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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 24

Jan24

Day 24. Reading in Genesis 35 – 37. 

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and meditate on it. What stood out to you in today’s reading?

 

Genesis 35.

After that huge faux pas by Simeon and Levi in Shechem, Jacob feared for his life.  God – in His kindness – spoke to Jacob and told him to go south to Bethel (House of God), where he first encountered God when he ran away. So Jacob had everyone give him their idols and gold earrings, and he buried them under a tree. Then he made them all cleanse themselves before they journeyed away.  And GOD caused a supernatural terror to fall on all the people and towns they passed as a wall of protection. When they arrived at Bethel, Jacob-Israel built an altar and worshiped God.

  • So, where did all those foreign idols Jacob collected come from? Rachel stole her father’s “household idols,” which caused a curse on her (Genesis 31:32), but these seem like different ones.  Then I remembered that when Simeon & Levi killed all the men of Shechem and plundered the town, they brought away all the wives of the men as their servants (and possible spouses).  These had brought their Canaanite gods along.  
  • Are there things I hold like idols too dear to my heart? Lord, help me to identify and “bury” them away from me. “Cleanse me, O Lord, wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”

Rachel, pregnant again (Wow!), goes into labor. She has a hard time and dies as the baby boy is born. She breathes out his name with her last breath, Benoni, “Son of my sorrow.”  But Jacob names him Benjamin, “Son of my right hand.” 

  • They bury Rachel along the road near Bethlehem and set up a gravestone. (Remember after Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem how Herod killed all the baby boys, trying to get ride of the “new king.” Matthew 2:18 speaks about “weeping and lamentations… Rachel weeping for her children…”)

Jacob-Israel and all those with him finally make it to Hebron, where he spends just a little time with his father before Isaac dies. Esau returns, and together, they bury Isaac in the tomb where their mother and grandparents are buried.  And so now Jacob inhabits the promised land (and the blessings) of Abraham and Isaac. God has renewed his promises through Israel.

Genesis 36.

This chapter gives the lineage of Isaac and Rebekah’s first son, Esau. He became the nation of Edom and lived in Seif, south and east of the Dead Sea, in the high hill country. It’s interesting that the Amalekites (who will become Israel’s deadly enemies) were Esau’s descendants, and possibly also the Midianites.

Genesis 37.

The next generation begins. Jacob-Israel now has twelve sons. His favorite is the one he considers the “birthright son” because Joseph was the firstborn son of Rachel, whom Jacob considers his first wife. He lavishes attention and gifts on the young man, including one gorgeous coat that signifies Joseph as Jacob’s birthright heir. Of course, this causes a lot of jealousy and bad feelings toward the teenager. 

Also, Joseph has a series of dreams that (I think) God gave to him to keep to himself as a hope for those long days of slavery that were coming to him in Egypt. But the cherished boy openly shares his dreams with his brothers and parents. The dreams show him as chief among them, and the others bowing to him. (You can see how annoying this would be.)

So one day, when Joseph was on an errand for his father – wearing that fabulous coat – his brothers plot to get rid of him. Most of them want to kill him outright, but Rueben and Judah’s conscience (or perhaps concern for their father) keeps them from outright killing Joseph.  Reuben said to put him into a pit to die, but he planned later to rescue him and restore the boy to his father.

While Reuben is away, Judah suggests they sell Joseph to some passing Ishmaelites and get rid of the boy that way. His blood wouldn’t be on their hands, but they’d never see him again. (ho-ho, Judah! don’t you wish)  Plus, they’d get some money. 

This plan pleases the men, and they sell Joseph to the merchants, although he cries and pleads for them not to. “Ahhhhh. Sweet revenge!” they think.   Of course, Rueben is beside himself when he sees Joseph gone. (Maybe as the firstborn he feels some responsibility towards him or his father.)

They devise a cruel, wicked plan to deceive Jacob. This plan will get revenge on THEIR FATHER for his preferential treatment of Joseph. They take that despised coat that shows Joseph is better than them, tear it, smear it with goat’s blood, stomp it in the dirt, and…. present it to their father.  With false concern on their faces, they say, “Is this our brother’s coat?  It looks like a wild animal may have killed him.” 

AAAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!  Jacob wails. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  His beloved wife Rachel is gone, and now their beloved, highly-favored, and adored first son is gone. OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHAAAAAA!  He can’t bear it. He wants to die.  He is NOT consoled even when his whole family tries to comfort him.  He weeps and cannot eat. Joseph, his beloved Joseph, is DEAD!

Down in Egypt, the boy is re-sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.

 

  • “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.”  This truth came to mind as I thought about Jacob – that old deceiver – now experiencing MORE deception. And it’s still not over yet.
  • Lord, I know what James says is true in James 1:14-15. We are tempted by our OWN desires, and when desire has conceived, it gives birth to SIN, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.  Thank You, Father, that I know the end of the story, and after Jacob and all his sons experience the just rewards for their deceptions and they confess, your kindness will be revealed. 
  • Psalm 130:3-4. “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with You, there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.”

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 19 & 20 — PART TWO

Jan20

Days 19 & 20. Reading in Genesis 25-26. (Posted on Monday)

I accidentally posted Day 19 yesterday, so today will be part TWO of my usually combined weekend posts, Day 20.

 

Genesis 25.

After his wife Sarah died, Abraham took another wife named Keturah. She had six sons. But regardless of these boys and Ishmael, Abraham made it quite clear that it was Isaac, whom Sarah bore, who was the son of his inheritance, receiving not only his own things but all the promises of God for blessing, descendants, land, and ultimately the One who would bless all peoples, the Messiah.

Abraham died at age 175. (This is actually 15 years after Isaac and Rebekah had their twin boys, Esau and Jacob. So they were able to know and learn from their grandfather.)  Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham in the cave of Machpelah with his wife, Sarah. Ishmael returned to Arabia, and God blessed Isaac, who settled further south to the well of Beer-lahairoi (where God first met the runaway, Hagar).

Backtracking a little, the story of Isaac and Rebekah continues. Like Sarah, Rebekah was barren. Isaac prayed for her, and 20 years later the LORD granted his prayer. She conceived twins, and even pre-birth they seemed to be warring inside her.  SHE prayed to the LORD about it and He told her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.”

Eventually, she gave birth. The firstborn was red and hairy, and they named him Esau (meaning red). Second to be born was a boy with his hand clinging to the heel of Esau. They named him Jacob, meaning “grabber.”  (He’s going to grab more than just Esau’s heel!)

Esau was a skillful hunter, a man’s man, and his father Isaac loved him best, especially for the wild venison he brought the old man (now in his 70s) to eat.  Jacob was a quiet guy. He liked home and hearth, and probably looking after the farm animals. He learned to cook quite well.  In fact, his lentil stew was so good he could tempt his twin brother into selling him the birthright with it. 

Esau came in one day, “starving,” saw/smelled the stew Jacob was stirring, and craved it.  Wiley Jacob traded that yummy bowl and a slab of fresh-baked bread for the double portion of their father’s inheritance. WHOA!

  • NOTE: The first-born son always got a double portion. When Isaac died, his possessions would be divided into three parts. The oldest boy would get two parts, the younger, only one. Jacob’s bargain changed that.

Genesis 26

Okay, now comes the dumbest thing Isaac ever does.  He had moved his family back to Gerar in Philistine territory, and he – yes, Isaac, not Abraham – told everyone that beautiful Rebekah was his….SISTER!!  WHAT?  She was not even his HALF sister (second cousins at most). This was a flat-out lie.  Why did he do it?  Same as his father. He feared that other men would want her and KILL HIM to get her.  What a bunch of wimps these Hebrew men were!  Ever heard of fighting for your woman?

One day, Abimelech looked out his window and saw Isaac and Rebekah frolicking. (The Hebrew may suggest an intimate relation.)  He called in Isaac, infuriated.  “She is your WIFE!  How could you say she was your sister? What have you done to us? One of us might have slept with her, and YOU would have brought guilt on us all!!“

Abimelech (maybe the same man who had taken Sarah when Abraham was there) proclaimed to all in his kingdom that “Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death!”  I’m thinking that Abimelech is a more honorable man than Isaac (or Abe). 

After that, Isaac and the king’s men had more trouble digging wells and falsely claiming them (like with Abraham)  Finally, the king told him to “Go away from us.” 

So Isaac and his family moved up to Beersheba. And there, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am the God of Abraham, your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”  

Was this the first time God had appeared to him and gave him the Abrahamic blessing?  Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the LORD.

  • God is so good to His children. Even when we blow it and sin, He is gracious to come to us with fresh blessings. Great is His faithfulness!

And then – wonder of wonders – Abimelech came to Isaac, saying, “We’ve seen how God is blessing you. Let’s get along. (And maybe some of that blessing will fall off on us too).  Let’s live together in harmony.”  So they had a big feast… and they all got along happily ever after.

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When Esau was forty years old (Isaac’s age at marriage), he took two Hittite women to be his wives.  TWO?  “And they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.”

 

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 17

Jan17

Day 17. Reading in Genesis 16 – 18. 

I invite you to first read the scripture for the day and meditate on it. Then, share your thoughts in the comments.

Genesis 16.

Ten years in the “promised” land, and Abram still had no offspring. Not ONE of the millions God had promised him had been born. Did he begin to doubt God’s word to him?

The Bible doesn’t say. But his wife, Sarai must have thought so. She tried to hurry things along by offering Abram a way to have that child. It wasn’t God’s way, but it was part of the culture of that day. She gave him Hagar – a slave whom she’d brought back from Egypt in that fiasco – as a surrogate for her. Any child born from Hagar would be theirs according to custom.

It worked. Hagar became pregnant. Hagar also became arrogant, looking down on her elderly mistress. “Ha! You old withered thing, I’m the one who will give the master a child.” 

Sarai complained to Abram, who told her to do what she wanted with her own slave. Hagar is sent away (probably intending that she would die).  A child by Hagar was a mistake, Sarai knew now, but you can’t “get rid of” a conceived baby that easy.

