distance, all seems fine, but sooner or later we find ourselves in a place and situation we did not foresee with consequences we did not want to face.
Psalm 13 is a smaller psalm of David. If this psalm seems familiar, it is because David again is crying out to the Lord as he wrestles with his thoughts and wonders, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me?” v. 1. As David writes this psalm out it appears that God has not resolved his situation yet, but David leans on the promises of God. He writes, “But I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” v. 5. David took comfort knowing that God would save him, even if he didn’t know how. Where do you think David had gotten a trust like this? Chances are it was not automatic, it was build by many times in his past when God rescued him. We can do the same when we look back and see how the Lord has brought us through in times past.
John 13 might be the most challenging image of Jesus that followers of Christ look at. Jesus is God, He is Savior and LORD, miracle worker, teacher, but here hours before Jesus would go to the cross and pay the debt of the world’s sins, Jesus humbles himself and serves his disciples by washing their feet. Jesus had already humbled himself as Paul describes in Philippians 2:4-11, but this act of foot washing was something that would leave a mark on his disciples. The chapter begins with his intention, “he now showed them the full extent of his love” v. 1. So many people are caught up in being served today. America has become a nation of service. How many carwashes have popped up over the last few years or businesses that will do anything you want them to… for a price. The meal delivery business like Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Grub Hub show us we are willing to pay anyone just about anything to be served. Jesus was a leader who was willing to serve those he loved. If you pull comments from the disciples early in Jesus’ ministry its clear they think He was going to come in and rule as Messiah. The Jews were looking for someone to free them from the Romans and they would return to their glory days. When Jesus washed their feet he set an example for them to follow. “You should do as I have done for you” v. 15. This message of Jesus was taken to heart by the early Christians, it’s all in the writings of Paul and the other Epistles. How do you follow Jesus’ example and serve others around you? What can you do to show the love of Christ to others in your circle of influence?
What words, phrases, or themes do you see in these chapters? What other things stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 12, 2024
January 12, 2024
Read Genesis 12, Psalm 12, John 12
In Genesis 11 we find the people trying to make a name for themselves. Their attempt is without God and full of pride. In Genesis 12 we find the Narrative of Abram beginning with a call from the Lord. God tells Abram, if he will obey and follow His leading “I will make your name great” v. 2. What a contrast we find in these two chapters. God not only promises to make a great name for Abram, but he also promises that He will become a great nation that will be a blessing to all the other nations. Are there things in our life we attempt to do on our own and in our own power? If God is our creator, He knows us best, why do we fight Him and following his ways for our lives?
After Abram moves with his family to the land of the Canaanites, God also makes another promise to Abram. “To your offspring I will give this land” v. 7. Think about this promise, it was not one that Abram would enjoy himself, but one his “offspring” would see down the future. Hundred of years later, God would keep his promise and the Israelites would come to inherit the land. The idea of “paying it forward” comes to mind here. Abram’s obedience would not benefit anything to him personally in this promise but He was wise enough to follow through for the sake of his family far into the future.
The last part of Genesis 12 we find Abram being not so concerned with others, especially his wife Sarai, and he tells Sarai to lie about his relationship with him in order to save his own life. God acts to protect the promise and strikes the Egyptians with serious diseases. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. We may be strong in a particular area of life but weak in another. When are you tempted to not trust the Lord most often? If you can identify your weaknesses this will go a long way in guarding against them and learning to lean more on the Lord.
Speaking of lying, Psalm 12 is a psalm of David. He speaks about those who lie to each other. “Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception” v. 2. David desires people to not be taking advantage of by a lying tongue. He asks for God to act and stop those who would lie. The Lord responds, “’I will now arise’, says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them’” v. 5. David speaks about how the vile act of lying is “honored among men.” Lying is often seen as the smallest of sins committed by people. Humanity makes little of it. “Who does it hurt if someone lies?” many will ask. A great many people have been put in jail for lying and many honest people imprisoned for the lies of others. We must learn to love the truth and speak it to others. Truth honors God.
