Tag: bsf lesson 19 day 2

photo of Zechariah's 6th, 7th, & 8th visions from bsf exile and return study www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Zechariah 5:1-4

In Zechariah’s 6th vision, Zechariah saw a flying scroll that described the curse that went out over the whole land. Those who stole or swore falsely would be banished.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19 Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

3) The huge “flying scroll” represents God’s Law (Exodus 20), visible to all, acting as the inescapable standard. Just as kings were to write and obey the Law (Deuteronomy 17), this scroll shows that God judges not by whim, but by His written covenant, holding everyone accountable to His established moral order.

4a) Stealing and swearing falsely by God’s name. Stealing violates the Second Greatest Commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Swearing falsely violates the First Greatest Commandment:“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.”

By targeting these two specific sins, the vision declares judgment on those who fail to love God (the vertical relationship) and those who fail to love people (the horizontal relationship), effectively covering the entire Law.

b) Three details communicate this pervasiveness:

  1. The Size: The scroll is enormous (30×15 feet), implying sin is a massive, undeniable reality that cannot be ignored.

  2. The Scope: It flies “over the face of the whole land,” showing that judgment covers the entire community, not just a few bad apples.

  3. The Intrusion: It enters “the house” and consumes “timber and stones,” showing that the curse penetrates private life and destroys the very structure of existence.

5)

The vision of the flying scroll reveals the inescapable nature of God’s law and the inevitability of judgment, pointing directly to our need for a Savior.

  • Universal Guilt (Romans 3:10-12): The scroll flies over the “whole land,” showing that no one is exempt. The law exposes that “there is none righteous, no, not one,” leaving humanity helpless under the curse.

  • The Curse Taken (Galatians 3:13): The scroll represents a “curse” that consumes the sinner. Christ redeems us by becoming a curse for us, hanging on the cross to absorb the judgment that the flying scroll threatened against us.

  • The Exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21): The scroll demanded perfection we didn’t have. Christ takes our “filthy garments” (sin) and gives us His righteousness, silencing the law’s accusation so we are no longer consumed.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

Great lesson on how we are all accountable to God for our sins and will pay the just consequences for them, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

The 6th and 7th visions concern God’s judgment of sin and His determination to remove sin’s corruption from the land.

Fun Fact: The dimensions of the scroll were the same as the dimensions of the porch of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:3).

Scrolls are seen in the Bible when a judgment is pronounced.

The two sins were from different sides of the Ten Commandment tablets. Therefore, they represent all of the sins of God’s people.  God will judge all of sin. Those who committed these sins would be cursed and so would their house.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 5:1-4 (The Vision of the Flying Scroll) is a message about divine cleaning house.

  • The Object: Zechariah sees a massive flying scroll (approx. 30×15 feet), open for all to read. This represents the Law of God, specifically the Ten Commandments.

  • The Curse: The scroll is a “curse that goes out over the face of the whole land.” It targets two specific sins:

    • Thieves (Stealing): Violation of the 8th Commandment (sins against neighbors).

    • Perjurers (Swearing falsely by God’s name): Violation of the 3rd Commandment (sins against God).

  • The Infiltration: Unlike human police who can be evaded, this curse is supernatural. It “enters the house” of the sinner, ignoring locked doors.

  • The Destruction: It does not just punish the person; it consumes the “timber and stones” of their house. This signifies total eradication of the ill-gotten gain and the legacy built on it.

Conclusion

God will not tolerate hidden sin in the new community. While the earlier visions promised comfort and rebuilding, this vision warns that the new Temple community must be holy. God is actively purging corruption, ensuring that those who exploit neighbors or misuse His name cannot hide behind closed doors.

Best New Year Gifts!

https://amzn.to/4pf3rlP

https://amzn.to/44xO4ww

https://amzn.to/4iCPc7Z

https://amzn.to/3K8Dt4n

https://amzn.to/48qJKQN

https://amzn.to/3KDxUee

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Contact me today!

photo of sickle www.atozmomm.com bsf revelation

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 14:1-5

John saw the Lamb on Mount Zion, and 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. He heard a sound from heaven. They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

3a) John saw the Lamb on Mount Zion, and 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. He heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song.

b) The 144,000 had the Lamb’s name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. The song they sang in heaven no one else could learn except them who had been redeemed from earth. They also did not defile themselves with women and were virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

4) They were chosen by God to be saved and they believed in the sacrifice of Jesus as their Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.