Next is the really unusual part. The two old but faithful servants of God are disobedient and harsh. At this point, Abram doesn’t care about the child he is to have with Hagar, and Sarai definitely hates her. Hagar has been arrogant and mean. (All of them have sinned.) But God intervenes in this mess. He meets Hagar, promises that her son will be fruitful (and a wild-ass of a man who will always be at war with his siblings), and sends her back to Sarai (we assume humble and obedient). Her heart has been changed because she knows God has truly “seen” her. 

Hagar then gives birth to Ishmael, the child of Abram’s fallen flesh, beloved but a thorn in his family’s side forever.

  • I’ve always hated reading this chapter in Genesis. How would I feel giving my husband to a pretty young thing because I was inadequate? (He goes quite willingly too!) And then, seeing that my plan worked, being angry about it, and wanting the results of my sin to disappear! And, on top of it all, having to see my husband love the child more every day. 
  • Yes, I wish this incident had not happened in the Bible. (And so did Sarai, I think.)  But there are lessons to be learned. Don’t run ahead of God, assuming YOU know what is best. Trust Him ALWAYS. Wait for the Lord, and HE will bring it to pass. Don’t try to hide your sin, but repent and confess it.

Genesis 17.

It’s about 13 years later, and Abram FINALLY hears from God again. “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless, that I may make a covenant with you and multiply you.”

And Abram fell on his face.  (In fear, relief, joy, worship?)

God renews His promise of fruitfulness, saying Abram will be the “Father of a multitude of NATIONS.” (That’s what the name ‘Abraham’ means.) He will be VERY fruitful. Kings will come from him. The land will belong to his offspring as an EVERLASTING POSSESSION.

Then, God describes that new covenant.  It was to be God’s covenant evident in their flesh.  Circumcision. EVERY male, 8 days and older, was always to be circumcised as an undeniable, forever sign of their belonging to God.  (Note that Abraham obeyed that very day. EVERY male (himself and Ishmael included) was circumcised.)

Before that, however, God had also said that he AND SARAH (her new name) would have a son, and nations and peoples would come from that boy.  ABRAHAM FELL ON HIS FACE AGAIN AND LAUGHED. (He was 99 then, and Sarah was 90.)

When he finished laughing, Abraham asked God that Ishmael would “walk before God” and be the promised seed. By then, the old man had come to love the young teen. (This is a problem with sinful endeavors! You love them.)

God was firm.  “NO, SARAH, YOUR WIFE will bear you a son.” (“Oh, and by the way, you’re going to call him ‘laughter'”)

I can almost hear God sigh about Abraham’s request.  “But…. I’ve heard you, and I will bless and make Ishmael fruitful. He’ll father twelve princes.  BUT!!!  I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you NEXT YEAR.”

Genesis 18.

God is so kind. Not only has He told Abraham that his wife would become a mom, He and a couple of angels appear to inform HER (among other things) that she will become pregnant at 90.

Abraham recognizes the heavenly visitors and quickly arranges a special meal for them so they will stay awhile. While they were eating, Abraham stands by as an eager butler.  Then God looks up and asks, “Where is Sarah?” (Of course, he knows very well she is just inside the tent, listening at the door.  “Do they like my biscuits? Was the veal prepared to their liking?” 

“I will surely return next year, and Sarah shall have a son,” God says, perhaps a bit louder.  This comment super tickled Sarah’s funny bone, and she laughed out loud. “Me, a woman past menopause, get pregnant?  Hahahaha.”

“Why did Sarah laugh?  Is anything too hard for the LORD? Next year, Sarah WILL have a son,” the LORD repeated.

“I didn’t laugh!” Sarah said.

“Yes, you did.” 

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Next on God’s agenda was Sodom. He’s decided to tell Abraham his plans since he was to become a great nation, and God had chosen him to keep the way of the LORD and do righteousness and justice. God tells him of his plan to destroy that wicked city.

Abraham, thinking immediately of his nephew, Lot, begins to plea-bargain.

“Suppose there are 50 righteous people in that city?”

“I won’t destroy it if there are 50 righteous people there,” God says.

“Suppose there are only 45 righteous?”

“I’ll not destroy it if there are 45.”

“Suppose only 40 are found?”

“Not if there are 40 righteous.” says our merciful God.

“30?”

“I won’t if 30 are found.”

“Um, suppose only 20 are found?”

“Not if there are 20.”

“Oh, Lord, don’t be angry. I’ll speak one last time. Suppose there are only TEN found?”

“For the sake of ten,” the LORD says, “I will not destroy the city.”

Then the Lord went His way, and Abraham returned to his tent. 

 

  • God is so forgiving and merciful. After Sarah and Abraham’s disobedience, He promised them a son of their own. And after both laughed at the idea, God remained true and, in a twist of humor Himself said they were to name the baby “Laughter.”  For Abraham’s sake, He even promised to bless the “child of their fleshly efforts,” Ishmael.   
  • Now, after Abraham’s intense “prayer” for the people of Sodom, God said he would spare the whole city if there were just TEN righteous people found in it.  (Unfortunately, there was ONLY ONE righteous person there.)

 

  • I am so grateful for God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness! I have deserved His wrath and punishment so often, and yet, for His Son’s sake, He has shown grace to me and blessed me.  He frequently even blesses my own fleshly efforts – like this blog.   
  • Like Abraham, am I willing to totally give myself to Him in whatever way He asks, even if it is painful?    And am I as concerned for my unsaved relatives as Abraham was for Lot? Have I dared to intercede for them again and again? Lord, help me.

