Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
foolish atheism
Psalm 53 The kind of atheism that the psalmist decries here is the practical (or impractical) atheism that outwardly admits God’s existence, but refuses to call on him when times get bad. The psalmist calls on his people to rejoice … Continue reading
spheres of influence
2 Chronicles 26 One of the lessons Uzziah learned (the hard way) was that faithfulness to the LORD does not mean doing all that you can do. It means following the LORD within the limits of one’s own gifting and … Continue reading
waiting for his name
Psalm 52 In spite of what the world – and, sometimes the church – tells us, evil is a temporary thing in God’s universe. The LORD has appointed a day in which he will judge and destroy all evil. That … Continue reading
Posted in David, deliverance, destruction in hell, patience, vindication
Tagged Psalm 52
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bright shiny spoils
2 Chronicles 25 The unnamed prophet asked Amaziah an obvious question: “Why have you sought the gods of the people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” (15) Amaziah went from halfhearted devotion to God to absolute … Continue reading
Posted in Amaziah, animism, discernment, discipleship, faithfulness, idolatry
Tagged 2 Chronicles 25
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priority #1
Psalm 51 This prayer by David has given exegetes some trouble. David is aware of his crimes against Uriah the Hittite, whom he has killed, and Bathsheba, with whom he commits adultery. He agonizes over his sins and fears the … Continue reading
leader leaders
2 Chronicles 24 Joash appeared to be a great and faithful ruler, but once Jehoiada the priest dies, his true character is revealed, and his fate with it. While Jehoiada was alive, Joash concentrated on preserving and repairing God’s house, … Continue reading
the cattle on a thousand hills
Psalm 50 It has been popular among the ranks of evangelical Christians to encourage people who have financial needs to ask God because he owns “the cattle on a thousand hills.” That quote comes from this psalm, and it was … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, Jesus Christ, prayer, relationship with God
Tagged Psalm 50
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joy and quiet
2 Chronicles 23 Athalia is executed by the people, and Joash is made king. The temple of Baal is destroyed, and the people once again devote themselves to the LORD alone. The chronicler records two results to this turn of … Continue reading
God will ransom
Psalm 49 Some see a contrast here between the wicked who go to Sheol when the die, and the faithful who go to God. But that is not what the psalmist declares. He states that “no man” can give to … Continue reading
bad choices, future consequences
2 Chronicles 22 The bad choice to collaborate with the house of Ahab continues to bring destruction upon Judah, long after that choice was made. Counselors from that family lead Ahaziah to commit the same kinds of sin. After he … Continue reading
Posted in Ahaziah, faithfulness, integrity, providence, wisdom
Tagged 2 Chronicles 22
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