Monthly Archives: April 2013
not silent
Psalm 115. God is there, and he is not silent, even though Israel’s enemies see him as non-existent because he is not represented by an idol. By making some noise — blessing and praising the LORD we can show … Continue reading
resurrection or restoration?
Isaiah 26-27. Is Isaiah promising resurrection here, or merely the restoration of Israel? He uses language of physical resurrection: “Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise.You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, Isaiah, resurrection, sleep of death
Tagged Isaiah 26, Isaiah 27
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being God’s dominion
Psalm 114 While living in New Zealand, my wife and I visited a huge lamb farm. We took a tour of the farm which consisted of riding in the back of a pickup truck and viewing thousands of sheep while … Continue reading
we have waited
Isaiah 25 We have waited for the LORD to save us by subduing the oppressor (1-5,10-12). We have waited for the feast which all peoples will enjoy on Mt. Zion (6). We have waited for the day when the … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, perseverance, resurrection, second coming, vindication
Tagged Isaiah 25
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from where God looks
Psalm 113 From where God looks, we are all lowly. He looks far down on the heavens because his glory is above the heavens. Those we deem as the greatest of earth are poor and needy compared to him. This … Continue reading
ultimate judgment
Isaiah 24 In his previous oracles, Isaiah had predicted that the LORD would judge the nations around him, including his own. The judgment is described as possibly imminent, possibly within the lifetime of his readers. Now, Isaiah steps back and … Continue reading
a firm and steady heart
Psalm 112 This wisdom psalm contrasts two hearts. The heart of the wicked desires selfish things, and those desires will perish with it. If he sees a righteous man honored, he gets angry. Why? The heart of the righteous fears … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, contentment, dependence upon God, faithfulness, obedience, trust
Tagged Psalm 112
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off limits?
Isaiah 23 Tyre had built itself up as a major economic hub of the world at its time. It had prostituted itself to the surrounding nations to such an extent that everyone depended on its trade. It was unthinkable that … Continue reading
fearing and following
Psalm 111 Fearing the LORD leads to studying his works, as revealed in his word. Practicing his righteousness, in fear of his power, leads to a good understanding. In this world of constant strife and debate, how can we know … Continue reading
complacency
Isaiah 22 After devoting several chapters to predictions about the fate of surrounding nations, now Isaiah turns to Jerusalem. His complaint is that the city gave in too quickly to its new status as servant of the surrounding superpowers. There … Continue reading
Devotions 