Jehosheba – A Heroic Example

Jehosheba – A Heroic Example

Jehosheba is a hero of the Bible who saves a toddler from the evil schemes of a power-hungry authority.  Consider how Moses was saved under Pharaoh’s reign, or Jesus during the time of King Herod.  Even with this heroic act, we know little about Jehosheba.  She was the daughter of King Jehoram and married the priest Jehoiada.  These are two historical figures most people know little about.  Her husband led a rebellion to instill the rightful heir of David to the throne in Jerusalem.  Her father was so evil the Bible says that when he died it was to no one’s regret (2 Chron. 21:20).

Seed & Soil

Seed & Soil

Years ago I was led to discover the central importance of the kingdom, but I’m seeing that it is a lifetime venture to grasp the kingdom lifestyle. How very far I have yet to go! But the power of the kingdom, made possible through the resurrected and ascended Christ, through Holy Spirit, is quietly transforming. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” 1 Corinthians 4:20.

Yearning for God

Yearning for God

Psalm 85 continues this picture of desiring closeness with God, but takes a slightly different perspective.  In Psalm 84, I get this imagery of excitement, anticipation, energized passion for God, whereas Psalm 85 depicts an image of peace, protection, and righteousness in relationship.  There is still a deep longing for a connection, but it’s like comparing the honeymoon, “puppy-love” phase of a new marriage, to a secure, content, lifelong covenant marriage.  

A Majestic God

A Majestic God

After looking to the vastness of God’s creation, David asks in 8:4, “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”  David goes on to say that God crowned us with glory and honor.  We are such a small piece in God’s creation that it is hard to imagine that God cares so much for us. 

Foundation

Foundation

The test of adversity reveals the nature of the foundation. In normal times a poor foundation is indistinguishable from a good one. But, it becomes clearly evident in the aftermath of a hurricane, tornado, or flood as to the quality of the foundation.

Salt & Light

Salt & Light

As salt, we are to maintain our saltiness. In our culture salt is sodium chloride, which cannot be lost. In ancient times, salt was a composite of this essential compound and other impurities. Sodium chloride could be leeched out, leaving a residue of little worth or effectiveness. With the main purpose and use of salt being that of a preservative, the remaining impurities - minus sodium chloride - were truly worthless and good only for being trampled under foot.

Poems Put to Music

Poems Put to Music

Psalms are poems.  Songs are poems put to music.  They are often used to help the Israelites remember their content.  Only one of these Psalms is directly attributed to David.  We don’t know who wrote the others, but they are all titled A Song of Ascents and were sung by travelers, likely on their way to Jerusalem for one of the yearly feasts.  These musical poems prompted the Israelites to look at God from many perspectives.

Generations

Generations

Most of us likely skim over the list of names in Matthew 1 and Luke 3. We recognize that genealogy is important, but the names mean little to us. We understand that the lineage of Jesus is especially important because it is imperative that He be identified with Abraham, David, and Adam if He truly is the Son of God/Son of Man.

A Decisive Moment Was At Hand

A Decisive Moment Was At Hand

God’s timing is often mystifying. From the vantage point of our limited mortal lives, His ways sometimes seem agonizingly slow. Does He not hear our heartfelt cries and prayers? Is He indifferent to our difficulties? The answer is found in these words: “God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant … God saw … and God took notice.”

Strength

Strength

The first thing we learn about Abigail is in verse 3 where we are told she is discerning and beautiful.  We then see her in action in verse 18, “Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys.”

Avoiding Deception

Avoiding Deception

The danger of deception is especially punctuated in Revelation 16 because it is worldwide deception that gathers the nations for the final battle called Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-14). If deception is increased in those days, then it is imperative that vigilance also increase.

Gotcha!

Gotcha!

“Be skeptical of everyone, including the skeptics”. I don’t know where this quote or phrase came from, but I often find myself in that mindset. Why? Because of stories like this. There are those out there who would try to deceive and use this deception to take advantage of others. I used to get calls and emails all the time at the church from people who were looking for money to help with something. There was always a story about why they were in this tough situation. The second half of that quote also resonates because sometimes people just like the status quo or throw cold water on other people’s ideas.

Urgency of the Gospel

Urgency of the Gospel

Even in the eleventh hour of human history, as God’s great wrath is poured out prior to the return of Jesus, there is hope for deliverance. Whereas humans have been tasked with sharing this “eternal gospel” (Matthew 28:18-20), an angel is assigned to do so at this age’s end. This eternal gospel remains universal in scope - “to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” It is for all people, in every nation, in every age.