5a) We are God’s as the Holy Spirit dwells within our bodies. How we behave, think, and speak reflects the character of Jesus. We walk in Christ’s ways. We should offer praise and gratitude to the Lord. We live in righteousness and truth. We live with Jesus’ mindset. They humble themselves and put others and their interests first. We are to do everything without grumbling and arguing. We confess our sins and are purified when we do so.

b) Speech. I am quick to speak without thinking. Behavior sometimes. Putting others first. In general, just being Jesus-like.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is one of my favorite Bible verses. We are God’s, and we are to do everything for God and honor Him in every way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

144,000 is 12 x 12 x 1000. Bible scholars disagree on who they actually are. Some say this is an actual number; others say they represent all Jewish believers. They could also refer to martyrs.

This is the same group referred to in  Revelation 7, believers given a seal of protection. Here, they are not defeated and are triumphant, worshipping the Lord with Jesus.

New songs are not often seen in Scripture, but when they are, they celebrate a great act of God.

Mount Zion is the place where Jesus will come and reign on earth after the Second Coming. Mount Zion can also refer to God’s people in general.

They belong to the Lord (as the mark shows).

The sound from heaven is the voice of God (other translations say ‘voice’). (Revelation 1:15 and 4:5)

The elders have harps  Revelation 5:8

The virginity shows they are spiritually pure. Yet, they probably are celibate. (1 Corinthians 7:25-35). They are Jewish believers (Revelation 7:4-8). They were redeemed to be firstfruits. They represent hope.

Useful New Year’s Gifts

https://amzn.to/4093ky0

https://amzn.to/4iPcB5M

https://amzn.to/4iJYkaq

https://amzn.to/4iRrUec

https://amzn.to/4guz3Q8

https://amzn.to/3DtHUTn

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Contact me today!

snow scene www.atozmomm.com bsf john

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 14:15-17

Jesus tells the disciples they will receive the Holy Spirit (an advocate) that will live inside them.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

3) They all work together for our good, to bring us closer to God.

4a) Advocate — someone who recommends and supports you or your cause. An advisor, defender, mediator, and intercessor.

Spirt of Truth — The Holy Spirit who allows us to understand God’s spiritual truths and guide us towards spiritual truth.

b) Right now, the disciples cannot understand the Holy Spirit because it has not been given yet (not until after Jesus’ death). After Jesus’ death, the disciples will receive the Holy Spirit inside of them and it will live inside of them, and then they will be able to understand the Holy Spirit.

5) That it exists at all!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

I love how Jesus loves us enough to prepare us and to give us gifts, such as a guide for life. How amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

Loving Jesus is keeping his commandments. It’s action.

Obedience comes out of love. Disobedience can be from a lack of love.

This is Jesus’ 2nd assurance he gives to the disciples: that he will give them a helper (Holy Spirit).

The Holy Spirit will abide with us permanently.

Jesus was already with them. The Holy Spirit would then be in them.

Contact me today!

Best New Year’s Gifts

https://amzn.to/3S8bina

https://amzn.to/48KmPym https://amzn.to/3RPVnID https://amzn.to/3HaNKb0 https://amzn.to/3NXm1yf

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 19 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

3a) Isaiah 1:1-15; Isaiah 3:1-4:1: Rebelled against God. They are corrupt. They have forsaken the Lord and turned their backs on Him. Their offerings are meaningless. Their hands are full of blood. Their words and deeds are against the Lord. They parade their sin like Sodom.

The elders and leaders of his people:
“It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
    the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
15 What do you mean by crushing my people
    and grinding the faces of the poor?”
6 The Lord says,

    “The women of Zion are haughty,
walking along with outstretched necks,
    flirting with their eyes,
strutting along with swaying hips,
    with ornaments jingling on their ankles.

Chapters 28-31: Their hearts are far from God. Their worship of God is based on merely human rules they have been taught/ They sought the protection of Egypt. Chapter 28’s sins are because the people are wicked and self-reliant. They rely on Egypt and go to Egypt.

b) Isaiah 1:24-25; 5; 7:18-25; 39:5-7: God will turn His hand against you;[a] I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. God will destroy Judah and the people. They will be desolate.  Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the Euphrates River—the king of Assyria—to shave your head and private parts, and to cut off your beard also. There will be only briers and thorns instead of vineyards. The people will be carried off to Babylon.

4a) Isaiah 1:16-17:

  1. Wash 
  2. Make yourselves clean.
  3. Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
  4.  Stop doing wrong.
  5. 17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
  6.   Defend the oppressed.[a]
  7. Take up the cause of the fatherless;
  8.  Plead the case of the widow.

b) Isaiah 1:18-20: God makes people’s sins white and pure. If people are willing and obedient, they will prosper. If they resist and rebel, they will be devoured by the sword.