In John 12 we have two stories of honoring Jesus. First Mary takes some “pure nard, an expensive perfume” v. 3 and pours it on Jesus’ feet to anoint Him. Going further she takes her hair, which was considered a woman’s glory and wipes Jesus’ feet with it to clean them. What can you and I give, our best, to worship and honor Jesus with? This act is so moving Jesus proclaims, “’Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me’” vv. 7-8. We should seek to honor Jesus when we can with what we have.
The second story in John 12 of honor Jesus comes with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jesus rides the donkey as prophecy tells us into the city and the people shout “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes I the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” v. 13. But not everyone there was pleased to see Jesus come into the city like that. The last part of John 12 is a commentary of the rejection of Jesus by many of the Jews. John quotes Isaiah 6:10 which speaks of those in Israel that would reject the message. Why would the Jews, specifically the religious leaders who knew the Scripture reject Jesus as the Christ. The answer is found in verse 43, John writes, “for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” We can either seek to elevate ourselves or have God be the one to make us into who He wants. We can either honor and worship the Lord or we can honor and praise ourselves.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you? Add your comments below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 11, 2024
January 11, 2024
Read Genesis 11, Psalm 11, John 11
Every day that we live we can do one of two things. We can point people toward God with our words and actions or we can point people to ourselves and other people. It’s either the creator or the creation. The story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11 is an example of the latter. Men got together and decided that they wanted “make a name” v. 4 for themselves by building a tower that “reaches to the heavens” v. 4. The question may cross your mind? Why would God scatter and divide people? Doesn’t God want peace and unity in the human race? I think the answer lies in the actions God took. By staying together in a large city, it would be a protective measure for all that lived there. God wanted his creation to reach out to Him in times of need and to call on Him to provide for us. Another important part of this is the command that God gave men to “fill the earth” (1:28, 9:1,7) both before and after the flood. How can you live today and make God known? John the Baptist has great advice for all of us; “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
The rest of Genesis 11 gives the godly genealogy of Shem. As you can see from the ages of his descendants, there is a gradual decline in the life span of the sons. The final verses of Genesis 11 lead us up to the next chapter about Abram. It has been said by some scholars that more time may have passed in Genesis 1-11 than has passed from Genesis 12 – Revelation 22 even to the present day.
We can see a similar theme in Psalm 11. David exclaims “In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: Flee like a bird to your mountain” v. 1. David would rather be in the presence of the Lord in the temple than away from Him. David became short-sighted and forgot that there is no place that God cannot be. In one of the later psalms David would write; “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). God is always present with His people. David is confident and knows that “For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face” v. 7.
The narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11 is one the greatest miracles we have recorded in the Gospels. Again, much like Jesus’ statement a couple of chapters earlier Jesus proclaims that “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” v. 4. Jesus was ready to point people to the works of God, through Himself as God. The disciples remind Jesus of the danger they faced in Judea. The slow and dimwitted disciples do not yet understand what Jesus will do, but they are ready with obedience to follow Jesus as Thomas exclaims, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” v. 16. Let this be a lesson for all of us, we must obey when we know God is leading us, even if we do not understand.
Mary and Martha and the disciples wonder why Jesus would delay and not act sooner. “’Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died’” v. 21. Sometimes we have hope and trust in Jesus, we just misunderstand the method or measure of time that God’s chooses to work in our life. Jesus answers her with one of the seven “I am…” sayings in John. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” vv. 25-26. It’s not so much about how Jesus will work, it is more about who He is to do the work of God.
