Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Hosea 10:12 ◄ What Does Hosea 10:12 Mean? ► Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12(ESV) Verse Thoughts The Bible is filled with truths on reaping and sowing, indeed the apostle Paul reminds us that we reap what we sow, either to evil or to good. And like Paul, the prophet Hosea also recognised the deeper truth that is packed within these simple words – that the fruit of righteousness produced in man is only from God, and that it is due to His loving-kindness and tender-mercy that the trusting heart is able to partake of any righteousness. Indeed, the fruit of the Spirit that forms in the life of a believer, is only and always a manifestation of God’s mercy and grace, working in and through His child, for Jesus said, without Me you can do nothing. But a Christian who has become lukewarm and careless towards God or one that doubts the truth of God’s word needs to break up the fallow ground – to revisit God’s word of truth and to root-our weeds of bitterness, legalism, un-forgiveness, unbelief, disinterest or distrust, so that the seeds of righteousness sown in our hearts can take root, as we grow in grace – to the glory of our merciful God. It was to Israel to whom the prophet Hosea was writing these solemn words, for individually and as a nation they had rebelled against the Lord. They had followed after other gods, committed spiritual adultery, strayed far from the God of their fathers and become estranged from the One Who chose them to be His own special inheritance. And Hosea was calling the errant nation of Israel to repent of their sins; return to their first love and seek the Lord with all their heart if they were to avert the rapidly approaching judgement that had been prophesied by so many holy men of God. Sow to yourselves in righteousness and reap according to mercy, Hosea warned. Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord. The people of God were to rend their heart in sincerity and truth and not to simply tear their clothes in an outward show of mock remorse and hypocritical actions, if the coming judgement was to be averted. But the call to break up the fallow ground and turn over the unploughed earth is an equally urgent call to the body of Christ in this apostate Church age, as it was at the time of Hosea. Today as then, many Christians have strayed far away from the glorious gospel of grace and are proclaiming another gospel and a different Jesus. Many are seeking after other gods as they pursue a different gospel – a cross-less gospel; a seeker-friendly gospel; a social gospel; a prosperity gospel – a gospel devoid of truth. Many are running after a Godless gospel that has strayed far away from the foundational doctrine that was once offered to the saints by the apostles and prophets of the New Testament. May we take to heart this serious warning of Hosea to sow to ourselves in righteousness, and to break up the fallow ground in our own lives – knowing that it is time to seek the Lord, but let us remember that now is the accepted time to do this – tomorrow may be too late. My Prayer Loving Father thank you for the reminder that I need to root out all bitterness, un-forgiveness, legalism, disinterest, distrust and unbelief in my heart, for I want to sow unto myself righteousness knowing that it is only through Your loving-mercy that such fruit will grow. I pray that I will not delay in breaking up the fallow ground in my own heart, knowing that today is the day I need to seek You with every fibre of my being – this I ask in Jesus name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Hosea 6:6 Next: Hosea 11:1 ► Choose a Verse from Hosea 10 123456789101112131415 1 Peter 1:23 Matthew 26:41 Romans 15:3 Titus 1:13 Follow us Hosea 10:12 Further Study Hosea 10:12 in the Parallel Bible Hosea 10:12 in the Thematic Bible Hosea 10:12 Cross References Hosea 10:12 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Hosea 10:12 Sermons Hosea 10:12 Prayers Hosea 10:12 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Opened Heaven Luke 15:20 Revelation 21:5 Treasure Trove ” Getting There (1) Faith Is.. – Once Upon Eternity (4) The Way and Works of Cain Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
What Does Matthew 17:12
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Matthew 17:12 ◄ What Does Matthew 17:12 Mean? ► but I say to you that Elijah already came, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Matthew 17:12(NASB) Verse Thoughts As Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, He told His three disciples not to disclose the wonderful vision they had seen there, until after He had risen from the dead. Christ’s resurrection would confirm that His ministry and message were true, and it would be used to authenticate His Messianic claims – which had been rejected by Israel. Having just left the wonderful, mountain-top vision, where Moses and Elijah’s met with the Lord Jesus, the disciples turned their thoughts to a teaching of the scribes and Pharisees.. that Elijah must come before the Messiah. However, Jesus had been ministering long before this day of transfiguration, and the three men were confused, and so they questioned Him about this doctrine. “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” they asked. The prophecy, to which they referred, is found in Malachi, where we read, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD”. Jesus explained this scripture, which was given to Israel. He told to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first, and will restore all things. But Jesus continued to say “but I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him. Instead, they did to him whatever