27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
9 “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”
Such an unusual little story tucked in here for us to ponder
Prayer of Jabez stood out. I had kind of forgotten about it but I do have that little book somewhere and should reread it! I also loved 1 Chron 5:20b: He answered their prayers because they trusted in him. So sweet, simple, and to the point, right in the midst of all the genealogy stuff! There are several areas where I’m not seeing answered prayer and I believe it’s because I’m trusting in myself more than in him.
I can’t help but think of the friends that took the paralyzed man to Jesus. These are the kind of friends that I want to surround myself with. People who have true genuine faith in the Lord and who are there to lift up each other in times of need to the Lord. Jesus recognized this faith and friendship as something wonderful.
Sin paralyzes us, often in various ways, and I love how Jesus alone can set us free from both the physical and the eternal spiritual bondage. May we tell of His miraculous ways as we walk, unhindered and free by His grace. Have a beautiful day in Christ, SRT sisters xox
Beautiful words thank you Christa Michelle. I’m in a season of this paralysis now in an area of my life and only now see that scripture clearly now. Jesus came to free us indeed from the chains that bind us and blind us If we will reach out to HIM and step out in obedience!
luke 5:36-39 lost me a bit / commentary that helped
if one puts freshly pressed must directly into the skin and close it off, the tumultuous stage of fermentation would burst the wineskins, but after this stage, the skins have enough stretchiness to handle the rest of the fermentation process. However, skins that have already been used and stretched out (“old wineskins”) cannot be used again since they cannot stretch again. If they are used again for holding wine that is still in the process of fermenting (“new wine”), they will burst.
This, then, is the meaning of Jesus’ parables of the patched garment and the wineskins: the gospel of the Kingdom which Jesus brings cannot be fitted into the the Pharisees’ paradigm or way of living…
I’m sorry it bothers you. for their culture they trace their lineage through the man. in our culture we do that too, through last name, but it’s not nearly as important to us… we know both sides of our family and have little reason to trace our heritage. I think it’s kinda fun when they throw a woman’s name in there. it makes me wider what she did to stand out
Absolutely JJ! I think people who are bothered by genealogies mostly naming males, might not have been raised or taught with the full picture in mind. And don’t forget, each great man listed, was given life by God thru the woman who carried him in her womb and gave him life! The women are definitely worth writing home about because they sure weren’t viewed as they (we) are today… Jesus revealed himself to his mother at Cana, Samaritan woman, and first as risen Lord to Mary! God is in charge. In LOVING control and He decides what is worthy of writing in Hid God-breathed Word :) We can rest in this truth. Blessings on you both sweet sisters. Xox
The book “The Prayer of Jabez” expands on 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. It’s been years since I read it, but wanted to share in case someone out there wanted to dig in further. It’s interesting that the author takes a break from the genealogy to tell us about Jabez’s prayer.
It may depend on to whom the genealogy is leading and which people the Lord is choosing for us to have additional records about. For example, if I were to make a genealogy with the purpose of showing your lineage, it would include your father, but not necessarily your father’s brothers. It would include your father’s father, but not necessarily his brothers, etc….just the people leading to you. Also there may be people in the genealogies who we are given information about because it may help uncover mysteries elsewhere in the Bible or in history.
These genealogies are confusing in that some people are left out/not mentioned. For example, Perez is mentioned as a son of Judah, but his twin brother is not. I try to follow the names of the fathers and sons and I get confused. Any thoughts?
hey I was getting really confused to today I sat and drew a family tree (only including those who descend to David then to Jesus etc because there are too many names!) and i found it really helpful to digest. can also follow from David by finding the rest in Matthew ch1!
Does anyone have thoughts on 5:39? I understand the part about the wine skins..that makes perfect sense. But the last verse throws me because Jesus is pointing out that the old wine is better. I just want to figure out his final point with that sentence..I’ve read it before but never really stopped to “read” it. Thanks!
Leah, I stopped at the same parable and was thinking on that passage a lot. My take was that because Jesus is talking to the Pharisees, he is saying that they prefer the “old wine”, their old covenant and rituals, and aren’t interested in the “new” Jesus is proclaiming. So not that the old wine is actually better, but he says those who drink the old wine won’t want the new, they aren’t interested. Just my thoughts! =)
I wonder also if this points to Jesus coming not to abolish the law but to fulfill it? As in, he isn’t bringing “new wine” to the table. Just fulfilling the old? Just a thought! :)
My study notes say this about 5:39: The old is better. Jesus was indicating the reluctance of some people to change from their traditional religious ways and try the gospel.
Matthew Henry Commentary says this: The old is better, because they have been used to it (v 39). The disciples would be tempted to think their old way of living was better until they were gradually trained to this way to which they were called. Although Christ’s disciples did not have as much form of godliness as others, they had more of it’s power (2 Ti 3:5).
Hope this helps! And great question I had never really “read” this verse either.
