Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2025 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we examine Jesus' command to "Go", pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 288,000 page views by people in over 140 different countries who are seeking God through His Word. God has promised if you seek Him, you will find Him. May you be blessed reading Banquet With The King.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Book of Ezra – Finding Jesus?

Come out—come out—wherever you are? Do you remember playing Hide-and-Go Seek as a kid? I do. It used to be a favorite summer evening game growing up especially when we had friends over for special occasions like the 4^th of July. We’d quickly and quietly hide—trying not to be found. When we’d hear the seeker shout “Olly, Olly, oxen free (meaning all ye, all ye, out are free”) we knew the game was over and relieved that we hadn’t been found. When searching for those hiding, we’d anticipate joyously finding them. In Psalm 119 the lost sheep wander around. Are we like lost sheep? When looking for Jesus in the Book of Ezra, it was like looking for the hiding kids. Where is He? He's got to be here somewhere! I did find a few verses with the word LORD—which is our go to clue for Jesus as Yahweh—the Creator. The Book of Ezra tells the story of the Jews who came back to Israel at the direction of King Cyrus of Persia. They were to rebuild the Temple and the walls around the city of Jerusalem. God was in that and He brought back from captivity all the right skilled people together to do the work…His work.

Ezra had been in captivity in Babylon and now he was free to go back to Jerusalem. He was obedient to God, to the letter of the Law. As a scribe Ezra would have known the law because he had the opportunity to study it for himself as he copied the text. He had to know the law inside and out in order to teach it to the Israelites. Having lived in Babylon in captivity the general Israelite population was not familiar with the Law and the religious regulation like they would have been had they lived in Israel all their lives. There was no Temple in Babylon and religious commitment was not the same in Jerusalem. Headed back to Jerusalem after seventy years in Babylon, Ezra was determined to know the Law so that he could teach it to the Israelites as they returned. He valued the God, the Torah—the Law—and the people returning to Israel. His desire to please God gave Ezra a good motivation to obediently study the Law and teach the regulations to the Israelites.

What is your motivation to study God’s word? I read and study God’s word—to learn more about Him—so seek His approval. Being loved and approved of is the most important thing in anyone’s life. That is good motivation. Would you choose to study like Ezra did?

Then they celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. There was great joy throughout the land because the LORD had caused the king of Assyria to be favorable to them, so that he helped them to rebuild the Temple of God, the God of Israel. Ezra 6:22

This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. He came up to Jerusalem from Babylon, and the king gave him everything he asked for, because the gracious hand of the LORD his God was on him. ... Praise the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem! And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles! I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the LORD my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem. Ezra 7:6, 27-28

O LORD, God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an escaped remnant, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence. Ezra 9:15

(Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord Jesus—rescue us and show us Your unfailing love just like You did for the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple. Put Your gracious hand on each of us…for we praise You moment by moment, day by day, year by year, as You rebuild Your Temple in our hearts.

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Verse of Salvation ~ Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands. Psalm 119:173-176

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

One of my all-time favorite foods is a seafood stew called Cioppino. I recently had it at an Anthony’s restaurant in celebration of my Granddaughter’s, Julia, 10^th Birthday.

Seafood Stew – Cioppino for 8

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

4 garlic cloves, grated

2½ teaspoons fresh thyme

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 tsp fresh fennel, chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes (optional – add for spicy heat)

1 dried bay leaf

1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes with juice, crushed

1 cup dry white wine

1½ cups water

1 cup fish stock or bottled clam juice

2 pounds shell-on Dungeness crab legs, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)

20 littleneck clams, scrubbed well

10 mussels, preferably from Penn Cove

1 pound firm, skinless fish fillets (red snapper or salmon), cut into bite-size pieces

1 pound large shrimp (about 30), peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

½ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

2. Add crushed tomatoes and their juice, white wine, water, and fish stock; bring to a simmer. Note you can make this stew to this point and save it in the refrigerator for 2 days. Heat to simmer when ready to continue preparing the stew.

3. Add crab, mussels, and clams. Simmer, covered, until crab shells turn bright pink and seafood shells open, about 10 minutes. Season fish with salt and pepper. Add fish and shrimp, to stockpot. Simmer, covered, until fish is opaque and shrimp are pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Discard bay leaf and any unopened clam or mussel shells.

4. Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle with parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy with a crusty French bread.

