Matthew 10:25 – Rejecting Jesus

Upon Jesus calling His disciples, He soon sends them out to the towns and cities of Israel so as to gather her “lost sheep” (Matthew 10:6).  He instructs the men to proclaim the Good News by telling everyone that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:7).  Jesus gives them the power and authority…

Genesis 28:8-9 – Rebellion’s Legacy

In today’s reading, along with several prior passages, we see the root of the everlasting animosity between the Jews and Arabs.  Jacob with the help of his mother Rebekah deceived his father Isaac to receive the first-son blessings in place of his brother Esau (Genesis 27:36).  Previously Jacob had negotiated with Esau and stolen his…

Genesis 25:20,26 – Waiting

We live in a “now” world.  Because of modern technologies and the conveniences we’ve become accustomed to in the so-called civilized world, if we’re not instantly gratified, that leaves us unhappy and grumbling.  Our attention spans have grown increasingly shorter, and our patience wears thin if we have to wait more than a couple minutes…

Genesis 24:6,8 – Old Life Before Christ

There are many principles that God illustrates to us through the lives and actions of the people who populate the Old Testament.  In Genesis 24:6,8 we see one of these principles enacted through Abraham’s servant Eliezer when Abraham sent him to the place of his extended family in Ur to seek a wife for his…

Matthew 7 – Destruction or Safety

The statement by Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14 is one of the hardest in the Bible for people to wrap their minds around.  He tells us: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate…

Matthew 6:24 – Believing Loyalty

When Jesus speaks about the problem of serving two masters in Matthew 6:24, His teaching goes to the heart of our relationship with God: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot…