January 22, 2024
January 22, 2024
Read Genesis 21-24, Psalm 22
When have you had a really big test in your life? I remember in college as a music major, my final exams on my cello were before 3-4 instructors and how I did in the final performance test of the semester determined if I passed or failed. I used to get ulcers in my mouth about 2 weeks after finals were over from the stress. Not many people look forward to a test. Knowing we will be tested keeps us on our toes and prepared to learn the material. Even if we fail a test, we can still learn from it and adapt for the next time.
In Genesis 21 we find Abraham sending his son Ismael away. In Genesis 22 we find God testing Abraham with his son Isaac. The descriptive instructions from the Lord remind us of how badly Abraham had wanted a son. “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” v. 2. The son he had waited 25 years for was now being asked to become a sacrifice to the Lord. This reminds me of the rich man who came to Jesus in Matthew 19 who Jesus challenged to take all he had and sell it and give it to the poor, then come and follow Jesus.
There are several allusions to Jesus and the cross in this passage. The same area where Abraham took his son Isaac is very close to where Jerusalem is today. It’s been noted that Isaac the supposed sacrifice carried the wood just as Jesus carried the cross. Abraham took the fire and knife a symbol of judgment from God on his Son on the cross. As Isaac and his father are walking up the mountain, unaware Isaac asks his father “where is the lamb for the burnt offering” v. 7. Abaham’s response of faith is one that foreshadows to the New Testament, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” v. 8. The journey up the mountain takes three days or part of the three different days which we can relate to Jesus in the tomb. Many of these are allegorical comparisons and we must be careful to say this is intentional by God. At the very least, it does make you think.
Some may struggle with the idea that God would demand a human sacrifice such as this and that Abraham would almost go through with it. First, we should note that Abraham did not sacrifice his son, it was stopped by God beforehand. God knew that he would also put a stop to it. Human sacrifice was more prevalent in Old Testament times. Many other Canaanite and other religious commonly practiced this. To the reader in the twenty-first century, no doubt this seems so strange. Abraham’s statement to Isaac can be seen as a great statement of faith. He had confidence that God would provide a lamb.
Proponents of a theology called “open theism” will point to a passage like this as proof that God does not know what the human response will be until it is in play. Open Theism is defined as though omniscient; God does not know what we will freely do in the future. Likewise, God is not bound to a set behavior or will because His will interacts with creation. This is a heresy. So how should we take the statement, “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” v. 12 God’s knowing is relayed in human language as to experience something. God already knew that Abraham would be obedient, but until Abraham followed through with it, Abraham did not experience the test that God had given.
Psalm 22, is a psalm of David that is a messianic psalm. The very first words of the psalm are quoted my Jesus on the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” v. 1. As you read through the rest of the psalm you will notice many other descriptions that really connect to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. They hurl insults and mock him, they have pierced his hands and feet, divide his garments among them and cast lots for his clothing.
Do you think God would test you like He did Abraham? What tests might God put you through in order for you to learn what He desires you to learn? What else do you see in these chapters? What words and phrases, and themes stand out to you? Write your answers below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 21, 2024
January 21, 2024
Read Genesis 21, Psalm 21, John 21
What’s the longest you have ever waited for something? Maybe as a kid you counted down the days until summer or graduation. Maybe you waited for a upcoming family vacation or time to retire from a job. There is no good way around it, waiting can be tough. Here in Genesis 21 we finally have the birth of Isaac that was promised 25 years ago. “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised” v. 1. God keeps his promises and was gracious to Sarah. “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me’” v. 6. Laughter from before from Sarah was steeped in disbelief, now Sarah’s laughter was full of joy. The name Isaac means “he laughs.”
The later part of Genesis 21 can seem rather to harsh. Sarah wishes to send Hagar and Ismael away and then God confirms it to Abraham. We might question, “What kind of God would do this to people like Hagar and her son?” God’s response, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” v. 12. Abraham did not know the fate of his son Ismael, but God did. We only have to read a few verses more to see how God would take care of Hagar and Ismael too. God provided water and the ability for Hagar and Ismael to become part of a family. The pain of sending a person away might seem harsh, but if it has a greater good of protecting the promise to Abraham through Isaac then it was the right thing to do.
In Psalm 21 we have another psalm of David. He rejoices in God’s strength and protection over him. David recognized that God had delivered him from his enemies. God’s plan had come to pass. The last verses are a theme of judgment for David’s enemies. “Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes. 9 At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace” vv. 8-9. Fire, is a image of judgment often in the Bible. Fire refines and purifies things that pass through it or it will burn up the things that are not of value or that will last.
