[Joseph of Arimathea] was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. (John 19:39) The crucifixion of Jesus brought many things to light and it was a clarifying event in the lives of those who were Jesus' followers. In fact, it was until after the crucifixion that ... [Continue Reading]
A Hidden Treasure? (Matthew 13; Luke 8)
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44) Jesus told a story of a man who found a treasure hidden in a field. He realized the great value of what he had found, so he quickly gathered as much money as he could by selling his ... [Continue Reading]
The Only Direction (Obadiah)
“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 15) Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is? Where did this world come from? Where is this world going? What does the future hold, and why are we even here in the first place? The Prophet Obadiah reminds us that ... [Continue Reading]
The Afterglow Never Lasts (Ecclesiastes 1-4)
For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die! (Ecclesiastes 2:16) Given enough time, everyone will be forgotten. It doesn't matter how great you are or how big your afterglow is, there will come a point in time when you are not the topic of everyday conversation, ... [Continue Reading]
God’s Point of View (Job 38-39)
"Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7) Perspective is awfully important in life, isn't it? ... [Continue Reading]
Holding Onto Hope (Job 17-20)
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27) Within the confines of this Old Testament book of wisdom literature is a statement that is incredibly profound. Job ... [Continue Reading]
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