Life often becomes like a gymnasium or a battlefield (II Tim. 2:1-5), where we must exercise our faith and develop strong spiritual muscles for running the race of life. This truth is well illustrated in this chapter where God’s care and discipline of His people is so evident. Th …
It is not easy to live righteously, even when things are going well (vv. 8-9). It is especially hard when we are being persecuted and being falsely accused. Only the Lord, as He directs us through His Word, can keep us having right thoughts and right action. The same loving-kindness that led …
Children are to obey (v. 1) and (Col. 3:20). There ia a difference between between obeying and honoring. To obey means to obey means to do as one is told, to honor means to respect and love. Paul gives three reasons children should oben their parents:1. Because it is the right th …
It was God’s plan that Babylon must fall because she was responsible for killing many Israelites (v.49). However God makes it clear that there is no future in Babylon and anyone who chooses to remain in Babylon will suffer the fate of the city. On the other hand, if they re …
Uzziah, son of King Amaziah, becomes King of Judah at age 16, at the death of his father (vv. 1-3). He ruled 52 years from Jerusalem and during his rule he recaptured and rebuilt the town of Elath. He obeyed the Lord, as his father Amaziah had done (v. 4). Zechariah was his advisor and …
With the beginning of this chapter the author goes back to the beginning of Israel’s kingdom period. It is devoted to the death of Saul and the destruction of his sons at the hands of the Philistines. This narrative of the Philistine conquest of Israel at Mount Gilboa (l Chron. 10:1-12) is practically …
The psalmist compares the brevity of his own life with the eternity of days which belong to God (v. 23). Even though he is troubled by the worldliness of many he is interested in all that is happening. The times were so fascinating, so full of soul-stirring events, he dread …
No one has gone up to heaven except the Son of Man, who came down from there (v. 13). Sin caused God to punish the Israelites with fiery serpents that bit the people so that many died (Num. 21:4-9). God provided a remedy by commanding Moses to make a brass serpent, so that when a …
As this scene opens we find two men walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus, which was about eight miles northwest of Jerusalem (vv. 13-17). These men were disciples (not apostles), and one of them was named Cleopas (v. 18). As they walked they were discussing the events of the pa …
3. God is all powerful (omnipotent) (vv. 13-18). Many examples of God’s vast creation could have been used, but just one, the miracle of birth, is given. It is truly a miracle how God personally “handmade” us and ordered the days of our life.