John 21 is the last chapter of the Gospel of John. Like many final chapters in a book, John 21 offers some much needed resolution, especially to Peter. In John 18, you remember Peter denies Jesus three times in Jesus’ trails. Jesus told Peter he would do it. Three times Jesus asks, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” v. 15. Peter’s feelings are hurt because Jesus seems to repeat the question over. Many have pointed out that there is forgiveness for each denial that Peter spoke of earlier.
The four Gospels are book-ended at the beginning of Matthew and the end of John with a similar scene. John 21 opens with the disciples returning to shore after being out all-night fishing. They had caught nothing the Scripture says, “So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus” vv. 3-4. Keep in mind that the disciples had not recognized Jesus yet. Now go to Matthew 4 and you will find the narrative of Jesus calling the first disciples, specifically Peter and Andrew. This is where they meet Jesus for the first time, and it was while they had attempted to cast their nets for fish. Both times, Jesus does the miraculous and helps them bring in the biggest haul of fish. This is when they realized who Jesus was when he told them again where to cast their nets and catch fish. How has Jesus returned to you again and again and shown himself faithful and forgiving? Is there anything in your life you need to confront the Savior about?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Write your thoughts below.
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Posted by John Weldon
January 19, 2024
January 19, 2024
Read Genesis 19, Psalm 19, John 19
Genesis 19 is the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. As soon as Lot finds the two angels entering the city in the evening, he pleads with them to stay with him and not in the middle of the city. He likely knows how wicked “all the men from every part of the city” v. 4 were. Lot still an outsider to the people of Sodom tries to offer hospitality, and ultimately protection for the two guests. How do we as Christians look out for people today? How can we offer protection or safety to others in a time of need?
The reason for the destruction of the city has been well known for thousands of years. We even have Jewish commentary that speaks about the nature of the homosexuality in this chapter. Some Revisionists and LGBTQ affirming people will try to say that “knowing” the two angels was not about having sex with them, but this doesn’t fit the context. Especially when Lot offers his daughters to the men who “who have not known any other man.” The same Hebrew word is used. It clearly could not be to know the men in a non-sexual way because Lot’s daughters were “pledged to marry.”
But what are we to make of Lot’s proposal? “Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof” v. 8. Here are some opinions or interpretations. One, he simply did not care about his own daughter’s safety and lives. Two, he was scared and quickly offered a solution in desperation. Three, he was faced with a moral dilemma and choose the lesser of two evils. Four, Lot’s comments should be taken as sarcastic in a way to shock their conscience and stop their actions. We must remember that Lot does not have the integrity that Abraham has, and His actions are compared to Abraham’s in a number of ways. God did not command Lot to offer his daughters, nor would he. The Bible describes his free will choice and is not a prescription for us to follow in the future.
Psalm 19 is a psalm that highlights the glory of God seen in nature and how it points to a creator. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge” vv. 1-2. In apologetics this is referred to as general revelation. God reveals himself through creation to every single person on the planet. David then goes on to praise God for his Word, He uses the different words like “the Law of the Lord,” “statues,” “precepts,” and “commands.” David sees the benefits of God’s special revelation to us through his Word. David ends the psalm with a prayer, and he asks God to keep him from sinning. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” v. 14.
John 19 is the narrative of Jesus crucifixion. I would encourage you to take your time and read through the chapter slowly. Sometimes we think we know things and, in our haste, we may miss the important details. I have heard many Christians debate whether or not they believe Jesus was crucified with no clothes on or very little. Most likely, he had none. This was all a part of the cruelty of the cross. Not only was it a painful way to suffer and die, (The word excruciating comes from the practice of crucifixion), but it was also the public humiliation that Jesus faced from those who passed by. Verses 23-24 describe that the soldiers divided his clothes between them and gambled for the final under garments that were left. This leads me to believe Jesus was put on display in total humiliation. As you read through the story, keep in mind that Jesus endured all that for you and to die for your sins on the cross.
Earlier we discussed the hospitality of Lot in the city of Sodom. Now in John 19 we see Jesus in the lowest point of his earthly life on the cross, but He does something amazing. Something only the Godman could do. He has the desire to hand his mother over to the disciple most believe as John to take care of her and look after her. “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing near by, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” vv. 26-27. Most people turn inward when they face pain or difficult circumstances, but Jesus still cared for others. Despite the ups and downs of life, who can you and I look out for and show compassion or hospitality toward?
What else do you see in these chapters? What words or phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Add your comments below.
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Posted by John Weldon
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 17, 2024
Read Genesis 17, Psalm 17, John 17
One thing our culture loves to do right now is divide us. We are constantly bombarded with polls telling us how most people feel who identify with a particular identity group. In election years we are over-saturated with political ads attacking the other side. We are conditioned to think more about how a person differs from us that we are alike. In Christianity we even squabble and fight over our differences. You may have seen the meme that says why are there 45,000 different denominations and suggests that the differences should lead them to not being trusted. This is a gross overestimation of the numbers. There is actually just a couple dozen different denominations. The numbers get inflated when they count churches from different counties of the same denomination. Pastor Mike Winger of the YouTube channel “Bible Thinker” does a great job explaining this in detail. Even still, we have our differences.
