Korah’s Rebellion Korah (3) is the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi. He leads a rebellion against Aaron, Moses . . . and God. It’s called Korah’s rebellion. The descendants of Levi are set apart from the rest of the Israelites for a special role. They are to work in the tabernacle and […]
It Is Finished Today’s passage: John 19:28–30, with Matthew 27:45–54, Mark 15:33–39, and Luke 23:44–48 Focus verse: Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30) Together, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John combine to record seven things Jesus says on the cross as he dies. One […]
When God Wants to Give You a Second Chance Make Sure You’re Ready to Receive It You’re probably not familiar with Ahithophel in the Bible. His life serves as a lesson in how not to respond to disappointment. Though his name does show up a few times during the reign of King David, Ahithophel is […]
The First Resurrection Today’s passage: Revelation 20 Focus verse: Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. (Revelation 20:6) With the beast and the false prophet thrown into the lake of fire, only the dragon remains. An angel comes down from heaven. He holds the key to the Abyss and carries a huge chain. […]
Celebrate Jesus for Who He Is and What He Did Palm Sunday mark’s Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It celebrates his arrival. It occurs only a few days before his arrest and execution, and it happens just one week before his resurrection from the dead, which we celebrate on Easter Sunday. All four of the […]
The Two Surviving Sons of Aaron God strikes down Nadab and Abihu for their disobedience. Without any heirs, this means that all the priestly duties now fall to their brothers, Eleazar and Ithamar. Though all four brothers should have served God together, the work now goes to the two remaining sons of Aaron. As a […]
Today’s passage: Matthew 22:34–40 and Mark 12:28–34 Focus verse: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37) After he shares the three parables, the religious leaders—roiling over Jesus’s parable of the tenants—seek to trap him […]
Not Everything That’s Spiritual is Good Here’s the situation. The prophet Samuel is dead. God has abandoned King Saul, and the once-promising ruler is losing his grip on power. Saul prays, but God doesn’t respond. A Desperate King Saul None of the ways Saul has heard from God in the past are working now. In […]
Jesus Is the Word Today’s passage: Revelation 19:11–21 Focus verse: His name is the Word of God. (Revelation 19:13) Though the invitations to Jesus’s wedding have been sent, this doesn’t mean the wedding is ready to take place. Not yet. Jesus has more to do first. The next thing John sees in his vision is heaven opening […]
Discover Why Small Groups Often Fall Short of Meeting Expectations I’ve been in small groups, I’ve led small groups, and I’ve overseen a church’s small group ministry. Small groups have the potential to connect people, helping them on their faith journey and better navigate life. Yet small group failure seems a more common outcome. Don’t […]