Banquet With The King

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Who is This Lamb of God?

Baptism in the Jordan River
Israel

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.' I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel." John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are you coming to me?" But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him. Matthew 3:13-15

Meditate. What does it mean to be baptized?

Who is this Lamb of God? John declared that the Lamb was Jesus as he saw Jesus coming toward him. John felt unworthy. Could he already have known who Jesus was, although he said that he didn’t recognize Him as The Messiah? The Lamb of God was the Messiah—the one who came to take away the sins of the world. Read on in John 1. God told John to baptize people and the Messiah would be revealed.

What does it mean to be baptized? During Jesus time…and in earlier Biblical times, purification was a cleansing ritual for people so that they were pure when they went into the Temple. There were special baths for their routine. The purification process was specifically delineated with instruction from the Lord and is noted in the books of Leviticus 15 and Numbers 19.

Then someone who is ceremonially clean will gather up the ashes of the heifer and deposit them in a purified place outside the camp. They will be kept there for the community of Israel to use in the water for the purification ceremony. This ceremony is performed for the removal of sin. Numbers 19:9, 17

Now, Christians become Christians when they realize they are sinners…we all are…they repent, ask for their sins to be forgiven, and for Jesus to be their Savior. Their lives change. Transformed.

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God's peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. Galatians 6:14-16

Frequently, soon after their conversion, the individuals are baptized. Baptism takes the form of either a sprinkling or a full immersion. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change—their conversion. What does that mean? It is a spiritual rebirth. The person has actually changed.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God. You gave up so much to leave Heaven and become the Lamb of God, as well as a teacher, prophet, servant, only Son of God the Father, our Savior, and trusted friend. Thank you, Jesus. Your blood covers our sins, wipes them away, and we can be purified. Cleansed pure so that we are forgiven. Help us to serve You in our endeavor to seek You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11-12

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Tuesday, February 3, 2026

What is a Winnowing Fork?

"I (John) baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire." Matthew 3:11-12

Meditate on Jesus’ role in coming to earth.

What is a “winnowing fork,” and how is Jesus going to use it? A winnowing fork is an implement that farmers in ancient times used on the threshing floor to separate the chaff from the kernels of grain. Matthew records John’s words that the grain and chaff will be separated. The grain would be gathered and saved. The chaff would be burned up in an eternal fire.

Is the grain those who would believe in the Son of God, the Christians, and the chaff, the unbelievers, those who would be condemned to a final death in an eternal fire? I think that would be a logical, good guess. The winnowing fork was essential for separating the parts of the wheat—the grain kernels and the chaff. Spiritually, what could the winnowing fork be attributed to? Who…or what…separates the grain from the chaff? In this scripture passage, we are told that “someone” is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. That “someone” is Jesus. He is the one that John was referring to as not being worthy to be His slave and carry His sandals. Yes. Jesus is the one with the winnowing fork. We can be sure that He will one day be separating the grain and the chaff—those who believe and those who don’t. Where will you be? On the pile of chaff headed to the eternal fire or gathered with the kernels of grain?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I believe in You as my Lord and Savior. I know that one day you will winnow the harvest of souls. The good ones in one pile…and the chaff to be discarded in the fire.

Verse of Salvation ~ Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment. Isaiah 50:10-11

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, February 2, 2026

Who is Worthy to Carry His Sandals?

Carry my sandals and staff.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. "You brood of snakes!" he exclaimed. "Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don't just say to each other, 'We're safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.' That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now, the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Matthew 3:7-11

Meditate. Read the scripture passage three times.

It was time for Jesus to begin His ministry. John the Baptist had been out at the Jordan River calling for people to “Repent” and change their ways. He was baptizing those who repented. It seems that the Pharisees and Sadducees thought they were holier than anyone else, but John the Baptist saw through them. Was he warning or accusing them of being bad fruit? Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Bad fruit—pride, haughtiness, unrighteousness. That was what John was seeing in the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was condemning them to Hell—thrown into the fire.