What other words, phrases, or themes do you see in these passages? What are some things you have seen God work in your life in the past that were not answered like you thought they would be? What are some things that you trust in the Lord in life now? Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 9, 2024
January 9, 2024
Read Genesis 9, Psalm 9, John 9
Genesis 8 starts out “But God remembered Noah,” now Genesis 9 begins “Then God blessed Noah.” After everything that Noah had been through, the blessings come last. This is true for most of the things we face in life. We struggle through difficult circumstances and if we are faithful, in the end we see the blessings. For the Christian this is the ultimate truth. We face all the temporary earthly trials in life, but to the faithful come the blessings of eternal life yet to come. For Noah, one of these blessings from God was the ability to eat not only the plants he provided, but now “Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything” v. 3. Some prefer the Daniel diet of Vegetables and water, others the Noah diet, “everything!” To each their own. The one exception is that people are not to eat meat that still contains lifeblood in it. God will demand an accounting for not only every human, but also every animal. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man” v. 6. From the very beginning we learn of the value of humanity. The reason? Because man is made in the image of God. This should cover everything from before birth to our very eldest.
The most important part of Genesis 9 is the covenant that God made with Noah. It is an everlasting covenant, (“a covenant for all generations to come” v. 12). God promises never to again destroy the world by flood. God sets the symbol of the rainbow to be a reminder of the covenant. Is it interesting that scientifically we know that the rainbow only appears when there is water in the atmosphere, when it has rained. Just in case we needed the reminder. There are various thoughts on a biblical interpretation of the flood. Was it a localized flood, regional, or covering the entire globe? One of the pieces of evidence for a global flood lies with the promise of God to never flood the earth again is this; we know there have been local and reginal floods in history, but never have we had a reordered flood that covered the entire world. If you dig into many cultures across the globe, we have over a dozen traditions of a flood that occurred.
The last part of Genesis 9 invites many questions. What did Ham do? Why did Noah curse his son Canaan and not Ham? Why did Noah name him Ham? (only joking here!) This space is too short to answer this question, but Kenneth Gangel and Stephen Brammer list the five most popular thoughts on what Ham did.
1. Some sort of incest between Ham and his mom based on a phrase in Lev. 18:8 and for cursing Cain and not Ham as a possible incest child. 2. An action of homosexuality between Ham and his dad, hence the phrase “what his youngest son did to him.” 3. An act of trespassing in the tent. 4. An act where Ham attempted to blackmail or embarrass his father or become the dominant male in the house. 5. An accidental or purposeful viewing of his father that was not treated properly with respect because he spoke about it to his brothers. – Genesis OT Holman commentary pg. 95.
Psalm 9 is another psalm of David that speaks of his judgment upon the world and the wicked. We often speak of God as a loving and compassionate God, which He is. But this is only half of it. God is also a just and holy God who punishes the wicked for their deeds. David writes, “The Lord reigns for ever; he has established his throne for judgment. 8 He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice” vv. 7-8. There are hints of Genesis in this psalm too. “For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted” v. 12. David ends the psalm by saying, “The Lord is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands” v. 16. In contemporary culture we like to place the word “justice” in front of something as if to make it seem noble or right. Climate justice, reproductive justice, economic justice, racial justice, and so on and so on. The thing to remember is that justice is determined by God, his nature and law. Simply dressing up a word with justice does not make something right or wrong. Without God there can be no object moral law. We are only left with one option, a subjective view where everything is opinion. No one could call what the Nazis did in Germany as wrong if there were not objective moral right and wrongs.
John 9 is the story of Jesus healing a blindman. Jesus’ disciples notice him and ask the question that shows us the typical Jewish assumption of the time. “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” v. 2. Many people assumed that physical infirmity was brought on to someone based on a sin they or a parent committed. Sometimes the Bible does give us a reason like that, but it is not always the case. Jesus squashed their assumptions by telling them that neither of these reasons were the cause of his blindness. His answer is encouraging to all of us who face difficult circumstances. Jesus responds with “this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” v. 3. Have you ever considered that the things you face and battle in life might also be an opportunity for God to display his work in your life. I know we all want to immediately exit these difficult circumstances in life, but maybe God has another plan. Maybe God would use our difficulties to bring glory to God and point people to Him. We can see this in the rest of John 9. The religious leaders demand an explanation for the man and his parents. The blindman gives testimony to them about what happened.
