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…
Category: daily meditations
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…
Jan 12, 2007 — Jeremiah 31:1-20
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:1-20 OBSERVATION: This passage (v.15) is quoted by Matthew (Matthew 2:17-18) in regards to the good news for ‘Rachel’ weeping. Jesus is God’s answer to the weeping of God’s people. God is promising to step in and restore blessing, joy, prosperity, celebration, as well as the loved ones (children) lost in the crisis. God reaffirms…
Jan 11, 2007 — Matthew 2:13-23
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:13-23 OBSERVATION: The angel is busy speaking through dreams, warning to go to Egypt, then back to Israel, then to Nazareth, plus directing the wise men not to go to Herod. Matthew quotes 3 prophecies (Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, 3rd unknown). Both OT prophecies speak of God’s passionate love for His suffering people, and His plan to…
Jan 10, 2007 — Isaiah 39:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 39:1-8 OBSERVATION: Interesting that the king of Babylon sent a gift to Hezekiah because he was ill. Sounds like he was “networking”, making friends for future plans against Assyria. Hezekiah probably should have seen through this, but instead he gladly welcomes the envoys, letting them see EVERYTHING! Was Hezekiah showing off? Perhaps he was…
Jan 9, 2007 — Isaiah 38:1-22
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 38:1-22 OBSERVATION: Hezekiah prays to God on the basis of his faithful and wholehearted devotion, with bitter weeping. God responds to his tearful prayer by granting him an extra 15 years, and protection from Assyria. God offers a miraculous sign – the shadow of the sun moves back 10 steps. Did the earth stop…
Jan 8, 2007 — Mark 1:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:1-13 OBSERVATION: Mark begins the ‘gospel’ (message of good news) with Jesus as an adult, not as baby. ‘Son of God’ is a presumptuous title, unless its true. Either Jesus is a liar, a lunatic or He really is Lord, the Son of God! Our hearts need to be prepared to receive this good…