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A Feast of Love

Read: John 6:47–59 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 62–64; 1 Timothy 1

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I am the living bread that came down from heaven. John 6:51

In the Danish film Babette’s Feast, a French refugee appears in a coastal village. Two elderly sisters, leaders of the community’s religious life, take her in, and for fourteen years Babette works as their housekeeper. When Babette comes into a large sum of money, she invites the congregation of twelve to join her for an extravagant French meal of caviar, quail in puff pastry, and more.

As they move from one course to the next, the guests relax; some find forgiveness, some find love rekindled, and some begin recalling miracles they’d witnessed and truths they’d learned in childhood. “Remember what we were taught?” they say. “Little children, love one another.” When the meal ends, Babette reveals to the sisters that she spent all she had on the food. She gave everything—including any chance of returning to her old life as an acclaimed chef in Paris—so that her friends, eating, might feel their hearts open.

Jesus appeared on earth as a stranger and servant, and He gave everything so that our spiritual hunger might be satisfied. In John’s gospel, He reminds His listeners that when their ancestors wandered hungry in the wilderness, God provided quail and bread (Exodus 16). That food satisfied for a time, but Jesus promises that those who accept Him as the “bread of life” will “live forever” (John 6:48, 51). His sacrifice satisfies our spiritual cravings.

How has God satisfied your hunger? What might it look like for you to give sacrificially?

Jesus, thank You for giving Your body and blood for us.

INSIGHT

Of all the “signs” (miracles) Jesus performed, John only records seven that point to Jesus as God’s Son (John 20:30–31). The miracle of the multiplication of the fish and loaves in 6:1–14 is one of those. (It also appears in the other gospels—Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17.) The additional miracles John includes are changing water into wine (2:1–11), healing the official’s son (4:46–54), healing the paralyzed man (5:1–15), walking on water (6:16–21), healing the man born blind (9:1–7), and raising Lazarus from the dead (11:1–45).

Arthur Jackson

By |2019-10-10T07:47:50-04:00October 21st, 2019|
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Not Second Rate

Read: Romans 16:3–13 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 59–61; 2 Thessalonians 3

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Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles. Romans 16:7

After the conclusion of the First World War, US President Woodrow Wilson was recognized as one of the most powerful leaders on earth. But few knew that after a devastating stroke in 1919, it was his wife who managed nearly all of his affairs, determining which issues should be brought to his attention. In fact, modern historians believe that for a short while, it was really Edith Wilson who served as the president of the United States.

If asked to name the leaders of the early church, most of us would list Peter, Paul, and Timothy as a handful possessing well-documented gifts. But in Romans 16, Paul lists nearly forty people of diverse backgrounds—men, women, slaves, Jews, and gentiles—all of whom contributed to the life of the church in diverse ways.

And far from considering them second-rate members of the church, it’s clear that Paul held these people in the highest regard. He describes them as outstanding among the apostles (v. 7)—people to be celebrated for their service for Jesus.

Many of us feel that we’re too ordinary to be leaders in the church. But the truth is that each of us has gifts that can be used to serve and help others. In God’s strength, let’s use our gifts to His honor!

As a member of the body of Christ, why should you never feel like you’re unimportant? What are some ways you can serve the people in your church?

Jesus, help me to remember that I am an important part of the body of Christ!

INSIGHT

In Paul’s letters, he shows his appreciation for his fellow workers in the gospel by naming them, which gives us a window into his pastoral heart. He wasn’t just a great theologian; he was also a mentor and dependable friend. As he concludes his letter to the Romans (ch. 16), Paul specifically names those who tirelessly co-labored with him in the gospel. That many of these were women attests to the significant roles women played in the church. In Colossians, Paul warmly singled out ten associates—Jews and gentiles, slaves and free men, men and women (4:7–18). In the book of Acts and Paul’s New Testament letters combined, he expressed his appreciation and concern for some eighty fellow workers (see 2 Timothy 1:15–18; 4:9–22; Titus 3:12–13).

