23 Nov (Eph 5-6)

Ephesians 5

(v.1) Those of us who have children, we see that they imitate us. Whether it be acting like they're on the phone, talking in a certain way (hopefully not badly) or any other imitation. They are watching us, and we need to remember that. Paul here is using that model to have us imitate Christ.

(v.3) Paul lists many sins that we have done over our lifetimes, and the purpose is for us to not be in a habit of these things. We will always be sinners on this earth, but we will sin less with the Holy Spirit working in us. If He is working in us, sinning won't be as fun or as enticing.

(v.7) We as parents need to keep track of who our kids play and hang out with. The ideal is for our kids to be friends with other believing children.

(v.8) I always like to use this illustration of what Paul is saying here, by telling my kids that the sun is the light source, and the moon reflects that light in the darkness. God is the sun, and we are the moon...reflecting God's light in the darkness!

(v.11) So many people say, Don't judge me! This is a self-preservation ploy to take the light off their sin. We are to rebuke our family and friends of their sins, but only God judges. But as Paul says here, we are free to identify and expose bad actions and words for what they are...bad. God wants us to be discerning and act accordingly.

(v.16) Redeeming the time...this is like Carpe Diem, the Latin into English, means Seize the day!

We are here at this time in history for a purpose. We have to make the most of what God puts in our paths. That may be just loving and serving our family and friends, or all the way to doing missionary work abroad. Figure out what God has for us to do, and do it!

(v.17) The more we pray and read the Bible, the more we will know what God's will for us is.

(v.22) This is always a sore subject with women, but if they really understand what God is saying here, it makes sense. Jesus is the Groom, and we are the Bride of Christ. We submit to Him, so God has made that template here in marriage. The wives are vital and equal partners in the marriage, but they are to submit to the authority of the husband...like the Church does with Christ.

(v.25) In order for wives to submit, they need to have a husband who is godly. A godly husband will give up his self interests, and love and serve his wife like Christ did for His Bride.

So what we have here, is a reciprocating order, where the Husband gives His life for the Bride, and the Bride loves and submits to the Husband...both are being loved and served at the same time!

(v.32) Back in the Old Testament times, the Church was not seen by the prophets. They wrote of these things, not knowing fully what it meant. God was laying down the Word to show us that He planned to save the whole world...not just the Jews...from sin.

Ephesians 6

(v.1) My kids laugh and smile when I read this to them! They know that they are to obey their parents, but like us parents, we don't always obey our Heavenly Father either! The key is to keep trying and focusing on obedience. When we are walking with God, we have freedom that we never believed was possible!

(v.4) An abusive or domineering father is evil. We are to be firm with our kids, but loving at the same time. Our kids need to see both sides of us.

(v.11) We are at war...the instruments being fought for by God and the devil. In order for us to stay in step with God, we need to do the following:

Gird your waste with truth ~ Know what the Truth is and focus on it

Put on the breastplate of righteousness ~ We have righteousness in our faith in Christ

Shod your feet with the Gospel ~ We are to witness to others the Good News of Christ's work
Take the shield of faith ~ Our faith wards off the devil's attempts to take us away

Take the helmet of salvation ~ We are saved, and we protect ourselves in Christ's work

The Sword of the Spirit ~ The Word of God is a double edged sword, convicting the soul

Praying always ~ It's near impossible to sin when we are praying

If we are going into battle, we need to do these things daily, BEFORE we enter the battle!

20 Nov (Col 3-4)

Colossians 3

(v.2) We are to think and desire upon Jesus and heaven...not of this world. If we do that, things that happen on earth won't bother us as much as they used to. We have the hope in Christ of things to come in heaven!

(v.4) When Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation, we will come with Him! He will conquer evil and we will be appointed as rulers during the Millennium.

(v.8) One of the best signs that we are following God, is if we don't curse and say nasty things or dirty jokes...we won't want to engage in those things if we are trying to be more like Christ.

(v.14) Nothing shows our faith better than love does...love others and let our actions witness to them instead of just words.

(v.18) Wives are to let the husbands be the head of the home...like Christ is the head of His Church, the Bride of Christ. This doesn't mean that women are inferior, but God does want order and has given us the model for the best way for a family to grow closer to the LORD. The mother/wife nurtures and provides love and wisdom daily to the family, while the husband/father leads the family spiritually and provides for the family.

(v.19) We husbands are to adore our wives...treat them with love and affection. There is a phrase that fits this verse: A happy wife leads to a happy life!

Colossians 4

(v.1) For anyone that has employees or people that work for them, remember that we all serve a higher boss...God! Be fair and just, like our Father in heaven is fair and just.

(v.2) Prayer is the key to our walk with God...if we do it less, we will see our walk slowing down.

