Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. (2 Kings 18:5) The quality of a person and his or her leadership isn't always known until years after the person's life is over. It's only in hindsight that we can truly see the motives behind a person's actions and the quality of a ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: One Day (Isaiah 26-27)
These two chapters from Isaiah are prophesies about the future for His people. Though they suffered punishment and captivity by other nations, God is promising that He will restore the nation. Isaiah had in mind a glorious day when God will ransom His people from the gentile nations again (as He did when they were held captive by the Egyptians) and bring them to a place ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: No More Tears (Isaiah 24-25)
As bad as Israel's exile was and as bad as hopeless as the situation seemed, Isaiah reminded the people that God would swallow up death: yet another foreshadowing of Christ's death and atonement (payment) for our sins. Though their situation was bleak, the tears would one day be wiped away. This prophecy doesn't relate just to them, however, it relates to us, too. Our ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: Simply Pawns (Isaiah 13-14, 22:1-14)
While Babylon and Assyria were used by God to get the attention of the Israelites, one shouldn't think that they were favored by God. In fact, once they were no longer useful for His purposes, their nations faced demise because they never submitted to Him. In their arrogance, they sought to make themselves like gods, and so God had no choice but to humble them. ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: We Need a Ransom (2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17)
When you read the acts of the Israelites it isn't hard to believe why God wanted them out of His sight (2 Kings 17:18). Performing such abominations as child sacrifice and worshiping other gods, the Israelites were taken captive by the Assyrians. Was God giving up on them because of their sins? The answer is a shocking NO! God's desire was for the Israelites to turn ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: Religious Routine? (Micah 5-7)
Every once in a while when I'm sitting in church I look around and think about what I see. How many people would be here if they weren't committed to religious routine? Would I be here if I wasn't committed to my religious routine? I think there is at least some population of people who fall into the bad habit of viewing God in such a manner - myself included, at times. ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: Judgment and Hope on the Horizon (Micah 1-4)
The message of Micah isn't altogether different than the messages of the other prophets. First there's a warning of the judgment that was to come. After all, the people had sinned, and as Paul teaches us in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin is death. It's because of the sin of the people that they were going to experience the wrath of God. Thankfully, however, the ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback: Redemption (Isaiah 12)
Isaiah's description of God's redemption of His people is amazing. His anger is turned away so that we might be comforted; we have no reason to fear; God is our strength, our song, and our salvation. What more reason is there to praise His name? ... [Continue Reading]
Flashback for Christmas Break
For the week between December 26 and January 2nd, I'll be reposting old blog entries that coincide with the daily Bible readings so I can spend more time with my family over the holidays. I hope you enjoy reading my response to the daily readings from several years ago! Have a wonderful holiday week! ... [Continue Reading]
Merry Christmas (Isaiah 11)
...for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9b) Isn't it amazing that much of the earth pauses today to celebrate the birth of a Jewish carpenter? I don't know if you've given that idea much thought, but it's worth thinking about. Nearly 2000 years after his death, millions of people still take a reprieve from ... [Continue Reading]
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