Devotionals
Merciful Judgement
As we read through Ezekiel 20:1-22:16, one of the most striking themes is the tension between God’s judgment and His mercy. The passage reveals a pattern of Israel’s repeated rebellion against God, contrasted with God’s persistent mercy. The phrase that stands out is, “You will know I am the Lord when I repay your wickedness... Read More →
Perspective on Perspective
I’ve always said that a change in perspective changes everything else, and that really came to the fore for me today. When we read prophetic books like Jeremiah, it’s easy to imagine that the “wicked people” he rebukes are those far from God, outsiders to the faith. But the more I read them the more... Read More →
My Own Hero
In today’s reading of Jeremiah 8:4-11:23, we see a powerful depiction of human stubbornness and self-deception. God observes that when people fall, they don’t get up again; when they turn away, they don’t turn back. Instead, they persist in their own way, often thinking they are justified in their actions. This is a vivid portrayal... Read More →
Tell Me What I Want To Hear
In Jeremiah 26:11, we see the priests and prophets accusing Jeremiah of treason for delivering a prophecy of doom: “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.” Jeremiah’s words were not what the people wanted to hear, and their reaction highlights... Read More →
Longsuffering Wrath
In today’s reading from Habakkuk and Zephaniah, we see a profound theme: God’s longsuffering nature, even in the execution of His wrath. The Lord, in His justice, speaks not only to His chosen people but also to the surrounding nations, warning them of impending judgment. This demonstrates His desire for repentance and transformation, highlighting His... Read More →
Was I Wrong?
I have made much the last little while about the lack of repentance on the part of the Israelites during the period of the Judges. And here Samuel says something that seems to have made a liar out of me… Then they cried out to the LORD and admitted, ‘We have sinned, for we have... Read More →
Making It Right
There is much todo about sin throughout the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). And much of it is sin against God. The things we do that are an affront to Him and His law. But God isn’t simply worried about how we treat Him, but... Read More →