Sunday School Lesson – “In the Beginning | God Created Mankind” Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7 (KJV, Public Domain)

Do you know how special you are?  Do you know of the creative design that brought you here today?  Can you fully appreciate your uniqueness, being an altogether separate creature from all others God created?

As part of the human race, you are the climax of God’s design.  Oh, the stars and objects above serve their purpose and are beautiful to look at, but they are not you.  And as we look out on the horizon to view nature, we may sigh pleasantly at the glorious way the panoramic view displays His beautiful scene before us, but no scene is more beautiful to Him than those who were made in His image, in His likeness.  These are the ones specially designed for a unique relationship with the Father.

As the creation story unfolds in the beginning, may we find our place in it, our origin in it, and may those findings render a new appreciation for how special you are in the eyes of God. 

 God Created Man

Genesis 1:26-27 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

For six days, God had been creating.  With light created and darkness separated, both being defined for what they are, and with land, plant life, and celestial bodies spoken into existence and put in their places, the Creation story of the beginning of everything we know is off to a beautiful start, and it is all good in the sight of the Creator.

With sea, land, and air creatures created and placed in their proper places, it is time for the crème de la crème of all His creation to be formed.  That apex of God’s design comes when He decides to inhabit this grand earth He made with mankind.

Mankind is the most unique of all God’s creation for several reasons (and we’ll discuss those reasons in a bit), but let’s home in on the word “unique” for a moment in relation to all the elements of the Creation story already put in place.

Mankind has nothing like himself that dwells on the face of the earth outside of other members of the human race.  Yes, I know there is a scientific theory that tries to exaggerate similarities between humans and other species when, in fact, there are no other species identical to the man God formed out of the dust of the ground as his beginning origins (Genesis 2:7).  And I know there are other theories that express many ideas of suppositions of how we came to be the people we are in the place that we are in, but the Bible gives the very straightforward facts of not only our origin but also why we are so special in our uniqueness among all other creation.

For we are made in the image/likeness of God.  God, Himself, spoke on that sixth day of creation and said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

The words “us” and “our” leave many asking to whom God is talking while speaking at this moment.  Now, again, while many people have theorized several answers to that question, the most biblically based, solid answer revolves around the distinct and self-existent, unique way God is fully God as Father (1 Corinthians 8:6), Son (John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:16-17), and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2) Himself at the time of creation and throughout Scripture.

And although God, our Father, may be manifested in these three ways, make no mistake about it, there is only One God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Then, it goes on to say, “So God created man in his own image,” using singular language and not plural.

With God having no physical likeness, the image/likeness we were made to be like has more to do with the way He created man from the inside out.  Though His thoughts are above our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9), God gave us the capacity to think and operate in this world as His image-bearers, a capacity set apart from that of all other creatures to represent His likeness.

In an article I previously published, Our True Image, I wrote:

“I believe when God spoke in the beginning that we were made in His image (see Genesis 1:27), He spoke of more than just our facial features, our physique, our height, weight, and so on.  He spoke of our representation of something the boundaries of those outer measurements can’t comprehend.  He spoke of our likeness of Him.  At that point of creation, when it came time for humanity to be put on the earth, God looked to Himself to snap a portrait of who we are truly designed to be.

Now, do I mean that you are supposed to be God sitting on the throne in heaven?  No.  But what I do mean is we are carriers of so much more.  The portrait of our lives is made to expose and reflect His glory of the greater.” (WordForLifeSays.com)

Another part of the uniqueness of created humanity is that he is to reign and have dominion over all other creatures created.  What this means is, as representatives of God on this earth, we are caretakers of the great gift of this planet and life on it that we have been given. As Adam would be placed in the Garden of Eden as its caretaker (Genesis 2:15), so, too, does all humanity have the responsibility for the world in which we live.

If you have ever been to the museum, you understand the priceless artifacts it holds and the responsibility it takes to ensure they are preserved as much as possible. Compare that with us being agents of care over this world.

One day, this earth will pass away in the great finale of the end times, but until then, every human being is given the order to care for this temporary home of ours, and all the other creatures in it.

Throughout the years, the word dominion has become synonymous with words like power, authority, and control.  And while that is a right interpretation, what’s more important is how that word is being carried out.  Are we taking for granted and treating recklessly those things placed under our control?  Or are we managing everything in a godly fashion and taking proper care of what has been given to us?  As His image-bearers, we have the responsibility to be responsible with His creation.

Both men and women carry this responsibility, for both are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).  Each bears their own unique qualities that set them apart as male and female, but each is an image-bearer created by God and His perfect design for all humans.  They may bear separate identifying markers, but as part of the human race, they are made in his own image.  Jesus once said, “Have you not read that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female” (Matthew 19:4).  Both have important roles in His creation.

Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

Then God spoke His blessings over them with the charge to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.  God blessed them to be reproductive so that the earth might be filled.  As God placed in all other living species of His creation the ability to reproduce (procreate) that the earth may teem with life, so He also did with humanity.  Multiplication equals increase.  Increase equals a filled earth (compare this with the events after the flood in Genesis 8:17; 9:1, 7).

And with that blessing of fruitfulness came also the reiteration of their responsibility to subdue and have dominion… over every living thing…  God placed mankind in charge.  This may make us special, and some may take for granted that top-of-the-food-chain status, but the greater reminder is that with such a heavy charge there comes more to answer for on how things/creatures/nature are used under our control/charge.  Our job is to be righteous rulers over everything God has placed in our care (compare Proverbs 12:10).