In John 17 we find the prayer that Jesus prayed after He had observed the Passover Meal with his disciples, and He teaches them about what it means to serve one another. Jesus prays for three different people in this prayer. First, He prays for himself. Knowing what He will soon face Jesus prays that He will glorify and thanks God for giving him everything.
The next subject of Jesus’ prayer was His disciples. Jesus spent the most time praying for those who He had walked and talked with over the years. Jesus prays “protect them from the evil one” v. 15 and He also prays “that they too may be truly sanctified” v. 19. Sanctification is the process of becoming more Christlike. More inline with the God of the Bible and His teachings. It is something that does not come all at once, it is a process over our lifetime. The longer we walk with the Lord the more we reflect Christ.
Third, Jesus prayed for “for those who will believe in me through their message” v. 20. Jesus prayed “that they may be one as we are one” v. 22. One of the areas we can strive to grow in sanctification is our unity. We learn to deal with each other’s warts and personal imperfections and strive in unity as Christ would want us to be. Why is unity so important? Jesus gives the reason, “to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” v. 23. Our unity brings a powerful evangelistic pull to the gospel message. What can you and I do to bring the body of Christ into unity?
What else do you see in these three chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you?
Write 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 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 10, 2024
January 10, 2024
Genesis 10 is the genealogy of Noah and his three sons. There are seventy sons listed from the three sons of Noah. Seventy is a number in Jewish culture of completeness. There were seventy that were listed traveling to Egypt from Jacob’s family during the famine (Genesis 46). Many have speculated that this genealogy is not a direct father to son list. It may only list the predominant sons in the family lines. These names only account for the men in the family and very few women are named in many of the genealogies in the Bible. Japheth (vv. 2-5) descendants are said to have settled near the seas (likely the black, Caspian, and Mediterranean seas). Next the sons of Ham (vv. 6-20) are named and many of the names are actually groups of people rather than names. This cursed line of sons connects with the nation of Babylon. Last the sons of Shem (vv. 21-32) are listed briefly but they will take a more prominent role in Genesis 11 with the godly line that is listed. One final thing to note, In Genesis 10 verses 5, 20, and 31 talk about “individual languages” this is not a contradiction with Genesis 11:1. We must remember the author of Genesis is writing looking back at the 70 people groups as they are today.
Psalm 10 is a psalm where the author seems to wonder about the hiddenness of God. “Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” v. 1. The wicked seem to get the upper hand and the psalmist seems to think he is prosperous over the righteous people. There are probably times in our lives when we feel the same way. People that cheat or cut corners, to get ahead at work or school seem to never get caught. One of the characteristics of the psalms is their personal nature and the raw emotions that the authors record. It can help us identify with others and know that we are not alone in our thoughts. In the middle section of the psalm the author cries out to the Lord to do something, “Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless” v. 12. At the end of the psalm the author reminds himself of the promises of God. “The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. 17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry” vv. 16-17. There are two promises here. First, God will judge the nations, those who do evil will be perish. Second, God hears their cry for help and he will encourage them.
In John 10, Jesus is the good shepherd who looks after the flock. Jesus is contrasted against the devil who comes in personified as the wolf. One of the most used examples and illustrations in the Bible is that of sheep and the shepherd. That is what the nation of Israel knew best. They were nomadic shepherds for the most part. Jesus was throwing some shade toward the religious leaders of the day, calling them “thieves and robbers” v. 8. Jesus knew they didn’t care for the sheep like He did. Verse 10 has always been a special verse to me. It shows the black and white motivations between the devil and Jesus. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The last part of John 10 is a continued conversation between Jesus and the religious leaders. Jesus boldly claims to be the one that gives eternal life. The religious leaders question him and try to get him to profess that He is the Christ. Jesus tells them they would know if they were really His sheep. Jesus boldly claims to be “one” with the father and this incites the Jews to pick up stones again to stone Jesus. Many contemporaries who deny that Jesus claimed to be God have looked at John 10:28-30 and sold it short. They try to say Jesus meant “one in spirit” or some other less than full meaning. The key is the response of the Jews in verse 33. “’We are not stoning you for any of these,’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.’” They knew exactly what Jesus meant when he said it and if they misunderstood what Jesus meant, why then would Jesus not correct them and deny he meant that? The answer can only be, because that’s exactly what Jesus meant to say and imply. All the other contemporary religions and cults that branch off of Christianity will all differ here with who Jesus is.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stick out to you? Add your thoughts 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... 