Dr. James Strauss from Lincoln Christian University said, “Isaiah 60-66 is the greatest eschatological section of the Old Testament.” It would seem so. Isaiah 60 celebrates the future glory of Israel in the coming light of the Messiah. Isaiah 61 announces the year of the Messiah’s favor. Isaiah 62-64 expresses the desire for the Messiah […]
Week 52 Study |
Week 51 Study |
Light Has Dawned
People speak unscientifically about sunrise—technically the sun does not rise. But the sun does “rise” at first very incrementally. Then, almost before it can be observed totally, the sun is “up” and light floods the landscape. Maybe Isaiah thought about a sunrise as he predicted the coming of the Messiah in our text today. Predictive […]
Week 50 Study |
Immanuel
The first Christmas was scary. It troubled Mary (Luke 1:29). It took a dream from God to convince Joseph that God was behind it (Matthew 1:20). And the shepherds were all but undone by it (Luke 2:8, 9). Somewhere deep down in ourselves we realize that we do not deserve this divine visitation. King Ahaz […]
Week 49 Study |
We Are Healed
Jesus’ question to the lame man in John 5 seemed odd. “Do you want to be healed?” (English Standard Version). Of course he did—that is why he was at the Pool of Bethesda. But while many people might say they want to be healed, many really do not. Sheep (a metaphor for people in our […]
Week 48 Study |
False Fasting
Perhaps a good way to usher in Christmas this year (today is what is called the first Sunday of Advent) would be with fasting—a change of pace from the wild office party. In the incarnation of Jesus, the widow Anna set a good example of worshiping the Lord in the temple, “fasting,” and waiting for […]