Genesis 1:29-30 “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.”

Just as God has called us to the position of caring for other creatures in creation, He shows mankind some of the ways He cares for them and all living things as He supplies for their nutritional needs.  Specified seeds, fruits, herbs, and vegetation would be the meat or food source for all creatures, such as beasts… fowls… and everything that creepeth upon the earth, along with mankind, which God created.  He furnished every living thing with all that they need to survive, flourish, and multiply.

Genesis 1:31 “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

When God took in the scope of everything He created, He saw it was very good.  Everything was perfectly original, perfectly created, and perfectly placed.  There was no intrusion in the tranquility of His beautiful design.  Sin was not present, and the earth was as glorious as He envisioned it – unstained and unaffected by the mess we see today.

Once I wrote, “Our original design was not to live in an environment of sin and decay.  It was not designed to exist with dead and dreary things.  It was designed to behold the beauty of God through His creation.  We were designed to live in God’s best!” (Made for Green/WordForLifeSays.com). 

And, when He saw His best on display, God viewed it as very good, finishing the sixth day of creation.

Reiterating God’s Creation of Man

Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

As chapter 2 opens, discussing God finishing creation and resting on the seventh day and sanctifying it, it goes on to reiterate, with additional detail, certain aspects of the creation story, including the specifics on mankind being formed… of the dust of the ground (compare Genesis 3:19, 23).   

Opposite of everything that was spoken in creation, or the way the animals were called forth from the ground (Genesis 1:24; 2:19), mankind was the only one uniquely formed to be an image-bearer of God.  This one was special, and he required a special design.

See, I told you that you were unique and special in His design.  Then, God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  Mankind is alive because of God.  Should God take away or withhold that precious breath, mankind would cease to live (see Psalm 104:21; Job 34:14-15):  “Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein,” (Isaiah 42:5). 

God created mankind, and that’s the only true answer for our existence on this earth.  You and I are living souls because of God!

PDF Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy-to-read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson section with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – In the Beginning – part 2 – God Created Mankind

Suggested Activities:

Fingerprints uniquely tell who we are. There are no two sets alike, not even for identical twins.  Your fingerprints tell of the individual God made you to be, that you are individually special to God.  Using a stamper pad and the fingers of students, each student can rub their thumb on the ink of the stamper pad and stamp a piece of paper with their fingerprint.  Have them look carefully at it.  Students can even exchange them with one another to see their own uniqueness in the way God created them.  Tie this example into today’s lesson.

Younger students can work with moldable playing dough. For this example, homemade is best (I like the idea of using it organically, with no colors for the forming of man effect), but of course, any kind of moldable dough for playing will do.  Have students form “man” from the blob you give them.  Discuss how easy or hard it was.  Discuss the intricate details it took for God to make us. (Note: if you are using homemade dough, and if time allows, let the children help you make the dough, to really get involved in the “creation” of the people they make.  Find a recipe for a non-cooking version.  There are many online to choose from.)

Younger students can also put together a Made in God’s Image people necklace. Print from the outlines (below) the people templates on cardstock or glue to construction paper.  Decorate each one as you want.  Punch a hole in the top and string through with yarn or something similar.  You can even add beads for a nice, decorated effect.  They can wear it proudly around their neck because they are Made in God’s Image. PDF: Made In God’s Image Craft

Adult Journal Page: Adult Journal Page – Made in the Image of God

Kid’s Journal Page: Kid’s Journal Page – Made in the Image of God

Draw the Scene: God Created Mankind Draw the Scene

Memory Verse: God Created Mankind Memory Verse

Word Search: God Created Mankind Word Search Answers: God Created Mankind Word Search Answers

Crossword: God Created Mankind Crossword  Answers: God Created Mankind Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: God Created Mankind Word Scramble  Answers: God Created Mankind Word Scramble Answers

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sun above the clouds, encouraging God is forever faithful, Hebrews 13:5

Above the Clouds

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This morning, when I drew back my curtains, the day wasn’t as sunny as before. Although there is no rain in the forecast, the clouds sit heavy in the sky. At a time of day when the sun is usually shining its brightest,  the heaviness of the clouds makes the atmosphere feel dull and dreary.

But then a beautiful reminder dropped in my heart: above the clouds, the sun is still shining. Though we cannot see one ray breaking through, it does not change that truth. Even when there is no evidence to speak against what you see, the sun is still there doing its thing. It has not changed or stopped being the sun.

And neither has God changed or stopped being who He is. Life’s circumstances can sometimes speak contrary to that beautiful truth, making us believe something different. Regardless of the heaviness of clouds we may face in life, our Heavenly Father is still faithfully on His throne, being the great and wonderful God that He is.

Even if we cannot see one ray of evidence, hold on, dear friend, to the faithfulness of our God who said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

It’s not what it looks like. The clouds may be there, but they will never overcome or overshadow who God is in our lives. He is faithfully our Heavenly Father who can never be dulled or dismayed. The times may speak contrary, but He still is there, above the clouds of life, forever shining for you and me.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” Psalm 27:1-6

Blessings~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

The Truth About Comparison

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Recently, I attended a large shredding event in our area. This particular event is held every year. It allows us to declutter and safely get rid of old documents and sensitive papers.

This shredding event is quite large. To put it into perspective, I was in line for an hour and forty-two minutes before I was relieved of my boxes of clutter.

Coming in, there were approximately 8-12 lanes (or more, I couldn’t count) of vehicles lined up side-by-side. These lanes funneled into a single lane that would shortly open again into two alternating lanes. Those lanes would then take us to the trucks on either side that would shred our personal belongings for us.