(v.6) When we witness to unbelievers, we need to be confident in God's Word, but to share it with grace and love...like Paul, we need to know who we are talking to so we can present God's Word in truth, but in a way that they understand and will listen to.

With that said, the reference to salt is important...salt makes food taste better like witnessing with love. But it also agitates wounds...much like the truth pierces the darkness and causes some to lash back. Don't be afraid of that, for the truth is the truth, and let the LORD's Spirit do the rest!

2 Nov (1 Cor 11-12)

1 Corinthians 11

(v.3) My girls give me a funny look when I read this verse, and I understand why. First of all, the Jewish culture was much different than what we know in America today. Like many cultures, the man was the head of the household, and the object of wealth and strength.

This is still true, but we must look at what God is saying here...He's painting us a picture:

The Father is the head of the Son (but we know they are one) John 10:30

The husband is the head of the wife (but we know they are one) Gen 2:24

The husband is the head of the house. The Groom is the head of the Bride. Jesus is the Groom, and all of us believers are His Bride. When we are joined in heaven, we are one. But until that day, we submit and follow the Groom.

Women came from man, but man is born from woman. We are intertwined, but again, the man is the head of the household. That is why I rededicated my life to Christ...so I can teach my kids His Word, and do my duty to God and my family.

(v.27) When we give thanks before eating, we need to pray and confess our sins. We need to be ready for God's grace. If we just go through the motions, we are dishonoring what Christ did for us on the cross.

1 Corinthians 12

(v.4) Spiritual gifts are sometimes hotly debated things. What I believe Paul is trying to stress here is twofold:

1. All of us are given gifts from God. We are to find out what those are, and use them for God's purposes.

2. We are not to try to do gifts that aren't given to us. We may want to be a pastor and teach, but if God hasn't gifted us in that, then we should do what He has gifted us to do...like help, or pray, or be an administrator/organizer.

Together, we all make the Church function and perform His plans. If we try to be what we are not, then we are only bringing the whole Body of Christ down.

(v.11) The Holy Spirit moves in each of us for the purpose of God's will. We need to listen to Him and let Him work in our lives. Not only are we strengthening the Church, but we live more joyful and purposeful lives.

23 Sep (John 17)

The Gospels: Jesus Prays For Us

John 17

We read the model prayer that Jesus told the disciples, and it is incorrectly called the Lord's Prayer. This chapter is actually the Lord's Prayer, and He is praying to the Father on our behalf.

(v.4) Jesus starts out praising the Father, and asking the Father to empower and glorify Him for what He is about to do.

(v.5) Jesus gave up power to become flesh and live in the world. He will have that again when He is resurrected and back to heaven. Jesus gave up a lot to love us, by dying for us.

(v.6) Jesus shifts His prayer to the disciples. The Father gave them to Jesus, and He is asking the Father to bless and guide them.

(v.9) This will seem harsh to those who don't believe in Christ, but He only prays for those who love Him and believe in Him. I like to ask my kids if the Son prays and asks the Father to do something, don't you think it will happen every time!

(v.11) Here is another verse that alludes to Jesus being God.

(v.15) We can't lose our salvation...we can lose rewards in heaven, but once we are saved, we're always saved. Some people think they can work the system, and be saved and sin the rest of their lives without consequences.

This is foolish and false. If we are truly saved and believers, we won't want to do the things that we used to do before we were saved. It won't be in our nature!

(v.20) Jesus now shifts His prayer for His Church. We are followers of Christ, who have read and heard the words that the disciples penned in our Bibles.

(v.23) Just like in Gen 2:24 where Adam and Eve became one in marriage, we as the Bride of Christ, will become one with the Groom...Jesus!

10 Sep (Matthew 22)

The Gospels: The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Matthew 22:1-14

There is much debate about the true meaning of this parable. I will give what I believe is true after reading many different (and sometimes contradicting) scholarly interpretations on this. But I must remind everyone to remember Acts 17:11 to read and study God's Word for yourself, and see what God is telling you!

(v.2) The King is the Father, and the Son is Jesus

(v.3) The servants are the Jewish prophets

(v.7) The people are the Jews, and their indifference to heed God's Word angered God, and He used Israel's enemies to bring war and hardship upon them. As we know, they would then repent and come back to God, but the cycle continued to happen.

(v.8) God came first for His chosen people...the Jews. Matt 15:24

However, they rejected Him and crucified Him. So God reached out to the Gentiles and the world.

(v.10) Doesn't this describe God's Church? We are all sinners, and we come from different lands and languages, but together, we are His Bride!

(v.11) This is where good scholars have disagreed. Some say that all here are saved, but only the over-comers and faithful enjoy the feast. Others say that this man was not saved, and part of his eternal torment, will be seeing what he gave up out of his own pride on earth, by refusing to accept the King's Son.

