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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

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

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

7)

Jeremiah 2:5-6; 3:19-20: God’s people followed worthless idols and therefore became worthless themselves. They no longer sought the Lord. Instead, the people were unfaithful even when God gave them everything.

Jeremiah 4:6; 6:1: God is bringing destruction from the north.

Jeremiah 10:17-18: God will bring distress on His people. They will be captured and forced to leave the land.

Jeremiah 25:8-14: I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy[a] them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

12 “But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians,[b] for their guilt,” declares the Lord, “and will make it desolate forever. 13 I will bring on that land all the things I have spoken against it, all that are written in this book and prophesied by Jeremiah against all the nations. 14 They themselves will be enslaved by many nations and great kings; I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands.”

8a)

Jeremiah 4:19-21: Jeremiah is distraught, in anguish. He must speak.

Jeremiah 9:1: Jeremiah cries for his people.

Jeremiah 10:23-25: Jeremiah pleads for God’s people. He asks God to pour out His wrath on other nations that do not acknowledge Him.

Jeremiah 15:16-18a: Jeremiah loved God’s word. He sat alone sometimes becuase of his obedience to God. Jeremiah was angry at being the bearer of bad news. He was in pain and did not know when it would end. He wondered about God’s goodness and power.

b) It bothers me, but it’s impossible to linger on or you will be like Jeremiah and let it consume you. I pray about it, and let God do the rest.

c) Lord, let me see those who need you and your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me pray over them to find you and to be open to you. Let me see what you see. Let me help who you want me to help. Let me be more like you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

I can’t imagine the burden that Jeremiah felt with his calling in life. To be the bearer of bad news, the one no one likes and the one everyone hates is tough. It was definitely by the will of God, that’s for sure.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 3: Select Passages From Jeremiah

God’s people are so ungrateful for what He has done for them that they dismiss Him. This has to pull at God’s heart.

Therefore, God will bring judgment.

Jeremiah is grieved for his people. He pleads with God for mercy and to judge the Babylonians for their evil, too.

Jeremiah feels alone sometimes because of his obedience, calling from God, and faithfulness to God. How many of us feel that way, too?

Jeremiah points out the people’s sins, tells them judgment is coming and to repent, and gives them hope.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 25:14-30

Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents. A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He gives one man five talents, another two, and another one. The men who received five and two gained more. The man who received one hid his master’s money.

When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.

The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

6a) A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He it entrusting them to use their talents to grow his money while he is away.

b) When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.

The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

c) He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. He basically did not try or do anything while the man was away.

7) Don’t waste what God has given you. Use your talents to grow His kingdom.

8 ) Unsure. I always ask myself this, as I do think I have gifts. Writing is one of them. Perseverance. Drive. Tenacity.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

Such a harsh penalty is you don’t use the gifts and talents that God has given you in order to do His work. Something to think about in your own life, that’s for sure. The Olivet Discourse is so rich that it’s great to dive into.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

A talent was worth about $1,200 in today’s terms, which was a lot for back then. We get our word “talent” from this parable, which is a gift given to you by others.

Each person in the kingdom of heaven is given a certain number of gifts and talents to serve God. We can either waste those opportunities or talents or use them to further His kingdom.

The good servants used what they had to gain more. The other servant did absolutely nothing with the money.

The reward matched what they were given. He called them good and faithful because of it. There is also a place of joy — some Bible scholars say even heaven — as a reward.

Note the lazy servant tried to come up with excuses as to why he didn’t grow the money. He thought his master didn’t need his help and would be pleased that he did not lose the money.

The lazy servant faced condemnation. He could have done something, but instead he chose to do nothing.

The Old Testament did not allow Israelites to charge interest when money was leant to other Israelites  (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 23:19; cf. Psalm 15:5. However, if the money involved Gentiles, it was permitted.(Deuteronomy 23:20)

The servant was not a true servant and thus was thrown out of the master’s house.

The master represents Jesus. The time between his departure and return may represent the time between his First and Second Coming. The different amounts represents how humans today are given different talents and abilities for Jesus.