The car in front of me turned to the right, and I went to the left.

I was happy with how my lane was moving, and after about another twenty to thirty minutes, I tried to assess my progress. I did this by looking for the car that was previously in front of me. I remembered passing it some time ago and wondered how far back it was now.

Looking in my side mirrors and the rearview mirror, I could no longer see it. I thought to myself that there was no way I could be that far ahead of them.

And I wasn’t. I finally spotted the car I was searching for. While I was paying attention to other things, that car had actually advanced several spaces in front of me.

Interesting, is what I thought. I wasn’t upset or put out over this, but took it as the lesson that it was.

But I cannot say that I have been untouched by the act of comparison. More times than I care to count, I have paid attention to what others were doing or their lives instead of focusing on my own.

And you know what that does? It steals your joy. You and I can be completely happy where we are in life until we look in the next lane to see where another person may be.

When that happens, we start comparing our lives against theirs, as if we are all on some giant scale to be measured by one another and weighed in the balances.

But that is a divine seat none of us are qualified to sit in. Perhaps that is why the Bible speaks against those who “measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves,” calling them “not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

Mentors and godly examples to pattern our lives after are good (1 Corinthians 11:1). But when we use other people as our yardstick to be measured by, we sell ourselves short.

Why?

Because the truth is, each of us is a unique person with our own unique plans for our lives designed by the Father. But when we fixate on others in life, or on shows, books, videos, and social media, who try to convince us that this is what our lives should look like, that comparison can sometimes cause discontent because of the feeling of not measuring up to their standards.

Individuals, families, lives, marriages, careers, cares, wants, and needs are as different as our DNA. The complexities of our human nature are as diverse as the complexity of molecules that make us, us. It is as diverse as the many cultures, peoples, and nations that inhabit this land we call Earth.

With such a wide range of beautiful diversity, why try to squeeze yourself into another’s box?

God knows the plans He has for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). His design is perfectly beautiful for you. He knows where you are best needed, and He knows what you are truly called to be and do, and it is not to mimic them.

1 Corinthians 4:5 challenges us to look at things differently, saying, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

We are not God, but we can trust God as the Potter who is molding us into this beautiful creation He needs us to be.

We cannot rely on what we see on the outside of any given situation. To properly assess another’s circumstance, we must know their whole behind-the-scenes story, their heart, reasons, motives, and hopes they have for their outcome.

Only an everlasting God can know all of that. Since we are unqualified to make assumptions about others, our focus should remain in our lane and where God has us driving.

We have our own course. Our Heavenly Father has a plan that fits us perfectly. If we continue to focus on others, we will miss our assignment.

But when we live as He wants us to, and fulfill our God-given destinies, we please our Father, and it’s His praises we can look forward to in the end.

Today, in what area can we learn to stop comparing and enjoy the beautiful life God has designed for each of us? 

Father God, help us keep our eyes and our hearts focused on You and the plans that You have for our lives. This world can be distracting at times, causing us to shift our gaze toward what is not profitable for us. We are praying for steadfast hearts and minds to go forward in faith in the lanes You have lovingly designed for us. We want to live for Your glory and for Your praise. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, AMEN!

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Undaunted! | Your Monday Motivation to Keep Moving Forward

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“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Everyone has an end goal in mind when it comes to life. That goal can include anything from a higher education sought and achieved, career positions and successes, working toward optimal health for one’s individual plans and needs, familial relationships being the best that they can be, adventures to be had worldwide, and more.

But there is a robber of these goals and achievements. They come in the form of doubt and discouragement when things don’t go as planned, or some unforeseen thing comes and sidetracks us or knocks us totally off course.

When that happens repeatedly, it gets hard to believe that we can do this. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can be and achieve.

Sadder still is when someone feels that way about their walk of faith.

But we do not have to succumb to discouragement, fear, and intimidation.

We can push forward successfully, even when it is hard. And with God’s Word filling our tanks of hope, we can be undaunted in the face of what we see and feel and believe that we can!

We can direct our hearts with the same tenacity the Apostle Paul had when he said, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24.

You have a course!

You have a ministry!

You have gifts!

You have something the world needs!

Now is not the time to quit!

Keep going and be undaunted as you continue to move forward.

My prayer is that the verses below will fill the places where encouragement may need to be strengthened and to stand in the gap between your heart and what you are believing for because God’s Word declares it to be so!

Blessings!

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.” Hebrews 10:23

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Psalm 22:29

“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”
Psalm 29:11

“He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.” Psalm 18:33

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Colossians 3:23

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

David Trusted God and Why You Can, Too!

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Years ago, I bought one of those at-home exercise kits that included resistance bands. Those bands acted in place of weights and provided tension for the exercises I was doing so that I could get the most out of each movement.

Outside of exercising, those words “weight” and “tension” don’t seem very beneficial to us. In fact, they are words that are synonymous with unpleasant things such as stress, worry, and anxiety. And when they show up, they make life even more difficult instead of being helpful.

Troubles, unfortunately, are a part of our human existence. But the stress they bring do not impact or erase who God is in our lives.

While the Bible is chock-full of encouragement in dealing with difficulties, telling us to “cast our cares” (1 Peter 5:7), and not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), it also tells us the reason we can have confidence in the midst of life’s storms, and that reason, my friend, is God.