In the last part of John 9 Jesus reveals himself to the blindman and he believes in him. With onlookers standing by Jesus declares “Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind’” v. 39. The pharisees nearby ask if they are also blind and Jesus tells them they are indeed spiritually blind to the things of God.
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words or phrases or themes stand out to you? Add your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 7, 2024
January 7, 2024
Read Genesis 7, Psalm 7, John 7
Genesis 7 is the continuation of Noah and the flood. When there are really well-known stories in the Bible that you read, I would urge you to pay very close attention to the details that you read. Many times, the details get changed unintentionally because they are repeated so often by people like the “telephone game” you may have played when you were younger. What things do you see that you may have forgotten or read too quickly. Verses 1-2 explain that Noah was to take seven pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals on the Ark. Verse 9 explains that these animals “came to Noah and entered the Ark.” I’m sure Noah was glad he did not have to go search for them all. Genesis 7:17 says that it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. All throughout the Bible the number forty is often used as a “testing” period in someone’s life. Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus fasted for 40 days before he was tempted by the Devil, and Elijah ran for 40 days to Mount Horeb away from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8). What testing times have you had in your life? How did you weather them? God used the Ark to protect Noah and his family. How will you allow God to protect you during testing times?
Psalm 7 continues this same theme of protection. David calls God his “refuge.” He calls out to God to deliver him from “all those who pursue me” v. 1. David then does an interesting thing; he asks God to examine him. “O Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands – if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe – then let my enemy pursue and over take me” vv. 3-5. David is asking for justice from God no matter who is at fault. No doubt this is a rare character trait of many people today. People often only want justice when it benefits them all the while ignoring their own failings. The flood in Genesis 7 was God’s righteous judgment on the world for their wickedness.
John 7 records the time Jesus went to the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths as it was also called was a time where Israel remembered and celebrated how God provided for them when they left Egypt and went into the desert. They would celebrate it for a week by building “booths” to live it for the week. Jesus had already stirred up some hate from the Jews to the point where they were looking for a way to kill him. Jesus’ own brothers were goading him to go to the Feast of Tabernacles. Why? Not because they wanted his ministry to grow, the Scriptures say “For even his own brothers did not believe in him” v. 5. I’m sure Noah had his nah sayers, but Noah still had his family. Jesus own earthly brothers did not believe in him. Jesus stayed at home and away from Jerusalem.
However, Jesus did delay his going but instead decided to go in secret. He went and began to teach the people. The people are amazed at his teaching and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” v. 15. The people start putting two and two together and realize this is probably the same man that they are trying to kill for healing on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders sent the temple guards after Jesus but His teaching is so good that they cannot find it in themselves to arrest him.
The key verse in John 7 is verse 37. The scripture tells us that it was the “last and greatest day of the Feast.” The Jewish tradition tell us that a Rabbi or Jewish leader would take a jar of water and pour it out on the ground while they read from the account in Exodus where God provided the water for Israel from the rock. It is at this point where Jesus exclaims, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” v. 37. Jesus is claiming to be the living water from the Old Testament that was provided for Israel in the wilderness.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you? How has God provided an ark and protected you in past times? Write your comments below?
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Posted by John Weldon
January 6, 2024
January 6, 2024
Read Genesis 6, Psalm 6, John 6
I’m not sure if you have been on a cruise before or not but if you have not, they have a mandatory muster drill that everyone must take part in. A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise with the objective to familiarize all guests and crew with the location (muster station) where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency, as well as additional safety information. You usually assemble at your assigned lifeboat where if need be, you can safely board and leave your cruise ship. In Genesis 6 we see a different type of lifeboat that God has created for Noah and his family. The Bible says Noah was “a righteous man” and had “found favor with God.” The rest of the earth, had become wicked and corrupted in the ways. The chief verse that gives us a hint at how bad it got says, “every inclination of the thoughts was only evil all the time” v. 5 What percent of thoughts in our culture would we guess is focused on evil? With the exception of Noah, it appears to be close to 100 percent in the days of Noah. How important it is to guard our thoughts? Out of our thoughts come our beliefs, our words, and our actions.
