Posted in Theology on Apr 7th, 2008
As I’ve been studying the years leading up to Jesus’ initial arrival on this earth, I’ve been struck by the fact that the philosophies of the Greek and Roman cultures did not answer the questions and yearnings that plagued humanity. Even they were searching for something more. Jesus met that longing in His advent. He [...]
Posted in Theology on Mar 28th, 2008
Throughout history, the oral and written traditions and scriptures of the Hebrew culture and of God’s dealings with His children were maintained. In spite of the fact that they were dispersed, the scriptures were preserved. Their dispersion, or “disapora,” is as varied as one could ever imagine. It starts with Adam and Eve’s banishment from [...]
“Jesus said unto them, ‘If ye seek me, let these go their way.’” (John 18.8 KJV) “Mark, my soul, the care which Jesus manifested even in His hour of trial, towards the sheep of His hand! The ruling passion is strong in death. He resigns Himself to the enemy, but He interposes a word of [...]
Recently, I’ve been in conversation with some dear brothers over a sermon preached on Palm Sunday by Kim Fabricius found here. It’s clear that this brief sermon struck a chord in some and struck a nerve in others. Part of the wrestling match that some are going through is the graphic nature and language the [...]
The book of Hosea is full of graphic language of the LORD’s displeasure and wrath over the nation of Israel’s wayward behavior. And yet, at the end of the book, the LORD gives this counsel to His rebellious children, “Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him, ‘Take away all iniquity…’” Too [...]
The end of the book of Job is not the end of Job. I just wish there were a Job part two. He was already a man who was known for his wise counsel. I would imagine after this ordeal people would travel long distances to hear his wisdom. Lessons learned through suffering are [...]
In chapter 32, we are introduced to Elihu. It appears by his introduction that he has been listening all along to Job’s complaint and to his friends’ accusations. He strongly asserts that all four of them were speaking foolishly, that old age did not bring with it wisdom in their cases. He tells Job in [...]
The verbal attacks continue against Job, and in chapter 22, Eliphaz viciously assaults him with groundless accusations of his treatment of the less fortunate. Job once again asks for an audience with God in a self-confident manner. “Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would [...]
Yet Job is still able, even in the midst of these pressures and accusations, to maintain his faith in his God. He says, in what has become one of the most memorable quotes in the Old Testament, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him” (13.15). The tried-and-true King James Version translates it this [...]
Zophar speaks up, accusing Job of speaking too much and justifying himself. He assures Job that he deserves worse from the hand of God. Again, Zophar, like Bildad and Eliphaz, speaks partial truths which can be more dangerous than no truth at all. Job hears many of these incomplete observations of God’s interaction with humanity, [...]