Stress, and what the Bible calls the “cares of this world” (Mark 4:19), try to choke out the word of truth of who God is in our lives. But David, opening in Psalm 16:1, pointed to God as the source of his trust, saying, “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.”

Whatever and whomever have gained our hearts to become our “source” in life, they will be the foundation we stand upon and turn to every single time. But here’s the kicker that some get wrong: any foundation outside of God is fallible and it will fail and fall eventually. This is especially true when it is exposed to undue stress and tension.

Think of a rubber band that has been stretched too far, a bridge that snapped because of tension, or any number of things that could not endure the weight or the stretch that was being demanded from it, and it gave way under pressure.

Then, we have God. Infinitely wonderful, from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2), who cannot be stretched beyond comfort, who is not looking for a backup plan for your life and mine, who knows all things perfectly and does all things well. He is the one Proverbs tells us to, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). And that is because He is the only one who is in the position to uphold us and every one of His promises, to see us completely through, never forsaking us, without fail.

So, David says He is the one I put my trust in.

David knew enough about God to know that no matter what stresses or troubles he was facing, they could never overwhelm Him, conquer Him, discourage Him, or trip Him up.

Friends, we can have that same confidence today when we realize beyond a shadow of doubt who our God is, and we take what David knew about God and apply it to our lives.

Firstly, He is our Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9). Although Jesse was David’s biological father, in his relationship with God, David saw Him as his heavenly Father. God made a covenant with David, one that included this beautiful title for him and his descendants that came after him (2 Samuel 7:14), where they would proclaim, “He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation” (Psalm 89:26). That relationship is available to us today through our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4-7).

“The Bible tells us, ‘You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world,’ (1 John 4:4).   As we are going about life we are to know in whom we belong.  ‘You are of God!’ the Word tells us.  Therefore, because of our holy lineage, because of how we are wired through the blood of Jesus Christ, you and I are to instinctively operate like the ‘greater’ is in you.” (Instinctively His!)

Aside from that, David, during his life span, notes that, as opposed to the ways and sources of the wicked, God is faithful, saying, “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds” (Psalm 36:5).

Previously, I shared these words with you: “Circumstances, unsettling things, and unknown situations will periodically appear in our lives. And while that is true, we must remember that our God is not a ‘periodical’ God. He doesn’t just show up in times of happenstance. He doesn’t make His rounds to see who or what He wants to attend to and deal with at that moment.

No. But He is forever faithful. Never let what you’re dealing with shatter that wonderful truth: GOD IS FOREVER FAITHFUL!” (No Matter What It Looks Like, God is Faithful). David knew it to be true, and so can you!

In his battle against Goliath, Daivd knew God to be the power and strength he leaned upon which would never fail, saying, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).

What David knew was that God would not and could not shrink in power before any force. He would always win: “God’s track record doesn’t have marks on it to say that He wasn’t able to accomplish this task or that.  As a matter of fact, the Bible states that He is, ‘able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,’ (Ephesians 3:20).”

My friend, when you go with God you will never lose, regardless of what the circumstances look like right now.

Lastly, what David also knew was the personal love of God. He, as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), knew what it felt like to be loved by God from His heart. To the point of proclaiming His “lovingkindness is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). “While human love can and will be fickle, God said, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you,’ (Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV).”

What David knew, was God’s greatness cannot be condensed to a small list of adjectives that try to describe everything He is and wants to be in our lives. He is just so much more.

And as that, He more than qualifies to be our trust even during the most difficult of days.

Nobody promised us this road would be without bumps and turns that we don’t like. But as long as we are traveling through this life with God as our source, we will never be without everything that He is.

While weights are good for physical exercise and endurance; other types of weights can hinder our growth and our Christian journey, and we are encouraged to lay them aside (Hebrews 12:1). The best way to do that is to trust in God as David did. And when we do, we will find in Him everything we need, and so much more, getting the most out of our Christian journey.

Blessings~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

Beauty in Vulnerability

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When I was growing up, I had a picking problem. Picking at sores, that is. I would start on the outer edge and just keep fiddling with that thing until the whole scab eventually came off, leaving the fragile, tender skin underneath exposed.

Some days, we feel like that tender skin underneath, vulnerable, open, and exposed with very raw feelings hanging out all over the place, and that can be, for the most part, unnerving and uncomfortable. But what if I told you that vulnerability that you feel can also be beautiful?

To feel vulnerable means, we have some areas of our lives where we are not as confident or as strong as we would like to be. With these feelings, we must admit that we have some weaknesses, (something many struggle with).

But what it also shows is that we are still learning. Still growing. We have not arrived yet (compare Philippians 3:13).

Have you ever had those days when you feel like you are barely holding back the tears? Your emotions feel very raw and if one more person says something to you in the wrong way, then the floodgates of all that brewing inside are going to burst and let her release flow.

While feeling so open for attack in our weakened state, we are humbly reminded that we have very strong arms to run to for safety. The Bible speaks this encouragement to those battered hearts, saying, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

When we experience those uncomfortable moments of vulnerability, it reminds us of the beauty of security that we experience in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It reminds us that He has always been and always will be our never-ending refuge, even when we feel as though our world is falling apart.

So, when we cry, and are hurt, and feel exposed, we have His promises that will never fail. And we can then say as the apostle, “When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

We may not like or understand every aspect of this uncomfortable season we face, but with Christ, and in Christ, and for Christ, we are strengthened by the power of His Spirit within us. We are upheld by the hand of grace to walk in faith and finish the course that is before each of us.

