Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
allies or adversaries?
Ezra 4 The returning exiles were offered the “help” of a group of “people of the land” in their God-given and king approved task of rebuilding the temple. They chose to turn that offer down. These were actually adversaries seeking … Continue reading
the great harvest
Psalm 67 The beginning words of this psalm sound like the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Every Israelite would be familiar with these words. They stand as a kind of national motto. Yet, the psalm is not about national identity as … Continue reading
they knew
Ezra 3 The sound of loud rejoicing filled the city when the foundations of the new temple were laid. Those who were there could also hear another sound, mixed in with the cries of joy. The old timers who had … Continue reading
come and see, come and hear
Psalm 66 Sacrifices and offerings at the temple were an occasion for people to “come and see what God has done.” Each such event was an opportunity for people to tell how God allowed them to be tested and then … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, deliverance, Jesus Christ, redemption, the cross
Tagged Psalm 66
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significant times
Ezra 2 This tremendous event – the reoccupation of the homeland of Judah – was personally experienced by thousands who are listed here. Every now and then we experience a day or an event that we think might be very … Continue reading
awesome deeds
Psalm 65 At first, the awesome deeds of the LORD which he is being praised for seem to be the same natural wonders of psalm 19: nature declaring the glory of its designer. But then, the psalmist paints a picture … Continue reading
getting it done
Ezra 1 People attribute Cyrus’ decision to restore the holy cities beyond the Tigris river to good royal strategy – and it was. But the writer of Ezra recognizes that the mastermind behind that good royal strategy is the LORD. … Continue reading
secret strike
Psalm 64 If you have ever been in a place where you fear some secret invasion, or an attack from some unseen enemy, you can appreciate the imagery here. The enemy has found a place to hide and pounce when … Continue reading
the right choices
2 Chronicles 36 We have followed the chronicler as he has retold the story of the kings of Judah. He took us through the good and the bad – mostly bad – times. Even the best of the kings did … Continue reading
no more Mondays
Psalm 63 There are times when our worship is so sweet, and our experience in God’s presence is so real, that we cannot imagine it getting any better than this. Then, Monday happens. Hang in there, believers. There will be … Continue reading