they wished. Likewise, the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands”. The disciples realised Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah. But Jesus also told them that just as John had suffered and died at their hands, as a result of his being rejected – so also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” John, the forerunner of Christ, suffered and was killed… and in like manner, Jesus, the Son of Man would also suffer at their hands – and be crucified. Malichi’s prophecy was only partially fulfilled at Christ’s first coming, for both John and Jesus were rejected, they both suffered, and died, before the prophetic word reached its completion. The Jews did not recognise the coming of Elijah in the person of John the Baptist and his ministry was cut short. In the same way, the Jews did not recognise the Lord God Almighty in the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and His purposes were also cut short. Although the Baptist had come as the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord God, and although many believed on Him and were saved, John was not able to complete his mission. Similarly, the Jews failed to recognise Who Jesus was and why Jesus came… and they refused to believe on His name. So Jesus died without accomplishing ALL that He came to do. OH, He paid the complete price for sin but had to delay bringing in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. He came to bring deliverance from their enemies by conquering – sin and death. He came to show mercy toward His people Israel, and He came to fulfil the oath which He swore to Abraham. And His forerunner, John the Baptist, came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to call the nation to repentance and prepare the nation of Israel for the Kingdom of Heaven. But the Jews rejected John and missed Jesus, because of their lack of Scriptural understanding and because they had had a flawed, preconceived notion about the Messiah – and Jesus did not fit in with their biased imagination. Jesus accomplished MUCH at His first coming but the Son of God also came to set up His kingdom, in fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant. He was the Lord God of Israel; the Son of David and the Horn of their Salvation. He came to visit His people for the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. He came to fulfil that which was spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets. But only PART of His mission and ministry could be completed, because of unbelief. Israel was set aside for a season, God began to work through the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven was postponed for 2000 years – UNTIL Israel repents of their sin, recognises their Messiah, and calls on the name of the Lord. Then He will come in the clouds with His holy ones and we will rule and reign with Him. For those who trusted Christ, Elijah came figuratively in the person of John the Baptist. Both John and Elijah were great prophets of God and both delivered a powerful and passionate message to the people of Israel. They both delivered a fiery message of repentance and both zealously called sinners to repent of their sin and believe on the Messiah. Like Elijah, the Baptist lived during a time of spiritual poverty and both drew the wrath of a wicked king and his evil queen but both will be remembered as men who were chosen by the Lord for a special purpose and who were filled with the Spirit of God. My Prayer Thank You, Father, for the ministry of men like Elijah and John the Baptist, who were not ashamed of the gospel of God, for it has the power of God unto salvation to ALL who believe. Thank You for the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who came to Israel as their Messiah and King and was ready and willing to be despised, rejected, falsely accused and cruelly crucified on the cross, so that all who believe on His name, would not perish but have everlasting life. Thank You for Your amazing plan of redemption and use me in whatever way You will, to forward Your perfect redemptive plan – this I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Matthew 17:11 Next: Matthew 18:15 ► Choose a Verse from Matthew 17 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627 Micah 1:2 2 Corinthians 12:8 John 14:12 1 Corinthians 1:22 Follow us Matthew 17:12 Further Study Matthew 17:12 in the Parallel Bible Matthew 17:12 in the Thematic Bible Matthew 17:12 Cross References Matthew 17:12 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Matthew 17:12 Sermons Matthew 17:12 Prayers Matthew 17:12 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Only Christ Haggai 2:9 Romans 13:12 Gaze And Grow The Never-Failing God Cycle of Despair or Circle of Hope – Man’s Nature and Destiny (29) A Closer Walk Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
Live Like Jesus