We are all called to invest the treasure God has entrusted to us to build his kingdom and bear fruit. Jesus will return to accomplish his plan. Everything that happens is purposeful and good.

Theme of the Parable of the Talents:  our readiness for Jesus’ return is seen by our stewardship of the resources and talents He has given us.

Readiness is doing God’s work. So, are you ready?

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 3: Genesis 41:33-57

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 41:33-57:

Joseph advised Pharaoh to look for a discerning and wise man to be put in charge of the land of Egypt. Commissioners should be put in charge of the land to take 1/5 of the harvest during the years of abundance and store it for the years of famine. Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge, second only to him in all of Egypt, for this plan. Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, gave him clothes, and a gold chain. He had him ride in a chariot as his second in command. He was put in charge of all of Egypt.

Pharaoh gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him an Egyptian wife, the daugther of Potiphera, a priest of On.

Joseph was 30 when this happened. He traveled throughout the land, saving the grain as planned. He had so much grain saved that he stopped keeping track as he could no longer measure it. Joseph had two sons, Manasseh, meaning forget, and Ephraim, meaing twice fruitful. When the famine hit, Egypt was prepared. They sold grain to the people of Egypt and to other coutnries who had no stored up food.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 3: Genesis 41:33-57

7) Joseph advised Pharaoh to look for a discerning and wise man to be put in charge of the land of Egypt. Commissioners should be put in charge of the land to take 1/5 of the harvest during the years of abundance and store it for the years of famine. Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge, second only to him in all of Egypt, for this plan.

8 ) God is preparing all of us for His purposes in life. Trusting in the Lord always is the key to peace as we find His purpose for our lives.

9) I’m so bad at these broad questions. Again, I have no specifics, but, in general, prayer has gotten me through a lot and my drive to keep on, keeping on.

10) I have faith that everything is in God’s plan. Although we are struggling financially right now, we are confident this is what God wants for our lives moving forward, and in the end, it will all work out. Because Romans 8:28 assures me everything is for Him and my good to be like Jesus.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 3: Genesis 41:33-57

I had forgotten that it was Joseph/God who advised Pharaoh what to do. Love that.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 3: Genesis 41:33-57

Other translations say “perish” instead of ruined. Perish is a much better translation here because it tells of the seriousness of the coming famine. If nothing were done, many people would likely perish. This is a much stronger word than merely ruined.

One-fifth of the food would be a big chunk of people’s food. But sacrifices had to be made so that survival would come out the other side. Some Bible scholars speculate that this could be up to 20% of the food from families, instead of the normal 10%.

The key would be someone who could coordinate and organize this monumental effort to save the people of Egypt. And who has been training in administration almost his entire life AND has God at his back?

Note that “the Spirit of God” here mentioned by Pharaoh is the Holy Spirit. You may have missed this like I did when I first read it.

Fun Fact: This is the first time in the Bible the Holy Spirit is seen coming to humans.

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Joseph’s Rise

Joseph had to have been shocked that Pharaoh chooses him to not only coordinate this life-saving effort, but also to have no one above him on earth except Pharaoh. Joseph, who mere moments before, was a slave, is now insanely powerful.

Yet, this was years in the making, designed by God, and promoted/exalted by God alone (Psalm 75:6-7).

The success you have in life is from God alone. Even your efforts of hard work, determination, perseverence, and more are from God. He alone grants you life, abilities, and talents to use for His glory. And as you advance in life, you rely more on Jesus who himself rose from nothing to be the almighty King.

Joseph would now be showered with wealth and gifts. He had Pharaoh’s authority as demonstrated by Pharaoh’s ring. He had beautiful clothes, gold chains, and chariots. He even was given a beautiful Egyptian wife who was high-born. Joseph has total authority over everyone except Pharaoh. Anyone see Jesus here?

Joseph is Given a New Name

Egyptians did not like Hebrews. Plus, Joseph was a slave. He had to be given a new identity in order to be respected. Pharaoh gave him an Egyptian name and an Egyptian wife to erase his past from others. Some Bible scholars speculate Joseph’s Egyptian name meant “the god speaks and this one lives.” This would be the only wife Joseph took. Yet, Joseph’s sons are given Hebrew names. This shows Joseph did not forget where he came from.

