Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
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
the day of his wrath
Psalm 110 This psalm shows the future Messianic king being accepted freely by his people, in holy garments. It shows the power of that king, as he executes judgment upon the nations, filling them with corpses, over the wide earth. … Continue reading
times of threshing
Isaiah 21. The punishment that God’s people would face under the oppressor (in this case, Babylon) for their disobedience was like grain, which is crushed to separate it from its chaff, and then violently thrown to the wind for … Continue reading
silent before our accusers
Psalm 109 David’s recourse when unjustly accused was to turn to prayer, trusting God to right the wrong. He trusted the LORD to condemn those who wrongfully condemn him. Jesus did the same. He called on us to love our … Continue reading
false hope
Isaiah 19-20 It would have been embarrassing to see the great prophet walking around naked and barefoot for three years. The people probably thought that he had finally lost it – that he had gone utterly mad. All this time … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, discernment, hope, Isaiah, trust, will of God
Tagged Isaiah 19, Isaiah 20
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grant us help
Psalm 108 A nation fully aware of their insufficiency pleads for God to grant them help against their foe. His greatness extends beyond their border, even above the heavens. With him they shall do valiantly, because it is he who … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, David, dependence upon God, sovereignty of God, trust
Tagged Psalm 108
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just you wait
Isaiah 17-18 Neither power alliances like that of Israel and Damascus, nor alliances with foreign exotic nations like Ethiopia who send ambassadors by ship will accomplish God’s will. The LORD is working out his will in a slow and steady … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, evangelism, Isaiah, kingdom of God, second coming
Tagged Isaiah 17, Isaiah 18
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the LORD of the second chance
Psalm 107 The psalmist looks at four different groups of people who suffer (exiles, slaves, fools, endangered) – the for winds of those scattered. Then he tells how God orchestrates reversals, so that those who felt all hope was lost … Continue reading