K. T. Sim

By |2019-10-10T07:46:58-04:00October 20th, 2019|
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Steel and Velvet

Read: John 8:1–11 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 56–58; 2 Thessalonians 2

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Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. John 8:7

Poet Carl Sandburg wrote of former US president Abraham Lincoln, “Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, . . . who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect.” “Steel and velvet” described how Lincoln balanced the power of his office with concern for individuals longing for freedom.

Only one person in all history perfectly balanced strength and gentleness, power and compassion. That man is Jesus Christ. In John 8, when confronted by the religious leaders to condemn a guilty woman, Jesus displayed both steel and velvet. He showed steel by withstanding the demands of a bloodthirsty mob, instead turning their critical eyes upon themselves. He said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7). Then Jesus modeled the velvet of compassion by telling the woman, “Neither do I condemn you . . . . Go now and leave your life of sin” (v. 11).

Reflecting His “steel and velvet” in our own responses to others can reveal the Father’s work of conforming us to be like Jesus. We can show His heart to a world hungry for both the velvet of mercy and the steel of justice.

How does your response to the brokenness of this world compare to Christ’s balance of mercy and justice? Where do you need God’s help to enable you to show His compassion to others?

Dear Father, I thank You for Your Son, whose strength and tenderness perfectly reveal Your heart for our lost world.

INSIGHT

In the account in John 8:1–11, it’s interesting that the religious leaders bring only the woman caught in the act of adultery. Women were particularly drawn to Jesus and were more courageous in following Him than most of His disciples. Only John stayed with Jesus all the way to the cross, but Matthew tells us “many women were there” (27:55–56). Women weren’t drawn to Jesus because He was physically attractive (see Isaiah 53:2). They loved Him because He saw them as fully human. He treated them with the respect other men didn’t show them. Today’s story is one example of that, as Jesus protects the woman’s dignity as a human being.

Tim Gustafson

By |2019-10-10T07:46:16-04:00October 19th, 2019|
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When We Praise

Read: Acts 16:25–34 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 50–52; 1 Thessalonians 5

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At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. Acts 16:26

When nine-year-old Willie was abducted from his front yard in 2014, he sang his favorite gospel song Every Praise over and over again. During the three-hour ordeal, Willie ignored the kidnapper’s repeated orders to keep silent as they drove around. Eventually, the kidnapper let Willie out of the car unharmed. Later, Willie described the encounter, saying that while he felt his fear give way to faith, the abductor seemed agitated by the song.

Willie’s response to his dire situation is reminiscent of the experience shared by Paul and Silas. After being flogged and thrown into jail, they reacted by “praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:25–26).

Upon witnessing this awesome demonstration of power, the jailer believed in the God of Paul and Silas, and his entire household was baptized along with him (vv. 27–34). Through the avenue of praise, both physical and spiritual chains were broken that night.

We may not always experience a visibly dramatic rescue like Paul and Silas, or like Willie. But we know that God responds to the praises of His people! When He moves, chains fall apart.

What lessons do you learn from the prayer session held by Paul and Silas? How can you apply these principles to the difficult circumstances you experience?

“[God], You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 (NKJV)

INSIGHT

Who was Paul? Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous persecutor of the early church—until his dramatic conversion to Christ (Acts 7:58; 8:3; 9:1–19; Galatians 1:13–14). He describes himself as “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5). Paul’s birthplace was in Tarsus, a city which lay on a major trade route in the province of Cilicia in Asia Minor. He was a Jew but also a Roman citizen by birth, which meant Paul probably received a Greek education as a youth. He was also well educated in the Old Testament and the Law through his training under the great teacher Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).

Alyson Kieda

By |2019-10-10T07:45:43-04:00October 18th, 2019|
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Truth: Bitter or Sweet?

