Posts from 2021 (Page 4)

Of all the minor prophets Obadiah might be the most minor of them all. Keep in mind that this designation is neither about rank nor importance. The term “minor prophet” is simply a nickname earned by the sheer volume and length of these books. Of the 12, Obadiah is the shortest. This one chapter, 21-verse book is not only shorter than the other 11 Minor Prophet books, it’s the shortest book in all the Old Testament. There are a few…

Animal husbandry is noted early in the Bible (Gen. 4:20). The most well-known Old Testament characters were keepers of livestock. Abraham (Gen. 13:5), Jacob (Gen. 37:12), Moses (Ex. 3:1), and David (1 Sam. 16:11, 19; 17:!5, 20) were all involved in animal husbandry. One of the most peculiar accounts in the history of the Patriarchs involves the animal husbandry of Jacob (Gen. 30). From this event in Jacob’s life, we learn the importance of a spotted, speckled, and ring-streaked faith.…

In an 1895 Letter to the Editor in the Journal of Paris, Ben Franklin suggested a new system of sleeping and waking based on the sun rather than clocks. That same year New Zealand entomologist, George Hudson, proposed a two-hour time shift to allow himself more time to hunt bugs in the summer months. In 1902, William Willet recommended the British Parliament move clocks forward to “prevent the nation from wasting daylight.” But it was not until World War I…

David’s trust in God as his Protector and Deliverer enabled him to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties. When his son Absalom became his greatest enemy (2 Sam. 15-18), David turned to God for encouragement. Psalm three is a lament for the increased troubles and discouragement of the deposed king (Psa. 3:1, 2; cf. 2 Sam. 16:7, 8). But David’s lament turns to praise as his trust in God lifts him above one of the darkest hours of his life. From Psalm…

The treachery of his son Absalom (2 Sam. 15-18) occasioned David’s writing the Third Psalm. While this psalm has special relevance to a particular time in the life of King David, it also serves as a great inspiration for our faith as we endure the trials and tribulations in our own lives. David began this psalm highlighting the in-crease of troubles and the great discouragement that was cast his way: “Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are…

People often travel to faraway places and visit the ruins of kingdoms and empires that once were. But imagine witnessing ancient Egypt during the age of the Pharaohs or walking through the city of ancient Babylon during the days of Nebuchadnezzar. Even more awe-inspiring would be attending the gladiatorial games at the Colosseum or the chariot races at the Circus Maximus. Or what could com-pare to witnessing the grandeur of Trajan’s Forum with its shops, vendors, library, law courts, and…

Moses, Joshua, David —these are men who come to mind as great leaders in the Old Testament. From the Judges we would add Gideon and Samuel; considering the prophets, we would look to Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and perhaps Amos. But at the heart of Hebrew History is a man who must stand as one of the great leaders of his age —Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s leadership was neither military nor political. He was no prophet or lawgiver. As a leader he encouraged,…

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5). We are familiar with the sign HELP WANTED, but the present condition of the church at Midtown may better be represented by the notice: HELP…WANTING. Writing to Titus, Paul noted “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are…