Josh1Eight

Scripture: Luke 3:7, 9, 18 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath?...9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire...18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people." Observations: John the Baptist had a unique calling from God- to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ and point them to God's salvation. But the biggest challenge he faced was that people in general weren't even on the same chapter, let alone the same page as God when it came to the issue of sin. Many people in John's day were oblivious to their sins and acted like God didn't really care or noticen all that much. Much to their surprise, John explicitly pointed out in a direct and powerful way that God was in fact very aware of their sins and was ready to ...

Scripture: Luke 2:41, 52 "41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual...52 Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." Observations: This story is the only account of Jesus as a child. From the little we know about his childhood, he was raised by two typical Jews named Mary and Joseph, who made it a point as a family to value a relationship with God. This verse tells us that every year they traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem to participate in the Passover festival as a family. Why? Because God commanded had commanded them to (Exodus 23:14-17). Even though only adult Jewish males were required to attend, many Jewish families, like this one, took time as a family to focus on the things of God as part of their lifestyle. Was that really necessary? I mean, Jesus was already divine even as a young kid. Yet because His parents were willing to set...

Scripture: Numbers 23:7-8, “Balak summoned me to come from Aram; the king of Moab brought me from the eastern hills. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘curse Jacob for me! Come and announce Israel’s doom.’ 8  But how can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned?...20 Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!" Observations: When Balaam received an invitation from King Balak to curse God's people, he fully intended to do whatever it took to make a quick buck, even if it meant going against the Lord. But when he arrived and saw the Israelite camp, he quickly recognized that no amount of sorcery would be able to curse what God had already blessed. There's something to be said for having a right relationship with God simply because of the benefits that come with it. God's blessing was so powerful that every time Israel's enemies opposed them, it was as if they were opposing God, so long as they ...

Scripture: Numbers 22:10-12, 16-19, 21-22 "10 Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent me this message: 11 ‘Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come and curse these people for me. Then perhaps I will be able to stand up to them and drive them from the land.’ 12 But God told Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!...This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming to help me. 17 I will pay you very well and do whatever you tell me. Just come and curse these people for me! 18 But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God. 19 But stay here one more night, and I will see if the Lord has anything else to say to me...So the next morning Balaam got up...but God was angry that Balaam ...

Scripture: Luke 2:33-35 " 33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” Observations: When Jesus was still an infant, his parents took him into the Temple where they ran into a godly old man named Simeon who immediately recognized something special about their son. He told them that Jesus, as God's Messiah, would be the instrument of God's salvation; however, he also predicted that part of his destiny would also cause many Israelites to fall. How could something so good sent to accomplish God's purpose of saving the world produce such negative results? Because as the "door" of God's salvation (John 10:9) ev...