David’s prayer is appropriate for all, but especially for those who presume to teach and preach. I pray this always, and even more fervently before stepping in front of God’s people on Sunday mornings.
David’s prayer is appropriate for all, but especially for those who presume to teach and preach. I pray this always, and even more fervently before stepping in front of God’s people on Sunday mornings.
John the Revelator saw the birth of Jesus from heaven’s perspective. I believe the woman represents Israel with the 12 stars being the 12 tribes (see Joseph’s dream in Gen. 37:9). John catches a glimpse behind the curtain of pre-history and of the spiritual warfare that preceded the Savior’s birth. Satan tried to stop Christmas, but failed.
The Magi followed the star looking for the one born king, and found HIm in the city of Bethlehem as prophesied. Yet, His kingdom had not yet come. Jesus preached the kingdom, and taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come” prayers. He was crucified and rose from the grave to overcome the ruler of this world and inaugurate His Kingdom. Some day, the 7th trumpet will sound and King Jesus’ will reign on earth as in heaven.
John ate the scroll containing the word from God. This should always be the preacher’s process, to first “eat” the Word before proclaiming it. The Word needs to have its effect on the prophet before repeating it to others.
The prophet Habakkuk wondered where the Lord was when he saw violence and injustice in his nation. But the Lord was watching and responded. He raised up Babylon to invade Judah to conquer and lay waste. There is a limit to God’s patience with violence and injustice. The prophets warned Judah, but they did not repent.
Nahum prophesied against Nineveh, the city that repented under Jonah’s preaching but soon returned to its idolatry. Located East of the Tigris and the modern city of Mosul, this capital city of Assyria fell, never to be rebuilt in 612 BC. In this the Lord’s attributes are illustrated. He is infinitely patient, giving second and third chances to repent. But He is also omnipotent and just, not only able, but willing to correct wrongs. Like Jonah, we wonder if God will ever act to address the injustice of this world. But don’t mistake His patience for inaction. He offers many warnings for repentance before dispensing justice.
This is one of 300 Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ. Among them are those surrounding His birth: the star, born in Bethlehem, Son of God, virgin birth, line of David, out of Egypt, and even the execution of Rachel’s children. This is the Christmas story. It’s not just the angels, shepherds and wisemen. It’s also the worldly king Herod and the evil in mankind that would murder children. This is why Jesus came. He came to die for our sins, so that we could be set free from this death sentence.
The prophet Micah foretold a day when Judah would fall to Babylon and their children would be taken. Evil always targets the innocent. Didn’t the worldly king Herod kill all those under two years in Bethlehem, trying to kill Jesus? What happened in Newton, CT yesterday reminds us that evil is real and that humanity is fallen and that Jesus is our only hope of redemption.
Instead of going East to Nineveh, Jonah headed West. He didn’t want to do what the Lord commanded. But he found out that you can’t run away from God. Have you tried to run in the opposite direction from God’s call? How’s that working out for you?
What John the Revelator heard the 24 elders saying to the Lord as they lay down their crowns at His feet in worship. The elders represent the 12 tribes + the 12 disciples. Together, they represent the church complete, for Jesus has made both Jew and Gentile one in Him. They acknowledge the Lord as both Creator and Architect. For God not only created, He designed what He created. And it pleased Him, for He saw that “it was good” (Gen. 1:31). He made you because He wanted you. You are wanted.