Category Archives: worship

touring the new temple

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ezekiel 40 In a previous vision, Ezekiel had seen the corruption of his people by touring the temple.  Now, Ezekiel is given a tour of a new temple, and only sees beauty, order, and magnificence.  The restored temple represents a … Continue reading →

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when it’s the wrong time

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Habakkuk 3 The prophet finds himself and his people at the wrong time.  He wants to be at the brink of deliverance, but he has arrived at the brink of judgment – on his own people.  What does a believer … Continue reading →

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remember Shiloh

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Jeremiah 7-8:3 Jeremiah is told to stand at the gate of the temple and warn the people that they are trusting in a place rather than the LORD himself.  Even if it is – or was – the LORD’s chosen … Continue reading →

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useless offerings

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Jeremiah 6 The LORD proclaims impending destruction upon Jerusalem because they are always rejecting his word.  They dare to think that God cares about offerings from foreign lands, as if their costliness would appease him.  But he says: “What use … Continue reading →

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prideful promises

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Regular worship does not automatically protect a person from evil and sin.  In fact, it is in the context of worship that a person is tempted to do a foolish, evil thing.  As we approach God, the temptation … Continue reading →

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everything

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 150 The psalms are concluded in such a way as to say to the world: “OK, here’s how we did it, now it’s your turn.”  The praise to the LORD and for his wonderful works does not end at … Continue reading →

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night shift

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 134 The last shift of worshippers stand in the temple and lift their hands in praise.  The Hebrew word for praise is taken from the same root as the word hand.  Raising their hands is like forming a symbolic … Continue reading →

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celebrating rescue

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 118 What day should we be rejoicing over?  The popular chorus has us rejoicing merely because it is today.  To me, that is just taking words out of their context.  The text appears to give us two other options.  … Continue reading →

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not silent

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

  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 →

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blessing the LORD

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

Psalm 103 This psalm begins and ends with a self-invitation to bless the LORD.  Why should I bless the LORD?  Here the psalmist lists a few of the benefits of knowing God: his holy name his forgiveness his healing his … Continue reading →

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