Author: John Ager

Born before 315 ppm CO2. He/him. Full bio on [About Me] page.

The Book of 1 Samuel

At the end of the book of Judges, the people of Israel were caught in a cycle of victory and failure, needing a long-term solution. As the book of 1 Samuel begins, a meaningful change takes place.

God surprised the people by choosing an unlikely figure to lead them. He granted a childless woman a son, Samuel, who grew up to be a renowned priest and prophet. He listened to God’s voice and led the often-stubborn people. However, the Israelites weren’t content with a prophet; they wanted a king – someone visible, someone to lead them into battle, like the rulers of other nations.

Despite Samuel’s warnings, the people insisted, and God granted their request. He instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as Israel’s first king. Saul started well, he was a strong leader and soldier. However, flaws in his character soon emerged. He became arrogant, choosing his own desires over obedience to God. As a result, God rejected Saul as king, and Samuel delivered the message that his reign wouldn’t last.

Once again, God’s choice was unexpected: David, the youngest son of Jesse. Although he began in a humble position, his skill and bravery won admiration, especially after he famously defeated Goliath with a single stone. His rising popularity made Saul deeply jealous, and he repeatedly tried to kill David. David, however, didn’t seek revenge; he even spared Saul’s life multiple times.

Eventually, Saul’s downfall was complete. After suffering defeat in battle, he took his own life, a tragic end to a once promising but deeply flawed ruler. David would soon take the throne, but his reign wouldn’t be without personal failures. However, his story serves as a reminder that God can work through imperfect people, just as he can with anyone.

This book reminds us of the dangers of rejecting divine guidance, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the idea that even deeply flawed individuals can be used for greater purposes.

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The Book of Judges

The book of Judges follows Joshua’s final address, where he reminds the people to remain faithful to God, love him, and serve him. His message is relevant today, as Christians are encouraged to stay close to God and follow his will.

In the turbine hall of Tate Modern (it used to be a power station) they have large art installations. Years ago, there was a huge sun at one end of this vast room with a ceiling full of mirrors. The whole effect was of warmth and hope. Judges 5:31 compares those who love God to the rising sun in its strength, enriching them day by day.

But, despite being given a new land, the Israelites struggled with obedience and faithfulness. Their disobedience weighed them down, preventing them from fully embracing the life they had hoped for. This pattern of failure and renewal is a key biblical theme, as seen in Hebrews 12:1, which urges believers to cast off sin and persevere in their faith journey. The Israelites, however, failed to learn from their past and repeatedly turned to foreign idols, illustrating the ongoing struggle between human sin and divine grace.

The book of Judges depicts a cycle of disobedience, suffering, repentance, and redemption. Despite their failures, God didn’t abandon his people but appointed judges to lead them out of trouble. One of the most well-known judges, Gideon, needed reassurance from God before achieving victory over the Midianites. Another significant figure, Samson, found success despite his weaknesses.

The Israelites were trapped in a pattern of short-lived victories followed by repeated failures. Their struggles highlight the need for a lasting solution, something beyond temporary leadership or short-term success. This ongoing cycle points to a deeper need for long-term hope and a future that could only be fully realised through God’s greater plan.

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The Book of Joshua

The book of Joshua follows the events of the book of Numbers, where God’s covenant people had reached the border of the Promised Land. It narrates their conquest of the land, raising ethical questions about war, though these are beyond the scope of this overview.

Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River. However, the land was already inhabited, and its people were not willing to surrender it. The Israelites miraculously crossed the river on dry land and began their conquest. Their most significant challenge was the fortified city of Jericho, which they overcame after marching around it as God instructed, leading to the collapse of its walls. This event instilled fear in the surrounding nations.

Despite their victories, the Israelites sometimes forgot God’s role in their success, leading to difficulties. This was most evident in their initial failure at Ai due to Achan’s sin and disobedience. However, when they acknowledged their need for God and repented, they were able to triumph once more.

The land was eventually divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God’s promise. The book concludes with Joshua’s final address to the people, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and urging them to remain devoted to him. The Israelites acknowledged that it was God who had freed them from Egypt, led them through their journey, and granted them victory over their enemies.

