Oh I Get It!

Why don’t we get God-sightings like the burning bush anymore?

Start by reading Exodus 3:1–6

Jesus coming to earth was a definite God-sighting! He couldn’t have made it any clearer what we’re supposed to do: believe in him and love each other. But when Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn’t leave us to do that on our own. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,” he said (Acts 1:8). Moses and his people didn’t have the Holy Spirit, so they needed big, miraculous signs. It is the Spirit whispering to us when suddenly we know what to do or say, and we’re not sure how it happened. When you have the Spirit leading you, who needs a burning bush?

 

More To Get You Thinking

Why did it upset Peter that Jesus wanted to wash his feet?

Start by reading John 3:1–17

Guests always got their feet washed because people in Bible times tromped around in sandals through everything from dust and donkey poo to somebody’s garbage. The washing was usually done by a servant. Peter was horrified that his Lord and Master would touch his icky feet. Jesus did it because it was a lowly task. He set an example for his followers to do whatever we can to serve our fellow humans, even if it grosses us out.

We have God, Jesus AND the Holy Spirit? That's confusing!

Start by reading Romans 8:1–17

Jesus told his disciples (and us) that they (and we) would never be alone. He, God, would come to them as a spirit, someone they would be able to feel inside, like the way we feel anger or happiness. The Holy Spirit: Helps us be strong. Helps us know what to pray about. Prays for us when we're too confused to do it ourselves. It's a three-in-one God-package.

Why did Absalom, who was totally two-faced, try to steal the people's hearts from his father King David?

Start by reading 2 Samuel 15:5

Absalom definitely told the people whatever they wanted to hear so they would like him, which is what being two-faced means. Worse than that, he used God's name when it was convenient for him, telling David he had to go to Hebron to "make good on a vow." What a liar. Read on, though, because Absalom got what he deserved in the end. And no matter how bad things got, David knew God was with him. That's the real point.

What is this "Day of the LORD" Joel keeps talking about?

Start by reading Joel 2:1–13

You've heard through the Old Testament that God was the judge of all the earth—that he would reward those who had lived God-filled lives and punish the people who had turned on him. The time when that would happen was called the Day of the LORD, or judgment day. Joel said there was a chance to repent before then and be spared. Right then, with the locusts swarming, would be a good time to do that.

Rahab wasn't the most upstanding citizen in Jericho, but she helped the good guys. Was that just because she was scared?

Start by reading Joshua 2

Rahab, like the other residents, was afraid because the Israelites had the reputation for being unbeatable. So she was pretty smart and brave to use the spies to protect her family, even though it might mean risking her own life. But that wasn't all of it. Somehow, she knew it was God who rescued the Israelites from Egypt 40 years before. It wasn't so much the people of Israel she was afraid of, but God himself.