SCRIPTURE: Jonah 4:1-11 OBSERVATION: This passage shows the real reason for Jonah running away – he didn’t want his enemies forgiven. We see the shocking extent of mercy – goes farther than even we want it to go. God would forgive Hitler, if he genuinely repented. Reveals how people still measure themselves and others as more…
Category: daily meditations
Jan 21, 2007 — Jonah 3:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 3:1-10 OBSERVATION: God gives Jonah a 2nd chance. Jonah is a nobody from nowhere, in contrast to this big city – why would anyone listen to him? The whole city responds (amazing), God anoints his message, their hearts were prepared. This is a story of repentance and mercy, even for cruel, wicked oppressors –…
Jan 20, 2007 — Jonah 2:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 2:1-10 OBSERVATION: Seems hard to believe, how did he breathe, let alone pray? This is is his post-Ninevah reflection, how he looked back on the experience. If we presume that (a) there is a God (b) God can and does intervene in miraculous ways, then this story is possible. Makes a vow to God…
Jan 19, 2007 — Jonah 1:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1:1-17 OBSERVATION: The word of the Lord (v.1) is God’s communication, in whatever form it took (angel, dream, vision, other prophet, etc.). God’s message to Jonah is to ”go and preach” (compare Matthew 28:18-20). He was being called to preach to his nations oppressors, the capital city of Assyria. Jonah rejects God’s call – too…
Jan 18, 2007 — 1 Peter 5:1-14
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:1-14 OBSERVATION: Peter seems to be addressing adice to certain groups in particular, the leaders, young men and those who are suffering for their faith. Peter identifies himself as a fellow elder, not as the chief apostle, one of Jesus’ inner circle, nor as God’s representative on earth. Were church leaders already then turning…
Jan 17, 2007 — Isaiah 65:17-25
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 65:17-25 OBSERVATION: God’s plan of salvation begins in Israel, centered in Jerusalem, but His goal is for all the world to be restored (new heavens and earth). It is helpful to read ”my followers” in place of Israel, and Jerusalem, to see these words in their global context. The day is coming when those…
Jan 16, 2007 — Micah 4:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Micah 4:1-13 OBSERVATION: The mountain of the Lord is the hill where Jerusalem (and the temple) was built. The day is coming when all nations will honour and worship God, a time of peace and prosperity. God allowed the exile to happen, as punishment, but He will restore His people again, the remnant who survive…
Jan 15, 2007 — John 1:43-51
SCRIPTURE: John 1:43-51 OBSERVATION: Jesus is looking for followers, people who are willing to adapt their lives around Him, learn from Him, and leave their old lives behind. Phillip tells his brother, a model for witnessing. His eagerness to tell Nathanael is not an obligation or duty, it is his natural excitement about having found the…
Jan 14, 2007 — Romans 16:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Romans 16:1-16 OBSERVATION: Paul lists the many Christians he knows in Rome, including Priscilla and Aquilla, and Phoebe, a female deacon (servantess)? Paul is very affirming, he sees people as partners, as fellow workers in Christ. The work of the church is not limited to the hands of a few (not just men, not just…
Jan 13, 2007 — 1 Samuel 3:1-21
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 OBSERVATION: This passage contrasts Eli (and his sons) with Samuel. The word of the Lord is rare while Eli is priest (v.1), while He regularly reveals His Word to Samuel (vv.19-21). It is because Eli refused to discipline his sons, who were making a mockery of God as immoral priests (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25) and…