Being vulnerable may not seem lovely to some, but what it does do is highlight the power of God working in us.

We know that we have weaknesses. Our human nature has cracks in it. But those cracks allow for the things we don’t need such as pride, self-reliance, and the like to seep out, giving even more room for His grace, beauty, perfection, holiness, power, and strength fill us up and make us whole.

And when we are whole in Him, we are completely beautiful despite our vulnerabilities.

Blessings~

Text-Free Image by Vilius Kukanauskas from Pixabay

Where to Find Truth?

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Scams, deception, and counterfeits are part of our modern-day vernacular, and finding truth has become harder than ever.

Although false practices have existed since the beginning of time, the rise of AI and other means of making things look authentic when they are not has made it very difficult to distinguish what is fake and what is real.

The prophet Jeremiah had the tough job of warning God’s people against the convincing deceptions of his day and leading them to the truth. The deceptions he fought against took place in the form of idols.  The worship of these false deities gave the illusion that something else was better for the people than the God they were currently following.

But illusions are just that, illusions.

So, God used Jeremiah to question the people about their unfaithfulness and the direction they were inwardly traveling.

One question He asked was, “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, followed idols, and have become idolaters?” (Jer. 2:5, NKJV). In other words, what has God done wrong that caused them to turn away to these false ways? And the answer is, nothing at all.

At another point, God charged them of “Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ But in the time of trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’” (Jer. 2:27), giving accolades to “resources” and images that had no bearing on any part of their lives.

And that’s not far from what we see in our world today. The items of idolization and undue attention some look to may not be stones and trees, but there are still illusions and falsehoods receiving undeserved homage.

But the good news is that when truth is found, it destroys the illusion!

Jesus spoke this promise, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Jesus’ life is the only life that was perfectly lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19), and the only one who fulfilled hundreds of prophecies, not missing a beat, hundreds of years after they were originally spoken (Luke 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 26:22, 23). (Without getting too complicated, for reference sake, at the very least compare Psalm 22 with the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ.)

He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18, 22, 23) to save mankind from sin (Mark 10:45; John 3:16). Sin is that ugly three-lettered word that separates us from God. Holiness is God’s standard. Sin steps in and taints the relationship God wants with His people, causing a division He never desired.

Jesus willingly succumbed to death to be the atonement (the means of removing the sin from wayward people and restoring our relationship with God). He became the way for us to escape the judgment that should have been ours to bear (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8), saying, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

And He rose from the dead, not only gaining victory over death, but showing us the promise of new life we have through Him: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Fulfilling all, He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and now we are awaiting His return.

The Gospel presents a clear claim: that Jesus is the way to salvation and to have everlasting life (John 3:16; 6:47; 10:28). According to Scripture, there is no other source of lasting salvation and peace.

While many voices and influences can project illusion, seeking to draw our attention away from God, God is still calling us all, in love, toward His Truth.

As He did with Jeremiah, the call is still going out for people to repent and turn to the God who desires this unbroken relationship with them.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

Note: True repentance means more than saying or feeling sorry. It is more than being remorseful. It is turning away from sin and its ways in mind, body, and soul, and turning to God, giving Him your life from the inside out.

Blessings~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

 

Jesus Invites You to Enter His Rest

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“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:19

Standing at the crosswalk, we are ready to go forward. All we are waiting for is the signal that gives us the all-clear, telling us it is safe to walk ahead. The choice is ours: follow the signal’s directions or ignore it and place ourselves in harm’s way.

The Children of Israel had a chance to move forward into something great that God had in store for them. It was a land of promise. God had given them the all-clear. God said, “Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel…” (Numbers 13:2; emphasis added). 

The promise was there, clearly spoken by God, that this is what He was doing for His people. He was giving them this land. No, ands, or but’s about it. He didn’t send a delegation for debate. He sent them to see what was ahead for them. That was their signal to move forward.

There are promises galore written in the Holy Word of God. Promises of futures unimaginable. But the sad reality for many is to come to the end of their life, never obtaining those promises. Never understanding or knowing what it truly feels like to experience the riches of God’s grace.

Sadder still is not only coming to the end of one’s life, having never experienced the greatness God has in store for His children, but when facing their eternity, they are told that, regarding that glorious place of promise, they may not enter in.

Unbelief caused the children of Israel to forfeit their first attempt to enter the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:7-11, 15-19). A land they looked forward to while they suffered under the bondage of slavery. A place of fulfillment their souls longed not only to see, but to live in, and experience, and enjoy.

When they decided not to take hold of God’s promise for themselves, they decided to say no to His goodness until it was too late.

Today, many are walking opposite to the promise of God, and His name is Jesus. Jesus Christ is the greatest testimony of promise there ever is or was. He is the greatest gift of deliverance a soul could ever hope for and need. Yet, through unbelief, many say no and walk away, being turned back into the wilderness to fight the elements alone and miss out on what could have been.

Walking away from an earthly promise is one thing. Truthfully, when the children of Israel found out what they had given up, they quickly wanted to change their minds (Numbers 14:40-45). 

But can I tell you that walking away from an eternal promise is a tragedy far, far worse. Turn to Jesus today while there is still time. While the door is open, Jesus invites you to enter His rest both now and for all eternity. He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Today, your promise awaits. Jesus is signaling you to walk forward.     

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

 

Sunday School Lesson – “Peter’s Devotion Tested” Luke 22:31-34, 54-62

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VERSE DISCOVERY: Luke 22:31-34, 54-62 (KJV, Public Domain)

I have heard much said over the years regarding good intentions.  As the name of it suggests, all speaks of wanting to choose what is right, yet is often compounded by the struggle to carry it out, not allowing the plans thereof to come to full fruition.