New wine really isn’t wine but grape juice that is going to ferment and that is why it must be put in a new wine skin that will stretch. The old wine is better because it is really wine and done fermenting.
These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. I love how this ties in with the prophecy in Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler In Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting”. This shows how Jesus came from a town that was noted in Israel from long ago, and is further verification of God’s plan and foreknowledge!
31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Yes! I have always loved this passage because it makes the gospel so REAL and easy to understand. Once we see ourselves as “sick”, we can begin to seek the help we really need in Jesus. But as long as we see ourselves as “healthy” or able to “heal on our own”, we’ll never find that life-saving truth.
Thank you. I needed this today. My younger sister got engaged and although I feel pathetic admitting it, whilst I am so happy for her I have been struggling with some jealousy. I am in a happy and committed relationship but my boyfriend hasn’t asked me to marry him yet. I am the oldest so I am used to doing things first, and people can be cruel in their comments “is he ever going to ask you?” Etc etc. I am ashamed to admit that I have been feeling this, but I have admitted it to God and have been praying and I am starting to feel more at peace, trusting in God’s plan and timing, and allowing my happiness for my sister to grow whilst banishing the jealousy. Admitting I am sick and allowing Jesus and the Lord’s grace to heal me and make me a better person has been wonderful. If you don’t think I am a terribly selfish disappointment please could I ask you to pray for me in my journey in faith and trust which is something fairly new to me. Thank you.
Lauren you are so humble and also brave for your honesty! You are absolutely not a disappointment and I am praying for you! I have often been unwilling to admit my jealousy even though I know I have it in my heart. Thank you for your transparency. Praying that the Lord would bring you peace and comfort and allow this to be a joyful time for you also!
Lauren,
I certainly know what you are going through. Jealousy of other relationships sure can eat us all up. Lifting you up today and praying that the God of comfort may lay his hands on you in this time.
Thank you so much Laura, I seem to be past it now and am just happy for my sister. I knew I had to let God in though to get to that stage. Thank you for your prayers, it means so much.
❤️
✅
❤️
❤️
❤️
♡
✅
27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
26And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” -ellie
9 “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.”
Such an unusual little story tucked in here for us to ponder
Prayer of Jabez stood out. I had kind of forgotten about it but I do have that little book somewhere and should reread it! I also loved 1 Chron 5:20b: He answered their prayers because they trusted in him. So sweet, simple, and to the point, right in the midst of all the genealogy stuff! There are several areas where I’m not seeing answered prayer and I believe it’s because I’m trusting in myself more than in him.
1 Chronicles 5:20b…He granted their request because they trusted in Him.
This stuck out to me today. I love how God’s Word is fresh with every reading!
Yes! Me too!
I can’t help but think of the friends that took the paralyzed man to Jesus. These are the kind of friends that I want to surround myself with. People who have true genuine faith in the Lord and who are there to lift up each other in times of need to the Lord. Jesus recognized this faith and friendship as something wonderful.
this is an excellent response and I completely agree!!
Sin paralyzes us, often in various ways, and I love how Jesus alone can set us free from both the physical and the eternal spiritual bondage. May we tell of His miraculous ways as we walk, unhindered and free by His grace. Have a beautiful day in Christ, SRT sisters xox
Beautiful words thank you Christa Michelle. I’m in a season of this paralysis now in an area of my life and only now see that scripture clearly now. Jesus came to free us indeed from the chains that bind us and blind us If we will reach out to HIM and step out in obedience!
luke 5:36-39 lost me a bit / commentary that helped
if one puts freshly pressed must directly into the skin and close it off, the tumultuous stage of fermentation would burst the wineskins, but after this stage, the skins have enough stretchiness to handle the rest of the fermentation process. However, skins that have already been used and stretched out (“old wineskins”) cannot be used again since they cannot stretch again. If they are used again for holding wine that is still in the process of fermenting (“new wine”), they will burst.
This, then, is the meaning of Jesus’ parables of the patched garment and the wineskins: the gospel of the Kingdom which Jesus brings cannot be fitted into the the Pharisees’ paradigm or way of living…
It bothers me that primarily men are listed in the genealogies.
I’m sorry it bothers you. for their culture they trace their lineage through the man. in our culture we do that too, through last name, but it’s not nearly as important to us… we know both sides of our family and have little reason to trace our heritage. I think it’s kinda fun when they throw a woman’s name in there. it makes me wider what she did to stand out
Absolutely JJ! I think people who are bothered by genealogies mostly naming males, might not have been raised or taught with the full picture in mind. And don’t forget, each great man listed, was given life by God thru the woman who carried him in her womb and gave him life! The women are definitely worth writing home about because they sure weren’t viewed as they (we) are today… Jesus revealed himself to his mother at Cana, Samaritan woman, and first as risen Lord to Mary! God is in charge. In LOVING control and He decides what is worthy of writing in Hid God-breathed Word :) We can rest in this truth. Blessings on you both sweet sisters. Xox
1Chron 12:14. How does one man kill 1,000 men by himself?
