Today’s Reading: Gen 27:1–46, Matt 20:17–21:22, Eccles 6:5–12
Today’s Theme: Ask in prayer
We learn today that we should not rely on our own plans and power but that we should ask God to guide and provide for us as we serve Him and others in joy. We find true satisfaction in God alone.
Genesis 27:1–46
The folly of hating the Jews
Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” Genesis 27:29 (ESV)
This is why being anti-Jewish (anti-Semitic) is not only sinful but foolish because it is self destructive. This is like the promise God had made to Abraham.
Matthew 20:17–21:22
God was not surprised
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” Matthew 20:18–19 (ESV)
Jesus was very aware of what would happen to Him, none of it came as a surprise. God knows everything, past, present and future… nothing surprises Him or is outside His control. Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection was not a tragedy, it was God’s great victory.
Joyfully serve
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26–28 (ESV)
To lead like Jesus in God’s kingdom, we should joyfully serve God and others from a sincere heart.
True ministry
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. Matthew 21:14 (ESV)
Once Jesus had cleared the temple of the traders (prosperity gospel etc.), then true ministry could take place.
Ask in prayer
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 (ESV)
What an awesome promise! Lord help us not to be swallowed up by pragmatism and our own schemes in getting things done, please help us to ask in prayer and keep on asking in faith until we receive, in accordance with Your good will.
Ecclesiastes 6:5–12
Jesus brings satisfaction
All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied. Ecclesiastes 6:7 (ESV)
We will only find satisfaction in Jesus if our appetite is directed towards Him.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014