Blog Posts from Living Light Daily Devotional. View this email in your browser Living Light Daily Devotional Live Like Jesus “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church.” Ephesians 5:32 It is interesting that during Paul’s instructions on marriage in Ephesians 5, he goes back to the very beginning – to Genesis where marriage first began. He writes, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh,” Ephesians 5:31. This is actually taken from Genesis 2:24. Why does Paul go back to the very first marriage to talk to us about our marriages? It is because the marriage relationship is a covenant relationship. When a man and woman get married it is much more than just a piece of paper. They are making a covenant promise to God and a covenant promise to each other. When they become one flesh, they seal this covenant. Why is this important? You will never understand your marriage or any marriage until you understand the unbelievable truth of this verse: “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church,” Ephesians 5:32. Marriage, at its deepest level, is to be a reflection of the relationship of Christ with His Church. What does that mean? Jesus kept the covenant that God made first with Adam, then with Abraham, then with Moses, and then with David that God would forgive our sin, becoming one with us in a permanent relationship that will never end. Just like Jesus, we are to keep our covenant in marriage. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard a spouse say, “I owe it to myself to be happy.” That is a lie from the mouth of Satan. You owe it to yourself to keep your commitment. You owe it to your wife/husband to be loyal to your vows. You owe it to your children who did not ask to be brought into this world by you to give them a stable home. In fact, we don’t owe ourselves anything – we owe God everything. Husbands are compared to Christ. Wives are compared to the Church. Husbands are compared to the head. Wives are compared to the Body. This is the bottom line: When a husband loves Jesus more than he loves his wife, he will love his wife the way he should. And when a wife respects Jesus more than she respects her husband, she will submit to her husband in the way she should. This is the only way to truly live happily ever after. Dear Lord, thank you for the covenant of marriage and all that it represents. I understand that the responsibility I have to my spouse and my family is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Please help me to honor the covenant I’ve made with my spouse and to live out my marriage in a way that points other people to You. Amen. Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2020 Touching Lives, Inc., All rights reserved. You enrolled in the Daily Devotional emails from Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt. Our mailing address is: Touching Lives, Inc. 1800 Satellite Blvd Duluth, GA 30097 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
Put God First
Today’s Scripture “…In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success…” (Proverbs 3:6, TLB) Put God First A lot of people are good at taking care of the physical and emotional parts of their lives, but they don’t take care of the spiritual. There’s no or minimal connection to God. Your life will be more fulfilling when you’re in relationship with your Creator. He breathed life into you. He knows what your purpose is. He wants to give you the advantage for success. When you make Him a part of your life, His favor will take you where your talents and abilities cannot take you. Make your spiritual life a priority. When you get up in the morning, take time to thank God for the day. Don’t run out of the house stressed out, in a hurry. Start the day off with a grateful attitude. Read the Scripture, meditate on His promises, and fill your mind with thoughts of faith, hope, and victory. Put God first and He will crown your efforts with success. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that You invited me into a relationship with You. I want, in everything I do, to put You first and have You direct my life. Thank You for speaking to me through Your Word. I believe that You will crown my efforts with success. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” FIGHT FOR YOUR FUTURE 3 Life-Changing Messages from Joel!Through this resource, I want to help you trust God in the fight for your future—I want to see you walk in your destiny. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE
The Meaning of the Potter’s Hand
The Potter’s Hand Isaiah 29:16 Chapter Parallel Compare 16 You have everything backward! Should the potter be thought of as clay? Should what is made say of its maker, “He didn’t make me”? Should what is shaped say of the one who shaped it, “He doesn’t understand”? Isaiah 64:8 Chapter Parallel Compare 8 But now, LORD, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. All of us are the work of your hand. Jeremiah 18:1-9 Chapter Parallel Compare 1 Jeremiah received the LORD’s word: 2 Go down to the potter’s house, and I’ll give you instructions about what to do there. 3 So I went down to the potter’s house; he was working on the potter’s wheel. 4 But the piece he was making was flawed while still in his hands, so the potter started on another, as seemed best to him. 5 Then the LORD’s word came to me: 6 House of Israel, can’t I deal with you like this potter, declares the LORD? Like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in mine, house of Israel! 7 At any time I may announce that I will dig up, pull down, and destroy a nation or kingdom; 8 but if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I’ll relent and not carry out the harm I intended for it. 9 At the same time, I may announce that I will build and plant a nation or kingdom; Romans 9:14-24 Chapter Parallel Compare 14 So what are we going to say? Isn’t this unfair on God’s part? Absolutely not! 15 He says to Moses, I’ll have mercy on whomever I choose to have mercy, and I’ll show compassion to whomever I choose to show compassion. 16 So then, it doesn’t depend on a person’s desire or effort. It depends entirely on God, who shows mercy. 17 Scripture says to Pharaoh, I have put you in this position for this very thing: so I can show my power in you and so that my name can be spread through the entire earth. 