Read: Ezekiel 2:4–3:3 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 50–52; 1 Thessalonians 5

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So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. Ezekiel 3:3

I’d had the spot on my nose for the better part of a year when I went to the doctor. The biopsy results came back days later with words I didn’t want to hear: skin cancer. Though the cancer was operable and not life-threatening, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

God commanded Ezekiel to swallow a bitter pill—a scroll containing words of lament and woe (Ezekiel 2:10; 3:1–2). He was “to fill [his] stomach with it” and share the words with the people of Israel, whom God considered “obstinate and stubborn” (2:4). One would expect a scroll filled with correction to taste like a bitter pill. Yet Ezekiel describes it being “as sweet as honey” in his mouth (3:3).

Ezekiel seems to have acquired a taste for God’s correction. Instead of viewing His rebuke as something to avoid, Ezekiel recognized that what is good for the soul is “sweet.” God instructs and corrects us with lovingkindness, helping us live in a way that honors and pleases Him.

Some truths are bitter pills to swallow while others taste sweet. If we remember how much God loves us, His truth will taste more like honey. His words are given to us for our good, providing wisdom and strength to forgive others, refrain from gossip, and bear up under mistreatment. Help us, God, to recognize Your wisdom as the sweet counsel it truly is!

What truth has God shown you recently? Did you receive it as a bitter pill or sweet honey?

God, Your truth is sweet.

INSIGHT

Ezekiel isn’t the only prophet instructed by God to eat “the scroll” of lament and judgment (2:9–3:3). The apostle John on Patmos Island was similarly ordered to eat a scroll. Because John prophesied bitter judgment and untold suffering for God’s people, the scroll “[turned his] stomach sour” (Revelation 10:9). And yet because it was God’s Word, it “tasted as sweet as honey in [his] mouth” (v. 10). This is the consistent testimony of people who love God: His Word is “more precious than gold, . . . sweeter than honey . . . from the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10).

K. T. Sim

By |2019-10-10T07:45:20-04:00October 17th, 2019|
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Finding a Quiet Life

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 47–49; 1 Thessalonians 4

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Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We all heard that question as children and sometimes even as adults. The question is born in curiosity, and the answer is often heard as an indication of ambition. My answers morphed over the years, starting with a cowboy, then a truck driver, followed by a soldier, and I entered college set on becoming a doctor. However, I can’t recall one time that someone suggested or I consciously considered pursuing “a quiet life.”

Yet that’s exactly what Paul told the Thessalonians. First, he urged them to love one another and all of God’s family even more (1 Thessalonians 4:10). Then he gave them a general admonition that would cover whatever specific plow they put their hand to. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life” (v. 11). Now what did Paul mean by that exactly? He clarified: “You should mind your own business and work with your hands” so outsiders respect you and you’re not a burden on anyone (vv. 11–12). We don’t want to discourage children from pursuing their giftedness or passions but maybe we could encourage them that whatever they choose to do, they do with a quiet spirit.

Considering the world we live in, the words ambitious and quiet couldn’t seem further apart. But the Scriptures are always relevant, so perhaps we should consider what it might look like to begin living quieter.

How does Paul’s phrase—“mind your own business”—sit with you? Who comes to mind of someone who lives a quiet life that you might emulate?

Jesus, living a quiet life sounds so inviting, but I know it won’t come easily. I ask for the grace to mind my own business, not so I can close myself off from the world, but that I won’t add to the noise.

INSIGHT

Paul’s first letter to the believers in Christ at Thessalonica was one of his most pastoral letters. In chapter 2, he repeatedly refers to them with affection, calling them “brothers and sisters” (vv. 1, 14, 17). Additionally, the apostle describes his own care for them in vivid terms, saying he and his team didn’t come to them authoritatively, but as “young children” (v. 7). Also in verse 7, Paul actually describes himself as being like a “nursing mother” who lovingly nurses her children. As further evidence of his great love for them, Paul speaks of his labor for them in the gospel and ultimately closes the loop of family descriptors by portraying himself as a father caring for his children (vv. 8–11). All of these examples combine not only to make this one of Paul’s most pastoral letters, but one of his most personal as well.

