Tag: bsf lesson 21 day 3

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 21, Day 3: Zechariah 10

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

Summary of Zechariah 10

The Lord will care for His people, Judah, bringing rain. The Lord will be with His people as they punish their enemies. God will strengthen Judah, gather them, and save them. He will redeem them.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 21 Day 3: Zechariah 10

6) The Promise: God guarantees abundant provision (“showers of rain”) if the people ask Him. He promises to intervene personally, visiting His neglected flock and transforming them from wandering sheep into His “majestic horse in battle.”

The Warning: He warns that idols and diviners speak lies and give “false comfort,” causing the people to wander. Consequently, God declares His burning anger against the “shepherds” (leaders) responsible for this spiritual directionlessness.

7a) “The Cornerstone” (Daniel 2:34, Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23, Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:4-5): Reveals Him as the foundational rock on which God’s kingdom is built, crushing opposing kingdoms.

“The Tent Peg” (Isaiah 22:23-24): Reveals Him as the secure anchor who bears the weight of God’s house and glory, holding everything together firmly.

“The Battle Bow”: a strong fighter for good (Isaiah 63:1-4, Revelation 19:11-16).

“Every Ruler”: (Revelation 19:16).

b)

  • They will become like “mighty men” in battle, trampling the enemy and putting horsemen to shame because the Lord is with them (v. 5).

  • God promises to strengthen “Judah” (South) and save “Joseph” (North), reuniting the divided kingdom and restoring them as if He had never rejected them (v. 6).

  • He will “whistle” for them to gather from exile in Egypt and Assyria, bringing them back until the land (Gilead and Lebanon) is overflowing with people (vv. 8–10).

  • Just as in the first Exodus, God promises to pass through the “sea of trouble” and strike down the waves, humbling the pride of the nations that held them captive (v. 11).

  • The final promise is one of identity: “I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will walk” (v. 12).

8a) The Lord is our defender and our provider. He strengthens us to overcome obstacles in our lives. He restores us. He has compassion on us. He never rejects us. He gathers us. He brings us back to Him. He is our everything.

b) I’m looking to make a career move and am wondering what He has for me. I pray He is helping guide me in these trying times and allowing me peace and solace through it all.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 21, Day 3: Zechariah 10

I loved the circling of the “I’s.” It just shows us how much God loves us and all that He does for us, day in and day out. He is amazing.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 21, Day 3: Zechariah 10

If you ask for rain, the Lord will provide.

Latter rains are spring rains.

There is no help from idols or diviners (or those who tell the future). The people had no leaders, which is why they were relying on these diviners.

Nevertheless, God would transform His people from sheep to war horses, ready for battle. They will defeat their enemies.

Their shepherd would be Jesus!

God will strengthen His people (all the tribes of Judah) and bring them joy.

God will gather His people  (Deuteronomy 30:1-6, Jeremiah 23:1-8, Jeremiah 32:37-41, Ezekiel 11:16-20, Ezekiel 36:16-28) and defeat their enemies, so they can walk in freedom.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation of Zechariah 10

This chapter focuses on the source of true blessing and the restoration of God’s people from scattered exiles to a unified, powerful nation.

  • True Source vs. False Comfort (vv. 1–2): The chapter opens with a command to seek provision (“rain”) from God, contrasting Him with household gods (idols) that offer lies. Because human leadership failed, leaving the people wandering like sheep without a shepherd, God announces He will step in to punish the bad leaders and care for the flock Himself.

  • The Flock Becomes a Warhorse (vv. 3–7): God promises to transform His timid flock into a “majestic steed in battle.” From the house of Judah will come the key figures of stability and strength: the Cornerstone (foundation) and the Tent Peg (security). God empowers them to tread down enemies, signaling victory for both Judah (South) and Ephraim (North).

  • The Second Exodus (vv. 8–12): God signals (whistles) for His people to return from exile in “Egypt” and “Assyria.” He promises to dry up the deep waters—just as He did at the Red Sea—to remove all obstacles to their return, strengthening them to “walk in His name.”

Conclusion

Restoration requires reliance. The passage concludes that God is the only provider of both physical needs (rain) and national security. By personally gathering the scattered exiles and removing the barriers to their return, God demonstrates that when His people rely on Him rather than false idols, He transforms their weakness into divine strength.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 21, Day 3: Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-20

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

Summary of Romans 1:18-32

God is angry at the sins of mankind. He made it plain through Creation that He exists, yet many turn from Him. So, God gave them over to their sinful desires, lust, and depraved mind.  They have no understanding of God and His ways.

Summary of Romans 3:10-20

All of humanity has turned from God, and they do not fear Him. The law shows us our sins, and God forgives our sins and allows us to be righteous through the blood of Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 21, Day 3: Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-20

5) Evil, sinful, prideful, full of lust, depraved, greedy, envious, murderous, strife, deceit, malice, and more. I see this a lot in my own life when I have to push down my own sinful and selfish desires and choose God instead.

6) We deserve God’s wrath and death because we turn from God willfully, ignore His forgiveness, and choose evil over Him.

