Category: Bible (Page 41 of 335)

I have plenty of favorites. Favorite teams, favorite foods (pizza), favorite music and favorite people. I choose my favorites whenever I can. Looking around you might be tempted to say that God plays favorites as well, but the Bible tells us otherwise.

In writing to church members in Rome Paul stressed that God treats both Jews and Gentiles the same. Those who are self-seeking, reject the truth and follow evil reap wrath, anger, trouble and distress. Those who do good find glory, honor and peace—first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

While that sounds only fair, God’s refusal to play favorites is actually quite extraordinary. No one is born deserving a higher caste, no one buys esteem or inherits it. We gain God’s favor, or his disdain, all on our own.

God favored us with the sacrifice of Jesus. He grace and mercy extends to anyone who accepts it. We are all his favorites, and have to work to lose that status.

Like flowers budding in the spring, Paul’s line—God does not show favoritism—reveals hope. In our world of striving and posturing and playing for the likes, it’s comforting to know God above see through all that. We’re one of his favorites, and we should not be afraid to move toward him.

Romans 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Diego Marín

David experienced a very bad week. His son, Absalom, launched a coup in an attempt to wrest away the kingdom for himself. David and his supporters fled Jerusalem, while many across the nation supported Absalom. Both frightening and deeply saddening, flames engulfed David’s world. He left home in mourning.

But in the midst of all this David took up his stylus and wrote these words:

You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and I sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

David crossed the Mount of Olives, weeping as he left, much like Jesus would weep for Jerusalem from the same spot. Even with the betrayal of his son ripping his heart, David looked to the Lord with hope. His life hung in the balance, but still David fell asleep and woke the next morning, reliant on the Lord.

I’m not sure I possess that kind of faith. I tend to lean toward the “curse God and die” crowd. But David’s unwavering trust encourages me to take my apprehensions and anger to the Lord when it feels like our world is going up in smoke. His confidence breeds confidence.

David closed with a statement and prayer you and I can repeat today: From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Amen. Keep the faith.

Psalm 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jen Theodore

This past Saturday my wife and I set off on a long walk. Along the way we met a man who warned us of a rattlesnake just ahead. His dog spooked the snake, which then popped its head up in alarm and shook its tail. Luckily the dog avoided a bite. But the snake remained, directly in our path.

Intrigued, part of me wanted to edge forward and see the rattler, staying at a respectful distance. But another part of me (i.e. my wife) wanted none of that. We changed our course—best to avoid snakes whenever possible.

Jonadab is one of the snakes we find in the Bible. Described as a very crafty man, he served as an advisor to his cousin, Amnon, a son of King David. Amnon lusted for Tamar, his half-sister, and Jonadab helped him scheme to get her alone. Not everything went to plan, however. Tamar resisted Amnon who then raped her. Tamer fled in disgrace, and two years later Amnon was murdered by his brother Absalom. David watched his family come unhinged.

Jonadab skated through the crisis and continued to advise the royal household. Why keep him around? When did his duplicity become known? Perhaps not long after the death of Amnon, because Jonadab then disappeared from view. It could be that wiser counselors drove the snake away.

I must remain aware of the voices whispering in my ear. Advisors may profess to have my best interests in heart, but often I’m used for their advancement. The influencers of social media and popular causes especially fit into this category.

Check the sources of your input. Pause, think, and question. Seek out other counsel. Most importantly, do the thoughts you’re considering resonate with Scripture?

A second opinion might have stopped Amnon from greedily sucking down the venom of his cousin. For you and me this tragedy serves as a warning (like ours from a friendly hiker) to watch for snakes along the path.

2 Samuel 13 & 14 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo taken by my wife of two bullsnakes (whose coloring mimics rattlesnakes) lying across her path on a hike last week. She screamed and gave a wide berth!

Few things never fail. Whether it’s a dependable car finally conking out, a comfortable recliner that no longer reclines, or a smooth pen running out of ink, everything eventually gives up the ghost. Except, of course, for the love of God:

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Inexhaustible and unflagging, God’s love consistently remains with those who depend on him. Like an island in the middle of the sea, love to the horizon and beyond.

The wicked may encounter endless adversities, but the man or woman who has every confidence in the Lord experiences God’s love and protection day after day. Not that hard times or devastating circumstances or stretches of silence won’t come—no false promises here.

But even if it’s hard to recognize at the moment, the Lord’s unceasing love remains.

Psalm 32 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by jcob nasyr