Bill Crowder

By |2019-10-08T13:27:05-04:00October 16th, 2019|
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Haystack Prayers

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 45–46; 1 Thessalonians 3

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You help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:11

Samuel Mills and four of his friends often gathered together to pray for God to send more people to share the good news of Jesus. One day in 1806, after returning from their prayer meeting, they got caught in a thunderstorm and took refuge in a haystack. Their weekly prayer gathering then became known as the Haystack Prayer Meeting, which resulted in a global mission movement. Today the Haystack Prayer Monument stands at Williams College in the US as a reminder of what God can do through prayer.

Our heavenly Father is delighted when His children approach Him with a common request. It’s like a family gathering where they’re united in purpose, sharing a common burden.

The apostle Paul acknowledges how God helped him through the prayers of others during a time of severe suffering: “He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers” (2 Corinthians 1:10–11). God has chosen to use our prayers—especially our prayers together—to accomplish His work in the world. No wonder the verse continues: “Then many will give thanks . . . [for the] answer to the prayers of many.”

Let’s pray together so we can also rejoice together in God’s goodness. Our loving Father is waiting for us to come to Him so He can work through us in ways that reach far beyond anything we could ever imagine.

What request can you and others pray for? How has your faith been strengthened when you pray with others?

Father, help us to pray together even as we work together.

INSIGHT

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, more than any of his other New Testament letters, expresses his willingness to do whatever it took to share the heart of Christ (1:3–11; 2:4; 4:7–12; 6:3–10; 11:16–29; 12:6–10). While knowing that some would accuse him of boasting, he wanted his readers to know how deeply he cared for them in the Spirit of Christ who had suffered not only for him, but also for them. In the process, he became a living reflection of the God who, at His own expense, sacrificially intervened, mediated, and interceded for us, so that we in turn could lead and intercede on behalf of others. His prayer is that his readers would join him in discovering for themselves hope in the face of death, strength in weakness, courage in fear, and joy in answered prayer.

Mart DeHaan

By |2019-10-08T13:27:43-04:00October 15th, 2019|
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Strengthened in Song

Read: Psalm 59:1, 14–17 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 43–44; 1 Thessalonians 2

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I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress. Psalm 59:16

When French villagers helped Jewish refugees hide from the Nazis during World War II, some sang songs in the dense forest surrounding their town—letting the refugees know it was safe to come out from hiding. These brave townspeople of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon had answered the call of local pastor André Trocmé and his wife, Magda, to offer wartime refuge to Jews on their windswept plateau known as “La Montagne Protestante.” Their musical signal became just one feature of the villagers’ bravery that helped save up to 3,000 Jews from almost certain death.

In another dangerous time, David sang when his enemy Saul sent nighttime assassins to his house. His use of music wasn’t a signal; rather, it was his song of gratitude to God his refuge. David rejoiced, “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 59:16).

Such singing isn’t “whistling in the dark” during danger. Instead, David’s singing conveyed his trust in almighty God. “You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely” (v. 17).

David’s praise, and the villagers’ singing in Le Chambon, offer an invitation to bless God today with our singing, making melody to Him despite the worries of life. His loving presence will respond, strengthening our hearts.

How do you feel when you’re singing your favorite praise song? Why do praise songs inspire us to feel stronger?

Dear God, strengthen my heart with praises that transform my fears and worries into worship of You.

INSIGHT

In Psalm 59, the author uses the word fortress four times to underscore his view of God during life’s difficulties (vv. 1, 9, 16, 17). A fortress is a place of safety and security. It’s both a place of defense and rest, as well as a place where needs are met. It’s also where the enemy can be safely engaged. In verse 1, God is a fortress who protects from attacks. Verse 9 provides its own unique perspective to the idea of God as fortress. There the author says, “I watch for you.” When danger looms, the psalmist looks in confident expectation for the deliverance of God. He understands that when there’s a threat, nothing provides safety like Him. In recognition of this, we can join him in celebration and praise to God (vv. 16–17).