Famine is common in the Middle East. However, it was rare to have a famine that affected both Canaan and Egypt at the same time due to the fact that they depended on different waterways.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 25, Day 3: Genesis 34:13-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Jacob’s sons told Shechem and his father Hamor that they would only give them Dinah if they and all the males became circumcised.  Only then would they agree to give them their daughters and settle among them and become one people. Otherwise, they will leave.

Hamor and Shechem readily agreed, saying once all are circumcised then their livestock, property, and all their animals will become their (so greed is the real reason, not love).

All became circumcised.

However, while all the men were still recovering, Simeon and Levi killed every male in the city, including Hamor and Shechem, and looted the city.  They seized all their livestock, wealth, and women and children.

Jacob chastized them (a bit), saying now they may attack them but the sons defended themselves, asking how they could stand by and have their sister treated like a prostitute.

Questions:

6a)  They made the family “a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites”, who now may retaliate and destroy their entire household.

b)  Circumcision was the covenant given to Abraham by God showing an outward sign of their difference, their special place in this world as God’s chosen people (Genesis 17:9-14).  It is a sacred act, given by God himself to His people.  Hence, the deception is a slap in the face to God.  It is a desecration, a sacrilege against God.  They do not revere God or what is His and really don’t care.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Revenge, plain and simple.  No, not really.  I do hold grudges and contempt for people but I pray through that.

d)  “Do not repay evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody….live at peace with everyone…do not take revenge..but leave room for God’s wrath.”  Feed your enemy instead and allow good to overcome evil.

7a)  They will be scattered in Jacob (Israel or the Promised Land) and not listened to.  Cursed be their anger.

b)  Basically saying should they have stood by and allowed their sister to be treated like a prostitute.  Something had to be done.

8 )  Personal Question.  My answer:  Revenge is God’s to take, not ours.  Revenge only magnifies the wrong and creates more woe and sorrow.  Give it to God and allow Him and His forgiveness to heal your heart.

Conclusions:  No question Simeon and Levi went overboard on the revenge, killing innocent people who had nothing to do with the crime.  Their actions did not fit the crime in any way.  And to top it off they committed sacrilege to accomplish the devil’s work. Pretty sure God wasn’t too happy about that!

It is interesting that greed, NOT love, is the motivating factor as it seems to be throughout history when atrocities are committed.  Again, the use of women to accomplish this goal is very sad and unfortunate.

Notice that Jacob is NOT called Israel here.  Why?  Because his actions are deplorable. Jacob showed no recorded outrage at what happened to Dinah.  Instead, he deferred to his sons.  And when he heard about the murders?  A slight chiding was all Simeon and Levi got.  “Now, now, kids, you shouldn’t have done that.  We’re gonna have to move again.”  Seriously?  That was it??  That was the punishment a father gave his sons???

Jacob’s prophecy does come true:  both tribes are scattered over the Promise Land. However, it is God’s punishment, not Jacob’s.  He is only the messenger here.  Note also we don’t hear much about the Simeonites throughout OT history but we know the Levites were the ones chosen as priests over God’s people.  They stood firm during the Golden Calf debacle (Exodus 32:26-28) and did repent and chose God.  God’s saving grace.

Notes on circumcision:  Circumcision has been around before God gave the covenant to His people.  The Ancient Egyptians practiced circumcision where the earliest recorded use is found.

Interestingly, the highest occurrence of circumcision is amongst Muslims (I didn’t know this) and it’s probably the most common surgical procedure performed today. Approximately one-third of males worldwide are circumcised and the rate stands at 75% in the United States (of the population.  Newborn circumcision rates are only around 55%).  Summarized from Wikipedia.

Like any operation, babies heal faster than adults.  It’s just the way God made us as humans.  Besides the Bible requiring infant circumcision, the health risks are less and it is less painful when performed as an infant.  Babies don’t think about the pain because pain has yet to develop meaning to them.  They inherently recover quickly because they are relatively immobile during the recovery stage.