“I will make them like split-open figs that cannot be eaten due to rottenness.” Jeremiah 29:17 Split-open – You forgot about that fruit in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator. It was pushed way to the back so you didn’t see that it was getting soft. You didn’t notice when the mold started growing. But…
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself” Daniel 1:8 Defile – What defiles? We don’t think in terms of ritual purity these days. We don’t observe hand washing or abstain from certain kinds of food. Our Jewish orthodox brothers and sisters do so they understand immediately why Daniel put his…
“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself” Daniel 1:8 Made up his mind – This English translation covers several Aramaic words (the book of Daniel is written in Aramaic, not Hebrew). But the translation has been modified to fit our culture. It doesn’t really say exactly what the text says…
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 Righteousness, Peace, Joy – The world’s kingdom keeps you on the treadmill. Want to get off the frantic pace of getting? Sorry. You can’t. The only way off the treadmill is to die. …
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 Eating and Drinking – God’s kingdom will be found on every map but it cannot be located on any map. It’s not a place. It’s a relationship. Wherever there are sons and daughters…
“The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the stomach of the wicked is in need.” Proverbs 13:25 Has Enough – What’s the difference between “has enough to satisfy” and “eats to the satisfying”? The first translation pushes us in the direction of adequacy (enough to get by). But the second suggests something else. …
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge” Psalm 18:2 Rock – If I told you that David used two different words for “rock”, you might have the same question I did. Why? Isn’t a rock a rock? Well, not quite. One of…
“A human being is not established in wickedness, but righteous people are not uprooted.” Proverbs 12:3 Not Established – Companies like to advertise their longevity. Established 1890. Established 1924. So do countries. Established 1776. But some of the biggest establishments aren’t around any more. They didn’t stand firm. That’s the meaning of lo-yikkon, not steadfast,…
“for the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Mystery – Who knows where the word “mystery” came from? You might find it amusing that the source of this word is itself a mystery. The only thing that’s certain about its origin is this: a mystery is something that must be kept…
“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Overcome – Tribulation is inevitable, if you’re following. It’s not continuous (God be praised), but it’s certainly going to show up sometime. The only way to avoid it is the Judas solution – betrayal. Of course, we can betray…