J.R Hudberg

By |2019-10-07T12:16:08-04:00October 14th, 2019|
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Worth the Wait

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 41–42; 1 Thessalonians 1

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We eagerly await a Savior. Philippians 3:20

Outside the Shibuya train station in Tokyo is a statue commemorating an Akita dog named Hachiko. Hachiko is remembered for unusual faithfulness to his owner, a university professor who commuted from the station daily. The dog accompanied him on his walk there in the morning and came back to meet him every afternoon just as his train arrived.

One day the professor didn’t return to the station; sadly, he’d died at work. But for the rest of his life—more than nine years—Hachiko showed up at the same time as the afternoon train. Day after day, regardless of weather, the dog waited faithfully for his master’s return.

Paul commended the Thessalonians for their faithfulness, citing their “work produced by faith,” “labor prompted by love,” and “endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Despite harsh opposition, they left their old ways “to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven” (vv. 9–10).

These early believers’ vital hope in their Savior and His love for them inspired them to see beyond their difficulties and to share their faith enthusiastically. They were assured there was nothing better than living for Jesus. How good it is to know that the same Holy Spirit who emboldened them (v. 5) still empowers us today to faithfully serve Jesus as we await His return.

What do you look forward to most about being with Jesus? How are you sharing your hope in Him?

Jesus, help me take heart and wait for You.
To learn more about what the New Testament teaches about the Christian faith, visit christianuniversity.org/NT109.

INSIGHT

Easton’s Bible Dictionary says: “(Thessalonica) was the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia. . . . On his second missionary journey, Paul preached in the synagogue here, the chief synagogue of the Jews in that part of Macedonia, and laid the foundations of a church (Acts 17:1–4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). The violence of the Jews drove him from the city, when he fled to Berea (Acts 17:5–10). Paul visited the church here on a subsequent occasion (20:1–3).” The church at Thessalonica would become a key witness for the good news in northern Greece

Bill Crowder

By |2019-10-07T12:16:24-04:00October 13th, 2019|
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Fill in Your Name

Read: Isaiah 40:25–31 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Isaiah 39–40; Colossians 4

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. . . He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Isaiah 40:26

In Love Letters from God, Glenys Nellist invites children to interact with the Lord in a deeply personal way. These children’s books include a note from God with a space for the child’s name to be inserted after each Bible story. Personalizing scriptural truth helps her young readers understand that the Bible isn’t just a storybook. They’re being taught that the Lord wants a relationship with them and that He speaks to His greatly loved children through the Scriptures.

I bought the book for my nephew and filled in the blanks in the beginning of every note from God. Delighted when he recognized his name, my nephew said, “God loves me too!” What a comfort to know the deeply and completely personal love of our loving Creator.

When God spoke to the Israelites directly through the prophet Isaiah, He called their attention to the heavens. The Lord affirmed that He controls “the starry host” (Isaiah 40:26), determines each star’s individual value, and directs each one with love. He assured His people that He won’t forget or lose one star . . . or one beloved child that He’s sculpted with deliberate purpose and endless love.

As we celebrate our Almighty God’s intimate promises and proclamations of love within Scripture, we can fill in our names. We can trust and declare with childlike delight, “God loves me too!”

How does it feel when you realize God loves you and knows your needs? What Bible verse could you remember that’s a personal promise to you?

God, thank You for affirming that Your love is a personal gift for each and every one of us. Thank You for assuring us that You know our names and can handle all of our needs.

INSIGHT

One of the ways God is magnified in Isaiah 40 is through the use of rhetorical questions—questions not asked in anticipation of an answer but to provoke one’s thoughts, to drive home a point. An example of this device in the Bible is the book of Job, particularly chapters 38–41, where God is the One asking the questions. In Isaiah 40, after the pronouncements of the comfort that awaited the people of God through the Lord’s coming (vv. 1–5), the trustworthiness of God’s words (vv. 6–8), and the might and mercy that would attend His coming (vv. 9–11), the questions begin to roll in verse 12 and they don’t stop until verse 28! They’re designed to help believing people throughout history to ponder the incomparable greatness of our loving God.

Arthur Jackson

By |2019-10-03T13:01:55-04:00October 12th, 2019|
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