One thing to start with, in Jewish culture, when a man invites guests in those days, he would wash their feet when they came, and he would offer a coat for them to wear. This would be the equivalent to having a backstage pass hanging from our neck...it meant we were invited and welcome.

If we read other Scripture, we see that the wedding garment is white...and that describes the Bride of Christ. Rev 6:11 & 19:14

I believe this parable is speaking of those that aren't saved, who don't have their white garments on as the Bride of Christ does in heaven...he is an unbeliever. The tragedy of all of this, is he could have been welcomed, but his pride on earth prevented him from believing in God's Son.

(v.12) ...and he was speechless...this is the effect upon all who face God at the Great White Throne of Judgment. They will realize their folly and their pride, and know that they chose foolishly.

(v.13) If we read all the parables that Jesus spoke, the outer darkness is not considered a part of heaven. After all, does heaven sound like a place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? And with God's presence in heaven, will there be any darkness? I don't believe that this man was saved, and part of his eternal torment, was to see what he missed by his pride.

26 Aug (Matt 13)

The Gospels: The Parables of Faith

Matthew 13

Why did Jesus speak in parables?

First of all, Jesus spoke in terms that the Jews would understand, since they were farmers and gatherers. Also, Jesus explained the reason why He spoke in parables in Matt 13:11

God didn't make His Word in sections for Salvation, another section for Living Godly, another section for Creation, etc. He put all topics and doctrines in EVERY BOOK of the Word, so not only will we better remember it by reading it many times, but also, if one book is not read, the whole counsel of God is in the next book!

The Parable of the Four Soils

1. No Soil ~ Birds (typify evil) prevent faith to start. Not in a state to hear the Word and let it convict them. Evil and worldly things prevent them to listen with an open mind.

2. Shallow Soil ~ no place for faith to take root. Quickly fall away and die. Short time of joy and praise for God, but when the first trouble comes along, they fall away and don't trust in God.

3. Soil with Thorny Bushes ~ Cares of the world choke out true ambassadorship. Not fruitful because God is not feared or respected. They care too much about what other people think, or about material things to devote themselves to Christ.

4. Good Soil ~ Faith flourishes and bears fruit. A person who is willing to be used by God for His purposes.

Which one are you? I would suspect, if you're reading this blog, you're at least in soils 3 or 4. If you're in soil 3, then think about your priorities, and make sure that God is most important in your life, and NOTHING takes precedence over Him.

Parable of the Wheat and Tares

Sower ~ Jesus and His Spirit sows seeds that are to bear fruit.

Fields ~ The world...the seeds and weeds live together in the world.

Reapers ~ The angels gather the seeds, and the weeds are burned with the sower of the weeds, the devil. This is like what is described in Matt 25:32

Parable of the Leaven

Leaven is in Hebrew culture, equated with sin. Leaven is like yeast, which puffs up the bread. Pride is puffing oneself up, and God hates pride! This is a prophecy that the Church will become corrupt and sin will be prevalent in the last days.

Parable of the Hidden Treasure

Once someone discovers who God is, and what He did for us, we will give our lives to Him. The treasure (us believers) are hidden in the world (evil). God is searching for us who believe!

Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Oysters and any shellfish are not kosher, so this parable is describing the Gentile Church. An oyster produces a pearl by great irritation (persecution) and the pearl is removed from it's home (the world) to be adorned and admired (the Bride by her Groom). This is talking about the Church as the Bride of Christ, and the love that the Groom, Jesus, has for her.

Parable of the Dragnet

Much like when the angels reap the wheat and tares, they will separate the good fish from the bad fish. Make sure you and your family are in the right pile of fish!

(v.55) It is so hard for someone to witness to family, since they know all our wrongs we committed. Of course, Jesus was sinless, but He was just a son of a carpenter growing up! They had a hard time thinking that a carpenter's son would be God! Of course, if they knew their Scripture, they would've known who Jesus was!

29 Jul (Esther 1)

The book of Esther is believed to have been written by Esther's cousin, Mordecai. After King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem, not all of them went...many stayed in Persia. Esther and Mordecai were among them, and God used them to save His people.

In Hebrew, the name Esther means "Something Hidden." What we don't notice right away, is that God is hidden all throughout this book! In fact, the name of God is not mentioned once!

But just as in our lives today, God is always there, and He's working in our lives. Esther is only one of two books named after a woman...Ruth being the other. Both women were brave, but they were also submissive to God's commands, and they let God use them for His purposes.

Esther 1

(v.10) The king was drunk with wine, and he ordered his wife, the queen, to dance provocatively for all the guests. She refused, and he denounced her title to the throne.