18 So then, God has mercy on whomever he wants to, but he makes resistant whomever he wants to. 19 So you are going to say to me, “Then why does he still blame people? Who has ever resisted his will?” 20 You are only a human being. Who do you think you are to talk back to God? Does the clay say to the potter, “Why did you make me like this?” 21 Doesn’t the potter have the power over the clay to make one pot for special purposes and another for garbage from the same lump of clay? 22 What if God very patiently puts up with pots made for wrath that were designed for destruction, because he wanted to show his wrath and to make his power known? 23 What if he did this to make the wealth of his glory known toward pots made for mercy, which he prepared in advance for glory? 24 We are the ones God has called. We don’t come only from the Jews but we also come from the Gentiles. Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands Crafted into Your perfect plan You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes I’m captured by, Your Holy calling Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself Lead me Lord I pray Take me, Mold me Use me, Fill me I give my life to the Potter’s hands Hold me, Guide me Lead me, Walk beside me I give my life to the Potter’s hand
What Does John 18:36 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 18:36 ◄ What Does John 18:36 Mean? ► Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36(NASB) Verse Thoughts Jesus is the heavenly Man. He came down to this world from above, and He came to redeem a race of lost sinners and to rescue a fallen creation from the destructive ravages of sin and Satan, darkness, disease and death. Since Adam’s ruinous decision to believe Satan’s lies in the garden of paradise, man was dethroned from his appointed position to rule the earth and govern creation, and in his place, Satan set up his own, broken world-kingdom, becoming the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air. No wonder the Lord Jesus, in His staggering interview with Pilate the governor of Judea, proclaimed My kingdom is not of this realm. My kingdom is not of this world. My kingdom will not be set up in subordination to the current world system while it is still under the ungodly authority of Satan – who wrested earthly dominion from man – God’s first and only appointed ruler. Jesus made it very clear to Pilate that He was a King, but His kingdom was not a political kingdom that would threaten any earthly rule. His kingdom was a heavenly one that would stand in stark contrast to the worldly kingdoms with their armies and navies, their swords, and battering rams. “Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Jesus did not come to conquer Rome, or any other kingdom through earthy means. His followers would have fought for Him had He come to take the world by force. Not only that – Pilate had no power over Him because Jesus had at His disposal twelve legions of angels, if His mission had been to topple Rome and conquer the world by human means. Christ’s kingdom would not be subject to the same carnal principles and broken practices, upon which proud kingdoms of the earth are founded. His kingdom would not be subject to the satanic lies and demonic deceit that have influenced the empires of the world for six millennia. His kingdom would not be gained by force or domination. His kingdom will be one of righteousness and peace, love and justice, light, and life. His will be a kingdom standing on the sacrificial offering of Christ on the cross, for the redemption of the world. The Lord Jesus Christ is the heavenly Son of God and the rightful King of kings and the Lord of the universe. He alone is qualified to be the Governor of the World. But He could never set up His earthly rule under the governance of the usurper, Satan. The devil and all his armies must first be overthrown GOD’s way, before the angelic chorus will rejoice that: the kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ. Jesus confessed His kingly authority in the presence of Pilate, only days after multitudes in Jerusalem had hailed Him as their long-awaited King; strew palm branches in His path and joyfully cried out, Hosanna to the Son of David… but within days, those same voices screamed out: we will not have this Man to rule over us – we have no king but Caesar – Crucify Him!! Little did this crowd know that before the crown must come the cross. Before Jesus could be enthroned as the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords, He must first die the cruel death of the Suffering Servant, so that by His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection He could smash Satan’s spiritual authority over the earth – and man; destroy the works of the evil one; crush the serpent’s head as prophesied in Genesis, and claim victory over the current realm of Satan. When Jesus came to set up His kingdom at His first advent, in fulfilment of prophecy, He was rejected by those He came to save and crucified on Calvary’s cross. Before the coronation crown could be placed on His head, He had to shed His blood on Calvary’s cross, to pay the price for the sin of the world, and redeem the fallen race of man. FIRST, He had to rescue the souls of men, who had been enslaved by the evil one. Jesus did not come as a conquering King to defeat Rome. He came as a suffering Servant and our kinsman-Redeemer to defeat Satan and sin and death and hell, so that all who believe on HIM would not remain chained in Satan’s snare and perish, but would be redeemed – bought and paid for with His blood. And the price was paid for in FULL. The Son of God came to earth as the Son of Man to reclaim this lost world for God. He came to redeem mankind and reconcile man back to God. He came as the second Adam; the perfect Man; the rightful Heir and God’s Anointed. He came to reclaim the earthly kingdom and reestablish Man’s rule