In both the old and new test readings today there are people with powerful prayers that are answered by God. Let me pray for powerful things!
The book “The Prayer of Jabez” expands on 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. It’s been years since I read it, but wanted to share in case someone out there wanted to dig in further. It’s interesting that the author takes a break from the genealogy to tell us about Jabez’s prayer.
Yes! I thought of that as well!
This was an intense prayer for Jabez and GOD was faithful. How awesome to think we can pray with that power too. So convicting
It may depend on to whom the genealogy is leading and which people the Lord is choosing for us to have additional records about. For example, if I were to make a genealogy with the purpose of showing your lineage, it would include your father, but not necessarily your father’s brothers. It would include your father’s father, but not necessarily his brothers, etc….just the people leading to you. Also there may be people in the genealogies who we are given information about because it may help uncover mysteries elsewhere in the Bible or in history.
Thank you, Jackie …that makes sense. :)
These genealogies are confusing in that some people are left out/not mentioned. For example, Perez is mentioned as a son of Judah, but his twin brother is not. I try to follow the names of the fathers and sons and I get confused. Any thoughts?
hey I was getting really confused to today I sat and drew a family tree (only including those who descend to David then to Jesus etc because there are too many names!) and i found it really helpful to digest. can also follow from David by finding the rest in Matthew ch1!
Does anyone have thoughts on 5:39? I understand the part about the wine skins..that makes perfect sense. But the last verse throws me because Jesus is pointing out that the old wine is better. I just want to figure out his final point with that sentence..I’ve read it before but never really stopped to “read” it. Thanks!
Leah, I stopped at the same parable and was thinking on that passage a lot. My take was that because Jesus is talking to the Pharisees, he is saying that they prefer the “old wine”, their old covenant and rituals, and aren’t interested in the “new” Jesus is proclaiming. So not that the old wine is actually better, but he says those who drink the old wine won’t want the new, they aren’t interested. Just my thoughts! =)
Thanks Niki..that’s really helpful. I just love that we can learn from each other in this community!
I wonder also if this points to Jesus coming not to abolish the law but to fulfill it? As in, he isn’t bringing “new wine” to the table. Just fulfilling the old? Just a thought! :)
My study notes say this about 5:39: The old is better. Jesus was indicating the reluctance of some people to change from their traditional religious ways and try the gospel.
Matthew Henry Commentary says this: The old is better, because they have been used to it (v 39). The disciples would be tempted to think their old way of living was better until they were gradually trained to this way to which they were called. Although Christ’s disciples did not have as much form of godliness as others, they had more of it’s power (2 Ti 3:5).
Hope this helps! And great question I had never really “read” this verse either.
Sooo good Pam!! Thank you for exploring this with me!
New wine really isn’t wine but grape juice that is going to ferment and that is why it must be put in a new wine skin that will stretch. The old wine is better because it is really wine and done fermenting.
These were the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. I love how this ties in with the prophecy in Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler In Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting”. This shows how Jesus came from a town that was noted in Israel from long ago, and is further verification of God’s plan and foreknowledge!
So good..thank you for posting this connection!
31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Yes! I have always loved this passage because it makes the gospel so REAL and easy to understand. Once we see ourselves as “sick”, we can begin to seek the help we really need in Jesus. But as long as we see ourselves as “healthy” or able to “heal on our own”, we’ll never find that life-saving truth.
Love this!
Amen!
Thank you. I needed this today. My younger sister got engaged and although I feel pathetic admitting it, whilst I am so happy for her I have been struggling with some jealousy. I am in a happy and committed relationship but my boyfriend hasn’t asked me to marry him yet. I am the oldest so I am used to doing things first, and people can be cruel in their comments “is he ever going to ask you?” Etc etc. I am ashamed to admit that I have been feeling this, but I have admitted it to God and have been praying and I am starting to feel more at peace, trusting in God’s plan and timing, and allowing my happiness for my sister to grow whilst banishing the jealousy. Admitting I am sick and allowing Jesus and the Lord’s grace to heal me and make me a better person has been wonderful. If you don’t think I am a terribly selfish disappointment please could I ask you to pray for me in my journey in faith and trust which is something fairly new to me. Thank you.
Praying for you today Lauren!
Thank you Leah, I am feeling so much more content.
Lauren you are so humble and also brave for your honesty! You are absolutely not a disappointment and I am praying for you! I have often been unwilling to admit my jealousy even though I know I have it in my heart. Thank you for your transparency. Praying that the Lord would bring you peace and comfort and allow this to be a joyful time for you also!
Thank you Christina, your words mean the world to me. I am feeling so much more contented.
Lauren,
I certainly know what you are going through. Jealousy of other relationships sure can eat us all up. Lifting you up today and praying that the God of comfort may lay his hands on you in this time.
Thank you so much Laura, I seem to be past it now and am just happy for my sister. I knew I had to let God in though to get to that stage. Thank you for your prayers, it means so much.