The "wise men" feared that if the other women of town heard that the queen stood up to the king, then they would do the same. The queen had to be made an example to all the women, that they were to be subservient.

One thing I teach my daughters, is that God does have men and women serve roles in society, and in the family. The man is to be the head of the household. But as we know, a man needs to have a good woman in order to be a good man! The wife is to allow the husband to make the major decisions, but I believe that he should always do that with fervent prayer and discussion with his wife.

The most controversial verses in the Bible are the ones where it says that wives should submit to their husbands.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the LORD

~Eph 5:22

The best way to describe this to our young girls, is to picture the model of Christ as the Bridegroom, and the Church as His Bride. Christ is our authority, and He provides and loves His Bride...the Church. As His Bride, we Christians are to submit to Him, and let Him make the big decisions in our lives.

But one thing men seem to forget, is that even though we are given the authority of the house, we are to submit to our wives as well. If we read on in the book of Ephesians, it says this:

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her. ~Eph 5:25

As a general rule, the man should lead the home, but the woman helps and has a huge influence with the children and management of the house. This is like the Bride, when united with the Groom in heaven, we will rule and reign with Him as kings and priests Rev 5:10...and we shall see Him as He is for we will be like Him. 1 John 3:2

In the end, we all have our roles, but in the eyes of the Father, we are equally loved, honored and respected.

22 May (Hosea 1-7)

The book of Hosea is the first of what is called the Minor Prophets. Of course, this doesn't mean their messages are little, but their books are not as long as some other ones like Ezekiel, Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Hosea was a contemporary of Amos, Isaiah and Micah, but Hosea prophesied in the Northern Kingdom, and saw it fall to the Assyrians.

The name Hosea means Salvation in Hebrew, so when you hear Hosanna in songs of worship, it means Save Us.

Hosea focuses on the love of Israel in God, and how God so wants the people to return to Him. We will see some typology here with Hosea and his wife Gomer...it depicts the love of God to us undeserving and rebellious people He created.

Hosea 1

(v.2) God has Hosea take a harlot for a wife, and tells Hosea what is going to happen to his children. How many of us would go through with that, knowing how bad it was going to turn out? Hosea is a man we should admire and emulate. His faith was great.

Here we see the children's names, and their names mean what God is going to do with Israel:

Jezreel ~ means Scattered, and the valley where God is going to give the Northern Kingdom of Isreal to Assyria

Lo-Ruhamah ~ her name means Unloved, and God is going to hold His mercy upon Israel for their idolatry and fornication.

Lo-Ammi ~ Her name means Not My People and this is a sign to all of us, that if we reject Him and push Him away, He will grant our wish and keep us from Him for eternity.

Hosea 2

We can see the imagery here, where the wife of Hosea, Gomer, is a harlot, and she is a type of Israel in their idolatry and fornication. God is showing Israel's fate by His Word to Hosea.

(v.7) God shows us that Israel will eventually return to God, and that will be in the Great Tribulation, where they finally accept and see that Yeshua is their Messiah!

(v.13) God allows hardships to befall on us, especially if that's what it will take to bring us back to Him. He is our refuge, and sooner or later, we will remember that. Unfortunately for Israel, she will not remember until the last days.

(v.16) This is more typology of the Bridegroom (Jesus) and His bride (all believers in His Church).

(v.23) After God has retrieved His Church, He will focus again on Israel, and they will be once again His people, and they will call Him their God.

Hosea 3

(v.4) Many scholars believe this verse and chapter describes the Diaspora, where after the Romans sacked Jerusalem in 70 AD, all the Jews went all over the earth. They don't have a Temple to this day to do their Mosaic rituals. But one day, after Yeshua has returned, they will do them again!

Hosea 4

The Northern Kingdom had immense wealth, vast lands, and much power...but as God says in verse one, they didn't have love, and they didn't know their God. I tremble when I read this, since I believe the USA has gone the same route. We are the great Superpower, but we are empty and without God, we are lost.

Hosea 5

(v.15) This is an important verse...God is speaking of Himself, in the person of Jesus.

I will return again to My place till they acknowledge their offense.

Who else but Jesus, came from heaven to earth and returned? Notice that God says offense in the singular...He is not holding onto their many daily sins, but the one sin that separates them and us from Him...the acceptance of His Son!

Then they will seek My face, in their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.

Not until the Great Tribulation will Israel as a group of people seek Jesus. They will finally see and acknowledge their denial, and cry out to God. Then the Father will say to His Son, "Go get 'em" and save Israel!!!

Hosea 6

(v.1) God allows us to hurt and have trials, but He will mend us and use them to make us stronger. I remind my kids, that when we tear a muscle, when it heals, it ends up being stronger than before. This is the same with God using trials to mold us to what He wants us to be.

