Today’s reading: Gen 32:1–33:20, Matt 24:29–25:13, Eccles 7:22–29

Today’s theme: Be prepared

In our reading today, Jesus teaches us that we need to live ready for His return or call. We are called to always be prepared, and this preparedness cannot be taken from someone else. Each of us is responsible for our own state of preparedness before God. In practical terms we each need to seek God in His Word, prayer, fellowship etc

Genesis 32:1–33:20

Humble faith

But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’ ” Genesis 32:12 (ESV)

Jacob is afraid and so comes to God in humble prayer. He brings God’s promise to him before God in prayer showing that he had faith in the promise and Gods ability to fulfil the promise. His faith however was not perfect as he later sends gifts etc to his brother in fear.

Wrestle with God

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Genesis 32:24–25 (ESV)

Jacob wrestled with the pre-incarnate Christ. This is called a theophany, when God would appear as a man in the Old Testament. This is not just symbolic, it actually happened, but it does point us to the truth that we too need to persevere and wrestle as it were with God in prayer.

Israel: Strive and persevere

Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28 (ESV)

This is the origin of the name Israel, God blessed Jacob with this new name and it becomes the name of the nation. It basically means “to strive and persevere” which has been the character of the nation throughout the ages. We should have the same nature as Israel, to fight and persevere.

Matthew 24:29–25:13

The whole world will know

Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30–31 (ESV)

It is clear that the whole world will know and mourn at the Kings’ return. This is an answer to all Adventist movements including Rastafarianism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses and any other cult claiming that the Lord has already returned in anyway.

God’s Word is eternal

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35 (ESV)

God’s Word, and in this case the specific prophecies of Jesus are settled and eternal. God is sovereign over history and is able to back up His Word.

The limitations of the incarnation

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Matthew 24:36 (ESV)

This shows the gravity of the incarnation, that the Son was not all knowing in the same way as when He was in His usual state as God.

Live ready

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Matthew 24:42–43 (ESV)

As individual disciples and as a collective church we need to stay awake and alert. Jesus tells us we will not know when He is coming so we should live everyday with the understanding that hHe may come today (return or call us home).

Be prepared

but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. Matthew 25:4 (ESV)

The main point in this parable is explained by Jesus Himself in verse 13. We must be alert and prepared for the Lord’s return or call. In practical terms this would involve actively living as disciples of Jesus Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, fellowship, serving and worshiping.

Our personal responsibility

But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ Matthew 25:9 (ESV)

Preparedness and a life lived working out its sanctification in Christ can not simply be transferred. It is the personal responsibility of every believer to eat (the Bible), breathe (Prayer) and live himself or herself. Each of us must stand individually before God, we can not live through or on behalf of others.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom, Past and Future

Today’s reading: Gen 31:1–55, Matt 23:37–24:28, Eccles 7:13–21

Today’s theme: Finish the Mission

Today an important lesson is concerning the second coming of Jesus. Jesus tells us that wars and hard times are not signs of his return rather the sign will be that the gospel will be preached to all nations (people groups) before the end comes. So let’s finish the mission.

Genesis 31:1–55

God, sovereign over the enemy

yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me. Genesis 31:7 (ESV)

Jacob’s faith was in God, who is sovereign over our lives. He is always in control and will not give us more than we can bear. He controls how far our enemies are able to go.

Matthew 23:37–24:28

The prophecy of Jesus

But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:2 (ESV)

Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled 40 years later in 70 AD.

Hard times are not a sign

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6 (ESV)

Jesus warns us that we will see persecution and war but encourages us that we should not be shocked or alarmed by this. This is not a sign of the end (possibly to correct any misunderstanding that difficult times indicate the end).

Finish the mission

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 (ESV)

This is the great sign (rather than wars, persecution, or bad weather) of the end. Jesus will return to rule and reign from Jerusalem. The Gospel will be proclaimed to every people group. There are currently 7,287 unreached people groups consisting of 2.91 billion people, we must finish the mission.

The elect

And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Matthew 24:22 (ESV)

God takes special care of those He has elected. This should fill us with praise, hope and faith.

Secure in Christ

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24 (ESV)

As God’s elect children we can not ultimately be led astray because we are in the Father’s hand. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and the Holy Spirit is our guide. We are secure in Christ.

The second coming

For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. Matthew 24:27–28 (ESV)

This is a good point for cults like Jehovah Witnesses and Rastafarians who say Jesus has already come back. Jesus declares that when He comes back it will not be in some hidden or secret or exclusive way but the whole world will know beyond any doubt!

Ecclesiastes 7:13–21

We all need salvation

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20 (ESV)

Every person is in need of salvation. Paul makes a great case for this in the opening chapters of Romans.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

The Joshua Project

Finish the Mission (Book)

Today’s reading: Gen 30:1–43, Matt 22:23–23:36, Eccles 7:6–12

Today’s theme: Scripture and context

Today one of the key lessons for us is that scripture must be interpreted and applied within it’s true context. It is so important in an age where relativism and personal interpretations rule the day, that we hold to the true context of scripture as intended by the original authors and the Spirit of God.

Genesis 30:1–43

Integrity in work

So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.” Genesis 30:33 (ESV)

Jacob’s integrity in his work and dealings with Laban were based on his trust and faith in God. If we trust in the Lord to take care of us there is no need to be dishonest or come up with our own schemes.

Matthew 22:23–23:36

Context is important

But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matthew 22:29 (ESV)

Jesus, in rebuking the Sadducees, makes clear that we should both know the correct context of scripture and experientially know the power and person of God.

Love God with everything

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 (ESV)

God is uppermost in His own affections, this is the ultimate purpose of our lives, to Love God with everything, using the energy He has provided to serve, honour and glorify Him.

Jesus in the Old Testament

If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” Matthew 22:45 (ESV)

Jesus points the leaders back to the Old Testament to make it clear that the Messiah is more than just a descendant of David but is the Lord God Himself, The Son of the Living God.

We are all brothers

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:8–12 (ESV)

Jesus doesn’t want us to live like the Pharisees who saw themselves as better than the “normal” believers in Israel. This is how we should live in God’s kingdom, we should be humble and serve well. We are all brothers and are all equal under Christ. We should not have priests like Roman Catholicism.

Unmixed speech

You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Matthew 23:33 (ESV)

Jesus boldly confronts sin, falsehood and hypocrisy and tells them that (without repentance) there is no escape from hell. We can learn for Jesus’ boldness and unmixed speech.

Ecclesiastes 7:6–12

Avoid relativism

Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. Ecclesiastes 7:10 (ESV)

This is why we should not get side tracked with relative moralism by looking back at older days and saying things like “what has happened to society?” etc. The fact is that evil has been in the world since the fall of man and the enemy would like us to be nostalgic.

Instead we should state the truth regardless of how today differs from yesterday. We should not appeal to relativism in any of it’s subtle forms.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Resources on Inspiration & Inerrancy of the Bible

Today’s reading: Gen 28:1–29:35, Matt 21:23–22:22, Eccles 7:1–5

Today’s theme: Fruitful Priest’s

We are called to live fruitful lives as God’s priest’s, messengers and ambassadors here on earth, representing His kingdom. When we consider the fact that we all only have a certain amount of time to live (each of us will die one day), we will live our lives in a productive and fruitful way each day.

Genesis 28:1–29:35

Jesus, the only way

And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 28:13–14 (ESV)

God affirms His promise concerning the land and the people, to Jacob, just like He had done to Isaac and Abraham. The vision of the ladder also points to Jesus who is the only way to God.

God is active

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15 (ESV)

God doesn’t just see the future, He actively brings His will to pass. This truth should fill us with hope and faith in Him.

Praise the Lord

And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing. Genesis 29:35 (ESV)

God blessed Leah with four sons. When each one was born she hoped that her relationship with Jacob would improve, but with the forth son her focus was no longer on her reluctant husband but on the Lord and she praises God for remembering and blessing her despite man’s hate and indifference.

Matthew 21:23–22:22

Be obedient

And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Matthew 21:30 (ESV)

Agreeing with God verbally and mentally means nothing if we do not obey Him

Be a fruitful priest to God

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. Matthew 21:43 (ESV)

Jesus is dealing with the religious leaders in Israel at this point, who failed to produce fruit for God. This marks the end of the Jewish leaders’ role in mediating God’s authority as His priests, this then became the responsibility of every believer in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. We must seek to have fruitful lives that bring God pleasure.

Tell everyone

Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ Matthew 22:9 (ESV)

The call to salvation is to all, we should tell everyone.

The chosen

For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 (ESV)

Many are invited but as in the parable, many refuse to come, while others try to come on their own terms and do not truly submit to God and His kingdom, proving themselves to be false converts and are rejected like the man in the parable. Those who remain at the wedding are the chosen.

Ecclesiastes 7:1–5

We all die

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2 (ESV)

One day each of us will die. We should not bury our heads in the sand as if this will never happen… it will. We must take note and live our lives in light of that reality, we should leave a good name behind us.

Use time wisely

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. Ecclesiastes 7:4 (ESV)

The wise are conscious of death, while the foolish think only of temporal pleasures. The wisdom of acknowledging death will teach us to number our days, use our time wisely and avoid sin.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Wisdom Through Suffering

Today’s Reading: Gen 27:1–46, Matt 20:17–21:22, Eccles 6:5–12

Today’s Theme: Ask in prayer

We learn today that we should not rely on our own plans and power but that we should ask God to guide and provide for us as we serve Him and others in joy. We find true satisfaction in God alone.

Genesis 27:1–46

The folly of hating the Jews

Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” Genesis 27:29 (ESV)

This is why being anti-Jewish (anti-Semitic) is not only sinful but foolish because it is self destructive. This is like the promise God had made to Abraham.

Matthew 20:17–21:22

God was not surprised

“See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:18–19 (ESV)

Jesus was very aware of what would happen to Him, none of it came as a surprise. God knows everything, past, present and future… nothing surprises Him or is outside His control. Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection was not a tragedy, it was God’s great victory.

Joyfully serve

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26–28 (ESV)

To lead like Jesus in God’s kingdom, we should joyfully serve God and others from a sincere heart.

True ministry

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. Matthew 21:14 (ESV)

Once Jesus had cleared the temple of the traders (prosperity gospel etc.), then true ministry could take place.

Ask in prayer

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 (ESV)

What an awesome promise! Lord help us not to be swallowed up by pragmatism and our own schemes in getting things done, please help us to ask in prayer and keep on asking in faith until we receive, in accordance with Your good will.

Ecclesiastes 6:5–12

Jesus brings satisfaction

All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied. Ecclesiastes 6:7 (ESV)

We will only find satisfaction in Jesus if our appetite is directed towards Him.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

DG resources on prayer