7) No one really wants to admit that they are evil at heart and only want to make themselves happy even at the expense of others. It’s hard to say, “I’m evil.” No one wants to face consequences for this, either. Everyone wants to be in control with no one telling them what to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 21, Day 3: Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-20

These passages are hard to digest because humanity’s tendency is to reject God. Thank Him every day for his mercy to bring our evil hearts to Him!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 21, Day 3: Romans 1:18-32; 3:10-20

Without God and His mercy, this world would be utter chaos with no law and order.

God gives us something to live for and gives us hope that we can overcome our innate evil desires and do good in this world.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 21, Day 3: John 16:8-11

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

Summary of John 16:8-11

When the Holy Spirit comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 21, Day 3: John 16:8-11

6a) John 3:19-21: Light exposes evil deeds, and those in the light live by the truth of the Holy Spirit that exposes sin/darkness.

Romans 3:23: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The Holy Spirit reveals our sins, so we can ask for forgiveness.

b) Isaiah 64:6: All of us are unclean due to our sins, and the Holy Spirit reveals to us our own uncleanliness.

Romans 3:19-20: The law makes us conscious of our sin, and we are cleansed though Jesus, whom the Holy Spirit reveals to us.

c) John 3:36: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us.

Ephesians 2:1-3: Everyone deserves judgment due to our sins, but the Holy Spirit works inside believers to show us Jesus.

7a) Only the Holy Spirit allows us to discern truths and see the light of the Gospel. Unbelievers are blind.

b) I know God will do the work to change hearts; all I have to do is the sharing.

c) My step mom. Pray for her.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 21, Day 3: John 16:8-11

The Holy Spirit allows us to know God’s word and to know right from wrong.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 21, Day 3: John 16:8-11

Conviction of sin is rejection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit leads us to belief in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins.

The Holy Spirit shows the righteousness of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit shows us that there will be a reckoning or judgement of others who don’t believe in Christ as their Savior.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

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

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 52:13-53:12

Jesus (the servant) will act wisely. He will be raised, lifted up, and exalted. His appearance was disfigured.

Jesus was despised. He had no beauty of majesty. Nothing in his appearance that we should desire.

Yet, he bore our suffering. He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities. He suffered our punishment that brought us peace. By his wounds we are healed.

We’ve gone astray and turned away.

Yet, Jesus was slaughtered like a lamb for us. It was God’s will this happen, the servant our sin offering. Jesus will be great.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

6a) Jesus (the servant) will act wisely. He will be raised, lifted up, and exalted. His appearance was disfigured. Jesus was despised. He had no beauty of majesty. Nothing in his appearance that we should desire. Yet, he bore our suffering.

b) Just as there were many who were appalled at him[b]—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so he will sprinkle many nations,[c]
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.

He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

7a) Jesus willingly suffered for my sins. He died and was punished because of me. He brought me peace with God.

b) There are powerful verbs here: pierced, crushed, despised, rejected, oppressed, afflicked, slaughtered. Jesus, who was sinless, suffered terrible pain for our sins. It shows me the depth of the love that Christ holds for me, which is hard to comprehend.

8a) It’s really quite simple: Jesus bore our sins and died for us. He was arrrested; he stood trial; he was forsaken; he was convicted; he was mocked; he was crucified.

b) God always (and still does) have a plan for all of humanity and for me who plays a role in humanity. He wanted his people to know that the ulitmate home was coming; that God would save all.

9) Dear Lord. Thank you for having a plan, for bringing that plan to fruition to save the world, and for having a plan for the future when we’ll all worship you here on earth. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice of your son for us. We are so blessed, so in awe of you. We humbly worship you. Thank you. Amen

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

I love how God is so good to reveal His plans to us. So humbling what Jesus did that it’s hard to put into words.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 21, Day 3: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

This is Servant Song #4.

Matthew 8:16-17 says that this passage is Jesus.

Jesus will be exalted, but he will suffer. He was beaten so badly that he was disfigured.

His work will cleanse many nations (sprinkling often means cleansing from sin as seen in the Old Testatment (Exodus 24:8, Leviticus 3:8, Numbers 19:21, Ezekiel 36:25).

Jesus appeared as you and I do. He was normal. Jesus knew grief and was rejected because of it. People withdrew from him.

He bore our sins. We have gone astray and need Jesus. Jesus died for us as was God’s plan.

Jesus willingly died; he offered no resistance.

Jesus will be rewarded for his work Philippians 2:10-11

We now can be with God forever.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 21, Day 3: Genesis 32:9-21

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 32:9-21:

Jacob prayed to God to save him from Esau. He praises God and admits how unworthy he is. Jacob then reminds God of His promise and covenant to preserve him and his family. He sent gifts of animals ahead to meet Esau in an effort to pacify him.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 21, Day 3: Genesis 32:9-21

6) He calls God the God of Abraham and Isaac. He praises God and admits how unworthy he is. Jacob then reminds God of His promise and covenant to preserve him and his family. I love reminding God of His promises in prayer.

7) He sent gifts of animals ahead to meet Esau in an effort to pacify him.