(v.2) This is a verse that applies to Jesus in the grave, and shows us the timing of God. We often want God to help us NOW, but He does it when it's the right time, and never too late. The body starts to decay in the grave on the fourth day, so that's why Jesus was raised on the third day, and Israel will be saved before they are wiped out.

(v.6) God desires love and obedience more than rituals and sacrifices. If our hearts are with Him, then we will act accordingly...not the other way around.

Hosea 7

(v.3) We get the leaders we deserve. I believe our current President is the result of our apathy and rejection as a nation of God. If we don't repent and put God first, then we will get more of the same from our leaders.

(v.14) This whole book is a mirror image of America...we have pushed God out of all our institutions, and we seek the wisdom and leadership of man. The United Nations is the Tower of Babel of our time, and we will have the same fate if we don't repent and return to God.

Apr 23 (Song of Songs)

Songs of Solomon

King Solomon wrote three books of the Bible...Proverbs, which he wrote as a king with young children, then the book of Ecclesiastes, which he wrote as an old man reflecting upon his failures and life without God. But first, Solomon wrote this book, and named it the Song of Songs, since this was the most popular out of the over 1,500 he wrote.

There are three ways to view the meaning of this book:

1. The romantic love between a bridegroom and his bride (young love)

2. The relationship between God and Israel

3. The relationship between Jesus and His Bride...the Church

First, there is no doubt that this is a romantic book, that has marvelous imagery and detail. If we all think about it, when we were first in love with our spouses, we noticed every detail of their face, their body, and their personality. We were completely focused on them.

The second view is accurate, but not completely in my opinion. God does cherish Israel, and she is the woman with with child in Rev 12, but that focus is on the child, not the marriage between God and the Bride.

That is why the third view is the most accurate in my view...it's the love we as the Bride of Christ share with the Bridegroom...Jesus! He sees us as white as snow, and we see Him as our Savior and Protector.

I suggest you read parts carefully (depending upon the ages of your kids), but let them put these views into their minds, and let the Holy Spirit speak to them.

Apr 12 (Prov 5-7)

Proverbs 5

(v.8) With our kids, this verse reminds us to stay away from temptation...no matter what it is. If we know we can be tempted to sin by something, it's wise to stay away from it! Some people like to "tempt" God, and see how strong-willed they are. They may do fine for a while, but eventually, on our own strength, we will fail. We need to listen to God's commands, since they are there to keep us out of trouble!

(v.18) To all of us Dads, we need to remember this verse. We are fallen, and prone to wander with our eyes. The devil uses this to tempt us to sin. We need to be grateful for our wives, and love them the way God wants us to love them.

(v.21) It is good for us to plan and ask God for direction. He gives us free will to choose our paths and make decisions. However, God will guide us if we're walking with Him, and if He has a purpose to have us act out, it will be done no matter what!

Proverbs 6

(v.17) These seven things the LORD hates:

A proud look ~ pride is what broke Lucifer, and it's what keeps us from God

A lying tongue ~ Often, the truth is bad enough, so why make it worse with a lie that when discovered, will make the problem even bigger?

Shedding of innocent blood ~ This covers many things, but this is also a great verse to remind those who are for abortion...that baby is innocent.

Wicked heart ~ God knows our hearts, so if we say one thing and do another, He will know

Swift feet to evil ~ We are not walking with Him if we're quick to do worldly things

False witness ~ this is lying but usually by omission. If we don't tell the WHOLE truth, then we can mislead and not give the whole picture or information.

Discord among the brethren ~ This is one of the biggest things we Christians have to be cautious of...gossip and dissent among other believers. We are one Body of Christ. If we feel another is not acting godly, then we should approach them privately. Also, if we feel a leader in the church is not acting or speaking godly, then it's not our duty to oust him. Pray and let God do the work!

(v.23) God's Word is a lamp to our feet...it guides us. God gave us the Law to show us how to strive to live like Christ, and to have us realize that we can't do it alone...we need a Savior...Jesus!

Proverbs 7

(v.4) If we treat wisdom and understanding like we treat our loved ones, we will be better off. We will keep them close to us, and cherish them.

(v.27) Temptation leads to death. We will fall occasionally, but if we lead a lifestyle of habitual sin, then we're not saved. Only God can free us from the grip of sin, so pray to Him to help you!

Feb 20 (Ruth 4)

Ruth 4

At the end of chapter 3, we saw that Boaz gave Ruth six ephahs. Numbers represent things in Jewish culture, and obviously, in the Bible. The number six represents "incomplete" and seven represents "complete."

Naomi, being Jewish, knew that this was a message from Boaz, that he wasn't finished, and that he would not rest until he completed the transaction!