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

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Look for Jesus in the Books of Chronicles

Once again I’m searching to find evidence of Jesus in the Old Testament, particularly in books of the Chronicles. In the Hebrew language Chronicles means “in the words of the days” so it is history. The Chronicles were at one time just one book—but it was separated into two books with the first one beginning with Adam and ending when David died. Second Chronicles begins when Solomon becomes king over Israel and ends when the Babylon captives are allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuilt the city and the wall.

The LORD is faithful to the nation of Israel. It is evident that it is the LORD, Jehovah, the Creator—the one true God—in these verses is Jesus.

Each day proclaim the Good News.
Jesus Saves.
Give Thanks to the LORD--for He is good!

They brought the Ark of God and placed it inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD. ... David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the LORD--to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. ... Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. ... Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens! ... Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:1-2, 4, 23, 25-26, 34

In Second Chronicles we see the LORD appearing to Solomon. That LORD is again translated as Jehovah, the true God. It is Jesus to whom we can pray and seek His face. In His ministry one of His first commands was that people should repent and turn from their wicked ways (see Matthew 4:17) the same as when the LORD spoke to Solomon in a dream. Repent. Turn from your wicked ways.

Then one night the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. ... Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:12, 14

Jesus didn’t wait until He was born as a human baby, grew up and taught a group of followers from all walks of life how to live to please our Heavenly Father. He told the people right there throughout history to humble themselves, pray, seek Him, and repent. Then He would forgive their sins. In the coming years He continues to do the same. That’s just what He tells us, too. Repent. Change your ways so that you are pleasing God. The choice is yours.

After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: "Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!" At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. ... On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies. ... When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the LORD himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, 26-27, 29

Prayer – Lord Jesus—there You are! Marching through the books of Chronicles teaching people the same then, as You taught as You walked on this earth. It’s the same message that the Holy Spirit reminds us today.

Meditate. Considers God’s message over the years.

Verse of Salvation ~ Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! And all the people shouted "Amen!" and praised the LORD. 1 Chronicles 16:35-36

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

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Baby Lamb Born

Most lambs are born in the spring…actually most farm animals are born in the spring. That’s just a good time of the year when the weather is warmer and there is fresh green grass sprouting up feeding all the sheep. This is just a good time for birth. Was Jesus born in the spring? Are we missing the real date when we celebrate His birth at Christmas? Your guess is as good as anyone else’s.

We do know that Jesus was crucified on Passover—at the time of the lamb sacrifice.

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was the Passover). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. John 19:30-31

The Jews were following the law that God had set into motion just before the Hebrew people left Egypt. The angel of death passed over the home of the Jews who had marked their door posts. The blood of Jesus marks the doorposts of our hearts so that eternal death passes over us—the second death or final death does not happen to us, but we will see Jesus, the Lamb of God. As the Light of the World, He will be shining on us.

A Tree of Life
Along the Yakima River
near West Richland, WA

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

Jesus is the Lamb of God as testified by John the Baptist.

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." Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God." John 1:29-34

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! That Lamb is Jesus—born in a stable and wrapped in swathing clothes and laid in a manger. Sacrificed for the sin of mankind. He has died for you and for me. That is Jesus, our Passover lamb. Will you let Him take your sin upon Himself?

While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the LORD gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: "From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. ... Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal. ... These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the LORD's Passover. On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt." Exodus 12:1-3, 6-7, 11-13

Prayer – LORD Jesus, shine on us! May Your glory be forever and ever.

Meditate. Consider Passover.

Verses of Salvation ~ And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:17-19

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

Is Jesus in the Books of Kings?

Who is the King of Kings? Several passages in the New Testament identify Jesus as the King of Kings, but do we see Him as the King of Kings in the Old Testament?

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 1 Timothy 6:15

Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him. Revelation 17:14

On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16

As David was dying and he stated that the LORD God of Israel rescued or redeemed…meaning saved…his life. That describes Jesus as Savior. Jesus in this role is the King of king David, thus the King of kings. He continued to be the King over Solomon, the next king of Israel after David died. This is just the first of many examples of the LORD in the books of the Kings.

The LORD is identified by the Strong’s concordance in the Blue Letter Bible app as number 3068, Jehovah, the existing One, the one true God. The LORD God or Jehovah was the creator, as recognized in the Genesis creation account. Jesus is the one that is given the responsibility and acknowledged as the creator.

This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens…. Genesis 2:4

Who is King of kings or LORD of lords in your life? Have you submitted your own goals and desires to the LORD? Is He on the throne of your life? The choice is yours.

