“For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:4-7 What did the promised Messiah mean to the people of Israel? Did the Israelites look upon the promise of God hope of carte blanche retaliation on all their oppressors and a restoration of the glory of Israel? What was offered when God promised a renewal of the kingdom of Israel. Continue Reading…
The proliferation of hope to a broken world: Isaiah 9 and 10
The imminent return of the Messiah to restore creation: Psalm 110
As you meditate upon the coming second advent of Jesus Christ what do you envision happening? In Psalm 110 we are given a foreshadowing by David of the coming return of the Messiah. Did David think about the coming Messiah when he wrote this psalm? The story of mankind’s redemption by God is woven throughout creation. We can never know what God has planned but He is always moving toward the moment of the second advent. Do you find peace and comfort knowing that God is consistently working towards redeeming mankind? As you wait for the return of the Messiah will you tell others about the wonderful truth the Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world? Continue Reading…
Standing out among nations by following God: Deuteronomy 21 and 22
As I read about the laws that God’s commanded the Israelites to follow it becomes a little bit overwhelming. In the first half of Deuteronomy 21 we find out what happens when a man is found struck dead in the middle of nowhere. It never crossed my mind to wonder what happens in this instance. I find it interesting that the city that is closest to the body is the one who makes atonement for the innocent blood that was shed. All of the necessary sacrifice is overwhelming to think about and it makes me thankful for Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Did the people of Israel long for a better way? I wonder if prophets were already foretelling of a coming Messiah. Continue Reading…
Dedication of the Tabernacle and foreshadowing of the Messiah: Numbers 7 and 8
I wonder what the energy level of the Israelites was like on the day that Moses had finished setting up the Tabernacle? Was there an awe and reverence of God? Were the millions of men, women, and children pressing in to see just a glimpse of the Tabernacle? In Numbers chapters 7 we get a little of the feeling of what took place when the Tabernacle was completed. What blessing God bestowed upon Moses. Moses was within the Tabernacle anointing and consecrating the walls, furnishings, and utensils. Moses was declaring that the Tabernacle and all with in it was Holy and God’s. Continue Reading…