(v.5) I find it interesting that Boaz addresses Ruth as a Moabitess and the wife of the dead. I'm not sure if that would have been customary in those days, or even proper disclosure, but it sure got the desired effect that Boaz wanted!!!

In this chapter, we see Boaz performing the transaction at the city gate, with witnesses. My kids find it humorous that they "seal the deal" by giving each other their shoe!

The book concludes with the only proof in the Old Testament that David was from the tribe of Judah. This is important, since way back in Genesis 3:15, and to Luke 1:32, we see that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah, and be a son of David. In order to rule in the Millennium, and sit on David's throne, Jesus had to be a descendant of David.

Here are some good points to make with your kids about the typology in this book:

~Ruth (Church) couldn't be grafted into Naomi (Israel) unless Naomi (Israel) was exiled from her land

~ This allows Ruth (Church) to marry into Naomi's (Israel's) family

~ Ruth (Church) doesn't replace Naomi (Israel), but is grafted into the same tree of Israel (Rom 11:17)

~ Ruth (Church) comes to know Boaz (Kinsman Redeemer) because of Naomi (Israel)

~ Naomi (Israel) comes to personally know Boaz (Kinsman Redeemer/Christ) through the marriage of Ruth (Church) and Boaz (Christ)

Feb 19 (Ruth 3)

Ruth 3

Here we see Boaz fulfilling the role of the Kinsman Redeemer, which is called a Goel in Hebrew. In those days, if you couldn't afford to keep your land, then a relative (a kinsman) could buy it on your behalf. This is what Boaz was doing for Naomi.

Boaz is a type of Christ in this book, Naomi is a type of Israel, and Ruth is a type of the Church or Bride of Christ.

In order to be a Goel, the kinsman must fulfill the following:

~ must be kin (Jesus became man to die in our place)
~ must be able to purchase (Jesus' blood purchased us)
~ must be willing (Jesus willingly was beaten and crucified for us)
~ must assume all debt (Jesus took on all our sins)

So here we see Boaz, as the Lord of the Harvest, taking on the role of the Goel, and redeeming Naomi (Israel) to her land. In the process, he has taken a Gentile Bride and had all debts forgiven...does this sound familiar?

Is it no wonder that the book of Ruth is read by Jews at the Feast of Shavout (Feast of Weeks) every year? Doesn't it seem strange that this is the only feast that uses leavened bread, and two loaves at that? Isn't this pointing to the existence of the Gentiles in God's plan and the two loaves represent Israel and the Bride of Christ?

Also, this is the very feast that the Church was born on Pentecost! (Acts 2)

Feb 17 (Ruth 1)

The book of Ruth is one of only two books named after women (Esther being the other one). The events in this book happened during the times of the judges, and some scholars believe Samuel wrote the record of this book.

This book is short, but it's full of important information for Christ's Church. Not only is the narrative of the story touching and full of romance, it's a revealing typology of Christ and His Bride...His Church. Also, we will see how the Jewish marriage customs mirror Christ with His Bride.

Ruth 1

The Hebrew language is often very revealing of people by their names:

Elimelech ~ "God is my King" ~ Husband of Naomi
Naomi ~ "Pleasant" ~ mother-in-law of Ruth
Mahlon ~ "Unhealthy" ~ son of Naomi
Chilion ~ "Puny" ~ son of Naomi
Orpah ~ "Fawn" ~ daughter-in-law of Naomi
Ruth ~ "Desirable" ~ daughter-in-law of Naomi

Naomi is from the tribe of Judah, and she lived in Bethlehem. A severe famine forced her to leave Judah, and venture out to Moab. Eventually, her sons married Gentile women (Orpah and Ruth).

After Naomi's husband and sons died, she decided to move back to Judah and rely upon her family there to start over. She encourages Orpah and Ruth to stay in Moab and marry again, but Ruth would hear none of that!

(vv.16-17) Ruth's oath to Naomi is not only beautiful, but it's a testament to her faith that Naomi's God was the real God. This would have huge ramifications later!

(v.20) Naomi is obviously sad and even bitter that she's lost her husband and sons. We can feel and understand her grief, but none of us should blame God for our troubles. He is in control, and this short life that we have on earth is not guaranteed to be easy! As we'll see, it took Ruth's love and faith to bring Naomi back to happiness and fulfillment.

Feb 10 (Jos 1-8)

Joshua 1

From my Chuck Smith Bible, there are a few things I discuss with my kids before we jump into this book:

~This is the first book of the Bible that is named after a person
~Joshua in Hebrew is Yehoshua, which means "Yahweh is Salvation"
~Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua, which means "Yahweh Saves"
~As we'll see, Joshua is a type of Christ

(v.4) There is so much hate and fighting about the land that Israel now possesses, yet in reality, God gave Israel a much bigger area. From Turkey in the north, down through most of Syria, through Lebanon and out to the Euphrates (Iraq) is what God calls Israel. Today, Israel is only a fraction of what it should be in size.

I remind my kids that Moses represents the Law, and they didn't enter the Promised Land by the Law (Moses). They entered by the faith of Joshua (Jesus). Living by the Law doesn't save us and allow us to enter heaven, it's our faith in God and Jesus!

Joshua 2

Here we meet an incredible woman named Rahab. She is a Gentile and a pagan, yet she believes the LORD is the only God, and she helps these two spies (witnesses). Later, we learn that one of David's ancestors, Salmon, married Rahab (Matt 1:5). She went from being a pagan Gentile harlot, to an esteemed mother of Boaz, who is in the kingly line of David!!!

Joshua 3

Israel crosses the Jordan, and says goodbye to the old ways of Egypt. Of course, they still will have their moments, but through Joshua, they cross over and have a new beginning. This is like when we gave our lives to Christ, we crossed over and left behind our worldly dependence, and trusted in another Joshua...Jesus!

Joshua 4

Numbers represent things in the Bible. Here is a list of ones that we come across a lot:

3 ~ Sanctification, redemption (Jesus, Jonah, etc in the grave for 3 days)
6 ~ Incompletion (Six days of creation needed a 7th for completion, rest)
7 ~ Completion (Seven days of creation, seven cities of refuge, all the sevens in Revelation)
12 ~ Represents Israel (the twelve tribes)
40 ~ Testing and Judgement (Flood of Noah, the Jews, and Jesus in the Wilderness)

Here we have the 12 tribes being represented by the monument of 12 stones. This is the very spot, where centuries later, John the Baptist did his ministry!

Joshua 5

All the men who left Egypt with Moses were circumcised, but the children were not. These children were circumcised now, since their fathers abandoned the Word of God. This was a painful lesson for them to learn!

(vv.13-15) Here we see another theophany...Jesus in the OT! We know it's Jesus, since an angel would've reprimanded Joshua for worshipping anything other than God. Also, this Commander has Joshua take off his sandals, since he's on holy ground (Exodus 3:5).

Joshua is a type of Christ...he will lead the conquest of Jericho, which mirrors Jesus' conquering of Babylon and the world in Revelation.

Joshua 6

God has Joshua tell his army a very peculiar plan to conquer Jericho...my kids laugh when I act out this plan and show their faces when they hear it! But if we compare this event in the book of Joshua to Jesus in the book of Revelation, we see many similarities:

Yehoshua (Joshua) ~ Yeshua (Jesus)

Commander of Israel ~ Commander of the army of the LORD

Seven days ~ Seven years

Priests sent out in front ~ High Priest (Jesus) leads

First send in two spies ~ Two witnesses sent in first

Seven trumpet blasts ~ Seven trumpet judgements

Judgment by fire ~ Fire and brimstone judgment

Kings hide in caves ~ Leaders hide in caves

Joshua 7

Here we see Israel getting overconfident and not reliant upon God. Not only are they thinking they conquered Jericho instead of God, but they disobey Him by taking things from there. I point out to my kids that we do this ourselves all the time!

Joshua 8

After the culprit, Achan, is stoned, they then win easily. This is God's Word speaking to us that we need to include Him in all parts of our lives, at all times. When we do, we will see His glory manifested in our lives!

They won because they had faith in God, and let Him have the glory!

Jan 19 (Exodus 1-2)

The word Exodus means "exit" or "way out" in Hebrew. This book is also written by Moses, but unlike in Genesis where he wrote down what God told him happened before he lived, here, Moses is documenting his life. I point out to my kids that it will be very interesting and telling when Moses writes down his own failures...for millions to read in the future! I point out that if Moses made the five books of the Torah up, he would have definitely deleted the parts where he lost his temper and looked vulnerable, but it was the Holy Spirit who told Moses to write these five books of the Torah.

Moses lived about 400 years after Abraham, and we left Genesis with Joseph dying in Egypt, where the family of Abraham thrived in the land given to them by the Pharaoh.

Exodus 1

However, in (v.8) we see that there was a new king, and he didn't like the family of Jacob. Scholars believe this Pharaoh was not Egyptian, but Assyrian (Isaiah 52:4). This is a prelude to the Assyrian described as the Anti-Christ in (Micah 5).

I like to remind my kids of Genesis 12, where God says He will bless those that bless Israel, and in (v.17) we see the midwives, who feared (respected in awe) God, were blessed because they spared the Isreali sons.

Exodus 2

Moses is a descendant of the tribe of Levi...this tribe will produce the line of priests for Israel.

