Is there a relationship that better exemplifies understanding, forgiveness, consolation, comfort, and unconditional love than the mother-child relationship? The Bible has much to say to and about mothers, including the spiritual parallels to the relationship God has for us. We share 13 passages of Scripture about motherhood for our contemplation: Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3; Deuteronomy 5:16; Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 6:20; Psalm 139:13; Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 23:22-25; Proverbs 29:15; Proverbs 31:25-30; Isaiah 49:15; and Isaiah 66:13. Genesis 3:16 is also referenced.
Jesus sat before the people and uttered what must have been to them shocking words: Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20). Few were more scrupulous in the observance of the letter of the law than were the Pharisees. Nevertheless, they failed because their behavior was intended to impress men more than to please God. Jesus warns us not to do likewise (Matt. 6:1). How, then, can we be righteous before God? The parable of the marriage feast gives us the clue in finding the source of true righteousness. We explore this parable in Matthew 22:1-13. Additional scriptures referenced include Matthew 21:23; John 8:56; Isaiah 61:10; Genesis 3:7; Isaiah 64:6; Revelation 19:8-9; and Ephesians 5:27. ...
The Book of Lamentations is divided into five chapters. Each chapter represents a separate poem. In the original Hebrew, the verses in each of the first four poems are acrostic, each verse starting with a succeeding letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This is quite remarkable. Lamentations 5 is not an acrostic poem, though it does contain 22 verses, the same number as the distinct letters of the Hebrew alphabet. One writer says, “the use of the alphabet symbolizes that the completeness—‘the A to Z’—of grief is being expressed.” We explore the major themes of the five poems. We discuss the poet. Lamentations presents many key theological realities from an important era in Israel’s history. We discuss ten of these. We then explore a couple of questions from the book. Scriptures referenced include Lamentations 5:19-22; Lamentations 2:1, 6; Psalm 132:7; Deuteronomy 28; and Lamentations 2:20. ...
Human beings were created to be relational, and friendships are an important part of our lives. We need friends—people we bond with in mutual affection. But not just any friend will do; having the right friends is key, and discernment is required: “The righteous choose their friends carefully” (Proverbs 12:26). Dionne Warwick and friends recorded a smash hit in the mid-1980’s that sang about what friends are for. However, if we want to really gain insight into true friendship, we have to turn to Scripture.In a bonus top ten, we explore ten characteristics of a true friend (according to God’s word). A true friend is one who shows love, no matter what, gives heartfelt advice, corrects in love. Influences, enlivens, avoids gossip and slander, forgives and does not hold grudges, is loyal and trustworthy, helps in times of need, shares feelings, and puts Jesus at the center of their relationships. Scriptures referenced include Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 17:9, 17; 1 Peter 4:9; Proverbs 27:5-6. 9, 17; Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 22:24-25; Psalm 13:20; Hebrews 10:24; Proverbs 16:28; Romans 1:29-32; 1 Peter 4:8; Colossians 3:13; Proverbs 18:24; Proverbs 11:13; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:15; Philippians 1:3-4; Amos 3:3; Romans 5:7-8 and John 15:13. ...