The execution of what is good has been the slippery slope man has attempted to climb since time began.  The struggle is real.  Many people are well-meaning, but a well-meaning gesture without follow-through is as empty as if one had never made it in the first place.

Peter the determined, a fisherman who left all to follow Christ.  Peter the bold, a spokesman who declared without hesitation, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Matthew 16:16).  Peter the courageous, the only one in the ship who had enough gumption to try to walk on the water with Jesus (Matthew 14:29).  Yet, for all his boldness Peter would experience a test of his devotion, and he would stumble.

The Warning

Luke 22:31-34 “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”

Time was drawing near.  Jesus was coming to the last leg of His race in ministry here on earth.  The shadows of evil were purposed against Him, and the plan has been put into motion.  All will come to pass on this night as had been prophesied for ages leading up to the culmination of these events.

He has been anointed by Mary before His death (Mark 14:3-9).  Judas has agreed with the chief priest to betray Him (Mark 14:10-11).  The last Passover had gotten underway when Jesus testifies of the new covenant and the ordering of the Lord’s Supper to be done in “remembrance” of Him (Luke 22:19).  With the supper ended, Jesus gave one final lesson on servanthood in the washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:2-20).  And, after giving “sop,” He tells Judas, “That thou doest, do quickly,” (John 13:27), speaking of the carrying out of His betrayal.

The time of testing had come.  Not just for Judas, but each one of His disciples would face a faith crisis on this night.

Each one would face their own moral dilemma. Each would be confronted with the reality of their devotion. Each would have some questioning of the heart to answer for themselves.

Once, I wrote:

“What would it be like to sit across from Jesus, face to face, and have Him question your trust? Would we be able to look Him in the eye as we pondered our answer? Would our heads be bowed, feeling unworthy to lift it and look into the eyes of love pleading with us to believe? What would it be like? I imagine it would be self-revealing because in those questions we find where our hearts and our true belief lie. It reveals where we stand in our faith…” (Devotional – “Jesus Questions Trust”/©WordforLifeSays.com)

Even more so, what would it be like to not only look into His eyes but hear the words coming from His mouth, saying, “All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” (Mark 14:27)?

If the shock of those words wasn’t enough, Jesus specifically points out Peter and says, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” Jesus prepared Peter by warning him of the impending temptation he would face. And judging by Peter’s response, the warning, in his opinion, was unnecessary.

He had devoted the past 3 ½ years of his life to Jesus and the ministry. As far as he was concerned, he was all-in: “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”

Peter’s intentions were good. He had no other plans than to be by Jesus’ side, no matter what it would cost him.

Please Note: Like Peter, nobody plans on failing. But the Apostle Paul tells us, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). That is a warning not just for Peter or the disciples to pay attention to, but for us all to mind our steps and not to be boastful about who we think we are. As humans, when push comes to shove, one’s response may not be as they imagined. Therefore, we must always be on guard (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 5:8).

Peter could not imagine doing anything less than standing strong and standing with Jesus through whatever He faced. Previously, Peter made a bold declaration of faith, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68, 69).

As far as we know, Peter, like many others, is positively sure of what his response would be.

But Jesus knew better. He said, “I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”

Jesus’ prediction, unfortunately, would come to pass whether Peter believed it or not.

Three occasions would present themselves to Peter to stand firm upon his personal declaration. Occasions he would not recognize until it was too late. In this one night, he was told he would, in fact, deny the Lord Jesus Christ three times.

One may stumble and make a spiritual misstep once, but to be told that he would not only have the opportunity, but take it three times, was probably a thought Peter could not wrap his head around.

Mark 14:50 lets us know that not only would Peter struggle in his declaration, but all the disciples would: “And they all forsook him, and fled.”

The Time in Between

But before we arrive at the moment and events surrounding the arrest of Jesus and the disciples’ abandonment, we find Jesus and His remaining disciples going out to the Mount of Olives, Luke 22:39.

There, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus began to pray in agony. This was not a normal prayer, nor could its fervency be matched. The weight of the world literally rested upon His shoulders there that night. The contest between good and evil, between God and the devil, was coming to its peak for our Lord.

At all costs, the victory had to be won for the sake of the souls of humanity, the very reason His ministry led Him to earth (Luke 19:10).

So, He prayed and prayed, and “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44).  So challenging was the fight that the Bible informs us, “There appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him” (Luke 22:43).

Although their struggle paled in comparison to what our Lord was facing and would face, Jesus knew the disciples would face great temptation that night. Written in almost all the accounts of the gospels, Jesus warned them to “Pray that ye enter not into temptation” (Luke 22:40; Mark 14:38; Matthew 26:41).

Their faith would be severely tested, and they needed spiritual strength to endure.

Would they stand the test of the trial?

Would their devotion to Christ hold up under the pressure of persecution?

As history tells us, after His three agonizing prayers, Jesus was betrayed and arrested (Luke 22:47-53). Everyone is gone, Mark 14:50 reminds us. Jesus is left to face the high priest and the Sanhedrin alone (Luke 22:47-53). This would be just one of the many illegal night trials held that night until its culminating purpose puts Jesus on the cross for all our sins.

The Denying Devotion

Luke 22:54-62 “Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.

55) And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

56) But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

57) And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58) And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.

59) And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.