5a) The messages might have encouraged them and offered them hope because God will take care of them and punish them.

b) God is just. He is faithful. God defends His people. God cares for His people.

6) God always puts me where He wants me, even if it’s in difficult spots or circumstances. I am to grow with Him during these times.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

We see God’s mercy will ultimately end when it’s time to face the piper.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 19, Day 2: Selected Passages From Isaiah 1-39

God fulfills His promises one way or another. He warns His people over and over again, in mercy giving them time to repent. When God has had enough, He gives out consequences, which are devastating.

God uses other nations to enact His judgment on His people.

God offers to cleans us through the blood of Jesus. All we have to do (and all Judah had to do) was to surrender to God and obey. Seems simple but how many people turn from God in the face of this choice?

Yet, there is hope in Christ. There is always hope.

Contact me today!

Best Winter Gift Ideas

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

greatest in the kingdom of heaven matthew 18 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 18:1-5

The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a child to him and said whoever humbles himself like children is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and they have to become like children to enter heaven. Whoever welcomes a little child like this child becomes like Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

3) The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus used a child as a visual example.

4) They change and become like children.

5a) Whoever humbles himself like a child is true greatness. That whoever serves others, namely God, rather than himself is great.

b) Most of the world honors those who do great things, not those who serve others with no expectation of reward. They honor self-sufficiency, not dependence.

c) In many ways with my family and others. It’s hard because we want to think highly of ourselves and never admit we are wrong.

6) This is a tough one since I don’t mingle with others all that much. Co-workers at work.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

I love how Jesus uses concrete examples, such as a child, to make his point. It makes it easier for us to understand and know what to do.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

This teaching took place as the disciples and Jesus were walking to Capernaum. They were arguing which one of them was the greatest. The disciples were probably hoping Jesus would pick one of them as the greatest Luke 9:46.

Obviously, Jesus is the greatest. However, he is answering the question by pointing to the nature of a child instead.

Children in ancient times held little to no value until they grew up. Their opinion did not matter, and they were virtually ignored by others. They were raised to work and help their parents. However, children have not yet learned to be full of pride. They are utterly dependent on their parents for everything. Jesus not only gives value to children here, but he teaches how we are to be with God — totally reliant upon Him.

To humble yourself is to put yourself below someone else. This is Jesus’s point. You must put yourself beneath God to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Plus, how you treat others shows how much you love Jesus. Coming in Jesus’s name means your heart belongs to Jesus.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jacob agrees to work for rachel for 7 years genesis 29 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 29:15-20:

Laban asks Jacob after a month what his wages were be (in sum, what he actually wants and why he is here). Jacob responds that he will work 7 years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Leah was the older daughter, she is described as having weak eyes, while Rachel is lovely in form and beautiful. The time flew for Jacob so in love was he.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

6) Apparently Jacob was working for Laban for free.

7a) It taught him patience to have what he wants, and it’s a fair price for his work.

b) Jacob could have offered to pay Laban; instead, he works for what he wants, which is the opposite today in this world of instant gratification

8a) Proverbs says God disciplines those He loves for His reasons and their good. Romans 8:28 is the famous verse of all things work for your good. James tells us that we are tested to develop perseverance. Peter tells us that grief proves our faith to be genuine and results in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed. We are filled with joy becaues of our faith.

b) Stay the course. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep following His lead despite the hardships and the setbacks.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

I think Jacob’s mistake is not leaving as soon as he could, like Abraham’s servant did with Rebekah. It gave Laban time to plot.

man in desert www.atozmomm.com

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

While on the surface, Laban seems to be generous, he’s seen the good work Jacob could do and wants to see what Jacob wants in exchange for continued work.

Bible scholars debate what Leah’s eyes being weak or delicate actually mean. Does it mean she has a problem with her vision? Does it mean she has no life to them like her sister? Is it just a nice way to say she wasn’t pretty? Either way, we can guess that if Rachel is more beautiful than Leah that there was a sibling rivalry between the two.

Jacob offers to work for 7 years for Rachel as a dowry. This is over-the-top generous, which was probably his downfall. It showed how much he really wanted Rachel, which Laban would exploit next. Yet it shows his love for her. He was willing to wait. This is a long time in today’s culture and rare is this “I want it now” culture seen today. Time flew for him too.

