Bible Readings
Explore our daily and weekly Bible readings to grow in your faith and stay rooted in God’s Word. Find guided Scripture reflections, and spiritual encouragement for every season.
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- Josh Breslaw
- Oct 9
- 1 min read
Where God did not destroy Nineveh, he did destroy Sodom and Gomorrah with fire from heaven. You think you know why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. But Ezekiel 16:49 actually tells us that Sodom was destroyed because they were arrogant and rich yet did not help or show hospitality to those in need. When God told Abraham what He was going to do, Abraham negotiated with God that if ten righteous people were found in Sodom, the city would be saved. Ten were not found. The city, along with Gomorrah, was destroyed because of its lack of righteousness.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a cautionary tale that proves Jonah wrong. Jonah complained to God in Jonah 4:2 that Jonah just knew God was not going to destroy Nineveh. That God was too compassionate to do that. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah shows that God does have a limit. And if people do not repent and mourn their lack of righteousness, there will come a day when they will be out of chances to be saved by grace.
Everyone alive today has not run out of chances yet. Who can you reach out to today and share the gospel before it’s too late?
- Josh Breslaw
- Oct 8
- 1 min read
This story of James and John reminds me of Jonah wanting the same thing. Whether it was the Samaritans or the Ninevites, the desire to see their enemies destroyed by God was foremost in their minds. But each time, whether it was God from heaven or Jesus on earth, these men were rebuked by God, and God chose life over death.
What does it say about us that we are so eager for our enemies to be destroyed? And what should we learn from God when he is continually slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and mercy? Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount that we are to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). James, John, and Jonah were not demonstrating love by wanting their enemies to be burned alive with fire from heaven.
Who do you consider your enemies? Those are the people whom you are supposed to love. James, John, and Jonah failed in this regard. May we learn from their mistakes.