8 ) His prayer to God praises God, admits how unworthy he is, admits his fears, and reminds God of His promises to him. He also is giving Esau many gifts as well

9) Fear of the unknown. Praying and reading my Bible helps.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 21, Day 3: Genesis 32:9-21

I love Jacob’s prayer here. It’s an example for all of us to follow:

  1. Humbly call upon God
  2. Tell God how unworthy you are
  3. Ask him for what you want in faith He will answer
  4. Remind Him of his promises. Powerful stuff here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 21, Day 3: Genesis 32:9-21

Jacob’s gifts can be seen as ways to earn favor or to bribe his brother not to harm him. Still, it’s a big improvement from stealing his brother’s birthright. Jacob is still trying to use human means to save himself here when it is always God who saves us. Instead of going out ahead to meet his brother, he waits, hoping his gifts will placate.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 21, Day 3: Genesis 25:27-34 with Hebrews 12:11-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Genesis 25:27-34:  Esau became a hunter while Jacob stayed home.  Isaac loved Esau while Rebekah loved Jacob more.  Esau sold his birthright for a meal, implying he despised his birthright.

Hebrews 12:11-17:  Discipline is never pleasant but it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.  Strengthen yourself.  Make every effort to live in peace with others and be holy so those others will see the Lord in you.  Make sure trouble is not sown and bitterness nor sexual immorality or godlessness like Esau because you weren’t holy.  Because Esau could not inherit his blessing after he had rejected it.

Questions:

5a)  Because Esau would bring Isaac wild game.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  It’s hard to say since this is all that is recorded of Isaac’s love.  Based off of what we know, superficially.  If that is the only real reason Isaac played favorites, then it would have saddened God (as it does us).  He probably didn’t approve of the rationale but we are human.  We all play favorites whether we admit it or not.  It’s what we do when we know we have a favorite that matters.

c)  Not shown such outward actions.  Shown more love towards the non-favored.  Made their best effort NOT to play favorites and treat each equally.

d)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Same as in c.  It’s hard not to play favorites with your kids.  Shower the others with just as much as you would the favorite.  If the kids recognize the favorite, make extra effort to prove to them as least otherwise.

6)  In this case, you received the promise of Abraham which is having nations bow down to you, be lord over your brothers and all your relatives and others, and may those who despise you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.  Deuteronomy says the firstborn should receive a double share and is the sign of his father’s strength.  God’s mercy and grace to bless those whom He chooses.

[NOTE:  I think this is a typo in the passages.  It should probably be Romans 9:14-15 but I would read all of Romans 9 for Esau and Jacob are mentioned specifically from 8-18.]

7a)  No

b)  Highly unlikely.  Abraham is rich and had many servants.  I’m sure one of them was cooking something at that exact time as well.  Snacks?  I’m sure there were some snacks lying around.  Or I’m sure Esau could have made his own food or ate some leftovers or something.  This is why he despised his birthright.  He took the easy way out.

c)  He despised it.  He didn’t care enough.  He let his immediate needs of hunger supercede his birthright.  Seriously?  If that’s not disdain, I’m not sure what is.

d)  God knew all along the choice Esau would made and that’s why He chose Jacob as the worthy one to carry on the Promise.  Esau is called “godless” in Hebrews 12:16.  God Himself even says He hated Esau and He turned Esau’s mountains into wasteland and left Esau’s inheritance to the jackals (Malachi 1:3).  This passage is repeated in Romans 9:13 by Paul.

Lessons learned:  God knows our heart and He will give us what we deserve.  As Romans says, all things are through God’s mercy and compassion, not our effort (Romans 9:15-16).  Esau was not worthy of the birthright even though it was his right by birth so God took it from him.  We must be worthy in God’s eyes to receive His blessing.  We must have a heart for God and not for ourselves.  We must make choices in line with God’s Will and Word.  We must seek Him and not our fickle needs.  God’s needs.  Not ours.

Conclusions:  I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be “hated” by God like Esau was.  Can you imagine?  We’re told as little kids not to hate anyone.  But God hated.  So are we allowed to as well?

Well “hate” in this context is really “reject”.  God “loved” or “chose” Jacob.  He rejected Esau.  Our human emotions are not the same for God.

I think hate though doesn’t correlate with forgiveness and compassion.  We can hate someone but still forgive their wrongs towards us and show them compassion when the occasion arises.  But we don’t have to like them or approve of them.  For God still blessed Esau who became the father of the Edomites (Genesis 33:9, 36) despite his hard heart.  As we must do as well.  Feelings are different than knowledge of God’s will.  Great lesson for me!

Great explanation of God’s love and hate HERE

I also like the favoritism lesson for, admittedly, I favor my son over my girls.  Because he’s the youngest.  I did this with all my babies before the other one came along.  But I am conscious of it and I try with all my might to hide that from my kids and shower my girls with extra attention.  For I love all of them more than myself.  And I bet over time as my son becomes less needy this will change.

END NOTE:  Please read Romans 9.  I think this lesson will have greater value for you and you’ll see more of what BSF is trying to teach you if you do.

FINAL END NOTE:  See?  I did get something out of this lesson, didn’t I (referring to my doubts from YESTERDAY)? So just keep plugging away.  God will show you what you need.