 

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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 15

Jan15

Day 15. Reading in Job 40 – 42. 

I invite you to read the scripture for the day and write “in the comments” what was meaningful to YOU. We can encourage each other in Him.

Job 40.

.This is a terrifying moment for Job.  He’s been calling to God to answer his questions, to come and hear his case, but now it is God asking the questions. And now, God faces Job directly with severity.

“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?  He who argues with God, let him answer.“

Can you see the fear in Job’s eyes as he begins to speak? Perhaps he cleared his throat and swallowed hard.  “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer You? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”

  • Yes, our God loves us and is patient with His children. But sometimes, I just think I NEED to see Him as the Eternal, Almighty God of the Universe, who holds the whisper of my life in His hands. I need to tremble sometimes. 

Then, beginning again as He did in chapter 38, God speaks out of a whirlwind and tells Job to stand up straight and answer.  He asks Job if he thinks he’s like God, “Have you an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like God?”  I can picture Job, his hand still across his mouth, wide-eyed, shaking his head.

Job 41.

God then showcases two magnificent creatures He’s made, the Behemoth and the Leviathan.  They truly ARE wonders that probably (thankfully) don’t exist today. 

The grass-eating Behemoth, with iron-like legs and cedar-like tail, bones like bronze, must be a dinosaur of some kind, maybe a brontosaurus. (You know, the beasts with long, thin necks chomping on treetops and a massive body with a huge muscular tail.)  It could “swallow” the Jordan River with no problem, God says!!  He also states it was the foremost (biggest) of His works. 

Next, God reminds Job of Leviathan, another of His massive creatures, only this one “plays in the sea.”  With the descriptions, you really must consider it a fire-breathing, scaled sea serpent dragon. Tell me what YOU think.

No fisherman or whaler could harpoon this creature. “His back is made from rows of shields, tightly fit together.” “His “sneezings” flash forth light.”  “Out of its mouth go flaming torches; sparks of fire leap forth. Out of his nostrils come forth smoke as from a boiling pot and burning rushes. His breath kindles coals, and a flame comes forth from his mouth.”  WOW!

“Though the sword reaches him, it does not avail, nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin. He counts iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood.”  (Arrows, stones, and clubs are like stubble.)  God says there was none like Leviathan on earth, a creature without fear.

SO GLAD these creatures do not exist now, but God must have had fun making them!

Job 42.

Job is genuinely shaken and put in his place, and he voices his contrition. “I know that YOU can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (You are Sovereign.)  “I have uttered what I did not understand.”

  • Job says, “I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my “eyes” see You; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.“
  • God has been so patient with me when I’ve cried out (okay, demanded) answers to my questions, but as I review these scenes in Job, I tremble at my gall.  Wow.  HE IS God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth.  How dared I?  I, too, repent and confess my sin.

Job had not sinned in the ways Satan or his “friends” had accused him.  But he HAD sinned in presuming on God, accusing Him of unfairness, and demanding that He come and answer him.  At this realization, Job hated himself and confessed profoundly and honestly.  He had a “broken and contrite heart,” and God will not “despise” these. 

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THEN, GOD TURNS TO Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  (Ah-oh!)  “My anger burns against you, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as my servant Job has.”

He tells them to take seven bulls and seven rams to Job and offer up a burnt offering (sin offering) for themselves.  “My servant Job will pray for you. I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly.  You have not spoken of Me what was right.” 

They obeyed, Job prayed, and God accepted Job’s prayer.

  • (Father, please keep me from speaking about You wrongly, here in these studies, or anytime in my life.)

Job never discovers WHY he experienced such suffering, pain, loss, and verbal abuse. He never found out what WE know from the first chapters of how Satan was “allowed” to afflict him for a purpose.  He had held steadfast in his faith in God’s character.  

Now, God restored Job’s fortunes – the ones Satan was allowed to strip from him.  The LORD gave Job twice what he had before in possessions.

All his family came to him again and fellowshipped with him. They (NOW) showed him sympathy and comforted him. And – perhaps out of guilt that they had not supported him before – each gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. (Huh!)

God gave Job twice as many sheep, camels, oxen, and donkeys as before.  God blessed Job with his once complaining wife, by giving him SEVEN sons and THREE daughters.  Also, HIGHLY UNUSUAL is the fact that he NAMES his three beautiful daughters – Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-happuch – and gives them each an inheritance along with their brothers. 

Job lived 140 more years and saw his grandchildren and great-grandchildren for four generations.  Then he died, old and full of days.  Did he EVER imagine all this in those weeks of sorrow and pain?

 

It’s a bit of a picture of our devilish struggles on Earth and then our future home and joy in Heaven. 

  • Lord, thank You once again for this study in the Book of Job. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 363-364

Dec29

   Day 363-364—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

NOTE: USUALLY, Sunday’s and Monday’s studies are posted TOGETHER,  but because these readings are so long, I’ll post them SEPARATELY, today AND Monday. 

Day 363, Part A – Revelation 6 – 11 (Aspects of the Great Tribulation, the seven seals, 144K of Israel sealed, seven trumpets, two witnesses)

Revelation 6.