As with the midwives, we see the hand of God at work with Moses in the basket (ark) in the river. I point out a couple of things here:

~ Isn't it odd that the daughter of the man who orders the murder of all Jewish sons, takes one into the very house of that man? My kids like to talk about how that all worked out in that household!!!

~ We see the second time God saves His people through water:

~ The ark of Noah in the flood
~ The ark (basket) of Moses in the river
~ The whole nation of Israel in the Red Sea fleeing from Pharaoh

Moses flees the Pharaoh to go into the mountains and fields of Midian. Scholars locate Midian to be in what we call today, Saudi Arabia...not Egypt.

We also see a parallel between Moses and Jesus:

~ In defense and leadership of Israel, the people would reject Him the first time

~ After being rejected, he marries a Gentile Bride (the Church)

~ He comes back again with His Bride and becomes their Deliverer

Another thing my kids like, is the subject of wells. As expected, in arid areas, wells and places of water were common gathering places. We like to explore the importance of wells:

~ Isaac (through Eliezer) met his Gentile Bride at a well
~ Moses met his Gentile Bride at a well
~ Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at a well, and she proclaims who He is

Jan 11 (Genesis 29-30)

Genesis 29

In those times, when a man didn't own land or have a home for himself, he would become a servant for someone who did have those things. The service was to last for seven years, and at the end of those seven years, the servant had the choice to stay with his master, or leave with a booty from the master.

Jacob loved Rachel very much, and to him, the seven years flew by. I like to point out that all three wives of the Patriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel) were described as very beautiful:

Sarah ~Gen 12:11
Rebekah ~Gen 24:15-16
Rachel ~Gen 29:17

I also point out to my kids that Christ's church...His Bride...is very beautiful to behold in Psalm 45.

The first child between Leah and Jacob was Reuben, which in Hebrew means "the Lord has seen my misery." Leah really loved Jacob, and thought Jacob would love her more now that she bore him a son. But Jacob truly loved Rachel. Jacob didn't see Leah's misery, but God did.

Simeon means "God heard me" and was a tribute to Leah's faith and gratitude to God.

Levi was named for Leah's hope that Jacob would become finally attached to her.

Judah means "let Him be praised" Here we see Leah's genuine faith while suffering from a broken heart about Jacob.

Genesis 30

Since Rachel was barren and wanted to please Jacob, she did what Sarah did with Hagar.

Dan was named because Rachel felt "vindicated and judged" by God...but unlike Leah, God is not the focus.

Rachel again focused on her struggle with Leah, and named her next son from Bilhah as Naphtali, which means "fight or struggle."

Now Leah was done having children, but used the tactic of her maidserant to continue on with sons:

Gad means "troop or company" showing that Leah was really producing for Jacob.

Leah's glee continued, and she named the next son Asher, which means "happy blessing."

She then conceives herself, and has Issachar, which means "my hire" or that she earned her worth.

Leah's fortune continued with Zubulun, which means "honorable gift"

Leah then had a daughter who will be critical in the coming chapters. Her name was Dinah.

Then, "God remembered Rachel" and gave her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph means "The Lord shall add to me another son" showing that she was a prophetess. Later, Benjamin was born, and means "Son of my right hand."

We end this chapter with Jacob finally getting the better of Laban, and prospering with two wives and the best of the flock to start anew.

But Jacob was to get a taste of what he dealt to his brother Esau. I teach my kids that there are consequences for our actions, and I point out this verse:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ~Gal 6:7

Jan 8 (Genesis 23-24)

Genesis 23

This chapter deals with Abraham seeking a burial place for his wife, Sarah. He obviously loved her very much, and went through great struggle to get the best place to lay her to rest. I mention to my kids that Abraham didn't bury her in the place from where they came from, but from the new land that God gave them. Since both Abraham and Sarah are the father and mother and beginning of the Jewish race, it is fitting that they start anew with where they're buried.

NOTE: Sarah is the only woman in Scripture where her age, death and burial are all mentioned. This is fitting for the beloved woman who, with a laugh, started the Jewish people with Abraham!

Genesis 24

There is incredible typology and an obvious parallel with the people here, and with the Trinity. At the end of chapter 22, Abraham offers his son who he considers dead for three days from the order from God until the time Isaac is spared. Isaac then is removed from the scene and Sarah dies. Eliezer as an unnamed servant goes to seek a wife for Isaac. When Isaac and his bride unite, they do so in Sarah's tent.

Now, let's restate this sequence this way:

On the very same mountain where Abraham offered his only son, God the Father offered His only Son. Jesus is dead for three days, and then is removed from the earth but is still alive. Then the Holy Spirit (remember, Eliezer means "God My Help" in Hebrew) searches for a Bride for the Son...the Church! When we're all together in heaven, we will celebrate together, Jew and Gentile, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.