The overarching lesson of the book is the importance of trusting in God. Just as the Israelites were called to rely on him, Christians today should also remember to remain faithful, follow his will, and entrust their future to him. The story of Joshua serves as a reminder that without God, his people can achieve nothing.

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The Book of Numbers

The book of Numbers serves as the travel journal of God’s people after their time in Egypt, documenting their journey from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab and the Promised Land of Canaan. However, the vast wilderness posed a significant challenge, and the people were unprepared for its difficulties.

Instead of responding with faith, gratitude, and obedience, the Israelites frequently reacted with unbelief, ingratitude, and rebellion. Though they made preparations for the journey, they faced many trials along the way. When they stumbled, God remained faithful, demonstrating his grace.

Numbers 15:41 is a key verse: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.

Despite God’s provision and care, the people continually grumbled and were dissatisfied with their circumstances. Their attitude tested even God’s patience, and they nearly perished in the wilderness. Moses had to intercede, and their time in the wilderness extended to forty years, becoming a period of learning and identity formation.

Forward-thinking individuals recognised that their future lay in obtaining the land God had promised. Eventually, they reached its border with a renewed understanding that God was living, trustworthy, and faithful to his promises.

This journey serves as a lesson for us today. Life may bring challenges, but as God’s covenant people, we can trust in his presence and his faithfulness to fulfil his promises.

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Books of Leviticus & Deuteronomy

So far in our journey through the books of the Bible I’ve covered Genesis and Exodus. Genesis reveals God’s purposes, human nature, failure, and hope. It introduces Abraham, through whom God establishes a covenant people. The book concludes with Joseph’s family settling in Egypt, setting the stage for Exodus, which means “departure”. Exodus recounts how God rescues his people from Egypt, leading them through the wilderness for forty years. During this time, he gives them the Ten Commandments, guiding them in their covenant relationship with him.

Following this, Leviticus and Deuteronomy serve as a “team talk” for the Israelites. These books outline how God’s people must live and behave according to their covenant. Their faith was not just about words but actions. Leviticus provides laws for daily life, focusing on right relationships with both God and one another, emphasising the importance of body, mind, and spirit.

Deuteronomy, while containing laws, also records Moses’ speeches, preparing the people for their journey into the Promised Land. The book ends with Moses’ death, just before their entry.

God never intended these laws to be a burden. Instead, they were meant to bring joy, as following his way is a delight. Some are related to a particular time and place, others are timeless. They remind us that true obedience flows from hearts filled with love for a gracious and faithful God.

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The Book of Exodus

The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, begins after Genesis, with Joseph’s family settling in Egypt. Initially prosperous, they became a threat to Pharaoh, who enslaved them and subjected them to harsh conditions. In response, God appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Moses first attempted to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites, but he refused. To demonstrate his power, God sent plagues upon Egypt. After much suffering, Pharaoh relented, only to change his mind and pursue the Israelites. However, God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing his people to escape.

During their forty years in the wilderness, God provided for them despite their complaints. Significant events included the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and instructions for constructing the tabernacle, a sacred place of worship. These moments reinforced their identity as God’s covenant people and established a way of life in devotion to him.

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Exodus 20:2.

Despite witnessing God’s constant presence and provision, the people frequently turned away from him. Their disobedience grieved God, yet he remained faithful, forgiving, and full of grace. The redemption of the Israelites in Exodus serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption that would later come through Jesus Christ.

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The Book of Genesis

Many people set a New Year’s resolution to read the Bible in a year, but without a structured plan it can be a challenging task. Reading the Bible in chronological order can be helpful, as it presents events in sequence and avoids duplication found in traditional formats.

This post focuses on the Book of Genesis, which means “beginnings” or “origins”. It describes God’s creation of the universe and his desire for fellowship with humankind. The opening chapters are poetic rather than scientific, and are not incompatible with modern understanding. Genesis explores themes of God’s purposes, human nature, failure, and hope. It portrays how people turn away from God, yet he continually seeks to restore the relationship.