over the earth once more – but first, He had to pay the price for the sin of mankind. The Lord Jesus Christ has already gained the victory, and will one day return to finish all that He started and set up His heavenly kingdom on earth. He will come to rule and reign, in power and great glory, and He will come in God’s way and at God’s appointed time. First the cross and then the crown. First the shame then the glory. First He had to defeat the world’s corrupted kingdom of sin and Satan, darkness, disease, and death – through His own death at Calvary. THEN He will return to set up the heavenly kingdom of righteousness and peace, love and justice, light, and life. First the redemption of mankind and then the setting up of Godly appointed authority on earth, when God’s lost kingdom is regained – through Jesus Christ – God of gods; Light of lights; King of kings and Lord of heaven and earth. My Prayer Father, we thank You for the eternal plan of salvation, which required the shame of the cross of Christ before the joy of the Kingdom’s crown. Thank You that Satan is a defeated enemy. May I live in the world but not be a part of this fallen world system, and use me to proclaim Your truth to others, in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 18:33 Next: John 19:1 ► Choose a Verse from John 18 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940 Revelation 20:4 1 Corinthians 15:58 Malachi 3:3 Ephesians 5:30 Follow us John 18:36 Further Study John 18:36 in the Parallel Bible John 18:36 in the Thematic Bible John 18:36 Cross References John 18:36 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 18:36 Sermons John 18:36 Prayers John 18:36 Images John 18:36 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals A Common Vision Matthew 25:13 Genesis 17:1 Nothing But A Nothing The Secret Of The Lord Why Faith ? – Man’s Nature and Destiny (28) Solitude, Silence, Submission Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
What Does Romans 13:10Mean
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Romans 13:10 ◄ What Does Romans 13:10 Mean? ► Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10(NASB) Verse Thoughts Christian conduct touches on every area of life. It should affect all we say and do at home, at work, in the community, or when we are completely alone. In Roman 13, Paul gives some important instruction on Christian conduct in two areas – the way we behave toward the government and how we should conduct ourselves towards our neighbour. Paul makes it crystal clear that “love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law” We are commanded to do no evil towards the people we meet in everyday life and to love them in practical ways. Loving the people that cross our path experientially, day by day; living a life of integrity and showing consideration towards others is the mark of a true believer who is walking in spirit, in truth and in love. Both secular souls and those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ will often quote, “The Golden Rule,” which is, “love your neighbour as yourself”. It was first written in Leviticus by Moses and was quoted and expounded by the Lord Jesus, and this command is further referenced in the letter to the Romans. While the Mosaic Law was given to Israel, and Christ’s ministry was to the Jew first, Paul calls on Christians to follow this Golden Rule as well, for in so doing we will live a life that is well-pleasing to the Lord, honours our Father in heaven, ” and is the fulfilment of God’s Law” “Do no wrong to one’s neighbour”, may sound a very simple principle to perform, but on deeper reflection, we realise it is an enormous undertaking, that would prove to be impossible, without God’s sufficient strength. To do no wrong to one’s neighbour covers every word we say; every action we undertake; every attitude we express and every motive in the secret depths of our heart, that God alone can see. Knowing that the Church, which began at Pentecost, is NOT under the Law but under grace, begs the question – WHY did Paul appeal to the Mosaic Law when promoting the Golden Rule and saying, “Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.” Well, we need look no further than Christ’s closing command to the Church – LOVE, as I have loved. By THIS shall all men know that you are My disciples”. When the Mosaic Law commanded Israel to “love your neighbour as yourself”, the Law laid out very specific instruction for the people to follow, to DEMONSTRATE that they loved their neighbour. The people of Israel were legally bound to fulfil each and every Law of love, found in the Mosaic Law, and if they broke one of the commands they broke them all. As James teaches, “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” An Israelite who stole from his neighbour would have broken the 8th commandment, which breaks the law to love your neighbour. The Jew, who lied about his fellow Jew, would have broken the Mosaic Law, as it shows a lack of love towards his neighbour; and a farmer, who refused to leave stalks of wheat in his field for the poor to gather, would have broken the Law of gleaning – which similarly would break the Mosaic Law on LOVING their neighbour. Israel were to practice love by obeying all the laws of Moses. The Church, however, are not under the Law but under grace. The Church is not given a list of things to DO, in order to fulfil the law of love towards our neighbour. We are given the broad principle to LOVE, and love does no wrong to a neighbour. At the end of His ministry, the Lord Jesus gave a new commandment to the Church, which condenses this important law of love, into one simple command – LOVE one another as I have loved you – by THIS shall all men know that you are My disciples. Paul reminds us that when we love others in the same way that Jesus loved us we fulfil the whole of God’s law, “for love is the fulfillment of the law.” And James calls this the ROYAL Law, and it should govern every aspect of our lives. BUT we can only love as Jesus loves when we are walking in spirit and truth and allowing HIM to lead and guide every word we say; every action we undertake; every attitude we express and every motive of our heart. And Paul, in his book of Galatians, expresses it this way – “bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfil the law of Christ. In a world where the love of many has grown cold, may we fulfil Christ’s command to love our neighbour as He loves, and do him no wrong, as we submit to the leading of the Spirit and carry out God’s will for our lives. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the source of life and the fountain-spring of love. Help me to carry out Your will for my life and may I love as Christ loves, I pray that I would do no wrong, in thought, word or deed, to my family, friends or neighbours. And help me to show the love of Christ to all with whom I come in contact today – this I ask in Jesus’ precious name and for His greater glory. AMEN. ◄ Previous: Romans 13:8 Next: Romans 13:11 ► Choose a Verse from Romans 13 1234567891011121314 Exodus 1:5 Ephesians 5:6 Colossians 2:3 Malachi 3:2 Follow us Romans 13:10 Further Study Romans 13:10 in the Parallel Bible Romans 13:10 in the Thematic Bible Romans 13:10 Cross References Romans 13:10 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Romans 13:10 Sermons Romans 13:10 Prayers Romans 13:10 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Heavenly Freedom Exodus 12:11 Psalm 16:5 Cross Of Love What Are You Haunted By? God’s Crazy World – Man’s Nature and Destiny (27) God’s Purpose For You Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
What Does Genesis 5:24 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Genesis 5:24 ◄ What Does Genesis 5:24 Mean? ► Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5:24(NASB) Verse Thoughts The man that walks with God is the one that lives in close, constant, and intimate intercourse with the Father, and Enoch was such a man of God. We are left in no doubt of his final moments on earth, for the writer to the Hebrews tells us that this godly man was translated to heaven when God took him. This man was raptured into God’s presence, for “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him”. Enoch was a man who walked by faith. He was one who walked in the light as our Father is in the light. He was a man who walked according to God’s will and God’s purpose – for as we read in Amos. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Walking together in the unity of the spirit implies deep friendship and love – a special and intimate relationship, where ongoing communion is maintained. We know that the period before the flood was a time when wickedness was multiplying, and the earth was corrupt to the core, but Enoch walked with God. He swam against the ungodly tide of wickedness that flooded the antediluvian world, which was a place of violence, ungodliness, and evil before the waters of judgment swept over the earth – but Enoch walked with God and kept on walking with Him. It was not in the early flush of youth that we read that Enoch was a godly man. It was after the birth of his son, Methuselah, that we find a change in Enoch’s relationship with the Lord. He was 65 years old when he fathered Methuselah. It was after the birth of Methuselah, that Enoch walked with God. After the birth of his firstborn son, Enoch began his walk with the Lord and he remained in fellowship with Him for 300 years – during which time, he fathered other sons and daughters. So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. Enoch became a man of faith at 65 years of age, and for the next 300 years, he communed with God. During those years, he maintained sweet fellowship with the Father and was pleasing to God. Yes, Enoch was a man of faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God. But he was also a man of prayer. We know that Enoch became a prayerful man, following the birth of his son, because he maintained close, constant, intimate intercourse with the Father – for we read that Enoch walked with God – he maintained fellowship with Him, “and he was not” – for God took him. Did anyone see him being raptured away into heaven? We don’t know. But we DO know that Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. It was because of his faith that Enoch was taken by the Lord, so that he did not experience death. Hebrews tells us that “Enoch was not to be found because God took him away, for prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God”. Enoch was approved by God at the age of 65, because of his faith, and his faith was reckoned as righteousness. Enoch’s communion with God gives us an example of the relationship God desires to have with each of His children. We should all walk in close, intimate fellowship with Him, all the days of our earthly life. Did Enoch sin during those 300 years when he walked with God? We are not told. But I am sure he did. But like us, if he confessed his sin, God was faithful and just to forgive him his sin and cleanse him from all unrighteousness – for God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yes, Enoch both pleased God at the age of 65 when he was saved, and Enoch lived a life that pleased Him, as he maintained communion with the Lord for the next 300 years. This faithful man’s earthly walk with God depicts the type of life that each child of God should seek to emulate. Like Enoch we