God gives Noah the plans to build an ark. This rather large boat took years to build and tells him that he will establish “my covenant with you” v. 18. A covenant was a promise and agreement made between two parties (Gen. 9: 8-11). This was the first time this word is used in the Bible. This past summer my wife and I made it up to Williamstown, Kentucky to see the life-size ark that was built by Ken Hamm and the Answers in Genesis organization. I highly recommend a visit. The people are amazing friendly and the information you will gain will no doubt help you as you think about all the how’s that came with the Ark.
Psalm 6 is a psalm of David. He is crying out to God for deliverance. David questions, “How long, O Lord, how long?” v. 3. David speaks of a flood, a different type of one, “all night long O flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears” v. 6. The circumstances that David is going through have brought him to a place where he felt like God had abandoned him or forgotten him. I know we all have times like that when it comes to God moving and acting in our lives and situations. Like the flood in Genesis 6 we do not know when God may choose to act in our lives as well. We do not know what He is doing in preparation for us in the background. The last few verses of Psalm 6 we see the resolution, apparently God has moved, acted, and delivered David. He writes, “the Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer” v.9. While we are in difficult circumstances it is harder to keep our faith and trust in the Lord. It is always easier to see when we look back and see the complete picture.
In John 6 we read about one of the larger miracles that Jesus did by feeding 5,000 plus people a meal from five loaves of bread and two fish. What faith Peter had to suggest this could be used by Jesus. Author and apologist, Lee Strobel points out about faith in his book The Case for Faith;
“You can have very little faith in thick ice and it will hold you up just fine; you can have enormous faith in thin ice and you can drown. It’s not the amount of faith you can muster that matters up front. It may be tiny, like a mustard seed. But your faith must be invested in something solid.”
Equally great, Jesus next step is to walk on the water to the boat in which the disciples are miles away from shore. Not much is made of the disciples and their reaction to this, but rather the Gospel of John intentionally focuses on the crowd that is following Jesus. Aware of their motives, Jesus calls them out, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” v. 26. The crowds were following Jesus for their own personal benefit and not for who He was as Messiah and God in the flesh. This leads Jesus to teach on what really matters, having eternal life and finding life in Him. At the end of John 6 Jesus tells his listeners that he is the bread of life, there is a comparison with the bread (Mana) that the Israelites ate in the wilderness in Exodus, but Jesus teaches a “hard teaching” v. 60 that many of his followers could not grasp, in response they turn away and leave him. What was this hard teaching, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” v. 53. Of course, Jesus was not talking about some cannibalistic ritual, but rather speaking metaphorically about his future journey to the cross. Jesus explained this more at the last supper with his disciples the week that he would go to the cross. Why do you seek the Lord? Is it for some benefit that he gives you? He feeds your stomach, and you are satisfied. I’m afraid there is a movement by many contemporary Christians today to claim a part of Christianity, but really for selfish reasons. It has been given the name “Therapeutic Moralistic Deism.” There is no real interest in seeking the God of the Scriptures, rather people try to take on Christian morals for their own personal benefit. They want the happy marriage, the best-behaved kids, to live at peace with people, or to live out the American dream in their lives. Following Christ is hard, it will not win you friends with the world, but it will win you eternal life and favor with the God of creation. I hope you will trust in the lifeboat that is Jesus Christ. He is the thick ice that we can place our weak faith in.
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words or phrases or themes stick out to you? There is so much to pull from these passages. Share you thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
DId God Really Say... 