John the Baptist was foretelling of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He already revered Jesus. He felt he was not worthy to even carry Jesus’ sandals. Who carries another person’s sandals…or even unties them, but a slave? Was John considering himself lower than a slave?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, like John, I am unworthy to untie or carry Your sandals—but by Your blood and sacrifice, You have saved me from the doom of Hell or of the rejection of the Father. Thank You. I look forward to serving You forever in Heaven one day. I would even be willing to carry Your sandals.

Verse of Salvation ~ Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:21-25

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, February 1, 2026

Can I Be a Priest?

The Sacrificial Lamb
Is it perfect?
The Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world.

Only Aaron and his descendants served as priests. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense, and they performed all the other duties related to the Most Holy Place. They made atonement for Israel by doing everything that Moses, the servant of God, had commanded them. 1 Chronicles 6:49

Meditate. Consider God’s message in scripture.

At the time of Passover, when I went to the Temple in Jerusalem, I observed the Priests. They were dressed in dramatic robes with headdresses. Can I be a priest? Did I want to be a priest? Nope. Only men in the Levite tribe, in Aaron’s line, could be priests.

Call for your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Set them apart from the rest of the people of Israel so they may minister to me and be my priests. Make sacred garments for Aaron that are glorious and beautiful. Exodus 28:1-2

The priests had specific duties, which included teaching the people.

And you must teach the Israelites all the decrees that the LORD has given them through Moses. Leviticus 10:11

The priests were to resolve conflicts.

Then the Levitical priests must step forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to minister before him and to pronounce blessings in the LORD's name. They are to decide all legal and criminal cases. Deuteronomy 21:5

Of course, the priests offered sacrifices to atone for the Israelites' sins.

These are the sacrifices you are to offer regularly on the altar. Each day, offer two lambs that are a year old, one in the morning and the other in the evening. With one of them, offer two quarts of choice flour mixed with one quart of pure oil of pressed olives; also, offer one quart of wine as a liquid offering. Offer the other lamb in the evening, along with the same offerings of flour and wine as in the morning. It will be a pleasing aroma, a special gift presented to the LORD. "These burnt offerings are to be made each day from generation to generation. Offer them in the LORD's presence at the Tabernacle entrance; there I will meet with you and speak with you. Exodus 29:38-42

Blessing the people is another responsibility of the priests. This results in those people getting God’s blessing.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: 'May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.' Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them." Numbers 6:22-27

Only sons of the tribe of Levi get to be priests. I was born into the family of David in the line of Judah. True, Abraham was the father of all Israelites, but his grandson, Jacob, had twelve sons. One was Judah, and another was Levi. Levi’s family became priests, one of whom got to speak directly to God once each year at the Day of Atonement.

The Rabbis that I studied with at the Temple taught me the finer points of the Jewish priests—those gentlemen from the family of Aaron that still practiced the sacrifices according to God’s instructions through Moses. Here in the rebuilt Second Temple, since Solomon’s Temple was so damaged by the Babylonians, there is so much corruption. There are merchants selling lambs and doves to people who come bringing sacrifices that are declared inferior. Are they really blemished? It looks to me like someone is just trying to make some easy money. I’m not a priest, but I can see perfect sacrifices. Hearts that are repentant when they bring their sacrifices to the Temple. They heard God’s message. Repent. One day, that will be my message, too.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You had such wisdom—even as a child. Repent was the beginning of Your ministry. Did you learn that in Jerusalem? With a repentant heart, daily I am seeking God’s purpose for my life—what would You have me to do, minute by minute?

Verse of Salvation ~ Now after John [the Baptist] was arrested and taken into custody, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching the good news of [the kingdom of] God, and saying, "The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God's purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation]." Mark 1:14-15 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, January 31, 2026

Back to Basics - Listen

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Psalm 78:1-7

Meditate. Listen.