60) And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

61) And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

62) And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”

The proverbial stage is set, and Peter will be faced with the reality of his devotion to Jesus.

“Peter followed from afar.” Ironically, when he was first called to be a disciple, Peter gave up everything to follow Jesus closely. In fact, his devotion and closeness to the Lord led to Peter becoming one of the Lord’s closest confidants, one of His inner circle.

Now, after His arrest, we see Peter somewhat withdrawing from that nearness.

He was still following, which was more than what some of the other disciples were doing. But Peter’s following was marred by the word “afar.”

Has fear spoken to Peter? This bold and sometimes brash disciple, who normally was not afraid to be the first to speak up or to step out and try new things, now experiences some hesitancy in his relationship with the Lord.

“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,” Paul once taught regarding sin (Galatians 5:9). But much of that truth can be applied here, too.

Giving space/foot to a little anxious thought caused Peter’s devotion to Jesus to momentarily spiral until we see him eventually denying the Lord with swearing in his mouth.

“Peter sat down among them.” Snuggling around a fire for either warmth or distraction, Peter wanted, most likely, to blend in and not stand out in any way.

I can imagine him trying to get his bearings on all that has happened so far, as well as trying to gauge what to do next. The fire, the blending in with the crowd, would normally offer space for that sort of contemplation. But as the next verse tells us, it was not to be so.

“But a certain maid beheld him… and earnestly looked upon him.” Peter was recognized for being with Jesus. Which at this point in his spiritual growth, he was not ready for.

Later, when Jesus does rise from the dead with all power (Matthew 28:18), and ascends back to heaven in victory (Acts 1:9), and those present in the upper room became filled with the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 2:1-4) – that version of Peter, who became the forefront spokesman for the Kingdom (Acts 2:14-36) and this great moving of the gospel, did not mind being recognized as one who had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

Peter was then courageous for Christ.

But the version of Peter huddled by the fire most likely wished this maid would turn her eyes elsewhere and be quiet about what she thinks she knows so that he could shrink back a little bit more into obscurity.

Obscurity was not to be Peter’s friend. After she belted out, “This man was also with him,” Peter lied. The Bible tells us flatly, “He denied him.”

Putting the actual words aside for a minute, in the words Peter spoke: “Woman, I know him not,” he was already fulfilling what Jesus said about Peter’s denying response back in verse 34.

In one moment, he renounced even knowing Jesus. And this relationship that has been built over the past 3 ½ years, Peter rejected the intimacy of.

At that time, Peter’s heart had been overwhelmed by all that he saw and heard, or else he would have recalled the words of Jesus: “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33).

As a side note, Mark 14:68 lets us know that upon the immediate denial of the Lord this first time, “the cock crew.”

Did this first crowing gain Peter’s attention? Would it jog his memory, recalling what Jesus had just hours before warned would happen?

Apparently, at this point, it does not appear so.

As the story unfolds, we find, “after a little while another saw him.”

People like to use phrases and encouraging quotes about trying again when the first go-round didn’t turn out as they expected. There is this belief that the second time will yield better results if they just try again.

Thankfully, that is true on many occasions. But for Peter’s situation, sadly, it wasn’t. When confronted with the words, “Thou art also of them,” Peter’s response was, “Man, I am not.”

And neither would the third time yield better results for Peter. After “about the space of one hour,” his allegiance to Jesus was tested once again.

I wonder if perhaps, after an hour without any further confrontations, Peter thought he was in the clear or flying under the radar?

But it was not to be so. With this third and final confrontation, we are told, “Another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.”

Was it just because Peter was a Galilean that he was identified as a close confidant of Jesus? I don’t think so. For I am sure that Peter was not the only Galilean gathered in the halls or around the fire pits that night.

Nonetheless, Peter was identified “confidently” of being with Jesus. But it’s not being identified that matters. What matters most is Peter’s response to being identified.

And his response here in Luke 22:60 was, “Man, I know not what thou sayest.” Or, in today’s terms, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Either version is gentler than how Make 14:71 records this final denial: “But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.”

“This man,” just a few hours ago, Peter and the rest of the disciples were enjoying the Passover meal with and fellowshipping with. This man, just a few hours ago, they were signing hymns with and celebrating.

But instead of singing and celebrating with His friends, Jesus is now preparing to go to the cross, knowing the rejection He prophesied had come to pass: “And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.”

As a momma rings the triangle to call the family to the meal, and as the bells in the church steeple toll the hour, the sound of the rooster signaled it was done. None of the boastfulness he had earlier that day was present. The only thing present at the moment was the stark reality of what he had done.

Not only had he failed Jesus. He failed Him miserably.

Words weren’t needed. Peter would feel the repercussion of his response when “The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” One can only imagine the overwhelming sorrow and sadness Peter felt when he looked into the eyes of his friend and his Savior.

In that moment, Peter experienced the weight of his choices, and he “wept bitterly.” Words could never express the pain he felt of letting Jesus down – nay, denying Him altogether when He needed him the most.

Peter struggled with his devotion and failed. There are times when we can look back on our lives and admit the same shortcomings in faith.

But failure doesn’t have to be final.

Before Jesus died, when He was predicting the denial of Peter, He looked forward to a time when Peter would be restored and “converted” and would go on to strengthen his brethren (Luke 22:31-32).

That word “converted” gives the impression of turning back for Peter and for anyone who finds themselves in a waning state, when their faith and devotion are not up to par.

Through this, I encourage you to look to the Lord for forgiveness and restoration.

