Hebrews 4:12 – God’s Word

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Have you ever read a familiar Bible passage and had a totally new understanding or feel like you’d heard it for the first time? To me, that’s what it means when we say God’s word is “alive.” It’s a beautiful thing to receive new insights from the Holy Spirit each time we spend time in God’s Word. It’s invigorating!

Context: This memory verse comes to us near the end of a discussion on rest, God’s rest. God promised that those who believe in him would have the gift of resting with him forever. What does the placement of this declaration about God’s Word so close to “rest” tell us? Continue reading “Hebrews 4:12 – God’s Word”

Revelation 3:20 – A Relationship with Jesus

 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20

Those are Jesus’ words, speaking directly to our hearts. Jesus is asking permission to come in. He won’t ever barge in where he is not welcome. We’ve all known people in our lives who show up unannounced creating potentially awkward situations. Jesus will never do that.

Context: This is a great verse to memorize because you never know when you’ll need to assure someone that Jesus is patient and loving. When we commit verses to memory, it’s helpful to know the context of the verses so we don’t miss the “intended” meaning. In this case, Jesus was revealing to John a message to one of the seven churches of Revelation, Laodicea. Apparently, they were “lukewarm” in their faith, and Jesus wanted them to turn from their indifference. Does that context change how you view this text? Continue reading “Revelation 3:20 – A Relationship with Jesus”

Numbers 36:1-13 – The Sequel

Read Numbers 36:1-13

What we have here is a sequel of sorts to the laws put in place back in Chapter 27. This is a good example of how one law can necessitate a second law to compensate or complete the first. Here, we see the family members, of the five girls given the inheritance of land their sonless father would have received, come forward. They have a very strong argument for their concern, and Moses takes them seriously.

The LORD said, “The claim of the men of the tribe of Joseph is legitimate.” The LORD agreed with the family members and wanted to keep the land “in the family,” too. The LORD’s command kept any potential issue of land possession at bay. God was promoting the success of his people by this decree. Continue reading “Numbers 36:1-13 – The Sequel”

Numbers 35:1-34 – Take Refuge

Read Numbers 35:1-34

You may have noticed that the tribe of Levi didn’t have a leader appointed by God to receive land. That’s because God had other plans for them. You’ll recall God already called the Levites to special duties in the Tabernacle while they were in the wilderness. Now God was going to have the other tribes share with the Levites 48 towns and the surrounding lands for flocks. Six of these will become the cities of refuge. These cities will be named and more detail given in Joshua 20.

What makes up a city of refuge? A place where non-murders with blood on their hands would be safe from their own death. Family vengeance for murder was real. Does the fact God deemed this type of protection necessary mean accidental death must have been somewhat common? Continue reading “Numbers 35:1-34 – Take Refuge”

Numbers 34:1-29 – Boundaries

Read Numbers 34:1-29

Talk about accountability! Soon the Promised Land will be ready to be distributed among the tribes. Not only are we given the physical boundaries of where this land lies, we’re told who God has entrusted in its distribution by sacred lots. This means these leaders will be seeking God’s input for this whole process.

Many things have yet to happen before the actual distribution begins, like crossing the river and fighting the locals. But again, God prepared the way so there would be no questions. Even though Moses won’t be there to see it all take place, he can rest easy knowing that God has spoken such wisdom through him preparing the priest, Joshua, and the tribal representatives. Continue reading “Numbers 34:1-29 – Boundaries”

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