1 KINGS 12:1-15; MATTHEW 20:26 In traditional African societies, leadership succession is a crucial decision, with candidates chosen based on strength, fearlessness, and sensibleness. Candidates are examined to determine their suitability for serving the people or dictating with a heavy hand. The successor must be both a leader and a servant. Rehoboam succeeded Solomon. Rehoboam’s lack of … [Read more…]
NUMBERS 14:39-45; PSALM 37:7 After five delays brought on by bad weather, the space shuttle Challenger finally launched on January 28, 1986, amid a raging display of noise and flame. System failure caused the shuttle to disintegrate 73 seconds later, killing the entire crew of seven. The disaster was believed to have been caused by a “go … [Read more…]
PROVERBS 2:1-5 Thomas reads slowly and word-for-word, while Jane skims. Tom retains more information, easily quoting from a week ago, while Jane’s retention can evaporate after turning away from the screen or book. Skimming is a common issue when reading the Bible. We are tempted to quickly skim through well-known portions, tales we have heard since … [Read more…]
ISAIAH 46:4-13 Billy Graham shares his experience of growing old in his book Nearing Home, stating that it is not easy. Although the Bible acknowledges the challenges we face as we age, it does not portray old age as a burden to be despised. Graham questions how we can cope with fears, struggles, and limitations … [Read more…]
JOB 40:1-14; JOB 38:4 Cleaning a house can be discouraged due to the fact that people hardly notice the clean areas. But remember, the same people will notice dirty places. This raises the philosophical and spiritual question of why humans tend to remember wrong more than right. We tend to remember rudeness more than kindness, crime … [Read more…]
1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-27 Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church reminds the Corinthians of God’s redemptive plan in unexpected ways, using metaphors to emphasise everyday wisdom. Through two different metaphors (a runner and a boxer), Paul reminds the Corinthians that doing anything—especially following Christ—without a goal in mind is the height of foolishness. The apostle Paul describes a … [Read more…]
2 CHRONICLES 21:4-20; MARK 10:45 A road’s construction foreman’s affection for his family, coworkers, and community caused an enormous sense of loss when he died in an accident. His church was unable to hold all the mourners, so organisers had to move the service to a much larger venue. The auditorium was crowded with friends and … [Read more…]
EPHESIANS 4:1-16 Watching young children make mistakes because of a lack of knowledge while playing football can be funny, which makes it entertaining to observe their actions. Young people face challenges and learn, but they are encouraged to try and grow. They can be coached and patiently guided towards maturity, so they can be celebrated for … [Read more…]
LUKE 18:1-8 Are you going through one of those phases where it appears that no matter what you do to tackle a problem, another one crops up? You praise the Lord at night that it has been resolved, but when you awaken, you discover that something else Has gone wrong and the issue still exists. In … [Read more…]
1 CORINTHIANS 14:6-12,26 A garden is a fragrant place that provides a favourable environment for plants by ensuring they receive water, sunlight, and protection from pests, ensuring a vibrant and healthy environment for people to enjoy. Like a garden, the church is a place where everyone collaborates for God’s glory and the good of all, thrives due … [Read more…]
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