A key theme in Genesis is God’s covenant with Abraham, calling him and his descendants to be his people and fulfil his purposes. Genesis 17:7 highlights this covenant, in which God promises to be the God of Abraham and his descendants for generations to come. This covenant sets the stage for the biblical narrative, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ.

The story of Abraham’s family unfolds with vivid imagery, covering moments of joy, sorrow, love, and conflict. Eventually, Abraham’s descendants find themselves in Egypt, with Joseph rising to a position of great authority as second-in-command to the Pharaoh.

Genesis is a book of encouragement and hope, reminding us that despite dark times, God has a plan. Regardless of how insignificant or unworthy we may feel, God’s love remains steadfast, and he has a purpose for everyone. Though sin separates us from God, Genesis foreshadows the way back.

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Why is February shorter?

Have you ever wondered why February is the shortest month? OK, maybe not, but I’m going to tell you anyway!

The problem (because that’s what it was) originates from the fact that all calendars were once lunar, and the number of lunar months does not equal the solar year. Additionally, the solar year is not exactly 365 days, and this simply compounds the problem. That’s why we add an extra day occasionally to keep the calendar in line with our annual journey around the Sun.

The problem with February goes back to the Romans, and what have they ever done for us? They used a lunar calendar, but thought it would be a good idea if winter didn’t have months. eventually (around 713 BCE) they added two months (January and February) to the end of the year, because they considered the year started with the spring equinox in March.

There was still a problem for many centuries though, because there was all sorts of tinkering for all sorts of reasons. Julius Caesar eventually initiated calendar reform creating the Julian calendar, but even then there were still problems. The months now had either thirty one or thirty days, but the year was slightly too long. They resolved this by removing one day from February and returning it once every four years.

Having more or less solved the problem, they started counting leap years every three years and messed everything up again. Emperor Augustus corrected the issue, and all was well again – until it was decided to name a month after him. Now his month (I’ll leave you to work out which one) had one less day than the one honouring Julius Caesar (you can work it out), and that was out of the question.

So, what did they do? They took another day off poor February and added it to August, obviously! Hence, February has only twenty eight days, except in a leap year. There just remained a little adjustment to the months after August, so as to avoid having three consecutive months with thirty one days.

Note: Many centuries later, most of the world moved to the Gregorian calendar, but that’s another story.

The Power of the Beatitudes

Years ago, you might have seen the Beatitudes embroidered and framed. Unfortunately, this could so easily rob them of their radical, prophetic, and subversive power, being regarded as twee and restrained rather than powerful and revolutionary.

The Beatitudes challenge conventional wisdom by reversing societal values: the weak are strong, the humble are exalted, and suffering leads to divine blessing. They encourage believers to reflect Christ’s character and embrace a countercultural way of living. These teachings provide comfort and assurance, affirming that God’s kingdom operates on different principles than worldly systems, offering hope to the marginalized.

As a blueprint for Christian ethics, the Beatitudes influence theology, spirituality, and social movements. They call believers to embody love, justice, and humility, shaping both personal conduct and community interactions. Found in Matthew 5:3–12 and partially in Luke 6:20–23, they express core Christian teachings, revealing the qualities of a life blessed by God. Each Beatitude presents a paradox, contrasting worldly values with God’s ideals. The term “beatitude” comes from the Latin beatus, meaning “blessed” or “happy.”

More than moral instructions, the Beatitudes declare divine favour on those who embody humility, mercy, and righteousness. In Jesus’ time, they challenged traditional views on power and success, urging trust in God, solidarity with the suffering, and a pursuit of justice. Christians are called to be pure of heart and endure persecution for righteousness.

The Beatitudes reveal God’s nature and kingdom, holding believers accountable, as seen in the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, where judgment depends on how we treat the poor. Jesus himself exemplified them, living in spiritual poverty and meeting people’s needs, as seen in Matthew 15. Charles Spurgeon noted that true meekness withstands persecution, just as Christ did on the cross.

One thing is framing them in homes, quite another is framing them within the home of our hearts.

Ultimately, the Beatitudes encapsulate discipleship, teaching that true fulfillment lies in humility and mercy. By embracing their paradoxes, we align with Christ’s values, living out God’s kingdom now and into the future.