God’s Daily Word, Tel Aviv (2026)

17/04/2026

Our autonomy is limited by God

“People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 ERV)

We already saw that unlimited autonomy is problematic when it comes to living together with others. If everyone claims maximum freedom for themselves, it inevitably clashes with the freedom of others. Therefore, it is good that certain boundaries exist.

We see something similar with God. The autonomy and responsibilities He gives us are extensive, but not unlimited. Absolute control belongs to Him alone. He establishes the framework within which we can shape our lives.

Some of those boundaries are clearly visible. For example, we have only limited control over natural forces—such as rain and drought, storms, or earthquakes—and our life on earth is finite.

There are also moral boundaries that God sets for us. For instance, He wants us to treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated. His laws limit our freedom of choice, yet at the same time they create a framework within which we can flourish. Our Creator knows what is good for us. If we disregard His laws, it inevitably leads to problems for ourselves or for others.

And then there is God’s active intervention in history. He stands above world events and governs what happens. The Bible provides many examples of this.
All in all, we have much to choose from, but there are limits to our autonomy. What do you think about God determining those limits?

16/04/2026

Are we really free?

“Surely you know that you become the slaves of whatever you give yourselves to. Anything or anyone you follow will be your master.” (Romans 6:16 ERV)
In order to enjoy freedom of choice and autonomy, we want to break free from restrictive rules and authoritarian structures. Once these are gone, we will be free! But… is that assumption really correct?

Paul challenges the idea of “free choice” by warning that we can become slaves to whatever we give ourselves to. Humans are so influenced by sin that we naturally tend to choose wrong. In fact, we are “involuntary slaves”, often without even being aware of it. We cherish the illusion of autonomy, yet all the while we are being led by God’s adversary. He influences our will so profoundly and, at the same time, so subtly that we don’t even notice it.

Paul also writes about another possibility, which at first glance doesn’t seem free choice at all. He talks about people who are obedient to what they have learned about Christ. So, they follow certain guidelines. But they do not feel forced to do so; they are “obedient from the heart” (Romans 6:17). In fact, that sounds more like freedom than “being a slave to evil”…

How free are you in the choices you make? Who or what influences you?

15/04/2026

Is autonomy always good?

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

Everyone does what seems right to him or her—that sounds like a dream, doesn't it? No one else restricting your freedom, and doing whatever you want. Developing your full potential. Enjoying unlimited autonomy. That’s quite an appealing idea.

Yet the situation described in this Bible verse turns out to be far from ideal. The book of Judges tells of moral decay, social chaos, murders, and civil war. At the end of the book, the author makes a direct link between these problems and the fact that everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

Apparently, opinions about “what was right” were quite divided. God’s commandments fell into disuse, and with them the moral compass disappeared. People no longer committed themselves to a common good, but each pursued their own desires — even when it harmed others. After all, there was no one to restrain them. In practice, the law of the strongest prevailed. Thus, unbounded autonomy led to all kinds of injustice.

The Bible presents the period of the Judges as a warning example: That is not the direction we should be heading!

Can you give specific examples from your own life where autonomy works well, but also situations where it doesn't work? Can you think of solutions that would prevent autonomy from leading to chaos and injustice?

14/04/2026

Humans have a unique place in creation

“And God blessed [the first humans]. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’” (Genesis 1:28)

In the first book of the Bible, we read how the world began. God created a beautiful earth filled with plants, flowers, and animals. Then He created the first humans. They were fundamentally different from all other creatures: they were made in God's image (see Genesis 1:26-27). God entrusted them with the stewardship of His creation. That is a great responsibility!

The first humans had children, and through many generations, the entire world population descended from them. This was God's intention; He explicitly commanded them to be fruitful and multiply. All these people together still have stewardship of the earth. They enjoy a considerable degree of autonomy and responsibility. Unlike plants or animals, humans have the ability to significantly influence their environment and determine how they want to shape their lives.
Psalm 8 is a song about this theme. The poet is impressed by the greatness of God and wonders why He gives humans so much honor and power. “You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:6).

In what areas do you feel autonomous, free to determine your own path? How do you seek to shape your life?

12/04/2026

Jezus and Peter

‘…and he [Peter] said to Him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you”. Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep”’ (John 21:17)

Jesus and His disciples were eating together, just as they used to do. For Peter, it was a very special meal. On the worst night of his life Peter had denied Jesus three times (John 18:15–27). Now Jesus was asking him three times: ‘Do you love Me, Peter?’ Jesus did not ask this to get even with Peter, but to restore their relationship. Peter could only reply: ‘Lord, You know that I lov
e You’.

