There are invitations for us to put ourselves in that ditch of despair and realize the stupidity of our racism, the ignorance of our self-focus, the rebellious nature of our tribalism, and to call us into following Jesus. To reach out our hand and be rescued by Jesus and then to be about the business of rescuing other rebels.

Words do have meaning, but sometimes they get lost in translation. And sometimes words are used like identical twins but in reality, there is a pretty substantial difference between them. 

The King James Version of the Bible is a masterpiece of literature. It’s writing and meter makes it easier to memorize than some modern translations. It’s history alone makes it worth reading and valuing. It is a faithful translation of God’s Word.

The idea here is that if we want to be useful to other people, then we need to be able to take care of ourselves. There are times when we need to hit the pause button, get filled back up, and then go back into the world. It could be argued that when Jesus gets alone to pray, that He is practicing self-care.

Malachi, like so many other places within the Old Testament, tells us about the truth of the human condition. We are rebellious people. And even the pain of exile and the joy of being brought back from such a dark place is not enough to captivate or hearts. Malachi tells us that there will have to be another to come. 

There are times when Scripture can seem a bit confusing, especially when we combine certain passages and attempt to develop a theology. Here is an example.

Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Okay, so I’m supposed to strive for holiness — and it seems from this verse that if I don’t acquire it, then I will not see the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:2 says, “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”

If I’m supposed to strive for holiness, but 1 Samuel 2:2 is telling me that nobody is holy like the Lord, what do I do? What does it even mean that “there is no one holy like God”?

Photo credit: Unsplash/Joshua Sortino

When we look at war within the Scripture, it is much different than the war we might see today. It’s not a “holy war;” that is not a phrase ever used in the Scriptures. But rather it is a war in which God has won victory over the enemies of Israel — and thus the enemies of God. It is a picture of God’s judgment against sin.

This phrase “to the pure all things are pure” is one that is often ripped from its context. This is likely a proverbial saying that was used by Paul to make his larger point about the false teachers who defile whatever they touch. 

Silas was instrumental for the spread of the gospel in the early church. Silas would have also been vital to the establishment of the churches in Macedonia (like Philippians). It seems like Silas was one of those integral pieces to a church fellowship — he was like the glue that held things together. 

We see that it will be a “son of David” who will be the “seed of the woman.” Christ succeeded where David failed. Rather than using “little lambs” for his own desires, Christ tenderly cares for little lambs. He trusted in God fully. Though not having children of His own, Christ is still not an absentee as David was. He loves and cares for those who are His. He provides.

Paganism was often equated with unbelief. Because of this, it can be difficult to nail down the central beliefs of paganism. What makes someone a pagan? Is it simply unbelief, or is there a set of beliefs (or even anti-belief) that makes one a pagan? 

David is pointing to another. It will not be through King David that our high calling to rule will be restored. No, this will come through the finished work of King Jesus. 1 Samuel points to what ought to be, but also gives us a picture of what painfully is at present. There is one, like David, who will rule and reign and lead us to victory. 

A benediction is far more important than just a closing prayer to cap off your worship service. The benediction is an important part of what we do each week. It is a reminder of the faithfulness of Christ to us. 

We see in Daniel that there is a kingdom, and a King, that is unshakeable. This is Christ for us, able to rescue us in our weakness. The people are in exile because of sin—and the narrative here is that God is able to redeem, protect, and ultimately restore sinful people.