When Jesus, the Lamb, opens the first seals on the scroll, we see the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse emerge, one after another, bringing antichrists, war, famine, and death to the earth. The fifth seal reveals those who had already been martyred, crying for God to avenge their deaths. The sixth seal brings great earthquakes and changes in the heavens, causing the people on Earth to cry and hide in terror.

Revelation 7.

Then there is a pause while an angel of God descends and “seals” 144K of Israel (12K from each tribe) to give them authority and protection to proclaim salvation saved in the Tribulation, having “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Revelation 8.

When Jesus, the Lamb, opened the seventh seal, there was absolute silence in heaven for a half hour. Then, an angel came to stand by the altar with a gold censer filled with incense and “the prayers of God’s people.” The smoke from it rose before God.  Then, the angel filled the censer with fire and hurled it on the Earth. There were peals of thunder, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Next, angels with seven trumpets began to blow them, one at a time. At the first trumpet, hail and fire (and blood) were thrown onto the earth burning up a third of the vegetation. The second blast sent a vast burning mountain into the sea, turning a third into blood and killing a portion of sea creatures. With the third trumpet, a great star fell like a torch onto a third of the rivers, poisoning them. At the fourth trumpet, the sun, moon, and stars lost a third of their light.  “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth!“

Revelation 9.

At the fifth trumpet, John saw a star (angel) who was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit.  He opened the shaft, and there arose from it smoke like a great furnace that darkened the sun. And from it came creatures like locusts and scorpions to kill and torment the people on earth for five months. (the 144K were spared this)  People longed for death but couldn’t. These creatures had a “king.” It was Apollyon himself.

At the sixth trumpet blast, God released the four angels, bound up at the Euphrates River. They were released and went in four directions, killing a third of mankind with plagues. 

“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, DID NOT REPENT of the works of their hands, or give up worshiping demons and idols, nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or thefts.”

Revelation 10.

After that, a mighty angel descended from the clouds and set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. In his hand was a little scroll, opened.  And he roared like a lion or many peals of thunder, reading from the scroll.  But a voice told John NOT TO WRITE DOWN what it said.  Then the voice told John to go over, take the scroll, and eat it (like Ezekiel did in 3:1). It would be sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach.  John obeyed.  

Revelation 11.

John is then told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.  He is also told about God’s TWO WITNESSES, clothed in sackcloth, who will prophesy for three and a half years.  No one can harm them for that time. They will have the power to stop it from raining during that time, turn the earth’s waters into blood, and strike the Earth with all kinds of plagues. 

(Many people believe, from the description of their powers, that these two men are Elijah and Moses.)

At the end of those 3.5 years, the “beast that rises from the bottomless pit” will kill them.  All the world will see. Their dead bodies will lay in the street. People will refuse to bury them but rather rejoice over them, make merry, and exchange presents at their death BECAUSE they had been a torment to them. However, after 3.5 days, a breath of life from God will enter them and they will arise.  And God will call them from Heaven, “Come up here!”  And they will go up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watch. 

At that, a great earthquake will cause a tenth of the Great city to fall, killing 7K people and terrifying the rest. 

Finally, the seventh trumpet is blown. And, as a prelude, loud voices in heaven proclaim, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, an He shall reign forever and ever!”

Everyone falls on their faces and worships God, “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for You have taken Your great power and begun to reign….” 

Then….. God’s temple in heaven was opened. The Ark of His covenant was seen within His temple!

And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. And a great sign appeared in heaven……….

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Day 364, Part B – Revelation 12 – 18  === See tomorrow.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 362

Dec28

   Day 362—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying THE REVELATION of JESUS CHRIST to John.

Day 362 – Revelation 1 – 5 (Meeting the reigning Jesus, His messages to 7 churches, into the throne room.)

John, an old man, and the last surviving apostle, is in exile on the prison island of Patmos (think Alcatraz) for his faithful preaching of the gospel. The churches he wrote to before are feeling the persecution and have begun to decline. This is a message of hope.

Revelation promises a blessing for reading it and ends with a warning about tampering with it.

1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

22:18-19 “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

Revelation 1.

A glorious introduction reveals the author and the recipient of the “revelation” letter.  It describes the Eternal triune God who was, is, and is to come. It depicts Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, firstborn from the dead, and ruler of kings on earth, the One who LOVES us, has FREED us from our sins, and MADE us a kingdom and priests.  TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER!  And He is coming soon, in the clouds, as he left.

John explains he was “in the Spirit” when he received this revelation and ascended to heaven.

(It makes me think of Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4, except Paul was NOT allowed to speak of what he saw.)

In John’s experience, Jesus told him to ‘write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches.” 

Then John attempts to describe the glorified Jesus Christ.  I saw “One like a son of man, clothed with a long robe with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.”

WHEN I SAW HIM, I FELL AT HIS FEET AS THOUGH DEAD.

And what were Jesus’ first words to His beloved disciple?  “Fear not. I am the living one. I died, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” He tells John what to write: “The things that you have seen, those that are, and those that are to take place after this.”

Then, Jesus begins his messages to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor, listed in the route the “book” would be circulated, beginning with Ephesus (John’s church).