We can surmise that Jacob and Rachel probably did not see each other much. First, in these times and culture, women did not spend time with men and were often relegated to the home, whereas the men worked the fields. Second, there were no date nights back there. Social propriety was strictly enforced to ensure no one questioned the woman’s purity. However, since both were shepherds, they could have spent some time together and got to know each other more.

Jacob is now 77 years old at this time and he kept sheep for Laban Hos. 12:12 Rachel was very young, maybe even barely marriageable age, which may be another reason Jacob wanted to wait.

jacob meets rachel in paddan aram www.atozmomm.com genesis 29

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 29:1-14:

Jacob arrives at Paddan Aram, the land fo the eastern peoples. He saw a well where flocks of sheep were gathered. All the shephards would roll the stone away when it was time to water the sheep and then replace it. Rachel, who was a shepherdess, came to the well to water her flocks. Jacob moved the store for her so her flocks could drink. He told Rachel as he wept for joy that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. She ran to tell Laban, her father. Laban rushed out to meet Jacob, embracing him and kissing him.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

3) Jacob stopped by a well that was to water sheep, not people, like Abraham’s servant stopped by. Rebekah did water the servant’s camels for him as Rachel watered (with Jacob’s help) her father’s sheep. Abraham’s servant prayed at the well for God’s sign. Jacob moved the stone to help Rachel. Laban hurried out to meet Abraham’s servant as he did Jacob as well and welcomed him.

4) Providence is “the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power, or timely preparation for future eventualities.” Divine providence is God’s intervention in the universe, God’s guidance or God’s care of the world and all that is in it.” God is orchestrating the meeting of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob stops at a shepherd’s well, and Rachel is a shepheress. She comes to water her flocks when Jacob is there. He helps her, and he finds the family of his mother as he was seeking.

5) He has led me to a new home. Hoping for new opportunities this year with my writing. God has provided all I need faithfully in these tough times.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

Granted the world population in ancient times is a fraction of what it is today, but it still amazes me how easily people find each other in the Bible without cell phones, roads, or any sort of technology. God most definitely guides, that’s for sure.

map of jacob fleeing to haran www.atozmomm.com genesis 28End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

Providence brought Jacob to the exact place he needed to be. In an age before navigation, this was, indeed, a miracle. Covering the well helped to preserve water from evaporation in this desert region. It may have been to prevent theft of water since water was so precious. Laban probably suspected that Jacob had a lot of money since he knew his father was wealthy, which explains his eagerness to meet Jacob.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Abraham had his servant swear not to get a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites but from his country and his relatives.  Abraham said not to take Isaac back to his fatherland and that God would send an angel before him to find the wife.

Questions:

3a)  In every way.  God will make his descendants as numerous as the stars.  They will take possession of the cities and all nations will be bless because of Abraham. (Genesis 22:16-18)

b)  From Psalm:  Blessed are those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 2:12).  Blessed is the man who does not walk with in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  Blessed are those who delight in the Lord and who meditates on the law.

Psalm 37:  They will inherit the land; He makes his steps firm;  man will not fall for the Lord upholds him in His hand.

Malachi:  God throws open the floodgates of blessings when the tithe is brought.

Ephesians: Blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  With my sweet babies and my husband being home for a stretch of time.  With my band.  With my friend whom I saw a movie with.  With job opportunities.  Maybe for a way for me to do something outside the home.  Options for schools.  Nice park weather.  Food, clothing, shelter.  My dog.  Many more.

4a)  By directing his children (Isaac) to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just so that the Lord will bring about what He has promised to Abraham.  By getting a wife not of foreign birth who would know the One, True God.

b)  Finding one from the Canaanites because of they were pagan worshippers.  And having Isaac go back to the “home” country from where Abraham came from.  Isaac had to stay to fulfill God’s desires for man.

c)  Our number one priority is to raise our children to know the Lord.  He must be first in their lives.  We must raise them to follow God’s laws and not the ways and laws of the world.  They must strive to be more like Jesus every day of their lives and to do what he would do.

5)  He makes sure his son has the right wife pleasing to God.  He keeps his son in the Promised Land so he and his descendants can inherit it.  He shows his servant that the Lord will guide him in his quest.

Conclusions:  Surprisingly, I did like 3c.  It’s always good to remember our blessings because so often we forget them in the humdrum of life.  It was a good exercise to write them down so we do realize we are incredibly blessed even when we don’t feel blessed at all.

The blessings God has for us are innumerable and it would behoove us to remember that (me at least).

Great reminders on responsibilities we have as parents to raise our kids right.  This goal can easily get lost in the day-to-day caretakings of our children whose needs are immediate.  Great prayer to start the day with!