Tagged: Bible Study

TRUE HUMILITY IS GLADNESS

“Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: ‘They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me.’ ” –1 Samuel 18:8 King Saul won a great victory in battle through the catalyst of young David’s courageous defeat of the fierce Goliath. When the cheerleaders greeted the victors with the fight song, Saul was given opening honors and credit for thousands (1 Sm 18:7). Because of his pride, however, all Saul could focus on was that David received more credit than he did (1 Sm 18:8). He was jealous of David and could feel no gladness...

THE ODD COUPLE

“When the Pharisees went outside, they immediately began to plot with the Herodians how they might destroy [Jesus].” –Mark 3:6 What on earth were the Pharisees doing working together with the Herodians? The Herodians were supporters of King Herod and his policies. Herod was likely more concerned with currying the favor of Rome than of observing the laws and traditions of his Jewish roots. The Pharisees were Jews committed to following the Jewish laws. Jesus commented on the outstanding holiness of the Pharisees (Mt 5:20). The Herodians had compromised their Jewish faith and lifestyle; the Pharisees were known for their...

A FRESH ANOINTING

“There – anoint him, for this is he!” –1 Samuel 16:12 Some of us are grieving. We are disappointed and listless. The Lord’s word to us is: “Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way” (1 Sm 16:1). Although we may be grieving, let’s not grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30). Rather, let’s say with Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; therefore He has anointed me” (Lk 4:18). Let us receive a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and anoint others with the power of the Spirit. Are you disappointed with your spouse, job, parish,...

PROUD OF YOUR SELF-HATRED?

“Stop! Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” –1 Samuel 15:16 Saul “erected a trophy in his own honor” (1 Sm 15:12), though he was little in his own esteem (1 Sm 15:17). People who are proud of themselves often hate themselves. Proud people act like gods, and of course they do a very poor imitation of God. So they hate themselves for failing. If they don’t repent, they lie to themselves and others about failing. Then they hate themselves for being phonies. Proud people try to compensate for their failures by doing more of...

WHY PRAY?

“For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch.” –Isaiah 62:1 At the wedding of Cana, Mary told Jesus: “They have no more wine” (Jn 2:3). Jesus seemed to respond that He wasn’t going to do anything about it because His hour had not yet come (Jn 2:4). Then Jesus changed the water into wine (Jn 2:9). Did Jesus change His mind? Did Mary talk or pray Jesus into changing His mind? Can our prayers get God to...