Perhaps there are times when you also find yourself unable to go beyond this confession. After moments when you are disappointed with your own behaviour, when you find it hard to keep the faith, or when you’re feeling weak due to tiredness and the pressures of daily life.

Peter had learnt a great deal about himself. He no longer used big words. But he wanted to continue following Jesus. When he had called him, Jesus had promised that Peter would become a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19). Here, once again at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus reaffirmed Peter’s calling.

We do not always succeed in remaining faithful to Jesus. When we confess our failures, Jesus offers us His forgiveness. It is not our strength or our faithfulness that convince Jesus to continue using us in His service.

Is it hard for you to go back to Jesus after you have failed Him? How does Jesus respond to your admission of guilt? (Read 1John 1:9 and 2Timothy 2:13)

11/04/2026

At the Sea of Tiberias

‘After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias’ (John 21:1)

Jesus had called His first disciples on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias (see Matthew 4:18–22). After His resurrection, Jesus wanted to meet them there again (Mark 16:7). It took a moment for the disciples to realise that the man calling out to them from the shore was Jesus. Once they had all come ashore, bread and fish were laid out for them by a fire. Without a word being spoken, they knew it was Jesus who was inviting them to come and eat. He revealed Himself clearly and His disciples recognized Him (vs. 1,14).

To ‘reveal Himself’ means: He made Himself clearly known. It was evident to the disciples that He was with them. Peter would later bear witness to this fact (Acts 10:39–41). Jesus’ resurrection is not a made-up tale. After His resurrection, He was seen by various people in different places. He ate with some of them. Jesus arranged encounters at times and in ways chosen by Him to show that He was alive. The disciples knew that they were meeting ‘the Lord’.

After Jesus’ resurrection, His followers called Him ‘Kurios’ or ‘Lord’. It is a title that emphasizes His exalted status and power (John 20:18, 25, 28).

What are places and/or moments in your life where you had an encounter with Jesus that you will never forget?

10/04/2026

Thomas wants to see first

‘So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe… Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands”’ (John 20:25-27).

Thomas was quite sure about it: ‘I want to see Jesus first; only then will I believe that He is alive.’ Jesus went out of His way to meet Thomas.

Eight days after their first encounter with the risen Christ, the disciples were gathered together again. And this time, Thomas was also present. Once again, Jesus suddenly appeared in their midst. Jesus’ resurrection was a physical occurrence. He appeared in human form, ate in front of His disciples and could be touched. At the same time, He was clothed in heavenly glory and no longer subject to earthly limitations. He could suddenly ‘show up’ anywhere at any time.

Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds and have faith. Thomas did not get a sermon on the dangers of unbelief. Rather, he received a summons to believe. Perhaps, in moments of uncertainty, fear, sadness or doubt, you too sometimes wonder: Is Jesus truly alive and really present? How nice it would be to be able to see Jesus with your own eyes, so as to have no doubt about His presence. Jesus said once: ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe, all those people who will not see me physically and yet believe that I am there’. We may trust that the words of the Bible and the testimony of other believers are true and certain.

Have you ever experienced Jesus reaching out to you in moments when you doubted His presence? What would you like to say to Him today as a result of this lesson?

09/04/2026

The Eleven

‘…and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.”’ (Luke 24:46).

The first reports about the living Jesus, that came from the women, were not believed (Mark 16:11). But eventually, the 11 disciples also began to believe the news (Luke 24:33-34). Undoubtedly, there was a lot of discussion about everything that had happened. Suddenly the room went very quiet. All at once Jesus stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’. Shalom. That was a common, everyday greeting. But now, spoken by Jesus at that very moment, this greeting took on even greater significance. It took a while for the disciples to truly experience that peace. Jesus had to show them His wounds and eat and drink something before it really sank in: It was Jesus indeed! He stood in their midst just as He always had done.

At the same time, something really had changed. Jesus’ body had not been healed in an earthly sense, as had been the case with Lazarus (John 11:43–44). After His resurrection, Jesus had become part of heaven again. He had conquered death and would never die again. Just as was the case with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus had to point out to His 11 faithful followers: Everything happened just as I told you! Including My resurrection!

Have you ever doubted Jesus’ promises? In what way have you doubted?