PDF Printable Sunday School Lesson Pack (With easy to read instructions following the P.E.A.R.L. format on how to conduct each lesson with areas for adding personal notes): Sunday School Lesson – Peter’s Devotion Tested 

suggested activities:

Craft Necklace: Peter’s Devotion Tested Necklace Craft

Draw the Scene: Peter’s Devotion Tested Draw the Scene

Fill in the Blank Poem: Peter’s Devotion Tested Fill in the Blank Poem

Word Search: Peter’s Devotion Tested Wordsearch  Answers: Peter’s Devotion Tested Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Peter’s Devotion Tested Crosswords  Answers: Peter’s Devotion Tested Crosswords Answers

Word Scramble: Peter’s Devotion Tested Word Scramble  Answers: Peter’s Devotion Tested Word Scramble Answers

Blank Journal Pages: These pages, one designed for adults and one for children, can be used to bring out, remember, or write a particular part of the lesson you wish for you and/or your class to focus on.  Click>> Blank Adult and Kid’s Journal Pages to access the journal pages.

Memory Verse: Peter’s Devotion Tested Memory Verse

Why Is the Bible So Boring – NOT!

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1 Chronicles 1:24-28; 2:9-17

The Bible has consistently, throughout the years, been the best-selling book of all time. Those words printed on those pages have been read and have drawn people into the world of those who live within them more than any other literary works.

And yet, even with its popularity, many still struggle with reading, understanding, believing, and applying its contents to their lives.

While there are many fantastic stories in the Bible, lives unfolding, good and bad “characters,” and stories of wonders, miracles, and amazement, there are also places within that written word where there are only lists, such as in 1 Chronicles 1 and 2.

This particular list is just names of who begat who. It is just a list of genealogies.

One would think that for a book to be the best-selling of all time, such mundane, boring lists would not be included. Could not the space in those pages be filled with even more exciting escapades and adventures? After all, if the goal is to get even more people to read it, why not make sure their attention is always so riveted to the pages that they cannot turn away?

While it is great that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time, widely read throughout the world and history, and yes, we want even more people to read it, the goal of the Bible is not just to be read, but to be believed.

The Bible is not the fascination of someone’s mind as some stories are. It is not a construct of story lines and plot twists that someone artistically wrote and put together.

The Bible is a history book. It is the history of us, of humankind. In its pages is the real writing and recording of real lives that were lived through certain periods. Their stories, no matter how amazing and miraculous, were real occurrences that unfolded for those who experienced them.

The details that some may view as boring are also a blessing. They allow us to trace those fantastic stories, those adventures, those history-making moves back to actual bloodlines, families, people, and places. This, in turn, not only proves the validity of their story but that of the entire Bible itself.

The reason that it is so important is that when we see the reality of people, places, and experiences, we can believe. Believe not only what it says about their lives, but about ours.

The Bible is the most universal book there ever was or ever will be. It is written for every human. It outlines our beginnings and history on this planet, our expectations in life, and our future.

It tells us where we have been as a people and where we are going. The stories of their lives and experiences in between show us what to do and what not to do so that we can arrive at a favored conclusion to our story.

When I come across those “boring” aspects, such as genealogy lists, I read the names. And in reading, some names will start to sound familiar, and the greatest game of connect-the-dots, the biggest picture of the most fantastic story in the world, begins to not only unfold before my eyes but come to life.

Names like Adam, the first man, are traced through history to Noah (Genesis 5), and are reestablished again in 1 Chronicles 1. From there, we see the three sons of Noah named Shem, Ham, and Japheth, with their children listed under each of their fathers.

Following the list further down under Shem’s name in Genesis 11:10-26 and 1 Chronicles 1:17-27, we see the familiar name of Abraham, through whom God promised that all the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

It is from him, Isaac appears in this great record of human history, and from him Israel (1 Chronicles 1:34). And from Israel, twelve sons were named (1 Chronicles 2:1, 2).

From these sons, Judah was highlighted (1 Chronicles 2:3; Psalm 78:68), becoming prominent over all his brothers (1 Chronicles 5:2), and announcing a great ruler who comes from him. Following the names that come from Judah, we come to Boaz, to Obed, and to Jesse (1 Chronicles 2:11, 12).

Following Jesse’s name, his sons are highlighted with David (Psalm 78:70-72), bringing up the rear (1 Chronicles 2:13-15). From here, we can continue to follow David’s lineage through 1 Chronicles 3.

Coming into the first chapter of the New Testament, Matthew 1, we see the reiteration of this great family line that has walked through history to bring forth our Savior, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-18).

He is the One reaffirmed by the Apostle Paul, saying, “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham” (Galatians 3:8, 9).

My friend, do not let the lists and such distract you. Take them for the treasure they are. They are the historical references of our faith. They detail why we should believe and have faith.

Boring? Far from it! Throughout its pages we see a story beautifully written, with intricate details woven in between, by the Master Author of all time, our Father God: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

All of history is, in fact, His Story. Today, each of us is called to find our place in that story.

Start with the genealogy of Matthew, and read through the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There you will meet Jesus, the last name on that genealogy list. He is/was the one born to fulfill all the prophecies written in those historical pages about our Messiah, our Savior. He is “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Follow the story of the Son of God on earth, believe His story, and you will find where you belong in it: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16, 17).

Knowing that, I don’t find it boring at all. It is pretty fantastic when you think about it.

Reignite your passion for God’s Word and let His timeless treasure be your guide: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Blessings~

Text-Free Image by Marcus Adam from Pixabay

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