Category Archives: grace

abandoned and restored

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezekiel 16 Through this long allegory, the LORD explains his relationship with his people.  It was an act of grace by which the LORD rescued Israel as an abandoned infant, and brought her up, removing her shame.  He brought her … Continue reading →

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mark us

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezekiel 9 The LORD sends seven angels into the temple. Six are to commence the slaughtering of idolaters.  One is to mark the foreheads of those who will be spared.  Just as in the Passover, the mark preserves those who … Continue reading →

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our eyes failed

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Lamentations 4 Jeremiah recounts the sorrow and pain of watching the holy city besieged and destroyed.  He and others watched until they could see no longer.  Help did not come.  The leaders were ashamed to be seen, the mothers boiled … Continue reading →

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house privileges

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Jeremiah 11:1-17   The LORD’s covenant was a covenant of freedom, but the people, once freed, sought bondage again by pursuing the gods of the nations.  Therefore, the LORD intends to bring disaster upon them, because he must keep his … Continue reading →

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the bloody city

Posted on July 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Nahum 2:1-3:4 Nahum calls Nineveh the bloody city, which was probably the name given it by the Israelites and others who had felt the violence of its attacks.  The prophet described in vivid detail one of its attacks, but with … Continue reading →

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full story

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Micah 5 When the Messiah comes, his rescued people will no longer need battle preparations, but will live in peace in their own land.  They will also participate in his dominion of the nations.  This Messiah will be born in … Continue reading →

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repairing the ruins

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Amos 9 The good news that the LORD is going to rebuild Israel comes in the context of the bad news that it is the LORD who is orchestrating their destruction.  The sinners among his people are so sure of … Continue reading →

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anger management

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Jonah 4 Jonah was a success at being a prophet, but a failure at controlling his own emotions.  The LORD provided a visual aid to remind Jonah that – to him, compassion is more important than justice.  Even those of … Continue reading →

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bloody garments

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Isaiah 63-64 There is only one Messiah.  He is a fearful king, whose coming will mean such slaughter of God’s enemies that he is pictured as having his robe covered in their lifeblood.  Yet, this same Messiah is the only … Continue reading →

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gathering others besides

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Isaiah 56-57 The LORD promises to heal the faithless backslider, and he also promises to gather others to him besides those already gathered.  The sojourning foreigner and the eunuchs who attach themselves to Israel and the covenant will find a … Continue reading →

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