30/03/2026

Jesus’ last words (3)

“Woman, behold, your son!”

“Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27)

One disciple has come to watch the crucifixion, namely the disciple whom Jesus loves — John. Jesus sees His mother standing next to His beloved disciple. He sees what suffering she has to bear. A sword pierces through her soul (Luke 2:35). Jesus’ time has come, His mother will lose her Son. As in John 2:4, Jesus does not call Mary “mother” but “woman.” Mary must step down as a mother; she must take her place as every disciple of Jesus. The family circle of Jesus is not so much about blood relationship as it is about faith community. Mary must now learn to see her Son as Lord.

Jesus then turns to John. He is instructed to love and care for Mary as if she were his mother. Mary still needs support during her further earthly life. In Jesus’ judgement, she cannot find enough support from her other children, who do not believe in Jesus as Savior (John 7:5). John will be her son – at least in a spiritual sense and presumably also in a material sense. The commission to John reflects the rule established by Jesus before: “Whoever receives someone sent by Me receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me” (John 13:20).

This is a commission for all of His followers: that others may recognize and find Jesus in you!

29/03/2026

Jesus’ last words (2)

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

One of the crucified criminals cries out mockingly, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). The other criminal points out to the mocker that he is making a mistake. After all, Jesus has done nothing wrong.

This man recognizes that Jesus is indeed the promised Christ. He acknowledges Him as the true King of Israel. He makes a request: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” This is a very remarkable confession, that none of Jesus’ disciples would have made at this time. Instead, they are perplexed by what has happened to Jesus, despite having previously confessed that Jesus is the Christ.

Amidst all the shouting and commotion, Jesus has remained silent. Now Jesus does speak. He responds immediately and emphatically to this prayer, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Immediately after his death, the crucified man will go to a wonderful place of rest where Jesus Himself will also be, where there is perfect peace and harmony.

In this account, Luke describes the salvation message of the Gospel: the criminal repents, expressing regret and confessing his faith in Christ and praying for forgiveness and salvation. Jesus accepts his repentance, grants forgiveness and promises eternal life in God’s Kingdom. This is the good news for everyone!

28/03/2026

Jesus’ last words (1)

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Three convicts are brought to the place of the ex*****on. Three poles are already set up there. Now the crossbeams bearing the convicts are lifted onto these poles. Jesus, apparently the most remarkable figure of all to have been crucified, hangs in the centre. As He is lifted up, Jesus utters His first words from the cross. He offers a brief prayer to his Father, a supplication.

Jesus is the mediator between God and humanity. His mission is to grant people forgiveness of sins, which is exactly what He does here.

Who are these people who “know not what they do”? Is it the Roman soldiers, the chief priests or the people of Israel? The answer remains open. In fact, it is all those who reject Jesus. Their rejection of Jesus has blinded them, preventing them from understanding the consequences of their actions. Therefore, Jesus prays for forgiveness as the last and ultimate sign of God’s offer of salvation.

A first fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer becomes apparent when one of the two murderers crucified alongside Him, repents. Then, immediately after Jesus’ death, the Roman centurion does the same. Shortly after Peter’s speech, five thousand people came to faith. (Acts 4:4). Are you already among those who have received forgiveness? How has that changed your life?

27/03/2026

In Jerusalem

‘You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified’ (Matthew 26:2)

Passover was the feast celebrating Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. On the night of this liberation, the Israelites had to paint the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. This would ensure that the eldest sons of the Israelites would not die (see Exodus 12:1-14). Every year this was celebrated, and Israelites from all over the country came to Jerusalem for this feast. Lambs were slaughtered in the city as part of the celebrations. A few days later, Jesus, the only perfect Passover Lamb, would give His life so that everyone who believes in Him would be freed forever from the power of sin and death, and their relationship with God would be restored. But Jesus was the only One who knew that this would happen.

The religious leaders in Jerusalem saw Jesus as a troublemaker, someone who dared to call Himself the Son of God. They made plans to get rid of Him. They discussed what would be the best time to do so. But in the end, it was Jesus Himself who determined the moment of His suffering and death. He gave His life voluntarily, at His own time and in the manner chosen by God (John 10:17-18).Food for thought: ‘delivered up to be crucified’. Meditate on these words for a few minutes. In what way will you reflect on Jesus’ sufferings and death during the days of Lent ?

God’s Daily Word

17/04/2026

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15/04/2026

14/04/2026

12/04/2026

11/04/2026

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