Ruins of City of David
Jerusalem, Israel

King David responded, "Call Bathsheba!" So she came back in and stood before the king. And the king repeated his vow: "As surely as the LORD lives, who has rescued me from every danger, your son Solomon will be the next king and will sit on my throne this very day, just as I vowed to you before the LORD, the God of Israel." 1 Kings 1:28-30

Prayer – Lord Jesus, continue to rescue us, just as You did David. Spiritually, we need You. You are our Savior, our King of kings and Lord of lords. Dear Heavenly Father, please allow Jesus to come quickly to redeem us from this broken world.

Meditate. Consider how Jesus has rescued you.

Verse of Salvation ~ "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God--there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:10-13

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

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Where is Jesus in the Old Testament?

Have you ever looked for Jesus is in the Old Testament? Sure, He is there in creation…and perhaps He Himself walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but where do we see Him in First and Second Samuel?

Like this cairn He shows the way.
Whether hiking in Utah...
or following His words of advice...
Jesus is my Rock.

I just thought I’d take a look in those books—and as I read the next to the last chapter of 2^nd Samuel, Chapter 23, I noted that the last words of David included a description of Jesus. David met Jesus—his own descendent—long before He was born. David portrays Jesus as “The Rock of Israel.” The Rock. David also used that “rock” image earlier in a song that he sang to the LORD when he was delivered from his enemy Saul. Also see Psalm 18.

He sang: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. ... O LORD, you are my lamp. The LORD lights up my darkness. ... For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? 2 Samuel 22:2-4, 29, 32

Jesus Christ was known as the rock in the New Testament when the historical account of the Exodus was described.

All of them (the Hebrew people) ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:3-4

Another description of Jesus is that of light—and we know Jesus as the light of the world (see John 9:5.) It is evident that spiritually Jesus was with David. Although he made some serious mistakes, David proves to be a man after God’s own heart—and evidently devoted to his Savior. That would be our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Do you claim Jesus as your Savior? If not, consider that option today. He is worthy of your devotion. Personally, I can hardly wait to see Him face to face. My God, my Creator, my Savior, my brother, and my Friend. He is my Rock…and the Light of the World.

These are the last words of David: "David, the son of Jesse, speaks--David, the man who was raised up so high, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David, the sweet psalmist of Israel. "The Spirit of the LORD speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue. The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me: 'The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.' "Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success. 2 Samuel 23:1-5

Prayer – Lord Jesus, please continue to enlighten us to the fact that You are in the Old Testament. You are worthy of our praise, honor, and glory.

Meditate. Consider Jesus as your Rock and your Savior.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! Psalm 18:46

Happy Birthday dear friend, Ludi

A sweet treat for a sweet lady!

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

Monday, February 24, 2025

How Are You Walking?

Boots on the Beach.
Are you walking every day?
Walk, study, pray with Jesus today.

Do you go for a walk every day?

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord—reliable. Prayer is a powerful thing. God gives us the ability to access Him through our prayers—and He is all powerful, so that opens doors to more power for us. Jesus said…Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:24. Simply ask—pray. Just as Paul wrote to the Colossians, I have not ceased to pray for you and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (NASB). Do you know that even if I don’t know you…I do pray for you as you read this blog? I ask God to bless you with understanding and wisdom…and joy as you apply His word to your life.

Larry McCall in his book Walking like Jesus Did asked, “Who do you want to be like when you grow up spiritually?” What a great question. Of course, we’d hope the answer would be to be more like Jesus as we mature spiritually. Are you striving for that? How’s your progress? Who is holding you accountable? Find someone who is seeking to know Jesus more deeply and hold each other accountable as you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Jewish people have the custom of studying scripture in the presence of others—a haverim. The principle that Jesus told His disciples when He taught them about prayer can apply to anytime we are focusing on Jesus.

Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:19-20 NASB

Imagine that Jesus is with you now. We are gathered at our computers, studying His word, seeking to know Him better, and praying that He will bless us with answers to our earnest prayers. Jesus is here.

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:9-14 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord God, You are awesome and we worship You. Help us to walk and live in a way that is pleasing to You and may we be more like Jesus everyday. Thank you that You are always with us and that You hear our prayers.

Meditate. Consider how far you walk every day. Is it worthy of the Lord?

Verse of Salvation ~ I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Psalm 118:21-25

Happy Birthday, Debbie J.

God has richly blessed you with such creativity…and blessed so many through you!

Recycled from June 8, 2013 Banquet With The King blog.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB) New American Standard Bible®,

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