Revelation 2 – 3.

There is a pattern to the messages. First, Jesus identifies Himself in a certain way. Then, He lists the good things (if any) that are found in that church. Next, He raises a concern – what has gone wrong in that church, either with their own hearts or with the entrance of some false doctrine. Lastly, Jesus promises them a reward if they “conquer” (overcome the sin/threat and persevere to the end).

He does this with Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  Smyrna is a church under deep persecution and poverty, and Jesus states nothing wrong with them, while He says nothing good about Laodicea, giving only a warning to change while there is still time. 

Revelation 4.

John dutifully writes every word he hears, and then he looks up and sees an open door into heaven! (WOW!) He hears a voice saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place.” 

IMMEDIATELY, John, in the Spirit, was IN THE THRONE ROOM OF GOD!  And oh, what a sight that was.  He tries to describe the One seated on the throne and the throne in terms of radiant jewels – jasper, carnelian, emerald.

He describes 24 elders (maybe representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles) clothed in white with golden crowns.  He tries to describe the sounds and sights – flashes of lightning, peels of thunder, torches of fire, and in front, a reflecting pavement of crystal-clear glass.  There were “strange-looking living creatures” around the thrown who never stopped singing, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND IS AND IS TO COME!”

Everyone falls on their faces and worships Him, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Revelation 5.

Then John saw that the One on the throne was holding a scroll.  And angel shouted, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?”

No one was found in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, and John began to weep loudly.  But one of the elders said, “Weep no more; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that HE can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

But instead of a Lion, John saw a Lamb with a bloody throat as if it had been killed.  It was Jesus, and HE took the scroll.  When that happened, all the creatures and elders sang a new song.

“Worthy are YOU to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood, You ransomed people for God, from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

At that, all around the throne and in heaven, myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands of angels broke into praise and worship.

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory and blessing.”   “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 

And all fell down and worshiped.

(Can you imagine being John??)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 360

Dec26

   Day 360—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 360 – 1 John 1 – 5 (God is light, confession, God is love, assurance)

1 John is one of three letters the apostle John wrote to the churches in Asia Minor, probably from Ephesus, probably in 90+AD.  He is the only survivor and eyewitness to Jesus’ earthly ministry, which he mentions in the first few verses.

He writes about the danger of false teachers and heresy by asking his readers to remember the fundamentals of faith.  He writes as ‘a loving father to his children’ and tells them how they can be assured of God’s love.

1 John 1.

 John reminds his readers that he has personally seen, heard, and touched “the word of Life” Jesus in the flesh. And what he heard with his own ears he proclaims to them so they may have the joy in knowing Him intimately too.    

The message? “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”  If we know Him, we will walk in the light and have fellowship with Him, and His blood will cleanse us from all sin. If not, we still are in darkness. 

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 2.

“My little children, I am writing so you may not sin. But IF anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins.” (what satisfies God that our sin has been punished)

Then John writes about the perfect love in Christ that should also be in believers. The “old commandment” was to LOVE GOD supremely and your neighbor as yourself.  The “new commandment” from Jesus was to love your neighbor, as He loved you and gave his life for you.  (sacrificially: John 13:34-35)  There is no place for hate in the heart of a believer.

Then John writes about the family of God in three spiritual stages: little children, young men, and fathers.  They know the Father, their sins have been forgiven, and they have overcome the evil one…because they are strong and the Word of God abides in them.

“Do not love THE WORLD or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh (to indulge yourself), the desires of the eyes (to acquire for yourself), and the pride of possessions (to impress others about yourself) — is NOT from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires. But whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1 John 3.

See what kind of LOVE the Father has given us – that we should be called ‘the children of god.’ And we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him because we shall see Him as He is. 

This is the message you have heard from the beginning that we should LOVE one another.

By this, we know LOVE, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.  Little children, let us not LOVE in word or speech but in deed and truth. 

“This is His commandment that we BELIEVE in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and LOVE one another.” 

1 John 4.

Do not believe every spirit, but TEST THE SPIRITS to see whether they are from God, for many FALSE PROPHETS have gone out into the world.  BY THIS, you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. Every spirit that does NOT confess Jesus is NOT from God, but antichrist.  Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is IN YOU is greater than he who is in the world.

“Beloved, let us LOVE one another, for LOVE is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not LOVE does not know God because GOD IS LOVE.  In this, the LOVE of God was made manifest (clear) among us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is LOVE, NOT that we have loved God, but that He LOVED us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the satisfaction that our sins have been paid for) for our sins.”

If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

By this, we KNOW that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

There is no fear in LOVE, but perfect LOVE casts out fear.

We love Him because He first loved us. 

1 John 5.

“Everyone who BELIEVES that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who LOVES the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.”

Whoever BELIEVES in the Son of God has the testimony in himself –that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does NOT have the Son of God, does not have life.”

“I write these things to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God that you may KNOW that you have eternal life.”

(Amen.)

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 356-357

Dec23

   Day 356-357—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE: Sunday’s and Monday’s studies will be posted on MONDAY,

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10 (Melchizedek, Better Covenant, Redemption, Sacrifice, Faith)

Read a quick review of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20.

Hebrews 7.

The author discusses Melchizedek, king of Salem (peace), king of righteousness (zedek) and a priest of the Most High God. He tells how Abraham, coming home from rescuing his nephew Lot from an invading army, gave this priestly/kingly man a tithe (10th) of the loot. And Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

This was WAY before Israel’s priesthood was set up on Mt. Sinai, with Aaron, the Levite, as High Priest.  In a way (the author of Hebrews says), Aaron, the High Priest, paid tribute to Melchizedek, “being still in Abraham’s loins.” (He had no children at that point.)

Melchizedek is also said to have had “no beginning of days nor end of life” as a priest forever. He was a priest not based on the law (like Aaron) but on the power of an “indestructible” life. The author compares Jesus to this mysterious man, without beginning or end of days, but HIS ministry is much more excellent.  

The first covenant of law could make nothing perfect, so a new one was needed, allowing us to draw near to God. “Consequently, Jesus can save to the uttermost, those who draw near to God through HIM since He always lives to make intercession for them. 

Jesus is a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  HE HAS NO NEED TO OFFER SACRIFICES DAILY like other priests, first for their own sins, then the people.  Jesus did this ONCE FOR ALL when he offered up HIMSELF.

Hebrews 8.

Jesus, as High Priest, is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a more excellent ministry than the old one.  He can mediate better because the new covenant has better promises and is faultless. In this new covenant, God says He will put His Law on their hearts and minds, not stone tablets, and His people will know Him.

He will be merciful toward their iniquities and will remember their sins no more!

Hebrews 9.

The author then reminds readers how the old covenant worked, with the Holy and Most Holy places in the “tent of worship.”  Behind the second curtain was the ark of the covenant and God’s presence.  No one could go into this place except for the High Priest, and that only once per year… carrying the blood of the sacrifice. 

But Christ, as high priest, entered ONCE FOR ALL into the most holy place through HIS OWN BLOOD. Doing this, he obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.  He appeared ONCE FOR ALL to put away sin by sacrificing himself. 

Hebrews 10.

Under the old covenant, the sacrifices were a reminder of sins every year. “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Now, we have been sanctified (made clean, holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.

When Christ had offered FOR ALL TIME A SINGLE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, He sat down at the right hand of God. “For by A SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected FOR ALL TIME, those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus. the perfect, sinless High Priest, offered Himself a spotless sacrifice and opened the new and living way for us through the curtain so that we can now “draw near (to God) with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” 

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Day 357 – Hebrews 11 – 13 (the FAITH chapter & heroes of the faith, witnesses for us to endure too, discipline as sons, acceptable worship, final instructions)

Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11 is called the “Faith Chapter” or the “Saint’s Hall of Fame.” In it, the author defines faith and how it’s to be used. He lists heroes of faith from the Old Testament, sixteen by name (including women), and many others by deeds or means of death. These all have served and glorified God.

DEFINITION: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (verse 1)

WHAT IT INVOLVES: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (verse 6)

From righteous Abel to the prophet Samuel, men and women have lived and died for God, loved and obeyed Him, trusted and spoke for Him without shame or fear, and many paid for it with their lives. 

These heroes “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong through weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to fight, and some women received back their dead by resurrection!! 

(I can think of some names that come to mind here, can you?”

Others were tortured for their faith, suffered mocking and flogging, even chains and imprisonments, stoning, beheading (killed by the sword), and even being sawn in two!  They were destitute, afflicted, mistreated, and lived in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves.  OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY!

And YET, they did not “see” the promised Messiah they spoke about and waited for like WE HAVE!  (How totally blessed we are!)

Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, SINCE we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those heroes listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith.  He, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus, as God’s Son, endured much hostility against Him. And so we, as God’s children, must endure “discipline” too.  God disciplines us (through suffering/persecution) for OUR GOOD, so we may share His holiness.  It doesn’t seem pleasant at the moment, but later, it “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those trained by it. 

So…. lift your drooping hands….strengthen your weak knees….and make straight paths for your feet.   And “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (by persecution or death), and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 13.

The author encourages readers to continue in brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, and prayer and support for those imprisoned for their faith.  They are to be faithful in marriage, not love money but be content with what they have.

They are to “remember their leaders (in prayer and financially), the ones who first spoke the Word of God to them.”  They are to consider the fruit of those men’s ministry and imitate their faith.  They are to pray and support their leaders and also to submit to and obey them (for THOSE MEN will have to give an account one day).

He ends with a doxology. ‘Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant….equip you with everything good, that you may do His will.

To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 354

Dec20

   Day 354—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 354 -1 Peter 1 – 5 (salvation, example to others, the Lord’s return)

Peter wrote his first letter “by the hand of Silas” (a Roman citizen and fellow servant of Paul) while living in Rome, possibly just after Emperor Nero burned the city and blamed it on Christians.

Paul also sent Silas to deliver the letter to the churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He used “Babylon” as a “code name” for Rome to keep Christians living there from even more persecution. 

1 Peter 1.

Peter writes the gospel in his salutation to these churches. “Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for US, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation (which is) ready to be revealed in the last time. In THIS, we are to rejoice…”

He then reminds them that the trials they are experiencing “test” the genuineness of their faith, so rejoice in them!

Some exhortations follow: “Set your hope fully on the GRACE that brought you to salvation. Don’t be conformed to your former passions, but be HOLY, as He who called you is holy, knowing you were ransomed from the past futile ways.  Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”

1 Peter 2.

Peter encourages these believers to “put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  Instead, like newborn babies, LONG FOR the pure spiritual milk, “that you may grow by it.” 

He reminds them that their Lord Jesus is a chosen and precious stone, rejected by some but loved by them.  They, too, are “spiritual stones” being built up as a spiritual dwelling place of God.  They are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” (This is spoken about the Gentiles!!)

(Even in that horrible time of Emperor Nero’s wrath), they are to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether the emperor as supreme, or to governors sent to punish evil.”    “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”  For if they do GOOD and suffer for it and endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (This is just what Christ did, as an example, to follow in His steps. No matter the suffering, HE entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.)  However, they were to make sure that they weren’t suffering for doing evil.

1 Peter 3.

Like in Paul’s letters, Peter writes about the practical order in the church.

WIVES are to be subject to their own husbands, so if they are unbelievers, they will have their wife’s witness.  These women are not to be “outwardly” adorned but beautiful in their hearts.

HUSBANDS are to be understanding towards their wives and honor them, like you would care for a fine, porcelain tea cup since they, too, are heirs of the grace of life.

ALL CHURCH MEMBERS are to have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, not repaying evil for evil but blessings.

“Even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. In your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as holy, and always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you the reason for the HOPE in you.”

1 Peter 4.

“Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.”  So that in everything you do, speak, and think, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

But “don’t be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you…as though something strange was happening to you. But REJOICE, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, and when His glory is revealed, you will be glad.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you!”  Entrust your souls to a faithful Creator!

1 Peter 5.

Paul then exhorts the church elders to shepherd the flock of God and be an example to them. They will receive a crown of glory when the “Chief Shepherd” appears.  

As far as the congregation, they are to be subject to the elders with humility. In fact, they all are to “humble themselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time HE may exalt them because He cares for them.

Paul warns the churches about “their adversary, the devil.” He “prowls around like a roaring, hungry lion, seeking someone to devour. RESIST HIM, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by their brotherhood throughout the world.”

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will, Himself, restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

In closing, Paul says, “She who is in Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings.” (i.e. the church in Rome)  Then he mentions Mark and refers to him as “my son,” much like Paul refers to Timothy. 

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

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(NOTE: It’s believed that Mark wrote his gospel while with Peter and after hearing all the apostle’s memories of Jesus while on earth.)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 353

Dec19

   Day 353—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 353 – Titus 1 – 3 (Instructions by Paul on straightening out a lax church)

After being released from prison in Rome, Paul went to Crete briefly to minister and left Titus there to fix some of the problems that had come up, much like he did with Timothy in Ephesus.

Doctrine wasn’t too much of a problem in Crete, but their lifestyle definitely needed work. This letter came in response to a letter from Titus or a report about the Cretan church by some other means.

Titus 1.

Paul calls Titus, a Gentile, his “true child in a common faith.” Paul probably led him to Christ during or just after his first missionary journey. Later, he had become a “fellow worker in the gospel” to Paul.

The Apostle starts by saying why he left Titus in Crete. “So that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed.”  Similar to the letter to Timothy, Paul lists the qualifications of a church elder. They are to be the husband of one wife, have believing children, and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.”  (You might gather what kind of men were abundant on Crete by this!!) 

These men also needed to be above reproach, not arrogant, quick-tempered, drunkard, violent, or greedy for gain.  They had to be hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined, and holding firm to the trustworthy Word they’d been taught.

Paul says that anything else evident in their lives should prevent them from teaching.  He admits that what was said about the Cretans was true. “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”   And so, Titus was to rebuke them sharply.

Titus 2.

And Titus was to teach sound doctrine about their places in church order. 

  • Older men were to be sobber-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and steadfastness. 
  • Older Women were to be reverent, not slanderers or slaves to much wine.
  • Older Women were also to train Young Women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands.
  • Slaves were to be submissive to their own masters in everything, and not argumentative or pilfering, but showing good faith.

Titus was to be an example to all, a model of good works and teaching, showing integrity, dignity, and sound speech. God’s grace brought salvation to all kinds of people in order to teach them godliness, and so Titus… “declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you!”

Titus 3.

Oh, and “remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Paul admits that we all (himself included) WERE selfish, foolish, disobedient, and passed our days in malice, envy, hate, passions, and pleasures.

“BUT (and here he states clearly salvation through grace by faith in Christ alone),

“…when the goodness and loving kindness (grace & mercy) of God our Savior appeared, HE SAVED US, not because of works we have done, but in righteousness according to his own mercy….by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that  being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

(And so, what a godly life we should live!)

Paul then tells Titus that he’s sending Tychicus and Artemas to take over in Crete because he wants Titus to join him in Nicopolis (on the west coast of Greece), where he plans to winter. Titus is also told to send  Zenas and Apollos (who had brought this letter to Titus) on their way, supplied with everything they needed (a good work for the Cretans to practice.)