“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” (John 6:9 ESV). Andrew brought a young boy to Jesus who had a small and poor lunch, just five barley loaves and two fish. Barley bread was the food of the poor, and the lunch
‘And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”’ (1 Samuel 3:10 ESV). While young Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle he was awakened a fourth time by the voice of the Lord calling him. The first three times he ran to Eli,
“Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy clothed with a linen ephod.” (1 Samuel 2:18 ESV). Even as a young boy, Samuel was serving in the tabernacle, wearing a linen ephod—the garment of a priest. This verse highlights how unique Samuel was, especially when we see him in contrast to Eli’s corrupt sons. Samuel
“This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.” (John 4:54 ESV). John doesn’t simply call Jesus’ miracles “wonders” or “miraculous acts.” He calls them “signs.” A sign has a purpose, it points beyond itself. Road signs don’t exist to be admired but to direct us somewhere.
‘She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me”‘ (Ruth 1:20 ESV). When Naomi returned to her hometown of Bethlehem, the women of that small town hardly recognized her in such a downtrodden and depressed state. They asked one another, “Is this really
“Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel.” (Judges 20:13 ESV). This verse captures a tragic turning point in Israel’s history. The rest of
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15 ESV). Jesus referred to a scene in Numbers 21, when the Israelites were plagued by deadly serpent bites because of their sin. God instructed Moses
“And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” (Judges 16:20 ESV). Samson had grown so used to God’s blessing and power that he took it for granted. Time after time, he had
“And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the young man grew, and the Lord blessed him” (Judges 13:24 ESV). Samson was born under extraordinary circumstances. His birth was announced by the Angel of the Lord, his parents obeyed God’s instructions with faith and devotion, and the Lord Himself blessed the
“He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.” (John 1:10 ESV). John presents a profound irony in this verse. Jesus—the eternal Word, the divine Creator—entered the world He made, yet the world failed to recognize Him. The One who fashioned galaxies walked among His