are to walk with God all our days – from the day when we were saved by faith, to the day He takes us to be with Himself – at the rapture of the church, which will be ushered in at the resurrection of the dead in Christ. We are to be SAVED by faith, and then we are to WALK by faith for the rest of our earthly life. Let us be faithful in prayer and let us be diligent to live a life of faith and to walk in spirit and truth with our heavenly Father. Having been born-again, let us live by faith all the days of our life, despite the multiplied evils that flood our present age, and let us keep on walking with Him, and maintaining sweet fellowship with our heavenly Father, until we too are taken to be with Him, into heavenly glory. My Prayer Thank You, Father, for the example of godly men who maintained a trusting, prayerful communion with You – like Enoch who trusted in You and walked by faith for the rest of his life. Thank You that You are the same, yesterday, today and forever, and I pray that I may keep the eyes of my heart fixed on Jesus and that my daily walk may be pleasing to You. Help me to live as You would have me to live and to glorify my Father in heaven, in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Genesis 5:3 Next: Genesis 6:5 ► Choose a Verse from Genesis 5 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132 Titus 3:9 1 Corinthians 11:23 1 Timothy 6:7 2 Chronicles 1:11 Follow us Genesis 5:24 Further Study Genesis 5:24 in the Parallel Bible Genesis 5:24 in the Thematic Bible Genesis 5:24 Cross References Genesis 5:24 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Genesis 5:24 Sermons Genesis 5:24 Prayers Genesis 5:24 Images Genesis 5:24 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Time To Grow A Vital Reality Galatians 5:22 Matthew 1:23 The Staggering Question Spiritual Understanding – Man’s Nature and Destiny (26) True Thoughts or Toxic Thoughts Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
Turn The Other Cheek
Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! What Christians Get Wrong about “Turn the Other Cheek” Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / What Christians Get Wrong about “Turn the Other Cheek” Share Tweet Save Ashley Hooker Sunday, May 31, 2020 Most of us have heard the phrase “turn the other cheek” at some point in our lives. Often, we are advised of this after a mishap with someone. Personally, I would always think about what that phrase meant and why it was so important to obey it. There are two places in Scripture where Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek. The first occurrence is in the book of Matthew. Here we read these words. “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” The second occurrence of this verse is found in Luke 6:29. It states, “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.” So what do these verses mean, both for Jesus’ biblical audience, and for us today? Photo credit: ©Getty Images/undefined undefined What Does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean? At first glance, we might think this verse teaches that no matter what someone does to us, we are to look the other way. We are not to take any actions against our aggressors. This could not be farther from the truth. This verse is not saying that we are to let people do whatever they want to us. Rather, it is saying that God will handle it. Looking deeper into Scripture, we find many examples of what Christians are to do when someone wrongs them. In John 18, Jesus is struck in the face by an official of the high priest. His response was to question why he was struck in the face. He asked the official to tell him what he said that was an untruth. John 19:3 states that Jesus was struck in the face again when he was sentenced to be crucified. Looking back into the Old Testament, we see David sparing Saul’s life again and again. 1 Samuel 26:9-11 tells us that David left the punishment of Saul to the Lord. As Christians, we are going to face persecution. We may even get a slap in the face. What this verse tells us is that we are not to get revenge. We are not appointed to punish the people who wrong us. We are to love them and let God do with them what He will. God has the sole power to punish people who sin, not us. Who Is Saying This? The life of Jesus up to this point in Scripture has been rather eventful. He had been tested by the devil himself, learned that John the Baptist had been imprisoned, and made his new home in Capernaum. Jesus began to preach throughout Galilee and called his twelve disciples. When Jesus told the people they should turn the other cheek, he was preaching at the famous Sermon on the Mount. This portion of Scripture is what Christians today label the Beatitudes. This is referring to the declarations of blessedness. It is a call to moral living for all that hear him. People from all over Syria, Judea, Galilee, the Decapolis, and areas beyond the Jordan River came to hear Jesus speak. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/fizkes What Do Christians Get Wrong about This Verse? Christians often are looked upon as wimps because they use this verse as the justification for their actions. Most give Jesus’ words a literal translation and interpretation. That is where we miss the point Jesus was trying to make. There are a few thoughts that we need to consider to better understand what Jesus is telling us. 1. What We Think: Christians should not retaliate in any way when someone wrongs them. The Truth: We are not to practice complete non-resistance. Jesus is not telling us to let people do whatever they please to us. He is not saying couples should stay together in a violent relationship. He is not saying we are to stand by and do nothing when ourselves or others are being hurt. 2. What We Think: Christians should not react in any way when they or another person is hurting. The Truth: We are called to respond when we ourselves or others are hurting. That response should not be to retaliate or “get back” at someone. But neither should our reaction be to stand back and watch the show. We are to be a part of the cast list. Christians are called to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This cannot be done when we stand back and do nothing. This verse is not addressing what Christians should do when we are wronged. It is addressing the act of revenge that our sinful nature will want. Christians are to stand up for what we believe in. We are to continue to share God’s Word and question those that try to twist it. We are not to plan an act of revenge. Revenge is set aside for God. Proverbs 20:22 says “Do not say, I’ll pay you back for this wrong! Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Jupiterimages Is There Ever a Time to Retaliate? The answer to this question is a resounding YES! There will be times when we must retaliate for wrongdoing, but Christian retaliation will look different than worldly retaliation. To retaliate against someone is to fight back or repay someone in a likewise manner. This is not what Jesus had in mind. Jesus has called us to retaliate with a response. In Genesis 37 we began to read the account of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his own brothers. They were jealous of him and wanted him gone. Joseph spent many years in Egypt where he was enslaved and imprisoned, but also experienced God’s favor. When a famine hit the land, Joseph was reunited with his brothers. He could have had them imprisoned or killed, but his response was neither. Genesis 50:21 says “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” In 1 and 2 Samuel, we read the account of David as he experiences the wrath of Saul. David’s life was in danger and he could have killed Saul, but he chose not to. The experiences of Joseph and David tell us that there is a time to fight and there is a time to turn the other cheek. Joseph’s retaliation took the form of forgiveness while David’s retaliation was becoming king of Israel. We are to stand up for ourselves. We should stand up for others that are hurting. Retaliation is needed at times, but our retaliation should not take the form of revenge. Christians can question those who wrong them. We should practice self-protection without a desire for personal revenge. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Freedom007 How Should Christians Respond When We Are Wronged? You will inevitably be wronged at some point in your Christian walk. Someone may physically hurt you, lie to you, steal from you, or insult your God. When this happens, you will want retribution. It is a part of our sinful nature. Our thoughts automatically go to paying them back for what they have done to us. God’s word tells us something different. Romans 12:19 says “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge: I will repay, says the Lord.’” This is clear instruction that we are not to take revenge into our own hands. We may not like what has been done to us, but we do not have the power to settle the score. God further instructs us in Romans 12:20 when he says “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” As Christians, we must be careful that when we confront evil, we do not harbor a desire for personal vengeance. In Acts 23:1-3, Paul gives us a perfect example of how we should act when we are wronged. Paul is before the Sanhedrin exclaiming his duty to God when the high priest Ananias strikes him on the mouth. Paul’s response was to inform Ananias that God would strike him. He then goes on to call out the fact that the Sanhedrin is judging him according to the law that they are also violating when they slap Paul. When we are wronged, we are to use the word of God to retaliate. In a gracious rebuke, we are to confront evil. Jesus did not say we were to stand aside and do nothing. He said that we were to confront the evils of the world by sharing the Gospel and praying for our enemies. We are to put on the armor of God and fight evil, not for personal gain but for the glory of God. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wavebreakmedia Revenge Is God’s Matthew 5:39 says that we are to turn the other cheek. This is extremely difficult for most of us because we want revenge. We want others to pay for what they have done to us. Even as a Christian we desire vengeance at times. God has explicitly told us that vengeance is His. We are to correct and rebuke evil with His word. We are to love our enemies and pray for them daily. We are to stand up to evil and confront in love those that wrong not only us, but all of God’s people. Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock Ashley Hooker is a freelance writer who spends her time homeschooling her two children, supporting her husband as he finishes school to become a pastor, and writing about her faith. Currently, she is a contributing author for Journey Christian magazine. She has taken part in mission trips with the NC Baptist Men during the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey in Mississippi and Texas. In her local church, she has served on various committees focusing in the area of evangelism along with traveling to West Virginia and Vermont to share the Gospel. Her dream is to spend her time writing and sharing the love of Christ with all she meets. 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What Does Psalm 51:17 MEAN
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