Listen my children.
This is the story of Moses and the crossing...
of the Red Sea as the Israelites left Egypt.
Listen to this story of our ancestors and God.
Lego design by Isaac.

This Psalm tells us to listen to my instructions—to God’s instructions. That is pretty much all of the Tanakh—the Torah (teachings), the Nevi’im (prophets), and the Ketuvim (writings). God had plenty of instructions that He gives in parables. Stories to be passed down and taught to children by their ancestors focus on God’s hope, His miracles, and His commands.

Listen. That is what the Rabbi tells us children as we study at the synagogue. Listen. We’re supposed to learn about our ancestors and just what God had instructed them to do. Listen. So that we can learn just what God expects of us kids—of everyone. God’s expectations are reasonable—it’s just that a lot of people are basically selfish and want to do things—to live—their own way and not God’s way. They want to worship idols—or at least put other things ahead of their love and honor for God. God was specific about loving Him first and only. There were people living in the Promised Land who worshipped other gods when the Israelites came into the land that God was giving them. They had struggled with putting God first even when they left Egypt. That promise had been given to Abraham inviting him to become part of God’s family. That was the beginning of the Jewish religion and tradition. Listen. That is what the Rabbis taught…so each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.

Prayer – Lord, we’re listening. Open our eyes, ears and heart to understanding Your words. Guide us into clearly understanding and applying Your teachings to our lives.

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, January 30, 2026

Bless this Food

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

How about a falafel on Shabbat??
Somewhere in Israel

We always have the most wonderful meals for Shabbat or Sabbath—our day of rest. God commanded the Israelites to rest on the seventh day, just like He did when He created the world and everything in it. Shabbat is our day of rest, ordained by God. Mother fixes our evening meal just before Shabbat and then prepares food for the next day so that we all rest on Shabbat.

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:9-11

We ask a blessing on the meal before we eat. Then it is a Jewish custom to give thanks, offering a blessing after the meal, particularly one that includes bread. The prayer is known as the Birkat Hamazon. Grace after Meals. It isn’t so much as to express thankfulness as it is to be humble—recognizing God’s dominion. This is a short example:

Blessed is The Lord our God, Sovereign of the universe, who sustains the entire world with goodness, kindness, and mercy. God gives good to all creatures, for God’s mercy is everlasting. Through God’s abundant goodness we have not lacked sustenance, and may we not lack sustenance forever, for the sake of God’s great name. God sustains all, does good to all, and provides food for all the creatures whom God has created. Blessed is The Lord our God, who provides food for all.

All the Jews in Nazareth, in fact all of Israel, focus on a Shabbat meal before sunset on the sixth day of the week. Then on the seventh day, we rest. It is a custom that our ancestors have practiced since the time of Moses. That resting time each week is good for us all. God provides the food that nourishes our bodies and His word that nurtures our spirits. God created man and woman to be like Him—spiritual. My hope is to one day feed God’s people around me both bread and spiritual food. Thanks be to the Lord God—who created heaven and earth and all that is within them. He provides and blesses the food we eat.

Prayer – Lord God, Thank You for the variety and bounty of food that You provide for us—and the creativity to prepare it in appetizing ways. We are blessed. Please show us ways we can be a blessing to others. Serving You by serving others.

Verse of Salvation ~ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is that cold and flu time of the year. Be sure to eat good foods that God has provided for us all—fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and foods with no sugar or processing, if possible. Here’s a list of herbs that can be beneficial in keeping you healthy or fighting viruses.

Herbs that Fight Viral Infections

1. Oregano

2. Sage

3. Basil

4. Fennel

5. Garlic

6. Lemon Balm

7. Peppermint

8. Rosemary

9. Echinacea

10. Elderberries

11. Licorice

12. Astragalus

13. Ginger

14. Ginseng

15. Dandelion

Add these herbs to your favorite recipes or make them into a tea.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories