Read Matthew 23:1 through 24:51 “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother” started simply enough—a brief story in an 1880s Scottish Presbyterian book on Jesus’ parables telling about a girl happily carrying her younger brother. In the 1940s, it became the slogan of Catholic Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. It continues to spread. This unpretentious statement became popular because it appeals to …
On Dry Ground
Read Exodus 12:1 through 15:27 Soon after God delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt, they were threatened by Pharaoh’s army, close behind them. The Red Sea parted, allowing a broad opening with a wall of water on the right and the left. Then with His attention to the smallest detail, the sea floor was made comfortable to walk on. …
God of Restoration
Read Genesis 46:5 through 48:22 The time had finally come. After years of separation, Joseph would finally see his father, Jacob. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time (Genesis 46:29). Joseph stood before his father, having seen God’s vision fulfilled. This scene of restoration is only one …
Worried? Stop, Breathe, Pray
Read Genesis 31:1 through 32:32 News of Esau’s pending arrival terrified Jacob, and with good cause. Jacob had stolen his brother’s blessing by deception and trickery. Esau had sworn to kill him. Twenty years later, Jacob worried that his brother was still seeking revenge. After all, why would Esau be approaching with four hundred men? Jacob strategized to protect his …
Worthy of the Kingdom
Read Matthew 1:1 through 4:25 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham” (Matthew 3:8–9). John the Baptist showed his repentance by living a life worthy of God. He did not rely …