“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV). Who is this “great crowd of witnesses?” They are those who have already run
“Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation” (Psalm 111:1 ESV). The Psalmist announced his intent to praise and give thanks to the Lord in the company of the congregation. He describes what he will do, with what motive he
“Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down” (Ezekiel 24:16 ESV). The Lord gave the prophet Ezekiel, whom He often referred to as the “Son of man,” a prophecy concerning
“Oholah was the name of the elder and Oholibah the name of her sister. They became mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.” (Ezekiel 23:4 ESV). The Ezekiel passage today about the two adulterous sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, graphically illustrates how God (as the
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14 ESV). What the law with its repeated offerings was unable to do, Christ with His single perfect offering has done. What is this impossible thing that Christ has accomplished? He has made those who trust in Him
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV). Why is there such a longing in the human soul? Why this emptiness that no physical thing, nor human relationship can fill? We hunger and thirst, so we attempt to satisfy our craving, but to no avail.
“Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4 ESV). God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel, rebuking the people of Israel for accusing Him of injustice and reminding them that He was both owner and judge
“I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of the cedar and will set it out… And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lord; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish.
“Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord, or declare all his praise?” (Psalm 106:2 ESV). The Psalmist’s questions beg the answer, “No one.” How can we number the glorious actions of our God? He is omnipotent and eternal. Who knows all that He has done, is doing, or will do? A list of
“For I am the LORD; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 12:25 ESV). The people of Judah would not listen to